unitednations
02-04 11:01 PM
No one here takes advantage of any group. We are talking here is what law says and how it is implemented by various agencies. The problem is there is doubt that DOS has not understood the law. No one is against ROW and loves India and China. US immigration simply based on preference catagories. For example, wife of U.S citzen will be given first preference in immigration (FB1) compare to brothers and sisters of US permanent residents (FB4or5). This is the law.
Similar thing in employment catagories too. Before 2000, there is a verical spill over of EB visas. Becase of this, a high skilled workers from India/China has to wait more compare to low skilled workers from ROW. This practice will not put US in technological edge. Thats why AC21 law implemented.
After 2000, congress removed country quota in all EB catagoires. The simple reason is to make US competiveness in 21st century. The intend is simple.
The simple meaning of AC21 law is, for example, let us assume following hypothitical situation. There are 40,000 noble prize winners from Mexico. All of them applying EB1 visas in a FY. In same FY, no one from other countries applied EB1 visa. As per AC21 rule, entire 40,000 visas (100%) goes to Mexico in EB1 irrsepective of how EB2 or EB3 or FE catagories are retrogressed or howmany mexians in EB/FB are waiting. This is what congress intend to promote high skilled immigrants to USA. This is what american competivness in 21 century. The intent here is noble prize winners should not wait even if they are from oversubscribed countries like mexico.
If you read word by word of AC21 rule ..you will understand what I am saying.
INA 202 (a) (5) (A)
EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS NOT SUBJECT TO PER COUNTRY LIMITATION IF ADDITIONAL VISAS AVAILABLE- If the total number of visas available under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 203(b) for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who may otherwise be issued such visas, the visas made available under that paragraph shall be issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2) of this subsection during the remainder of the calendar quarter
My intension is simple.
Even if SKIL/CIR bill passed in near future, if DOS or USCIS does not implement the law accordingly, it will be disaster for oversubscribed countries like India and China.
How do you come to these conclusions what congress intended. AC21's main provisions were to recapture unused visas for certain years; extend h-1b beyond six years; allow someone to change a job after 485 pending for more then six months; allow unused visas to be allocated to oversubscribed countries on a quarterly basis rather then in the fourth quarter.
Above is what was changed. There was no lifting of country cap. If you go to the earlies visa bulletins listed; you will see that Dominican Republic at one time was retrogressed. I haven't looked at it in a long time but if someone goes to the historical visa bulletins pre ac21 then you may see significant movement in retrogressed countries in the fourth quarter of uscis fiscal year (july to september). This is what changed.
However, the ac21 part about unused visas only stipulated if in any quarter there were less applicants then visas available then spillover can happen in that quarter. However, as can be seen in 2005 that weasn't the case and there shouldn't have been spillover.
In another posting you mentioned that your employer doesn't care whether you are Indian or chines or pakistani or anything else. This is true they want you for your skill. However, how did you get into USA. Chinese generally go to school here and will work wherever they get a job. However, Indian nationals have designed a system to get their realitves here through h-1b. Selective recrutiing is performed to get fellow compatriates here that couldn't otherwise get here becuase they have no connections. I ask some of my clients how they get employees. They tell me they are sponsoring their classmates, their cousins, etc. for h-1b.
Therefore, you may think it is not fair; and perhaps it is not fair but perhaps government knows that certain systems have been designed and they value diversity.
In business definition a skilled worker is not someone with two years of experience, a bachelors or even a masters. A skilled worker is someone with substantial experience. That is 15 years and makes $200K to $300K. Employment base immigration is just an accomodation to allow a certain number of people into USA. In my mind it is just an accomodation or goodwill.
If the EB system was designd to attract the best and brightest minds; skilled worker definition or eb2 or eb3 definition would have a much different meaning and would follow business rather then USCIS definition. It would be much different. There would be no quota. It would follow normal business practicses. That is we, can't find a us citizen or greencard holder and we need you. In real business sens it would be an offer, acceptance and you would start in a couple of months. However, it doesn't follow normal business rules/practices because maybe the powers that be look at it as just an accomodation rather then a real necessity.
Similar thing in employment catagories too. Before 2000, there is a verical spill over of EB visas. Becase of this, a high skilled workers from India/China has to wait more compare to low skilled workers from ROW. This practice will not put US in technological edge. Thats why AC21 law implemented.
After 2000, congress removed country quota in all EB catagoires. The simple reason is to make US competiveness in 21st century. The intend is simple.
The simple meaning of AC21 law is, for example, let us assume following hypothitical situation. There are 40,000 noble prize winners from Mexico. All of them applying EB1 visas in a FY. In same FY, no one from other countries applied EB1 visa. As per AC21 rule, entire 40,000 visas (100%) goes to Mexico in EB1 irrsepective of how EB2 or EB3 or FE catagories are retrogressed or howmany mexians in EB/FB are waiting. This is what congress intend to promote high skilled immigrants to USA. This is what american competivness in 21 century. The intent here is noble prize winners should not wait even if they are from oversubscribed countries like mexico.
If you read word by word of AC21 rule ..you will understand what I am saying.
INA 202 (a) (5) (A)
EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS NOT SUBJECT TO PER COUNTRY LIMITATION IF ADDITIONAL VISAS AVAILABLE- If the total number of visas available under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 203(b) for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who may otherwise be issued such visas, the visas made available under that paragraph shall be issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2) of this subsection during the remainder of the calendar quarter
My intension is simple.
Even if SKIL/CIR bill passed in near future, if DOS or USCIS does not implement the law accordingly, it will be disaster for oversubscribed countries like India and China.
How do you come to these conclusions what congress intended. AC21's main provisions were to recapture unused visas for certain years; extend h-1b beyond six years; allow someone to change a job after 485 pending for more then six months; allow unused visas to be allocated to oversubscribed countries on a quarterly basis rather then in the fourth quarter.
Above is what was changed. There was no lifting of country cap. If you go to the earlies visa bulletins listed; you will see that Dominican Republic at one time was retrogressed. I haven't looked at it in a long time but if someone goes to the historical visa bulletins pre ac21 then you may see significant movement in retrogressed countries in the fourth quarter of uscis fiscal year (july to september). This is what changed.
However, the ac21 part about unused visas only stipulated if in any quarter there were less applicants then visas available then spillover can happen in that quarter. However, as can be seen in 2005 that weasn't the case and there shouldn't have been spillover.
In another posting you mentioned that your employer doesn't care whether you are Indian or chines or pakistani or anything else. This is true they want you for your skill. However, how did you get into USA. Chinese generally go to school here and will work wherever they get a job. However, Indian nationals have designed a system to get their realitves here through h-1b. Selective recrutiing is performed to get fellow compatriates here that couldn't otherwise get here becuase they have no connections. I ask some of my clients how they get employees. They tell me they are sponsoring their classmates, their cousins, etc. for h-1b.
Therefore, you may think it is not fair; and perhaps it is not fair but perhaps government knows that certain systems have been designed and they value diversity.
In business definition a skilled worker is not someone with two years of experience, a bachelors or even a masters. A skilled worker is someone with substantial experience. That is 15 years and makes $200K to $300K. Employment base immigration is just an accomodation to allow a certain number of people into USA. In my mind it is just an accomodation or goodwill.
If the EB system was designd to attract the best and brightest minds; skilled worker definition or eb2 or eb3 definition would have a much different meaning and would follow business rather then USCIS definition. It would be much different. There would be no quota. It would follow normal business practicses. That is we, can't find a us citizen or greencard holder and we need you. In real business sens it would be an offer, acceptance and you would start in a couple of months. However, it doesn't follow normal business rules/practices because maybe the powers that be look at it as just an accomodation rather then a real necessity.
wallpaper White Acura RDX
poorslumdog
05-10 10:34 PM
I just want to generate enough internet chatter so that the issue of substitute labor will come on CIS radar. I know for sure that a huge fraud was perpetrated during July 07 fiasco by some unscrupulous consulting companies who sold pre-approvevd labors like frozen pizzas. Just heat and eat.
And I also know for sure that IV has gained enough publicity that CIS folks might be tempted to check it now and then. May be they will take notice of this thread and start investigation of all the subst labors.
I surely am pissed as hell on somebody who came to this country in 2007, and got his/her GC by paying money for some 1999 pre approved labor. I will fight on.
This is only creating divison and nothing else.
And I also know for sure that IV has gained enough publicity that CIS folks might be tempted to check it now and then. May be they will take notice of this thread and start investigation of all the subst labors.
I surely am pissed as hell on somebody who came to this country in 2007, and got his/her GC by paying money for some 1999 pre approved labor. I will fight on.
This is only creating divison and nothing else.
sanju
02-26 09:14 PM
On a positive note, the best that we can do is, learn from our surroundings. We can learn a lot from Republicans to understand what not to do.
One of the main reason why Obama enjoys high rating - Republican party sucks. Who is making Republican party look bad - Republicans. The best response to Obama is not to pitch twisted Jindal against Obama, because that just makes Obama look good and it help Democrats. The better response to Obama is, let Obama respond against Obama. So simply don't respond to Obama, which will prevent Republicans making him look good. And like every politician, Obama will commit mistakes, which will cause the demise of Democrats. Its that simple. So what do we learn from this?
.
One of the main reason why Obama enjoys high rating - Republican party sucks. Who is making Republican party look bad - Republicans. The best response to Obama is not to pitch twisted Jindal against Obama, because that just makes Obama look good and it help Democrats. The better response to Obama is, let Obama respond against Obama. So simply don't respond to Obama, which will prevent Republicans making him look good. And like every politician, Obama will commit mistakes, which will cause the demise of Democrats. Its that simple. So what do we learn from this?
.
2011 2006 Acura RDX Prototype
pappu
06-07 02:09 PM
Congress.org - News : Why Bill Gates cares about immigration (http://www.congress.org/news/2010/05/24/why_bill_gates_cares_about_immigration)
Why Bill Gates cares about immigration
Foreign workers have a stake in fight to change laws.
Activists on both sides of the immigration debate tend to focus on the millions of illegal immigrants whose fate rests on whether Congress passed a law.
But foreigners here legally also have a stake in this fight.
The U.S. issues temporary worker visas, called H-1B after their official classification, to thousands of non-residents each year. Often, they hold college degrees and have technical skills.
Microsoft and other technology companies hire many workers this way. They often have to prove they can't hire skilled U.S. citizens to fill those jobs first.
Bill Gates wrote in the Washington Post several years back that there is an employment gap that H-1B visas help fill:
This issue has reached a crisis point. Computer science employment is growing by nearly 100,000 jobs annually. But at the same time studies show that there is a dramatic decline in the number of students graduating with computer science degrees.
The United States provides 65,000 temporary H-1B visas each year to make up this shortfall -- not nearly enough to fill open technical positions.
H-1B workers, who have united under grassroots groups like Immigration Voice , want more than just an increase in visas. They want the government to streamline the rules.
Currently, the workers have to apply for green cards through their employers, often a lengthy and cumbersome process. They can't switch jobs easily and sometimes have to reapply for a visa even if they move jobs within the same company. They have to leave the country every few years before they can reapply for a visa.
The workers can also apply for a spouse to come to the U.S., but their partners are not allowed to work under the H-4 status granted to them. The activists argue that those individuals represent a skilled base of workers who could contribute to the U.S. economy and help pay for household expenses.
Powerful corporations back the H-1 B workers in their demands, since it would make it easier for them to hire skilled workers. But groups like Numbers USA argue that those companies shouldn't hire non-residents at a time when many Americans are jobless.
-- Ambreen Ali, Congress.org
Why Bill Gates cares about immigration
Foreign workers have a stake in fight to change laws.
Activists on both sides of the immigration debate tend to focus on the millions of illegal immigrants whose fate rests on whether Congress passed a law.
But foreigners here legally also have a stake in this fight.
The U.S. issues temporary worker visas, called H-1B after their official classification, to thousands of non-residents each year. Often, they hold college degrees and have technical skills.
Microsoft and other technology companies hire many workers this way. They often have to prove they can't hire skilled U.S. citizens to fill those jobs first.
Bill Gates wrote in the Washington Post several years back that there is an employment gap that H-1B visas help fill:
This issue has reached a crisis point. Computer science employment is growing by nearly 100,000 jobs annually. But at the same time studies show that there is a dramatic decline in the number of students graduating with computer science degrees.
The United States provides 65,000 temporary H-1B visas each year to make up this shortfall -- not nearly enough to fill open technical positions.
H-1B workers, who have united under grassroots groups like Immigration Voice , want more than just an increase in visas. They want the government to streamline the rules.
Currently, the workers have to apply for green cards through their employers, often a lengthy and cumbersome process. They can't switch jobs easily and sometimes have to reapply for a visa even if they move jobs within the same company. They have to leave the country every few years before they can reapply for a visa.
The workers can also apply for a spouse to come to the U.S., but their partners are not allowed to work under the H-4 status granted to them. The activists argue that those individuals represent a skilled base of workers who could contribute to the U.S. economy and help pay for household expenses.
Powerful corporations back the H-1 B workers in their demands, since it would make it easier for them to hire skilled workers. But groups like Numbers USA argue that those companies shouldn't hire non-residents at a time when many Americans are jobless.
-- Ambreen Ali, Congress.org
more...
BharatPremi
11-16 01:26 PM
Not sure...but I have $50 recurring thru paypal...not sure how I did that, there should be an option...
I added the word "One Time" on above post.
I added the word "One Time" on above post.
rajuram
09-14 11:39 PM
Here is the problem
-- Grass root & state level efforts work only when there are a lot of grass root workers. For example independence struggle in india worked due to grass root efforts. But please try to understand that things are different here --- by definition, we are immigrants, our numbers are limited in this country.
Simply put, groups working in isolated corners of the country are having no effect on the politicians, because each area has only a few people and the politicians are not seeing the combined effect.
"Grass root efforts" may sound very trendy, but are actually leading us no where............yes we need it......but at the same time IV has to have a strong leadership who can show their strenght by doing phone / lettere campaigns.
-- Grass root & state level efforts work only when there are a lot of grass root workers. For example independence struggle in india worked due to grass root efforts. But please try to understand that things are different here --- by definition, we are immigrants, our numbers are limited in this country.
Simply put, groups working in isolated corners of the country are having no effect on the politicians, because each area has only a few people and the politicians are not seeing the combined effect.
"Grass root efforts" may sound very trendy, but are actually leading us no where............yes we need it......but at the same time IV has to have a strong leadership who can show their strenght by doing phone / lettere campaigns.
more...
murali77
08-09 05:26 PM
On the same note I have a question for the Gurus.
My name is reversed ( first name and last name interchanged) on my SSN and hence on my credit cards, employment letters etc though my name is correct on my passport , H1 , I-797 and on files AOS.. etc.
Will this pose a problem in the name check process?
My attorney said I should change my name with SSN after EAD/AP arrives.
Let me know ur opinions.
Thanks
Murali
My name is reversed ( first name and last name interchanged) on my SSN and hence on my credit cards, employment letters etc though my name is correct on my passport , H1 , I-797 and on files AOS.. etc.
Will this pose a problem in the name check process?
My attorney said I should change my name with SSN after EAD/AP arrives.
Let me know ur opinions.
Thanks
Murali
2010 2010 Acura Rdx
javadeveloper
07-21 09:01 PM
If you know, can you PM me any lawyer who you can help in this matter?
Let me know if you come across any good lawyer ,I am also looking forward to talk to a lawyer.
Let me know if you come across any good lawyer ,I am also looking forward to talk to a lawyer.
more...
gimme_GC2006
08-28 03:49 PM
ok..looks like my Luck still didnt go to Dogs yet :D
By pure luck and fluke, I was able to get an Infopass appt for Sep 11
There was only one appt available for the entire month of sep 08 at Tampa office.
Hopefully I will know something concrete on EB-2 visa drainage system.LOL :)
By pure luck and fluke, I was able to get an Infopass appt for Sep 11
There was only one appt available for the entire month of sep 08 at Tampa office.
Hopefully I will know something concrete on EB-2 visa drainage system.LOL :)
hair 2010 Acura RDX with interior
maverick_s39
02-25 04:34 PM
this got to be the best practical solution I have seen on IV (with some modification?), approaching hillary clinton by explaining the situation is the best bet, its simple and involves an administrative fix but they anyway have to revisit the application during visa allocation,
what if a person's 485 is approved like 4 years back and he had some run-ins with law after that or something that might jeopardize his chances of 485 if it is evaluated at the time of visa allocation? this might be a 1 in 100 case but its a national security issue, solution can be as one of the members said pay an upfront fee for pre-evaluation and then when visa number is available they don't re-evaulate parts of application that don't change like birth certificate etc.,. and just look at w2s, paystubs, criminal records etc.,. in that case if it is just a pre-evaluation I am not sure how it would be of great help unless the package comes with EAD and AP,
what if a person's 485 is approved like 4 years back and he had some run-ins with law after that or something that might jeopardize his chances of 485 if it is evaluated at the time of visa allocation? this might be a 1 in 100 case but its a national security issue, solution can be as one of the members said pay an upfront fee for pre-evaluation and then when visa number is available they don't re-evaulate parts of application that don't change like birth certificate etc.,. and just look at w2s, paystubs, criminal records etc.,. in that case if it is just a pre-evaluation I am not sure how it would be of great help unless the package comes with EAD and AP,
more...
ps57002
12-01 04:21 PM
Order Details - Dec 1, 2007 16:37 GMT-05:00
Google Order #170172464015090
Shipping Status Qty Item Price
Not yet shipped 1 Contribute 100
Google Order #170172464015090
Shipping Status Qty Item Price
Not yet shipped 1 Contribute 100
hot 2008 Acura RDX Base Beaverton,
lacrossegc
12-02 01:29 AM
bump bump bump ...
hey that reminds me of kishore kumar :)
hey that reminds me of kishore kumar :)
more...
house 2011 Acura RDX 5-Spd AT
MahaBharatGC
12-03 05:19 PM
When you get chance, is it possible to post list of documents you produced (indicating original such as employment verification) and copies.
Thanks for sharing info and best of luck!
We had our AOS interview this week at LA USCIS office. We are EB2-I, PD 02/06, Filed 08/07, RD 10/07, I-140 approved 12/06. Reason for interview was a double failure to get clear FPs for spouse. This necessitates a police clearance certificate from the city of residence and upon our lawyer's advise, we went armed with two of these, one from each of the two cities we have lived in during the 5 previous years.
Getting a Police Clearance Certificate entails just going and requesting it at their counter. Their charges are reasonable ($11 and $19.50 for us) and in one case we got it after a few minutes of wait and in the other, had to return the next day to collect it.
We reached a couple of minutes late at the mapped location of the USCIS building, courtesy our unfamiliarity with downtown areas including LA and terrible freeway traffic. I dropped off my spouse and kid at a building which had bold signs saying "Passport", "Immigration" and like (on our right as we went on Los Angeles St from Aliso St to Temple St). I went to find a parking space meanwhile. Just as I was returning from an uncomfortably long circuitous tour of the area, I got a call from my spouse telling me that that building was not the right one. Our GPS had finished guidance just at that particular crossing (Los Angeles St and Temple St) btw. Through some good people there, we got a clue about the long lines in a nearby building (diagonally across), which is where I dropped them off then and again went on a parking hunt. I wish I had also carried a map printout of this area.
I managed to find a parking some 6 blocks away and was walking back with some bags which is when my spouse called to say that this was indeed the right building and gave me further directions.
I sprinted across a narrow side street when it was bereft of traffic even though the pedestrian light was unfavorable. This act of mine earned me a citation from a peace officer obviously watching from a hiding place for people who are more used to pedestrian crossings with buttons. Here I was just not sure as to when to expect the light to turn in my favor, with obvious thoughts of the delay playing on my mind. Thankfully, I still reached upstairs well before our names were called.
The security at the downstairs entrance was airport-like except that they did not ask me to take my shoes off. They allowed me everything I was carrying including my cellphone and laptop.
I duly reached the waiting room upstairs and found my family. By this time, my spouse had already submitted the interview notices to the personnel there. Our lawyer had advised us to stick a note therewith saying that all of us are a family and should therefore be seen together. We forgot this but my spouse mentioned this verbally. This had the desired effect, thankfully.
After a wait of about 2 hours, we were called up and went inside to an IO's office. I do have to mention here that the security officer outside was very nice and friendly.
The IO was courteous and asked us to take an oath of truth before we sat down. She asked us if we had our attorney with us. Since we did not, she made us sign a waiver saying that we did not object to being interviewed sans our attorney. She then proceeded to ask us for our government-issued IDs. We handed her our Indian passports and California DLs. She went through our applications and asked us simple questions like:
..What is your child's name?
..How old is your child? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your child's DOB?
..What is your home address? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your home phone number? (two separate times from each of us)
..What do you do for your employer? Describe.
..Does your job require you to have the educational qualification that you have? Why?
..What is your father's full name?
..What is your mothers full name?
..What is your DOB?
..When does your H1B visa expire?
..When did you last enter the US? (It helped us tremendously that we had a prepared note of our arrival-departure record)
The IO then took out the original I-94s from our passports and stapled them to our files. She then observed that both of us were on H1B and had had I-140s from our respective employers. She said that the other I-140 process (which is pending btw) could not be kept alive while the beneficiary was getting their AOS as a dependent on their spouse's process. She had us write a letter requesting withdrawal of that I-140 process, which she said she will keep on hold till we got our immigrant visas.
Some documents that she asked for copies of from us included paystubs from 3 previous months, letter of employment verification from our employers, university degrees (or diplomas as she called them), our and our kid's birth certificates and our marriage certificate. We voluntarily put our mortgage statements on the table which she did not take more than a cursory glance at.
She did not ask us for our tax returns, joint photographs or university transcripts. However, it is always better to have these around, imho.
We were missing some documents, so she permitted us to go out for a couple of hours to get their copies and grab some lunch. She handed us a signed form which she instructed us to show the security personnel for them to either let us in or to drop off the document copies for her. In this case, she did see us again even though we were delayed by an extra 20 minutes.
The IO then let us know that all processing was done from our side and all that we needed to do was to wait for our priority date to become current, which is when the USCIS would allot us the immigrant visas. We could also, if we so wished, make an inquiry with the USCIS once our date became current, she said.
She then returned us all our originals (I wish I had made a checklist of these for my ease). Courtesy a wonderful post on IV by gimme_GC2006, I remembered to ask the IO for our original I-94s. She asked us if we intended traveling before we got our green cards. I replied that we had no existing plans but that this was probably the only time we were getting to meet her. She smiled at that and gave us back our I-94s after making copies for herself. I requested a copy from her of the letter for I-140 withdrawal and she obliged.
That was it. She wished us good luck and we thanked her. The security officer outside was once again his pleasant self and we walked out feeling elated.
I have some useful information for folks who go to the USCIS office on 300 N Los Angeles St in LA. If you take the Los Angeles St exit from US-101, you will cross Aliso St followed by Temple St. This USCIS building is the one on your left side as you go from Aliso to Temple. There is an underground parking for LA mall bang opposite the USCIS building before you hit Temple St. After you pass Aliso, turn to your right into this parking. You can take the escalator up later and then cross Los Angeles St on foot to reach USCIS. I advise to not disregard the pedestrian lights in this area as police officers aggressively monitor and cite jaywalkers here.
If the LA parking lot is full, continue on Los Angeles St past Temple and turn left on to First St. Keep going for about a quarter mile and you will find parking on your right. This place is $6.00 for the day. Unfortunately I forgot the cross street here but if you hit Alameda St on First St, you would have gone too far. From Google maps, it appears that that cross street is Central Ave. You will see large parking signs as you approach this decrepit unkempt street-level parking yard.
There is another parking option which you would prefer over this however. Go from Aliso toward Temple on Los Angeles St. Turn left on Temple and you will find this $8.00 parking immediately past San Pedro St. If you find this lot full, go on down to Alameda St, turn right and then right again on First St to find the $6.00 parking lot.
If you need help with documents, there is a post office store which even does photographs, in the LA mall across from the USCIS building. If you need internet access, your best bets are Fedex Kinko's and Office Depot on the crossing of Second St and Central Ave. Kinko's is on the NW corner and Office Depot is on the NE corner. This Office Depot has a Starbucks next to it. Parking at Office Depot is decent and free with validation. Office Depot will give you free wifi but they do not broadcast their SSID and I do not feel it ethical to disclose it here. Just go talk to them if you need it. It is slow though, like 11 Mbps. Office Depot will accept emailed docs from you to print right away and also will accept faxes for you. It is a very hospitable place for someone who gets nightmares in downtown areas.
You can find some passable eating joints in the LA mall area across from USCIS building.
Hope this post comes in handy for people. Good luck folks.
Thanks for sharing info and best of luck!
We had our AOS interview this week at LA USCIS office. We are EB2-I, PD 02/06, Filed 08/07, RD 10/07, I-140 approved 12/06. Reason for interview was a double failure to get clear FPs for spouse. This necessitates a police clearance certificate from the city of residence and upon our lawyer's advise, we went armed with two of these, one from each of the two cities we have lived in during the 5 previous years.
Getting a Police Clearance Certificate entails just going and requesting it at their counter. Their charges are reasonable ($11 and $19.50 for us) and in one case we got it after a few minutes of wait and in the other, had to return the next day to collect it.
We reached a couple of minutes late at the mapped location of the USCIS building, courtesy our unfamiliarity with downtown areas including LA and terrible freeway traffic. I dropped off my spouse and kid at a building which had bold signs saying "Passport", "Immigration" and like (on our right as we went on Los Angeles St from Aliso St to Temple St). I went to find a parking space meanwhile. Just as I was returning from an uncomfortably long circuitous tour of the area, I got a call from my spouse telling me that that building was not the right one. Our GPS had finished guidance just at that particular crossing (Los Angeles St and Temple St) btw. Through some good people there, we got a clue about the long lines in a nearby building (diagonally across), which is where I dropped them off then and again went on a parking hunt. I wish I had also carried a map printout of this area.
I managed to find a parking some 6 blocks away and was walking back with some bags which is when my spouse called to say that this was indeed the right building and gave me further directions.
I sprinted across a narrow side street when it was bereft of traffic even though the pedestrian light was unfavorable. This act of mine earned me a citation from a peace officer obviously watching from a hiding place for people who are more used to pedestrian crossings with buttons. Here I was just not sure as to when to expect the light to turn in my favor, with obvious thoughts of the delay playing on my mind. Thankfully, I still reached upstairs well before our names were called.
The security at the downstairs entrance was airport-like except that they did not ask me to take my shoes off. They allowed me everything I was carrying including my cellphone and laptop.
I duly reached the waiting room upstairs and found my family. By this time, my spouse had already submitted the interview notices to the personnel there. Our lawyer had advised us to stick a note therewith saying that all of us are a family and should therefore be seen together. We forgot this but my spouse mentioned this verbally. This had the desired effect, thankfully.
After a wait of about 2 hours, we were called up and went inside to an IO's office. I do have to mention here that the security officer outside was very nice and friendly.
The IO was courteous and asked us to take an oath of truth before we sat down. She asked us if we had our attorney with us. Since we did not, she made us sign a waiver saying that we did not object to being interviewed sans our attorney. She then proceeded to ask us for our government-issued IDs. We handed her our Indian passports and California DLs. She went through our applications and asked us simple questions like:
..What is your child's name?
..How old is your child? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your child's DOB?
..What is your home address? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your home phone number? (two separate times from each of us)
..What do you do for your employer? Describe.
..Does your job require you to have the educational qualification that you have? Why?
..What is your father's full name?
..What is your mothers full name?
..What is your DOB?
..When does your H1B visa expire?
..When did you last enter the US? (It helped us tremendously that we had a prepared note of our arrival-departure record)
The IO then took out the original I-94s from our passports and stapled them to our files. She then observed that both of us were on H1B and had had I-140s from our respective employers. She said that the other I-140 process (which is pending btw) could not be kept alive while the beneficiary was getting their AOS as a dependent on their spouse's process. She had us write a letter requesting withdrawal of that I-140 process, which she said she will keep on hold till we got our immigrant visas.
Some documents that she asked for copies of from us included paystubs from 3 previous months, letter of employment verification from our employers, university degrees (or diplomas as she called them), our and our kid's birth certificates and our marriage certificate. We voluntarily put our mortgage statements on the table which she did not take more than a cursory glance at.
She did not ask us for our tax returns, joint photographs or university transcripts. However, it is always better to have these around, imho.
We were missing some documents, so she permitted us to go out for a couple of hours to get their copies and grab some lunch. She handed us a signed form which she instructed us to show the security personnel for them to either let us in or to drop off the document copies for her. In this case, she did see us again even though we were delayed by an extra 20 minutes.
The IO then let us know that all processing was done from our side and all that we needed to do was to wait for our priority date to become current, which is when the USCIS would allot us the immigrant visas. We could also, if we so wished, make an inquiry with the USCIS once our date became current, she said.
She then returned us all our originals (I wish I had made a checklist of these for my ease). Courtesy a wonderful post on IV by gimme_GC2006, I remembered to ask the IO for our original I-94s. She asked us if we intended traveling before we got our green cards. I replied that we had no existing plans but that this was probably the only time we were getting to meet her. She smiled at that and gave us back our I-94s after making copies for herself. I requested a copy from her of the letter for I-140 withdrawal and she obliged.
That was it. She wished us good luck and we thanked her. The security officer outside was once again his pleasant self and we walked out feeling elated.
I have some useful information for folks who go to the USCIS office on 300 N Los Angeles St in LA. If you take the Los Angeles St exit from US-101, you will cross Aliso St followed by Temple St. This USCIS building is the one on your left side as you go from Aliso to Temple. There is an underground parking for LA mall bang opposite the USCIS building before you hit Temple St. After you pass Aliso, turn to your right into this parking. You can take the escalator up later and then cross Los Angeles St on foot to reach USCIS. I advise to not disregard the pedestrian lights in this area as police officers aggressively monitor and cite jaywalkers here.
If the LA parking lot is full, continue on Los Angeles St past Temple and turn left on to First St. Keep going for about a quarter mile and you will find parking on your right. This place is $6.00 for the day. Unfortunately I forgot the cross street here but if you hit Alameda St on First St, you would have gone too far. From Google maps, it appears that that cross street is Central Ave. You will see large parking signs as you approach this decrepit unkempt street-level parking yard.
There is another parking option which you would prefer over this however. Go from Aliso toward Temple on Los Angeles St. Turn left on Temple and you will find this $8.00 parking immediately past San Pedro St. If you find this lot full, go on down to Alameda St, turn right and then right again on First St to find the $6.00 parking lot.
If you need help with documents, there is a post office store which even does photographs, in the LA mall across from the USCIS building. If you need internet access, your best bets are Fedex Kinko's and Office Depot on the crossing of Second St and Central Ave. Kinko's is on the NW corner and Office Depot is on the NE corner. This Office Depot has a Starbucks next to it. Parking at Office Depot is decent and free with validation. Office Depot will give you free wifi but they do not broadcast their SSID and I do not feel it ethical to disclose it here. Just go talk to them if you need it. It is slow though, like 11 Mbps. Office Depot will accept emailed docs from you to print right away and also will accept faxes for you. It is a very hospitable place for someone who gets nightmares in downtown areas.
You can find some passable eating joints in the LA mall area across from USCIS building.
Hope this post comes in handy for people. Good luck folks.
tattoo 2008 Acura RDX Technology
santb1975
06-23 10:34 PM
It has been a real busy year with long working days and multiple complex projects that have been taking away my weekends when I first saw the news about Advocacy days planned by Immigration Voice in Washington D.C. That was definitely not another thing I had time and energy for. My first thought about the event was that I will make it if I can. As days went by I did not want to miss this event. I thought I would regret if I missed this. After a couple of years of no talks about immigration, Advocacy days provided a good opportunity to focus and advocate for issues we all have been living with for many years with many more to come. My vacation request was sent for approval to all the project managers I have been working with and got approved.
I landed in D.C saturday evening and went to the situation room on Sunday. The situation room was filled with passionate people who have made a choice to dedicate their time to advocate for issues faced by our community. All of us had a lot to accomplish over the next three days. Every one of us had anywhere between four to eight meetings with people who write laws that shape this nation and determine its future. There were a few events happening in the situation room throughout the day like registering members, giving out meeting schedules, tracking schedule changes, training members on how to handle meetings with law makers, mockup lawmaker meetings, preparing meeting materials, printing business cards, making sure everyone has necessary accommodation, making sure everyone knows where their meetings are, who their team members are etc. Towards the end of the day, former USCIS Ombudsman made a visit to the situation room and told all of us how important it is for us to take our issues to law makers and keep up with the work we have done when we go back home. Things don�t happen in life if we don�t try. He really felt bad for all of us who had to walk between House and Senate offices for our meetings over the next couple of days. It was around 11 PM when most of us were ready for the next day. I met my team before I left the situation room and I knew our team was high performing and would do really well. A few people stayed back to finish up and it turns out everyone who stayed back were up until 4 AM.
We had five meetings scheduled for day 1 in three different buildings on the same side of the capital building. We picked up an additional meeting over the ones we were already scheduled for since we had additional time. Everyone we met knew our issues and were very supportive. No one needed an introduction. Our team accomplished a lot on day and we felt really good. Towards the end of the day and my foot started screaming. Walking between three large buildings which serve as offices for House of Representatives and climbing steep staircases gave me one less blister compared to what I normally get after finishing a half Marathon and next day was not going to be a day of rest.
My second day turned out to be more exciting compared to the first one. I had five meetings scheduled and I was going solo for my first two lawmaker meetings. I had an opportunity to give a process overview of obtaining permanent residency (Green Card) for highly skilled legal immigrants in one office and that felt really good. After my second meeting I met my IV friends from Southern California and we all headed to our next meeting together. We went to the Rayburn cafeteria to get lunch after. Just when I thought I had luxury of having a 90 minute lunch and only two more meetings to go to for the day my foot really started screaming. The dress code on the hill did not allow me to take my shoes off and stretch my foot or wear sneakers. It felt better to sit for the next 90 minutes in the cafeteria compared to walking or standing. Our next meeting was in the Senate building which was on the other side of the Capital. Normally it would take about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to other side but it took over 40 minutes to reach the office we were supposed to get to only to find out that our meeting got rescheduled to 4:30 PM. I had a 5 PM meeting scheduled as well which did not give me enough time to stay for this meeting and head to the building I came from earlier. I split from my team and started walking towards the other side of the capitol hill for my 5 PM appointment almost an hour early because of my foot issues. I couldn�t really walk for long after I left the senate building. I walked to the nearest bench in front of the capital. I didn�t care about anyone watching me and just took my shoes off and sat down for the next 30 minutes before I could walk again. Our 5 PM meeting was with a Congressman himself and had a Core team member, myself and another member who was later offered an unpaid Internship by a lobbying firm. Just when we were wondering why the position would be unpaid we were told that the reason for being unpaid was because the green card process for the member accepting the position would be reset since It would not fall under same or similar category which made all of us crack up.
Our next stop was the congressional reception which gave us an opportunity to spend the evening with present and former USCIS Ombudsman, representatives from law maker�s offices, personnel from our lobbying group and a few prominent Immigration attorneys. Our reception was wrapped out around 8 PM and we headed to the situation room for our closing meeting. Our closing meeting went on until 11 after which each one of us took our Action items and next steps to take back to our districts. Everyone we met over the past couple of days told us to keep up the work we have been doing for the past few years. Good work and great follow through always leads to good results.
I landed in D.C saturday evening and went to the situation room on Sunday. The situation room was filled with passionate people who have made a choice to dedicate their time to advocate for issues faced by our community. All of us had a lot to accomplish over the next three days. Every one of us had anywhere between four to eight meetings with people who write laws that shape this nation and determine its future. There were a few events happening in the situation room throughout the day like registering members, giving out meeting schedules, tracking schedule changes, training members on how to handle meetings with law makers, mockup lawmaker meetings, preparing meeting materials, printing business cards, making sure everyone has necessary accommodation, making sure everyone knows where their meetings are, who their team members are etc. Towards the end of the day, former USCIS Ombudsman made a visit to the situation room and told all of us how important it is for us to take our issues to law makers and keep up with the work we have done when we go back home. Things don�t happen in life if we don�t try. He really felt bad for all of us who had to walk between House and Senate offices for our meetings over the next couple of days. It was around 11 PM when most of us were ready for the next day. I met my team before I left the situation room and I knew our team was high performing and would do really well. A few people stayed back to finish up and it turns out everyone who stayed back were up until 4 AM.
We had five meetings scheduled for day 1 in three different buildings on the same side of the capital building. We picked up an additional meeting over the ones we were already scheduled for since we had additional time. Everyone we met knew our issues and were very supportive. No one needed an introduction. Our team accomplished a lot on day and we felt really good. Towards the end of the day and my foot started screaming. Walking between three large buildings which serve as offices for House of Representatives and climbing steep staircases gave me one less blister compared to what I normally get after finishing a half Marathon and next day was not going to be a day of rest.
My second day turned out to be more exciting compared to the first one. I had five meetings scheduled and I was going solo for my first two lawmaker meetings. I had an opportunity to give a process overview of obtaining permanent residency (Green Card) for highly skilled legal immigrants in one office and that felt really good. After my second meeting I met my IV friends from Southern California and we all headed to our next meeting together. We went to the Rayburn cafeteria to get lunch after. Just when I thought I had luxury of having a 90 minute lunch and only two more meetings to go to for the day my foot really started screaming. The dress code on the hill did not allow me to take my shoes off and stretch my foot or wear sneakers. It felt better to sit for the next 90 minutes in the cafeteria compared to walking or standing. Our next meeting was in the Senate building which was on the other side of the Capital. Normally it would take about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to other side but it took over 40 minutes to reach the office we were supposed to get to only to find out that our meeting got rescheduled to 4:30 PM. I had a 5 PM meeting scheduled as well which did not give me enough time to stay for this meeting and head to the building I came from earlier. I split from my team and started walking towards the other side of the capitol hill for my 5 PM appointment almost an hour early because of my foot issues. I couldn�t really walk for long after I left the senate building. I walked to the nearest bench in front of the capital. I didn�t care about anyone watching me and just took my shoes off and sat down for the next 30 minutes before I could walk again. Our 5 PM meeting was with a Congressman himself and had a Core team member, myself and another member who was later offered an unpaid Internship by a lobbying firm. Just when we were wondering why the position would be unpaid we were told that the reason for being unpaid was because the green card process for the member accepting the position would be reset since It would not fall under same or similar category which made all of us crack up.
Our next stop was the congressional reception which gave us an opportunity to spend the evening with present and former USCIS Ombudsman, representatives from law maker�s offices, personnel from our lobbying group and a few prominent Immigration attorneys. Our reception was wrapped out around 8 PM and we headed to the situation room for our closing meeting. Our closing meeting went on until 11 after which each one of us took our Action items and next steps to take back to our districts. Everyone we met over the past couple of days told us to keep up the work we have been doing for the past few years. Good work and great follow through always leads to good results.
more...
pictures 2007 Acura RDX White
senthil1
07-10 04:34 PM
If you believe in law suit you can discuss with a lawyer and ask about feasiblity of lawsuit and pros and cons with potential expense. Most lawyers will not charge for initial consultation. That will be a good initiative.
I am ready to pitch in for a lawsuit. Always believed independence the Bose way would have been better than the Gandhi way.
I am ready to pitch in for a lawsuit. Always believed independence the Bose way would have been better than the Gandhi way.
dresses 2008 Acura RDX
PlainSpeak
04-15 11:19 AM
Yes, I support excluding dependents from quota.
If you look at IV's agenda, most of the items benefit EB as a whole. The idea is to reduce number of people being part of quota. If you think in these terms, you should not have any problem in supporting "Exclusion of STEM grads" from regular quota.
I support legal porting of EB3 to EB2 even though its detrimental to my own case. So I am not selfish like you call me :)
As for your stand on MS F1 visa, you remind me of "rkay". He too makes nonsensical statements like you. If there was an violation of law, USCIS would have known it and plugged the loophole. If you have found some "loophole" that USCIS doesnot know, let them know.
Please see my reply to alien007 for my rebuttal
If you look at IV's agenda, most of the items benefit EB as a whole. The idea is to reduce number of people being part of quota. If you think in these terms, you should not have any problem in supporting "Exclusion of STEM grads" from regular quota.
I support legal porting of EB3 to EB2 even though its detrimental to my own case. So I am not selfish like you call me :)
As for your stand on MS F1 visa, you remind me of "rkay". He too makes nonsensical statements like you. If there was an violation of law, USCIS would have known it and plugged the loophole. If you have found some "loophole" that USCIS doesnot know, let them know.
Please see my reply to alien007 for my rebuttal
more...
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abhijitp
11-29 06:16 PM
Here is something to read for you:
IV in 5/2006:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=948&highlight=manager%27s+amendment
About 4000 members, 2800 of which had not contributed anything, and even then IV managed to pull off this amazing feat.
This amendment was PASSED although the CIR bill failed to survive.
In other words, if there had been a bill only to address EB GC reforms, there was a great chance YOU would be able to file for your I-485 even if your PD was not current!
IV in 11/2007:
1) IV has 25000+ members.
2) The EB GC reforms proposed and passed as an amendment in mid-2006 are long overdue!
3) IV has gathered a lot of admiration and attention after the flower campaign/ SJ Rally-> leading to the July VB reversal, and of course the DC rally!
Even if 2500 of them pay $50 a month, IV would have a steady flow of $125000 a month for lobbying efforts.
Just imagine what IV could accomplish in the next few months, if only people realized how important it is for them to sign up for monthly contributions!
Think about it!
Thanks!
IV can do much more than it has already accomplished for us!
Please sign up for monthly contributions!
IV in 5/2006:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=948&highlight=manager%27s+amendment
About 4000 members, 2800 of which had not contributed anything, and even then IV managed to pull off this amazing feat.
This amendment was PASSED although the CIR bill failed to survive.
In other words, if there had been a bill only to address EB GC reforms, there was a great chance YOU would be able to file for your I-485 even if your PD was not current!
IV in 11/2007:
1) IV has 25000+ members.
2) The EB GC reforms proposed and passed as an amendment in mid-2006 are long overdue!
3) IV has gathered a lot of admiration and attention after the flower campaign/ SJ Rally-> leading to the July VB reversal, and of course the DC rally!
Even if 2500 of them pay $50 a month, IV would have a steady flow of $125000 a month for lobbying efforts.
Just imagine what IV could accomplish in the next few months, if only people realized how important it is for them to sign up for monthly contributions!
Think about it!
Thanks!
IV can do much more than it has already accomplished for us!
Please sign up for monthly contributions!
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reedandbamboo
09-13 04:18 PM
I think you mistyped it in your PM.
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texanguy
08-21 05:18 PM
one more thing...
How come a DOS memo lands on a USCIS officer's desk. It has to be a USCIS memo.
This is totally fake...
How come a DOS memo lands on a USCIS officer's desk. It has to be a USCIS memo.
This is totally fake...
seekerofpeace
08-18 02:04 PM
You can call up again today or later and I am sure the next agent will tell you just the opposite....that notice date is all that is important.
Fact of the matter is they don't have a clue and they can't care less....
SoP
Fact of the matter is they don't have a clue and they can't care less....
SoP
deecha
07-20 07:05 PM
Hi,
this is my first post...
I've seen most of you guys are indians, I admire you for being so organized and brave, and also for getting skilled enough to be sucessfull anywhere.
I'm not in the IT business, I'm not indian, I don't have special skills nor advanced dregrees. I'm just a regular guy who has worked all his life to achieve what he got. Since my degree is a 3 years old, I did not qualify foe EB2 even being in a managerial position for over 10 years.
I was waiting for the opportunity to file my family's I485 and then my company was bought and I was laid off on jun 14th.
I've been 6 years in this country, I have 2 american born kids, I've paid a lot of taxes, I have a house mortgage, a car loan...
Now I'm out of status and worst of all, everything on the GC process is lost.
I don't think it's fair, I've never done anything illegal, but I'm not ready to leave the country. I need to sell my property, don't know what to do with the car, my wife is on her MBA thesis, I just can't leave.
I'm telling all this not because I want you to feel sorry, but to create awareness that it's NOT on your hands being legal or illegal. You're in others hands: your employer, USCIS, the adjudicator officer.
So don't judge others just because you have been lucky enough to maintain your status...
Good luck to you all in your I-485s
VZLAN, Ah! I can't return to my country since I am Venezuelan, and I don't plan to raise my kids under communism.
I am really sorry about your situation. While, it is true that there is a lot under USCIS' adjudicator's control, we need to give it our best try and exhaust our options before we give up. I think that being Indian, IT and skilled (I am all 3 !) does not have that much of a bearing on one's life situations and connection to green card being approved. Case in point : I went through a rough time myself (see beginning of the thread) and even paid the price (divorce, heartbroken) for taking a chance. However, everyones situation is unique.
If you can post details of your case, then someone from here is sure to be able to give you some guidance. One last piece of advice, there is no substitute for a damn good lawyer who can get you the results. It might not come cheap though. There are instances of people having accrued unlawful stays beyond 1 year and lawyers having gotten them their EB based green cards later through CP using tricks such as waivers etc.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
this is my first post...
I've seen most of you guys are indians, I admire you for being so organized and brave, and also for getting skilled enough to be sucessfull anywhere.
I'm not in the IT business, I'm not indian, I don't have special skills nor advanced dregrees. I'm just a regular guy who has worked all his life to achieve what he got. Since my degree is a 3 years old, I did not qualify foe EB2 even being in a managerial position for over 10 years.
I was waiting for the opportunity to file my family's I485 and then my company was bought and I was laid off on jun 14th.
I've been 6 years in this country, I have 2 american born kids, I've paid a lot of taxes, I have a house mortgage, a car loan...
Now I'm out of status and worst of all, everything on the GC process is lost.
I don't think it's fair, I've never done anything illegal, but I'm not ready to leave the country. I need to sell my property, don't know what to do with the car, my wife is on her MBA thesis, I just can't leave.
I'm telling all this not because I want you to feel sorry, but to create awareness that it's NOT on your hands being legal or illegal. You're in others hands: your employer, USCIS, the adjudicator officer.
So don't judge others just because you have been lucky enough to maintain your status...
Good luck to you all in your I-485s
VZLAN, Ah! I can't return to my country since I am Venezuelan, and I don't plan to raise my kids under communism.
I am really sorry about your situation. While, it is true that there is a lot under USCIS' adjudicator's control, we need to give it our best try and exhaust our options before we give up. I think that being Indian, IT and skilled (I am all 3 !) does not have that much of a bearing on one's life situations and connection to green card being approved. Case in point : I went through a rough time myself (see beginning of the thread) and even paid the price (divorce, heartbroken) for taking a chance. However, everyones situation is unique.
If you can post details of your case, then someone from here is sure to be able to give you some guidance. One last piece of advice, there is no substitute for a damn good lawyer who can get you the results. It might not come cheap though. There are instances of people having accrued unlawful stays beyond 1 year and lawyers having gotten them their EB based green cards later through CP using tricks such as waivers etc.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
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