anilsal
12-20 03:21 PM
How do you know Lou or Sen.Sessions will even consider accepting the invitation from Jon or Stephen?
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spicy_guy
10-04 12:03 PM
hi ,
Here is my situation.
(employer) -> (middle vendor ) -> prime vendor -> (End client ).
I am working to a client in california in the above mentioned order. After 1 year we got rid of middle vendor and prime vendor is working with my employer directly . Now middle vendor is threatning me that he can sue me for breaking the line of contract .
i dont understand ho can even its possible as i never signed any document with middle vendor and he is not even my employer . He is just acting as middle layer by showing prime vendor that i am his employee which is wrong. now we removed him from line of contract and he is saying that he will sue all of us for doing this.
is there any way that he can even do this ?
- Thanks in advance.
Breaking the line of contract: What contract? Did he mention that? Also, why does he want to sue you?
Here is my situation.
(employer) -> (middle vendor ) -> prime vendor -> (End client ).
I am working to a client in california in the above mentioned order. After 1 year we got rid of middle vendor and prime vendor is working with my employer directly . Now middle vendor is threatning me that he can sue me for breaking the line of contract .
i dont understand ho can even its possible as i never signed any document with middle vendor and he is not even my employer . He is just acting as middle layer by showing prime vendor that i am his employee which is wrong. now we removed him from line of contract and he is saying that he will sue all of us for doing this.
is there any way that he can even do this ?
- Thanks in advance.
Breaking the line of contract: What contract? Did he mention that? Also, why does he want to sue you?
NELLAIKUMAR
02-17 11:50 AM
Nayekal, Thanks for your response.
What I meant to say is that my H1 is expiring on Sep 30th 2009 and therefore the earliest date I can apply for extension is April 1st. That's why I asked the question whether I can wait until April 1st for COS from H1 to H4 for my wife even though my wife's employment is ending on March 13th.
Also, is it necessary to have the proof of I-539 receipt by March 13th or few weeks difference is ok? Can you please let me know your experience in this matter.
Thanks...
What I meant to say is that my H1 is expiring on Sep 30th 2009 and therefore the earliest date I can apply for extension is April 1st. That's why I asked the question whether I can wait until April 1st for COS from H1 to H4 for my wife even though my wife's employment is ending on March 13th.
Also, is it necessary to have the proof of I-539 receipt by March 13th or few weeks difference is ok? Can you please let me know your experience in this matter.
Thanks...
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Sunx_2004
10-05 05:10 PM
Thanks guys, I will keep updating this thread as things unfold.
Cheers
Cheers
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govindk
10-24 09:07 PM
I filed my application on July27th. I completed my FP on Oct 10th but haven't receive any news on EAD. My online status is still "Case received and Pending". It is mentioned on the USCIS website that the USCIS needs to provide EAD within 90 days of the filing as mandated by law [8 CFR 247a.13(d)].
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=e7ee6a9fec745110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=54519c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 RCRD
When do USCIS start counting 90 days from? date of filing or date on which they acknowledge the case? The online status says that "On Aug 30th we recevied your case..." So in my case the 90 days counter starts from July27th or Aug 30th?
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=e7ee6a9fec745110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=54519c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 RCRD
When do USCIS start counting 90 days from? date of filing or date on which they acknowledge the case? The online status says that "On Aug 30th we recevied your case..." So in my case the 90 days counter starts from July27th or Aug 30th?
eblues
09-09 07:44 PM
Sorry for replying to myself & bumping the thread, but I've got more information on my case and I'd like to share just in case anyone else will end up in a similar situation in the future.
I've tried to speak with an immigration attorney and with the flight school staff. The attorney initially told me there should not be any problems as long as I maintain my J-1 status by performing research full-time at the university; then he went on to check more carefully and became less convinced because full-load (> 18 hours a week) flight training requires a M-1 visa. I do not know if I should ask him to look deeper into the matter, as my situation will definitely not qualify as full load training (2-3 hours a week tops).
On the other hand, the flight school staff contacted TSA people and talked with the Department of State. The TSA told that they are OK with my training as long as I get the appropriate clearance, which I did; the Department of State (as I have already states) basically said that if I'm legally in the country and the TSA is cool with it then I can train. I've also come to understand that I will not attend any formal classes (I will self-study the theoretical notions required) and that my practical training will amount to 2-3 hours a week at most.
My understanding of the subject is that I would not be eligible for a M-1 visa, as in any case I will not be busy with flight training all the time. I also believe that were I to start flying this would not intefere with my J-1 status as long as I comply with all the requirements (i.e. work full-time on the project I've come to the US for, otherwise not work on or off-campus nor move to another university, etc.). Finally, from what I've heard, there seems to be no regulation against pursuing flight training for people that are already legally in the US if this does not constitue some sort of professional training, and flying light sport aircraft is what is more or less as far as it gets from professional flying.
If anyone (whether an attorney or otherwise) notes any fallacy in my reasoning please let me know -- I still have time to stop and reconsider before committing to anything that might undermine my legal presence here in the US.
Thank you everyone,
Pierluigi
I've tried to speak with an immigration attorney and with the flight school staff. The attorney initially told me there should not be any problems as long as I maintain my J-1 status by performing research full-time at the university; then he went on to check more carefully and became less convinced because full-load (> 18 hours a week) flight training requires a M-1 visa. I do not know if I should ask him to look deeper into the matter, as my situation will definitely not qualify as full load training (2-3 hours a week tops).
On the other hand, the flight school staff contacted TSA people and talked with the Department of State. The TSA told that they are OK with my training as long as I get the appropriate clearance, which I did; the Department of State (as I have already states) basically said that if I'm legally in the country and the TSA is cool with it then I can train. I've also come to understand that I will not attend any formal classes (I will self-study the theoretical notions required) and that my practical training will amount to 2-3 hours a week at most.
My understanding of the subject is that I would not be eligible for a M-1 visa, as in any case I will not be busy with flight training all the time. I also believe that were I to start flying this would not intefere with my J-1 status as long as I comply with all the requirements (i.e. work full-time on the project I've come to the US for, otherwise not work on or off-campus nor move to another university, etc.). Finally, from what I've heard, there seems to be no regulation against pursuing flight training for people that are already legally in the US if this does not constitue some sort of professional training, and flying light sport aircraft is what is more or less as far as it gets from professional flying.
If anyone (whether an attorney or otherwise) notes any fallacy in my reasoning please let me know -- I still have time to stop and reconsider before committing to anything that might undermine my legal presence here in the US.
Thank you everyone,
Pierluigi
more...
gcapply
09-15 10:48 AM
hi is there any hope for eb-2 india?since its has retrogressed,can we expect any forward movement in the next few months?is there any chance of further retrogression?are there too many cases coming out of back log centres?
my case r got cleared from backlog centre few months back and i-140 recently approved,my pd is oct 2002 eb-2.iam so unlucky for the past so many yrs ,now that its approved i dont have a chance to apply for 485 as dates retrogressed.is there any hope in the next few months for a forward movement?by 2007 oct eb-2 will it be able to reach atleast 2003 end or 2004 begining?
my case r got cleared from backlog centre few months back and i-140 recently approved,my pd is oct 2002 eb-2.iam so unlucky for the past so many yrs ,now that its approved i dont have a chance to apply for 485 as dates retrogressed.is there any hope in the next few months for a forward movement?by 2007 oct eb-2 will it be able to reach atleast 2003 end or 2004 begining?
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alterego
09-14 06:06 PM
People need to understand that there are some legislators who might want to push legislation favorable to us. They can only do it if they can convince other legislators who are on the fence that:
1) A lot of good people are affected by this. (legal,peaceful,high skilled etc) The crowd there(YOU) on Tuesday will speak to this.
2) They mean business, if we do not act they might leave and we need to act NOW to keep them here.(if many thousands of them can come from all parts of the country, they must be serious)
3) These guys have the support of their employers.(they got/took/were allowed time off from work)
Now in these points, can you see how a friendly lawmaker can use a big successful march to convince his colleagues? This will be like a massive tonic to all the lobbying IV has been doing behind the scenes.
Last year when hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants took to the streets did you see the impact on legislators? One big difference here is we are legal. That will leave a more powerful impact if it is big.
This is a small price to pay, and it will help you tremendously to speed up the green card process. Lets show solidarity. Every one of us who goes to this will feel proud of the change we manage to bring. If this makes the national media in a big way, I am virtually certain we will get a favorable resolution to our issues. A lot of forces are with us here. Just look at the 13 governor signed letter. Just look at how hard the big high tech. companies are pushing this.
1) A lot of good people are affected by this. (legal,peaceful,high skilled etc) The crowd there(YOU) on Tuesday will speak to this.
2) They mean business, if we do not act they might leave and we need to act NOW to keep them here.(if many thousands of them can come from all parts of the country, they must be serious)
3) These guys have the support of their employers.(they got/took/were allowed time off from work)
Now in these points, can you see how a friendly lawmaker can use a big successful march to convince his colleagues? This will be like a massive tonic to all the lobbying IV has been doing behind the scenes.
Last year when hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants took to the streets did you see the impact on legislators? One big difference here is we are legal. That will leave a more powerful impact if it is big.
This is a small price to pay, and it will help you tremendously to speed up the green card process. Lets show solidarity. Every one of us who goes to this will feel proud of the change we manage to bring. If this makes the national media in a big way, I am virtually certain we will get a favorable resolution to our issues. A lot of forces are with us here. Just look at the 13 governor signed letter. Just look at how hard the big high tech. companies are pushing this.
more...
ramaonline
06-27 03:04 PM
There is no grace period for finding a new h1b employer - but generally USCIS overlooks gaps of 1-2 months between employment assuming you are able to transfer your H1B to another employer soon
You can download the employer database from this link and apply to prospective employers - This will help in your job search
FLCDataCenter.com (http://www.flcdatacenter.com/CaseH1B.aspx)
You can download the employer database from this link and apply to prospective employers - This will help in your job search
FLCDataCenter.com (http://www.flcdatacenter.com/CaseH1B.aspx)
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txuser
03-10 01:31 PM
You can apply for L2 with COS online using form I-539. I'm not sure about applying for L2 without COS though. You can probably apply for L2 with COS now, and if your H1B goes through fine, withdraw the L2 petition.
Make sure that you attach copies of your prior employer's H1B Approval Notice, recent paystubs, new employer's H1B receipt notice, paystubs, your I94 along with the other documents to substantiate that you are currently in status and in the country. This is required for the USCIS to grant COS and I-94 with your L2 approval notice.
Also, in the above case, you don't have to go out of country - you will get a new I-94 along with your L2 approval notice.
Please note that this is just my opinion based on my recent transition from H1B to L2. Please get the advice of an Immigration Attorney (probably your new employer's attorney?) before taking any decision.
Make sure that you attach copies of your prior employer's H1B Approval Notice, recent paystubs, new employer's H1B receipt notice, paystubs, your I94 along with the other documents to substantiate that you are currently in status and in the country. This is required for the USCIS to grant COS and I-94 with your L2 approval notice.
Also, in the above case, you don't have to go out of country - you will get a new I-94 along with your L2 approval notice.
Please note that this is just my opinion based on my recent transition from H1B to L2. Please get the advice of an Immigration Attorney (probably your new employer's attorney?) before taking any decision.
more...
meetpravee
04-04 11:23 PM
Let us know what you hear from your attorney/friends/forum about this. I am sure a lot of people would be interested in this. I sure am.
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HumHongeKamiyab
03-16 04:49 PM
Thanks Fittan. I am waiting for an answer from my attorney.
HumHongeKamiyab,
Since your I-140 is approved, your chance of I-485 RFE is very low. I think you should be ok since the key is that on the day your I-485 is approved, you must have a job offer per your labor.
Fittan
HumHongeKamiyab,
Since your I-140 is approved, your chance of I-485 RFE is very low. I think you should be ok since the key is that on the day your I-485 is approved, you must have a job offer per your labor.
Fittan
more...
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gconmymind
08-13 06:53 PM
Hi
Whats your opinion? Do I have a chance with new updated list and 4 more publications and a letter about my leadership role?
With identical evidence, my EB2-NIW was approved at NSC.
-Please advice.
BP
A friend of mine, with similar credentials like yours (from what i can get from your post) got his GC thru EB2-NIW. He didn't have to go through lengthy labor process. His lawyer recommended against filing for EB-1. Please contact a lawyer and hope for the best
Whats your opinion? Do I have a chance with new updated list and 4 more publications and a letter about my leadership role?
With identical evidence, my EB2-NIW was approved at NSC.
-Please advice.
BP
A friend of mine, with similar credentials like yours (from what i can get from your post) got his GC thru EB2-NIW. He didn't have to go through lengthy labor process. His lawyer recommended against filing for EB-1. Please contact a lawyer and hope for the best
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pmb76
07-14 12:42 AM
I sent a letter to Rep Zoe Lofgren on July 4 after she sent a letter to Chertoff and Rice on our behalf. Below is what I wrote:
Re: July Visa Bulletin revision
Dear Representative Lofgren,
Let me begin by Thanking you immensely for standing up for the cause of legal immigrants. Your response to the July Visa Bulletin fiasco made me very pleased and re-instilled the hope in me that I had lost as a result of the recent announcements by USCIS to stop accepting Adjustment of Status applications.
It is indeed appalling that the various problems faced by highly skilled legal immigrants get lost in the cracks of the system and do not get any media coverage.
I have been in the U.S for approximately 9 years now. I graduated with a Masters in Engineering from a highly ranked school here, always played by the rules and still am stuck in the backlog delays and the bureaucracies of the immigration process.
The July visa bulletin released on June 13th a gave me and others a ray of hope which was crushed after USCIS stopped accepting applications on July 2nd. I have spend huge amount time, effort and attorney's fees preparing all the paperwork and submitting it to USCIS on July 2nd.
Again I want you to know how much me and other skilled workers in the same situation as me, appreciate your taking up this issue with Dept of State and USCIS. Thank you so much for your help in this critical hour. Please help us in resolving this issue and also discuss this with your colleagues in congress so they may also take up this issue with the Federal government agencies.
Sincere Regards,
XYZ
Re: July Visa Bulletin revision
Dear Representative Lofgren,
Let me begin by Thanking you immensely for standing up for the cause of legal immigrants. Your response to the July Visa Bulletin fiasco made me very pleased and re-instilled the hope in me that I had lost as a result of the recent announcements by USCIS to stop accepting Adjustment of Status applications.
It is indeed appalling that the various problems faced by highly skilled legal immigrants get lost in the cracks of the system and do not get any media coverage.
I have been in the U.S for approximately 9 years now. I graduated with a Masters in Engineering from a highly ranked school here, always played by the rules and still am stuck in the backlog delays and the bureaucracies of the immigration process.
The July visa bulletin released on June 13th a gave me and others a ray of hope which was crushed after USCIS stopped accepting applications on July 2nd. I have spend huge amount time, effort and attorney's fees preparing all the paperwork and submitting it to USCIS on July 2nd.
Again I want you to know how much me and other skilled workers in the same situation as me, appreciate your taking up this issue with Dept of State and USCIS. Thank you so much for your help in this critical hour. Please help us in resolving this issue and also discuss this with your colleagues in congress so they may also take up this issue with the Federal government agencies.
Sincere Regards,
XYZ
more...
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485Mbe4001
10-02 07:53 PM
short answer...You are the chosen one you can do what ever you want, while USCIS will do what they think is right...IMHO plenty of legal trouble for you, your company and your lawyer. While you are at it why not ask companies C,D&E to sponsor parallel applications for you, the more the merrier....i think you are a troll...Hardworking, law abiding immigrats get a bad rap because of people like you.
So am still little confused... Should I go this route... The reason is the company who is willing to do my GC is doing also in good faith. But with the economy the way it shapes up... they are not sure, but as a good faith they did agree to start my GC process. Well I will be bearing the lawyer expenses...they would manage the mandatory fees. So they have very little to loose.
What do you guys suggest! I have heard many people who work with company A and GC is done by Company B ... ( Correct me if I am wrong here)
Appreciated
So am still little confused... Should I go this route... The reason is the company who is willing to do my GC is doing also in good faith. But with the economy the way it shapes up... they are not sure, but as a good faith they did agree to start my GC process. Well I will be bearing the lawyer expenses...they would manage the mandatory fees. So they have very little to loose.
What do you guys suggest! I have heard many people who work with company A and GC is done by Company B ... ( Correct me if I am wrong here)
Appreciated
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sparky_jones
04-26 08:12 AM
sparky_jones: can you give us your write up to USCIS regarding this missing field information. What was in the letter regarding this field. I plan on sending a letter to them providing this information.
I attached a sheet of paper to my supporting documentation with the following heading in bold: "Correction Requested for e-Filed Form I-765
Receipt # ***-**-****"
Below that, I simply put the following statement:
"Please update Item 12 �Date of Last Entry into the US� for Form I-765 to **/**/****. This field was omitted during the e-Filing process."
I attached a sheet of paper to my supporting documentation with the following heading in bold: "Correction Requested for e-Filed Form I-765
Receipt # ***-**-****"
Below that, I simply put the following statement:
"Please update Item 12 �Date of Last Entry into the US� for Form I-765 to **/**/****. This field was omitted during the e-Filing process."
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sidd_k2002
02-10 05:10 PM
Hello All,
I am in a very odd situation which i would like to explain and get help from people here. I am a computer science student,who came on a F1 visa in USA in Jan 2007. I studied hard, and got good grades , and thereby got an internship in a good company immediately after 1 year , in Feb 2008. I was working on CPT(Curicullar practical training i.e work permit),which was full time, until Jan 2009 ,when i graduated.
Now i want to call my parents on a Vistors B category visa for my graduation.
I have a full time job since one year, so i am thinking of the fact , whether i could send a sponsorship letter to them in order for them to visit for my graduation ceremony. I have already taken a invitation letter from my school to invite them. Following are the points of my concern.
1: It was shown 2 years back that my father sponsored me for my education. So is it fair enough to show that i am sponsoring him immediately after 2 years?. Please note that i m still on F1 visa, and working now on my OPT. (My H1 will be filed this time in April 2009)
2: I read in a forum that students cannot sponsor there parents for there visitors visa for there graduation, because they are the ones ,who take there sponsorship, when they come for there studies. Is this true enough, even if i am working for 1 year now.
3: My father has already retired from a bank job, so he is not working. All his funds are in FDs (about 7 lacs), with a liquid cash of around 8 lacs in the bank, and a pension amount of 9,000 rs per month( which is quite low to tell to the visa officer). Is it okay for him to show his self sponsorship for him and my mother in this case? Will these funds be okay? If he is retired then will his income be not asked by the officer.
4: My parents visa has got rejected twice 3 years back, when they were trying to visit USA, under the sponsorship of my cousin. Then will this thing affect the issue this time again?
Friends i really want my parents to visit me for my graduation this MAY.They are in a dilemma about what to do in this situation. Please advice me in this case.
Thanks in advance
I am in a very odd situation which i would like to explain and get help from people here. I am a computer science student,who came on a F1 visa in USA in Jan 2007. I studied hard, and got good grades , and thereby got an internship in a good company immediately after 1 year , in Feb 2008. I was working on CPT(Curicullar practical training i.e work permit),which was full time, until Jan 2009 ,when i graduated.
Now i want to call my parents on a Vistors B category visa for my graduation.
I have a full time job since one year, so i am thinking of the fact , whether i could send a sponsorship letter to them in order for them to visit for my graduation ceremony. I have already taken a invitation letter from my school to invite them. Following are the points of my concern.
1: It was shown 2 years back that my father sponsored me for my education. So is it fair enough to show that i am sponsoring him immediately after 2 years?. Please note that i m still on F1 visa, and working now on my OPT. (My H1 will be filed this time in April 2009)
2: I read in a forum that students cannot sponsor there parents for there visitors visa for there graduation, because they are the ones ,who take there sponsorship, when they come for there studies. Is this true enough, even if i am working for 1 year now.
3: My father has already retired from a bank job, so he is not working. All his funds are in FDs (about 7 lacs), with a liquid cash of around 8 lacs in the bank, and a pension amount of 9,000 rs per month( which is quite low to tell to the visa officer). Is it okay for him to show his self sponsorship for him and my mother in this case? Will these funds be okay? If he is retired then will his income be not asked by the officer.
4: My parents visa has got rejected twice 3 years back, when they were trying to visit USA, under the sponsorship of my cousin. Then will this thing affect the issue this time again?
Friends i really want my parents to visit me for my graduation this MAY.They are in a dilemma about what to do in this situation. Please advice me in this case.
Thanks in advance
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techbuyer77
06-20 07:09 PM
nsc used to be slower than texas but now with the tsunami of applications on july 1st who knows
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ahaadi
07-10 09:28 PM
In case his I-140 was approved then there are no problems for this scenario right?
anilsal
11-28 09:57 AM
What Next ?? Simple...
Finger Printing, EAD, AP, NAME CHECK, GREEN CARD and CITIZENSHIP :)
Add some time period between each of these. The cumulative time that will take will be a few years (probably over a decade). :(
Finger Printing, EAD, AP, NAME CHECK, GREEN CARD and CITIZENSHIP :)
Add some time period between each of these. The cumulative time that will take will be a few years (probably over a decade). :(
pa_arora
04-19 07:08 PM
Atleast somebody talked abut legals and their problems...Here's the link..
http://www.uschamber.com/issues/lett...sa_program.htm
=================TEXT========================
Letter on Employment-Based (EB or Green Card) and H-1B Visa Programs
April 12, 2007
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE UNITED STATES SENATE:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce would like to reiterate the need to reform both the employment-based (EB or green card) and H-1B visa programs. The Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
The Chamber represents numerous companies and organizations that need to bring thousands of foreign workers and students into the United States each year. The inability of these companies to bring highly educated workers and students into the United States severely hurts their competitiveness in the global market and often leads to companies moving operations overseas. It is imperative that any comprehensive immigration reform includes changes that would allow employers in the United States to recruit and retain highly educated foreign talent and guarantee our continued global economic competitiveness and success.
The announcement last week by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)regarding the fact that the H-1B visa cap for the FY2008 was reached on the first day applications were accepted marks the dire need for changes in the system. This is also the fourth consecutive year the H-1B cap was met before the fiscal year even starts. USCIS will now conduct a “computer-generated random selection process” to determine which of these needed workers will be excluded.
Other areas of U.S. immigration system for highly-skilled immigrants face similar daunting barriers—from years of waiting for a green card to the inability of hiring a student from a United States university as a permanent worker right after graduation. The current system is counterproductive to the country’s economic, security, and social goals. Retaining the best and the brightest foreign workers help make U.S. economy strong. These artificial barriers are forcing some companies to conduct business elsewhere, wherever they can hire the necessary talent. The Chamber strongly urges you to supports comprehensive immigration reform that would include:
Raising the EB cap and exempting specific highly skilled professionals in
sciences, arts, business, and other critical fields from the final allotted number.
Allowing foreign students who have earned advanced degrees from American
universities, as well as from foreign universities, in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to be exempt from both the EB and H-1B
visa cap numbers.
Designing the H-1B visa cap numbers around a market-based annual adjustment,
rather than an arbitrary fixed number.
The creation of an entire new visa category that would allow STEM students,
studying in the United States on a student visa, to seamlessly transition to a green
card when offered a job.
The Chamber urges inclusion of these measures in a comprehensive immigration reform package. Without these provisions in a broad immigration reform package, American companies will continue to lose their competitive edge in the global economy.
On behalf of the Chamber, I thank you and look forward to working with this Congress to pass meaningful comprehensive immigration reform.
Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
http://www.uschamber.com/issues/lett...sa_program.htm
=================TEXT========================
Letter on Employment-Based (EB or Green Card) and H-1B Visa Programs
April 12, 2007
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE UNITED STATES SENATE:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce would like to reiterate the need to reform both the employment-based (EB or green card) and H-1B visa programs. The Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
The Chamber represents numerous companies and organizations that need to bring thousands of foreign workers and students into the United States each year. The inability of these companies to bring highly educated workers and students into the United States severely hurts their competitiveness in the global market and often leads to companies moving operations overseas. It is imperative that any comprehensive immigration reform includes changes that would allow employers in the United States to recruit and retain highly educated foreign talent and guarantee our continued global economic competitiveness and success.
The announcement last week by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)regarding the fact that the H-1B visa cap for the FY2008 was reached on the first day applications were accepted marks the dire need for changes in the system. This is also the fourth consecutive year the H-1B cap was met before the fiscal year even starts. USCIS will now conduct a “computer-generated random selection process” to determine which of these needed workers will be excluded.
Other areas of U.S. immigration system for highly-skilled immigrants face similar daunting barriers—from years of waiting for a green card to the inability of hiring a student from a United States university as a permanent worker right after graduation. The current system is counterproductive to the country’s economic, security, and social goals. Retaining the best and the brightest foreign workers help make U.S. economy strong. These artificial barriers are forcing some companies to conduct business elsewhere, wherever they can hire the necessary talent. The Chamber strongly urges you to supports comprehensive immigration reform that would include:
Raising the EB cap and exempting specific highly skilled professionals in
sciences, arts, business, and other critical fields from the final allotted number.
Allowing foreign students who have earned advanced degrees from American
universities, as well as from foreign universities, in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to be exempt from both the EB and H-1B
visa cap numbers.
Designing the H-1B visa cap numbers around a market-based annual adjustment,
rather than an arbitrary fixed number.
The creation of an entire new visa category that would allow STEM students,
studying in the United States on a student visa, to seamlessly transition to a green
card when offered a job.
The Chamber urges inclusion of these measures in a comprehensive immigration reform package. Without these provisions in a broad immigration reform package, American companies will continue to lose their competitive edge in the global economy.
On behalf of the Chamber, I thank you and look forward to working with this Congress to pass meaningful comprehensive immigration reform.
Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
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