leonqiu
03-14 12:06 PM
Charles Oppenheim, Chief of Immigrant Visa Control and Reporting Division at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) was a guest speaker at a February 28, 2007 Washington D.C. Chapter meeting of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Mr. Oppenheim was kind enough to share his office�s visa number / Visa Bulletin expectations for 2007.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF RETROGRESSION
Mr. Oppenheim discussed the historical background that has led to the current retrogression situation. Retrogression is not something new or unfamiliar in immigration law, as long-time MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers may recall. For many, however, who may have become involved in the green card process since 2001, it is new and, of course, highly problematic. Employment-based (or EB) numbers were current from 2001 through 2005 due to a legislative "fix." This legislation authorized prior, unused immigrant visa numbers from several earlier years to be recaptured and put back into the immigration system. That quota of recaptured numbers was exhausted during Fiscal Year (FY) 2005. As a result, in FYs 2005, 2006 and 2007 we have witnessed severe backlogs in the EB3 categories for all countries and, starting in FY2006, in the EB2 categories for China and India.
PREDICTIONS FOR EB IMMIGRANT VISA NUMBERS
Employment-Based First Preference / EB1
Mr. Oppenheim stated that the employment-based first preference (EB1) category is expected to remain current for all countries of chargeability, including India and China. This is likely throughout the remainder of FY2007 (ending September 30, 2007).
Mr. Oppenheim explained what he referred to as the �trickling effect� of unused visa numbers between EB categories. This trickling effect has resulted in the EB1 category's having remained current. The numbers in the employment-based fourth preference (EB4) and employment-based fifth preference (EB5) categories that are unused are transferred up to the EB1 category. Without this trickling affect, the EB1 category would not remain current for India and China.
This also has an impact on EB2, as unused EB1 numbers trickle down to EB2. There are not enough numbers for India and China, however, to allow the EB2 for these two countries to become current. But it has helped to move EB2 forward for these two countries, to some extent.
Employment-Based Second Preference / EB2
The employment-based second preference (EB2) category is expected to remain at its current cutoff dates for nationals of India and China. These dates have been stagnant at April 22, 2005 for China and January 8, 2003 for India for a few months.
Employment-Based Third Preference / EB3
No forward movement is expected for the employment-based third preference (EB3) category. In fact, as predicted in the March Visa Bulletin and confirmed by Mr. Oppenheim, there is a strong possibility that the EB3 numbers that are not in the "worldwide" chargeability will further retrogress, or move backward. This is expected to occur in the summer of 2007. This backward movement is based upon excessive demand for the limited supply of visa numbers. This will adversely affect nationals of India and China.
Double Dipping
Another problem important to note is one of �doubling dipping� for visa numbers by some individuals. As explained by Mr. Oppenheim, if an employment-based beneficiary filed for adjustment of status in the U.S. and for consular processing overseas, that individual could acquire two visa numbers if both cases are approved. This would result in a wasted immigrant visa number. As a result of this scenario, the DOS and the USCIS are planning a system that would coordinate their visa number allocation, so that each will be aware if the other has already issued a visa number for a particular individual, to prevent waste of this kind.
CONCLUSION
We appreciate Mr. Oppenheim's continued willingness to address matters related to visa numbers and the Visa Bulletin. The lack of employment-based visa numbers is a source of great frustration for many and Mr. Oppenheim's predictions do not assuage that feeling. It is better to have an understanding of the reality of the situation, however, than to operate in ignorance or with unrealistic expectations. The shortage of visa numbers, once again, underscores the need for legislation in this area, to increase the numbers, change the counting of the numbers (from one per person to one per family), or to revamp the system entirely.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF RETROGRESSION
Mr. Oppenheim discussed the historical background that has led to the current retrogression situation. Retrogression is not something new or unfamiliar in immigration law, as long-time MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers may recall. For many, however, who may have become involved in the green card process since 2001, it is new and, of course, highly problematic. Employment-based (or EB) numbers were current from 2001 through 2005 due to a legislative "fix." This legislation authorized prior, unused immigrant visa numbers from several earlier years to be recaptured and put back into the immigration system. That quota of recaptured numbers was exhausted during Fiscal Year (FY) 2005. As a result, in FYs 2005, 2006 and 2007 we have witnessed severe backlogs in the EB3 categories for all countries and, starting in FY2006, in the EB2 categories for China and India.
PREDICTIONS FOR EB IMMIGRANT VISA NUMBERS
Employment-Based First Preference / EB1
Mr. Oppenheim stated that the employment-based first preference (EB1) category is expected to remain current for all countries of chargeability, including India and China. This is likely throughout the remainder of FY2007 (ending September 30, 2007).
Mr. Oppenheim explained what he referred to as the �trickling effect� of unused visa numbers between EB categories. This trickling effect has resulted in the EB1 category's having remained current. The numbers in the employment-based fourth preference (EB4) and employment-based fifth preference (EB5) categories that are unused are transferred up to the EB1 category. Without this trickling affect, the EB1 category would not remain current for India and China.
This also has an impact on EB2, as unused EB1 numbers trickle down to EB2. There are not enough numbers for India and China, however, to allow the EB2 for these two countries to become current. But it has helped to move EB2 forward for these two countries, to some extent.
Employment-Based Second Preference / EB2
The employment-based second preference (EB2) category is expected to remain at its current cutoff dates for nationals of India and China. These dates have been stagnant at April 22, 2005 for China and January 8, 2003 for India for a few months.
Employment-Based Third Preference / EB3
No forward movement is expected for the employment-based third preference (EB3) category. In fact, as predicted in the March Visa Bulletin and confirmed by Mr. Oppenheim, there is a strong possibility that the EB3 numbers that are not in the "worldwide" chargeability will further retrogress, or move backward. This is expected to occur in the summer of 2007. This backward movement is based upon excessive demand for the limited supply of visa numbers. This will adversely affect nationals of India and China.
Double Dipping
Another problem important to note is one of �doubling dipping� for visa numbers by some individuals. As explained by Mr. Oppenheim, if an employment-based beneficiary filed for adjustment of status in the U.S. and for consular processing overseas, that individual could acquire two visa numbers if both cases are approved. This would result in a wasted immigrant visa number. As a result of this scenario, the DOS and the USCIS are planning a system that would coordinate their visa number allocation, so that each will be aware if the other has already issued a visa number for a particular individual, to prevent waste of this kind.
CONCLUSION
We appreciate Mr. Oppenheim's continued willingness to address matters related to visa numbers and the Visa Bulletin. The lack of employment-based visa numbers is a source of great frustration for many and Mr. Oppenheim's predictions do not assuage that feeling. It is better to have an understanding of the reality of the situation, however, than to operate in ignorance or with unrealistic expectations. The shortage of visa numbers, once again, underscores the need for legislation in this area, to increase the numbers, change the counting of the numbers (from one per person to one per family), or to revamp the system entirely.
jonty_11
08-15 01:16 PM
see my post - 4th above...and you will know why u got a red..!!!!!!!!!!!
suriajay12
05-07 07:31 AM
ganguteli,
there was a donor conference call a couple of weeks back, in which aman, pappu etc participated.
your thoughts of rally was discussed, but unfortunately the numbers are not quiet adding up as it did during the July 2007 fiasco.
As per what I learned from that discussion was when IV sees the "thousands" as per your quote they are willing to support the rally idea. Otherwise, it may not make the noise as we expect it to do.
Yes, I agree with IV core's line of thought in the "rally" idea. I too wish we can do a "rally" but...:-(
It works more easily the other way. If IV core endorses and supports a rally, then the numbers build up. If you dont start a campaign type of thread, where will the numbers come from. They will scatter here and there. Isnt that the case now.
there was a donor conference call a couple of weeks back, in which aman, pappu etc participated.
your thoughts of rally was discussed, but unfortunately the numbers are not quiet adding up as it did during the July 2007 fiasco.
As per what I learned from that discussion was when IV sees the "thousands" as per your quote they are willing to support the rally idea. Otherwise, it may not make the noise as we expect it to do.
Yes, I agree with IV core's line of thought in the "rally" idea. I too wish we can do a "rally" but...:-(
It works more easily the other way. If IV core endorses and supports a rally, then the numbers build up. If you dont start a campaign type of thread, where will the numbers come from. They will scatter here and there. Isnt that the case now.
anyluck?
09-15 01:23 PM
Obama told he will atleast discuss on CIR after health care. He knows well that Health care bill will take long time to resolve, so that he can escape. One way or other he will not do anything.
more...
raysaikat
08-04 03:22 PM
She can transfer her status from H-4 to H1B and it will not be counted against the annual H1B quota.
I do not think that this statement is correct since the lady (presumably) never had her own H1-B.
I do not think that this statement is correct since the lady (presumably) never had her own H1-B.
chanukya
05-17 10:35 PM
I think, if you are US Masters/above plus if you are a member of profession, then you are the luckiest person on earth...
1) Need not File LC
2)U R not counted against the Quota
A hypothetical case where it may not work
But if your are a US-MS Electrical Eng and working as Tech Lead in IT, you do not qualify for this, as Tech Lead for IT may require US MS Comp Science not US-MS Elect Eng....since you do not qualify as memeber of profession.
In which case you need to file LC, which anyway will be a problem becasue of the misamatch of the profession and your qualification.
So for those kind of mismatches it will be really difficult to justify releif under this clause.
1) Need not File LC
2)U R not counted against the Quota
A hypothetical case where it may not work
But if your are a US-MS Electrical Eng and working as Tech Lead in IT, you do not qualify for this, as Tech Lead for IT may require US MS Comp Science not US-MS Elect Eng....since you do not qualify as memeber of profession.
In which case you need to file LC, which anyway will be a problem becasue of the misamatch of the profession and your qualification.
So for those kind of mismatches it will be really difficult to justify releif under this clause.
more...
StuckInTheMuck
07-11 12:27 PM
I was not aware that you needed an FP for EAD renewal as well. Could you please clarify?
You can get EAD without FP (the card will say "Fingerprint not available"), but if you e-file your renewal application, you will get a call for FP (paper-filing renewal does not require FP). As I said, I deliberately e-filed for that FP call so I can get into the local USCIS office, and then persuade them to take my I485 FP as well.
You can get EAD without FP (the card will say "Fingerprint not available"), but if you e-file your renewal application, you will get a call for FP (paper-filing renewal does not require FP). As I said, I deliberately e-filed for that FP call so I can get into the local USCIS office, and then persuade them to take my I485 FP as well.
pappu
02-04 10:23 PM
Great Idea. Good luck to AZ members. This will help form the AZ IV Chapter for future activities.
more...
anil_gc
11-30 12:27 PM
Since your PD is in 2006, It may be a mistake.
This month I have seen many applicatiions with PD - EB2-India Jan-2003 to Jan 2004 are approved.
If you see many other updates like "Card production ordered" "Welcome NEW permanent residents" in the coming days then it may be a real approval
This month I have seen many applicatiions with PD - EB2-India Jan-2003 to Jan 2004 are approved.
If you see many other updates like "Card production ordered" "Welcome NEW permanent residents" in the coming days then it may be a real approval
eagerr2i
10-31 03:50 PM
The idea here is to for the individual to hold the miles ( atleast the minimum required) to get a free ticket and the individual book the ticket for some one who would use it. Transferring of miles from one account to another has a lot of overhead attached to it and is not cost effective.
I have complied a list of people who pledged and will contact them when we will need the miles for travel/ticketing.
I have complied a list of people who pledged and will contact them when we will need the miles for travel/ticketing.
more...
nozerd
09-07 10:09 AM
For LI you need to have worked with foreign company for at least 1 yr. I have worked for ABC USA for 7 yrs but not ABC Canada yet. I think for L1 I should work for ABC Canada for more than 1 yr.
Also when is the next lawyers call ? The last one it says was scheduled for 9/1 and its transcript is not posted. I would like to put this question to the lawyer.
Also when is the next lawyers call ? The last one it says was scheduled for 9/1 and its transcript is not posted. I would like to put this question to the lawyer.
saileshdude
08-20 03:34 PM
I got name check information atlast today. Its cleared
Still waiting for GC Approval. God knows when it will get approved.
Labor Priority Date: May 24, 2006
I -140 Approved: Oct 2006
I-485 RD July 2, 2007
I-485 ND Aug 27, 2007 with SRCXXXXXXX
babu123,
How did you get this information? Did you call TSC today using POJ method?
Still waiting for GC Approval. God knows when it will get approved.
Labor Priority Date: May 24, 2006
I -140 Approved: Oct 2006
I-485 RD July 2, 2007
I-485 ND Aug 27, 2007 with SRCXXXXXXX
babu123,
How did you get this information? Did you call TSC today using POJ method?
more...
engineer
06-03 01:53 AM
Keith Ellison, Congressman from MN was in Milwaukee, WI today.
I had a chance to meet with him on a small gathering for his fund raiser.
He is a member of Judiciary commitee.
We asked him questions on how to become more active in Politics, how Congress works etc etc.
He gave a good example:
He said politicians are like a mom with many kids..one kid is labor union asking for help for their issues, other is teachers union etc etc.
And if one kid is shy and does not say anything then he is not going to get anything.
Point is very simple, Congress needs to heard like crazy from legal Immigrants about issues. So please on Mon during lunch call your congressman every day for next week. Send them faxes, emails etc.
So when they vote they know that what are issues for legal immigrants.
If you don't then you won't get anything. It is that simple.
thanks,
engineer
I had a chance to meet with him on a small gathering for his fund raiser.
He is a member of Judiciary commitee.
We asked him questions on how to become more active in Politics, how Congress works etc etc.
He gave a good example:
He said politicians are like a mom with many kids..one kid is labor union asking for help for their issues, other is teachers union etc etc.
And if one kid is shy and does not say anything then he is not going to get anything.
Point is very simple, Congress needs to heard like crazy from legal Immigrants about issues. So please on Mon during lunch call your congressman every day for next week. Send them faxes, emails etc.
So when they vote they know that what are issues for legal immigrants.
If you don't then you won't get anything. It is that simple.
thanks,
engineer
dealsnet
08-04 11:55 AM
We need a new Social Security Card after receiving the GC. Restrictions in the H1B people's card. So we need to apply to remove the restrictions.
I did apply at the Social Security office and got the new card within 1 week. The application is same for a new SSN and we need to show the Green card as a proof. We need to surrender the old card at the office. The old card with 'employment with INS authorization' will be removed from the system.
So after getting GC, we need to give new I-9 to the employer with GC copy and new Scoial Security Card. Same applicable for dependants.
I did apply at the Social Security office and got the new card within 1 week. The application is same for a new SSN and we need to show the Green card as a proof. We need to surrender the old card at the office. The old card with 'employment with INS authorization' will be removed from the system.
So after getting GC, we need to give new I-9 to the employer with GC copy and new Scoial Security Card. Same applicable for dependants.
more...
gcdreamer05
01-15 06:14 PM
can we just buy a vacation for the burger king (a.ka. steve king) and ask him to go to bahamas or cancun or somewhere.... so that we can pass the recapture bill....
PALLO
04-20 03:45 PM
Hello Everyone!
I need opinion on whether one can change location after labor is approved for one area.
Let�s assume one is working for company X in city A. Labor is approved (I-140 is filed) and company wants you to relocate to city B.
How does this impact GC process?
Do you have to start again?
Or one can carry PD from prior Labor?
Your inputs will be greatly appreciated. My husband and I are trying to decide the best strategy going forward since our latest fiasco with labor due to negligence on lawyer's part.
Best
I need opinion on whether one can change location after labor is approved for one area.
Let�s assume one is working for company X in city A. Labor is approved (I-140 is filed) and company wants you to relocate to city B.
How does this impact GC process?
Do you have to start again?
Or one can carry PD from prior Labor?
Your inputs will be greatly appreciated. My husband and I are trying to decide the best strategy going forward since our latest fiasco with labor due to negligence on lawyer's part.
Best
more...
ilikekilo
04-20 04:57 PM
Hi Guys,
My experience with driver's license renewal in Ohio with EAD/expired-H1 was a pleasant surprise.
All I said was that I was a green card applicant, showed them my I-485 application receipt, and got a license valid for 4 years.
Smooth. What a surprise.
not sure what city you got in, but I was in Ohio for 7 yrs and never got 4 years, I got only until I94 or EAD exp date..mine was in cleveland...
My experience with driver's license renewal in Ohio with EAD/expired-H1 was a pleasant surprise.
All I said was that I was a green card applicant, showed them my I-485 application receipt, and got a license valid for 4 years.
Smooth. What a surprise.
not sure what city you got in, but I was in Ohio for 7 yrs and never got 4 years, I got only until I94 or EAD exp date..mine was in cleveland...
sundar99
05-03 11:34 AM
Instead of picking holes in the system, all that we need to do is to ensure the reporter gets the message " How legal immigrants are stuck so deeply for following rules" . This will help them put it out in press and debate on it, that way, there will be a larger awareness. You got to look at it from a larger perspective. The more awareness the better are the chances. The time is now to call reporters and highlight the plight of EB Retro folks. That way, they get to seperate legal and illegals (or Mex Citizens) inorder not to confuse the public.
I am of the opinion, it will help the legal immigrants cause by calling, no harm in trying it.
I am of the opinion, it will help the legal immigrants cause by calling, no harm in trying it.
puskeygadha
07-17 03:56 PM
They give very generic answer to clients
i dont think they care about individuals...
if they continue like this they will loose business..lots of people are
suffering
i dont think they care about individuals...
if they continue like this they will loose business..lots of people are
suffering
Vsach
07-17 05:20 PM
Thanks To You All It Would Not Have Been Possible Without Your Support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
get2shailesh
04-05 03:51 PM
Perm.. I was exactly in the same boat as u were but I went ahead and changed the job from company A to company B and got 3 year extension till 10/09. Then I went to India and got the visa stamped till 10/09. My new employer i.e. company B has now started processing my GC again.. Now, let us see if I can port my PD of 12/05 with company B.
My question is if I decide to move again to company C [Not gonna do] or my new employer i.e. company B fires me [U never know] i.e. in case if I do not have labor or 140 done with my new employer i.e. company B and say I ran out of H1B at the end of 10/09, then can I get further 3 year extension with company B or new company C on approved 140 from previous employer i.e. Company A?
Thanks!!
My question is if I decide to move again to company C [Not gonna do] or my new employer i.e. company B fires me [U never know] i.e. in case if I do not have labor or 140 done with my new employer i.e. company B and say I ran out of H1B at the end of 10/09, then can I get further 3 year extension with company B or new company C on approved 140 from previous employer i.e. Company A?
Thanks!!
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