kumar1
08-01 11:07 PM
Everyone is going to get citizenship .. yes right citizenship by next year.. no GC business.
Now everybody say "AMEN"
Very true, I will be a SENIOR CITIZEN pretty soon.
Now everybody say "AMEN"
Very true, I will be a SENIOR CITIZEN pretty soon.
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chanduv23
09-22 04:54 PM
Hi,
I am joining with Tek systems and they don't give as permanent position in offer letter rather just said contractor.. but I am full time with my current employer.
Do you think its going to be any problem from changing Full time to Contractor?
AC21 letter - wording is very important - the offer MUST be Permanant fulltime and the prospects for future employment must also be good - this is exactly what they request in a RFE or a NOID.
If your letter says it is temporary position, you will have issues.
I am joining with Tek systems and they don't give as permanent position in offer letter rather just said contractor.. but I am full time with my current employer.
Do you think its going to be any problem from changing Full time to Contractor?
AC21 letter - wording is very important - the offer MUST be Permanant fulltime and the prospects for future employment must also be good - this is exactly what they request in a RFE or a NOID.
If your letter says it is temporary position, you will have issues.
akhilmahajan
08-15 10:55 AM
Thanks for adding the poll.
GO IV GO.
GO IV GO.
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saileshdude
07-09 11:18 AM
I am trying to understand something here..... I had consultation with murthy lawyers and they told me that there is no law written anywhere that states that the employer must revoke I-140 if the employees is laid-off or is not working with them anymore. I was laid off and my company is determined to revoke I-140 because thats what Fragomen lawyers suggest. I am having a hard time understanding why would they want to cause problems for me when I am not even leaving on my own and got affected because of layoff.
Does anyone use Fragomen and could ask their attorneys this question whether a company is required or obligated by law to revoke I-140. That way I can try to convince my company's attorney that another attorney within same law firm have different opinion
Does anyone use Fragomen and could ask their attorneys this question whether a company is required or obligated by law to revoke I-140. That way I can try to convince my company's attorney that another attorney within same law firm have different opinion
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kavita
07-02 12:40 PM
To make an impact, we need in the order of 50,000 to 100,000 letters with their personal US address on it. Anything less doesn't hold any water..
From what I remember, when we wrote to President Bush, only 5000 letters were sent.
I dont think a number like 50,000 could ever be reached.
From what I remember, when we wrote to President Bush, only 5000 letters were sent.
I dont think a number like 50,000 could ever be reached.
potatoeater
08-05 07:52 PM
Clouds appear,
and give people a chance to rest,
from looking at the moon.
Think of the case status website as the moon, and this little distraction of a poetry session as clouds.
This one is from the famous Japanese Haiku master Matsuo Basho. Hope it mollifies all those who complain that this site is becoming too India-centric.
and give people a chance to rest,
from looking at the moon.
Think of the case status website as the moon, and this little distraction of a poetry session as clouds.
This one is from the famous Japanese Haiku master Matsuo Basho. Hope it mollifies all those who complain that this site is becoming too India-centric.
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pappu
09-01 09:16 AM
Everyone getting receipt notices, and not coming to the rally, (not coming to the rally -most on tracker threads), please at least consider contributing to the rally once you get your notice or FP done or get EAD!. The rally cost is huge and we can do much more if people can contribute generously.
We helped you get to the stage so that everyone can file I485s. It pains us in the core team see how our members who used to tell us all the time to at least allow them to file I485 and then they will wholeheartedly take part and support IV have turned their backs on us now. With our work and victory in Visa bulletin fiasco, we even answered people who used to ask us for our achievements before they could contribute.
Now it is your opportunity to deliver.
We helped you get to the stage so that everyone can file I485s. It pains us in the core team see how our members who used to tell us all the time to at least allow them to file I485 and then they will wholeheartedly take part and support IV have turned their backs on us now. With our work and victory in Visa bulletin fiasco, we even answered people who used to ask us for our achievements before they could contribute.
Now it is your opportunity to deliver.
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dehradoon
11-02 12:46 AM
see this link for correct numbers -
http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/3rd%20Level%20(Left%20Nav%20Children)/Green%20Card%20-%203rd%20Level/Pending%20Form%20I485%20Reports.pdf
http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/3rd%20Level%20(Left%20Nav%20Children)/Green%20Card%20-%203rd%20Level/Pending%20Form%20I485%20Reports.pdf
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lazycis
07-02 11:40 AM
DOJ does not ask congress to act. They directly give orders to executive branch that is USCIS in this case, based on their judgment..
Right on. DOJ can order the recapture.
Right on. DOJ can order the recapture.
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villamonte6100
11-20 08:46 AM
I visited the PA DMV yesterday to renew my driving licence based on my pending I-485. With all the valid documents like EAD, I-485, SSN card, I-94 etc. They refused to renew it saying that they have a new pilot program implemented called SAVE and need to get clearence from that, it will take upto 30 days. Anybody else gone throgh this proces?? Day by day more hurdles to pass...what a life, why dont they keep their systems uptodate or provide some temp permit as long as their check is pending. I am frustated with all this GC process, name check, DL SAVE system check etc..Why dont they implement just one check and give approval to everything.. atleast make it less time consuming.
Anythoght from anybody? anybody else went through this SAVE (Systematic Allien Verification for Entitlement) program, or am I the only one??
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=71cf58f91f08e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=71919c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 ____
Yes, 4 of my frineds in Colorado went through the same process called the "SAVED". I was the one who started this thread to find out if other states have already started using SAVE and it seems other states are reluctant to use it.
Ironically, the DMV in Colorado got sued last week regarding this new process because US citizens were badly affected by this. Please read the article below.
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_4674598
My wife's DL will expire on 02/07 but because of this new process, we decided to visit our local DMV here.
They renewed her license with just the new 797 and passport as the requirement. I don't know if the law suit has got something to do with the change.
My other friends are still waiting to be cleared by SAVE and couldn't drive.
Goodluck.
Anythoght from anybody? anybody else went through this SAVE (Systematic Allien Verification for Entitlement) program, or am I the only one??
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=71cf58f91f08e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=71919c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 ____
Yes, 4 of my frineds in Colorado went through the same process called the "SAVED". I was the one who started this thread to find out if other states have already started using SAVE and it seems other states are reluctant to use it.
Ironically, the DMV in Colorado got sued last week regarding this new process because US citizens were badly affected by this. Please read the article below.
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_4674598
My wife's DL will expire on 02/07 but because of this new process, we decided to visit our local DMV here.
They renewed her license with just the new 797 and passport as the requirement. I don't know if the law suit has got something to do with the change.
My other friends are still waiting to be cleared by SAVE and couldn't drive.
Goodluck.
more...
small2006
12-07 10:30 AM
Here's what i can add - my ead too has been pending for 4 months now.!
I went in for a second infopass this morning (14 degrees F - 5 block walk from where i parked.! I almost had a facial nerve plasy from the biting cold!). Anyway after looking into her system - the IO told me that the A # on my 485 receipt has not been linked to the 765 & 131 applications.! So she was busy typing so stuf for like 2-3 mins and then said that since my 485 was filed intially and the 765 & 131 were sent in after a month or so - hence this generated a miscommunication between both these sets of applications.
So since the A# is not tagged to the EAD & AP applications in thier system - i guess it seems like i have not filed for the EAD & AP at all.! Makes sense.?? I guess..!!
Anyway she was kinda nice....she was like... don't worry...etc..the last thing she said after i said thanks was "good luck - hang in there"..Imagine that coming from USCIS IO..!! Lets wait and see now if at all there is any progress on my case.!
My wife and I had the same exact experience at a local office. My 485 was filed on July 12 and my EAD/AP were filed on Aug 9. We went to the local office (2nd time) last week. We called USCIS before going there and were told to go there and then they would call the main center (NE) to "initiate" an interim EAD processing. Yet when we went there, the supposed to be supervisor told me that I was misinformed. She started bi*****g about how the USCIS customer service has been outsourced to a 3rd party company and they only read from old documents thus misleading people , blah, blah, blah...
Another officer who called my wife called NE center and gave them the A number and it did not show up. Reason: Although my 485 and EAD/AP were all sent to NE, for some reason, they shipped my 485 to TX thus leaving my EAD/AP without an A number. Their system is so screwed that they don't even have an option to amend that and put a note on my EAD/AP saying that the 485 is sitting in TX. Bottomline: We were sent back. We again called the USCIS and have initiated a "service request" to expedite. We will have to wait and see where it takes us. In the meantime, my wife is in a limbo as she is getting interview calls but is no sure what to tell them as her H1 is about to expire.
I went in for a second infopass this morning (14 degrees F - 5 block walk from where i parked.! I almost had a facial nerve plasy from the biting cold!). Anyway after looking into her system - the IO told me that the A # on my 485 receipt has not been linked to the 765 & 131 applications.! So she was busy typing so stuf for like 2-3 mins and then said that since my 485 was filed intially and the 765 & 131 were sent in after a month or so - hence this generated a miscommunication between both these sets of applications.
So since the A# is not tagged to the EAD & AP applications in thier system - i guess it seems like i have not filed for the EAD & AP at all.! Makes sense.?? I guess..!!
Anyway she was kinda nice....she was like... don't worry...etc..the last thing she said after i said thanks was "good luck - hang in there"..Imagine that coming from USCIS IO..!! Lets wait and see now if at all there is any progress on my case.!
My wife and I had the same exact experience at a local office. My 485 was filed on July 12 and my EAD/AP were filed on Aug 9. We went to the local office (2nd time) last week. We called USCIS before going there and were told to go there and then they would call the main center (NE) to "initiate" an interim EAD processing. Yet when we went there, the supposed to be supervisor told me that I was misinformed. She started bi*****g about how the USCIS customer service has been outsourced to a 3rd party company and they only read from old documents thus misleading people , blah, blah, blah...
Another officer who called my wife called NE center and gave them the A number and it did not show up. Reason: Although my 485 and EAD/AP were all sent to NE, for some reason, they shipped my 485 to TX thus leaving my EAD/AP without an A number. Their system is so screwed that they don't even have an option to amend that and put a note on my EAD/AP saying that the 485 is sitting in TX. Bottomline: We were sent back. We again called the USCIS and have initiated a "service request" to expedite. We will have to wait and see where it takes us. In the meantime, my wife is in a limbo as she is getting interview calls but is no sure what to tell them as her H1 is about to expire.
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gg_ny
10-12 02:52 PM
I agree with jonty and nixtor...that was the point I put out as a counter during our discussion. But the underlying sense is similar to what is there for illegal immigration: border fence. Humanitarian grounds is not an excuse you could use it with Congress men and women. Revamping Maths and Science in US schools is the exact justification against highskilled_immigration. Just like the border fence for illegal immigration, I wonder the issue in waiting against our efforts for fixing retrogression of highskilled immigration would be 'Show US born could start their training and educaction first' ...
Again, my visa number too is retrogressed too and I am not doing a kaka here to throw water on flames of enthusiasm but reporting my followup with some loud-noise-makers in DC.. The posting was infact to show what we are against and how much we all need to do.
Training and educating who doesnt have the background takes yrs. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long time. I feel that Jim Austin didnt address your question but asked you another question. Maths and Science are the 2 subjects US citizens need to pick up right from school. There is nothing much any one can do to change it night over night.
Again, my visa number too is retrogressed too and I am not doing a kaka here to throw water on flames of enthusiasm but reporting my followup with some loud-noise-makers in DC.. The posting was infact to show what we are against and how much we all need to do.
Training and educating who doesnt have the background takes yrs. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long time. I feel that Jim Austin didnt address your question but asked you another question. Maths and Science are the 2 subjects US citizens need to pick up right from school. There is nothing much any one can do to change it night over night.
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hpandey
06-03 09:59 AM
For all those who commented in negative.
1. Its posted in Interesting topics section. GC, E2/E3 predictions,H1B extension etc is not the only thing left in life.
2. Spelling is a logical/creative thing. Its not cramming words from dictionary. Its an art too. Ever heard of phonetics.
have a nice day.
Are you quite sure it is a logical creative thing ? There are a lot of words which are pronounced quite differently from the way they are spelled ... unless you know the word ( by cramming ) you would not be able to spell it.
Your point 1 has nothing to do with this topic. Was it ever said that GC is the only thing in life by anyone ?
Obviously this is hard work but to what end. How is knowing the spelling of every word in the planet going to help her or anyone for that matter.
Better be a good writer who writes on interesting topics , stories or novels than to be the proof reader for the writer. Who do you think would have a good career - the writer or the proof reader.
Learning how to spell would have taken thousands and thousands of hours . Wouldn't that time be better spent in learning maths or science or arts or a musical instrument or sports or anything that will help her in the future or be personally gratifying for life. I am not sure she will remember half the words 10 years from now just like a engineer doing java programming for 10-15 years would practically remember nothing he learned in college.
1. Its posted in Interesting topics section. GC, E2/E3 predictions,H1B extension etc is not the only thing left in life.
2. Spelling is a logical/creative thing. Its not cramming words from dictionary. Its an art too. Ever heard of phonetics.
have a nice day.
Are you quite sure it is a logical creative thing ? There are a lot of words which are pronounced quite differently from the way they are spelled ... unless you know the word ( by cramming ) you would not be able to spell it.
Your point 1 has nothing to do with this topic. Was it ever said that GC is the only thing in life by anyone ?
Obviously this is hard work but to what end. How is knowing the spelling of every word in the planet going to help her or anyone for that matter.
Better be a good writer who writes on interesting topics , stories or novels than to be the proof reader for the writer. Who do you think would have a good career - the writer or the proof reader.
Learning how to spell would have taken thousands and thousands of hours . Wouldn't that time be better spent in learning maths or science or arts or a musical instrument or sports or anything that will help her in the future or be personally gratifying for life. I am not sure she will remember half the words 10 years from now just like a engineer doing java programming for 10-15 years would practically remember nothing he learned in college.
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ganguteli
07-02 12:33 PM
To make an impact, we need in the order of 50,000 to 100,000 letters with their personal US address on it. Anything less doesn't hold any water..
Are you kidding me. Nobody will write personal address on a letter. Even if they write one, it will be a fake address. and forget 50-100 thousand letters. Even IV members are not that many. Have you ever wondered where all the applicants are when we say there are 500 thousand or 1 million backlog?
Are you kidding me. Nobody will write personal address on a letter. Even if they write one, it will be a fake address. and forget 50-100 thousand letters. Even IV members are not that many. Have you ever wondered where all the applicants are when we say there are 500 thousand or 1 million backlog?
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unitednations
08-16 02:40 PM
As I see it, hiring a lawyer is still cheaper than losing 20K per year because you are working for a exploitative consulting company. But if the company is treating you well, there is no reason to leave.
I never understood this "exploitation thing". This is America...
If someone is exploiting we all have a choice. We can change employers; go back home, etc.
It may not be a totally open market but it is not like you have handcuffs around you. This type of talk of exploiting, slavery only hurts everyones cause.
I never understood this "exploitation thing". This is America...
If someone is exploiting we all have a choice. We can change employers; go back home, etc.
It may not be a totally open market but it is not like you have handcuffs around you. This type of talk of exploiting, slavery only hurts everyones cause.
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Chris Rock
01-23 12:33 AM
Here is a post from Ron Gotcher's website which might be of interest to some of us trapped in EB3 I retrogression .
http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7065
He expects visa bulletin cut off for EB3 I to jump to 2004 in coming months. No reasoning behing this though..
There are only 35000 EB3 visas available. India quota is 2450. India is now in Oct 2001 and ROW is not current yet. How come India PD will move to 2004?
I have seen many such reports from Dec 2004. We all wait till the last quarter only to face disappointment. That happened last year. What is different in this year?
Also there are lots of Eb3_india gyus are waiting with PD being current. PD being current is not important. Getting GC is important.
Go figure!
http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7065
He expects visa bulletin cut off for EB3 I to jump to 2004 in coming months. No reasoning behing this though..
There are only 35000 EB3 visas available. India quota is 2450. India is now in Oct 2001 and ROW is not current yet. How come India PD will move to 2004?
I have seen many such reports from Dec 2004. We all wait till the last quarter only to face disappointment. That happened last year. What is different in this year?
Also there are lots of Eb3_india gyus are waiting with PD being current. PD being current is not important. Getting GC is important.
Go figure!
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chanduv23
09-19 04:07 PM
Not entirely true, I switched job a couple of months ago - filed for AC21. I got an acknowledgment from USCIS for the same - stating that it will be added to my file, to be reviewed when my application is processed.
Well both are true - but most cases do not reach the file.
Well both are true - but most cases do not reach the file.
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singhsa3
12-12 10:20 AM
Wonderful idea!!!
But we may need to get some permits and Permission from the union (Sweepers Union of America or whatever it is called)
How About Sweeping Roads In Nyc ..on Wall Street, In Front Of Nyse And Nasdaq And Also In Ffreont Of All Tv Stations ...will Get Lots Of Media Attention ...
But we may need to get some permits and Permission from the union (Sweepers Union of America or whatever it is called)
How About Sweeping Roads In Nyc ..on Wall Street, In Front Of Nyse And Nasdaq And Also In Ffreont Of All Tv Stations ...will Get Lots Of Media Attention ...
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HRPRO
02-23 04:20 PM
----------
Hi sertha1,
I have a similar situation. Can you please tell me how you resolved this problem?
Thanks
r
If you knew you wanted to convert back, you should have filed a 539 along with your husband's petition. Not too late, you can still do it but to revert back, they may come back asking for last 3 paystubs to prove you were still in status ona H-1.
HRPRO
Hi sertha1,
I have a similar situation. Can you please tell me how you resolved this problem?
Thanks
r
If you knew you wanted to convert back, you should have filed a 539 along with your husband's petition. Not too late, you can still do it but to revert back, they may come back asking for last 3 paystubs to prove you were still in status ona H-1.
HRPRO
pappu
10-12 01:35 PM
great work everyone. thank you nycgal and others that took initiative and pushed this effort further. committed members like all of you in this thread help us a lot by sending emails to reporters. several letters highlighting a particular issue generates interest in reporters and media orgs and they choose to write about us. It is not easy to get even a single article published in newspapers and it is due to the efforts of our members, we are able to generate awareness. There is still a long road ahead of us and I am sure with active participation from everyone, we will surely succeed.
GCchaos
02-23 03:44 PM
�United States Of America� or more commonly the �US� means one and only one thing for most people in India, the land of opportunities, a place where every dream comes true, a Cinderella fantasy that pops t life. Well, Legend has it that once upon a long long time, it used to be true. But the current situation is a whole lot different than the legends and the fantasies. Let�s delve into the story of an Indian guy, who set out on a journey in pursuit of his
dreams that promised him the sky.
This guy was a smart, hard working software engineer in his own power, working for a software company in India. He worked on different kinds of projects for different clients, all of which were from the fantasy land. The clients always appreciated his work and he had a great rapport with these people.
One day, he got an invitation from one of these demigods�, �Will you please come and join us and share our fortunes? We are in much need of someone talented like you to run our operations�.
Now, that was an offer he could not refuse, could he? It�s something he had been dreaming about, since he was a child. It seemed like an offer that would change his life for the better, in every possible way.
He immediately packed his bags, bade good bye to his family and friends, not knowing the future, not knowing he would not see them for at least a few years. It did not even remotely occur to any one at that point, that he will be tangled in so many restrictions, that it would be hard for him to leave the fantasy land. Well, who cares �He is going to AMERICA!�
He landed here, worked harder than ever, slogged like anything and proved his capabilities and reserved a place for himself in this wonderful land. Five years passed by�..not realizing that every day has been the same, just struggling to keep up with the expectations of his boss. However he became a much respected person at his work place, every one who worked with him was very happy to have him here. They just loved his dedication and passion. His initial plan was to stay here for the 6 years he had on his H1-B visa and head home. But, destiny had something else in store for him. His employers wanted him to stay. They realized they would not be able to find another person of his caliber. So they started a process called Green Card which would allow him to stay in this country and work for them.
He went to India after a long time, and met his parents. They wanted him to get married; he met a nice girl of his parent�s choice. Both of them liked each other and got married.
She flew to the fantasy land with him and they live happily ever after��.
Well, not exactly!
There is a twist in this story.
We need to talk about the girl for a little while now. She too was a young, aspiring software engineer with a good company in India. She was a smart and independent girl who loved to live her life. She lived at a short distance from her parents and family with whom she was very close. When she met the guy, she was overjoyed. She instantly liked him, but was a little apprehensive about quitting her job. But everyone told her that she was being silly and that she would get a job in USA, any time she wanted, because of her VAST two year experience. She believed it! The guy also did not know that his fantasy land had changed a lot since his going there. He thought that he was going to get his green card soon and that his wife would be able to work immediately.
So with all these hopes, they flew back to US of A. Here the reality was far from anything that she ever heard in the legends. She had no friends, no family, and no job. She was not allowed to work while she was on her dependent visa called H4. The hopes of green card were thrashed to the ground. Apparently only a small number of people were given these magical passes called green cards every year. And the wait was a very very long one; reality hit hard, it would take at least five more years to get their green card and that she would have to wait for an indefinite period of time before she could work again.
She thought of keeping herself occupied by making friends but she found none in her locality.
She wanted to put her technical expertise to good use by volunteering, she got a few offers but they were all so distant from her house. She did not have a car of her own, so she could not take up such jobs.
She was left alone at home all day, destined to look at the windows and the walls of her apartment. She could not take it. She applied for her own H1-B visa which she thought would allow her to start working. She had high hopes and started concentrating on honing her skills. But the process was such a long one that it took more than 8 months for her to get the visa approval. She tried to keep her cool, but it was one heck of a struggle. There were so many laws and rules and other incomprehensible things associated with her H1 and her husband�s green card process that she could not go to India to meet her parents . The real struggle started once she got her H1 B. She could not find a project to work on. There were requirements for people in her technology, but most of the jobs required hat she be one of the following:
1. Candidate with 6 years or more experience
2. Green Card holder with any experience.
She hit a roadblock. 6 years of experience or GREENCARD????
How will she get any of this now?
Her husband had also become very sad because of the pain that she had been going through. They were never peaceful during these past 1.5 years. Even he was also completely stalled in his career. There is a rule which doesn�t allow him to change jobs or take a promotion even in the same company once his green card process has been started. He has to either wait until he gets the green card or start it all over again. It is like leaving one�s place in a long queue and having to join in at the end, all over again.
I hear they are thinking about going back to India, where their lives will be much easier.
Two highly skilled people who were disowned like foster children and put entangled in such complex problems.
Unless they do something about this green card process soon, there will be many more immigrants who would plan to move back to their own countries.
It is America�s loss, no doubt!
An organization called Immigration Voice has been started by a few people, suffering skilled immigrants themselves, to take up the cause of all the others in similar situation. It has picked up quite a lot of momentum these days and
had been able to achieve success to a certain extent. But it requires more people, more funds and more support to actually attain a significant result.
America has been built on the competitiveness of highly skilled immigrants. America enjoys a technological leadership around the world primarily because of them.
Let�s hope that the government will do something soon to provide relief to these skilled immigrants lest America should become a mere legend like Atlantis.
dreams that promised him the sky.
This guy was a smart, hard working software engineer in his own power, working for a software company in India. He worked on different kinds of projects for different clients, all of which were from the fantasy land. The clients always appreciated his work and he had a great rapport with these people.
One day, he got an invitation from one of these demigods�, �Will you please come and join us and share our fortunes? We are in much need of someone talented like you to run our operations�.
Now, that was an offer he could not refuse, could he? It�s something he had been dreaming about, since he was a child. It seemed like an offer that would change his life for the better, in every possible way.
He immediately packed his bags, bade good bye to his family and friends, not knowing the future, not knowing he would not see them for at least a few years. It did not even remotely occur to any one at that point, that he will be tangled in so many restrictions, that it would be hard for him to leave the fantasy land. Well, who cares �He is going to AMERICA!�
He landed here, worked harder than ever, slogged like anything and proved his capabilities and reserved a place for himself in this wonderful land. Five years passed by�..not realizing that every day has been the same, just struggling to keep up with the expectations of his boss. However he became a much respected person at his work place, every one who worked with him was very happy to have him here. They just loved his dedication and passion. His initial plan was to stay here for the 6 years he had on his H1-B visa and head home. But, destiny had something else in store for him. His employers wanted him to stay. They realized they would not be able to find another person of his caliber. So they started a process called Green Card which would allow him to stay in this country and work for them.
He went to India after a long time, and met his parents. They wanted him to get married; he met a nice girl of his parent�s choice. Both of them liked each other and got married.
She flew to the fantasy land with him and they live happily ever after��.
Well, not exactly!
There is a twist in this story.
We need to talk about the girl for a little while now. She too was a young, aspiring software engineer with a good company in India. She was a smart and independent girl who loved to live her life. She lived at a short distance from her parents and family with whom she was very close. When she met the guy, she was overjoyed. She instantly liked him, but was a little apprehensive about quitting her job. But everyone told her that she was being silly and that she would get a job in USA, any time she wanted, because of her VAST two year experience. She believed it! The guy also did not know that his fantasy land had changed a lot since his going there. He thought that he was going to get his green card soon and that his wife would be able to work immediately.
So with all these hopes, they flew back to US of A. Here the reality was far from anything that she ever heard in the legends. She had no friends, no family, and no job. She was not allowed to work while she was on her dependent visa called H4. The hopes of green card were thrashed to the ground. Apparently only a small number of people were given these magical passes called green cards every year. And the wait was a very very long one; reality hit hard, it would take at least five more years to get their green card and that she would have to wait for an indefinite period of time before she could work again.
She thought of keeping herself occupied by making friends but she found none in her locality.
She wanted to put her technical expertise to good use by volunteering, she got a few offers but they were all so distant from her house. She did not have a car of her own, so she could not take up such jobs.
She was left alone at home all day, destined to look at the windows and the walls of her apartment. She could not take it. She applied for her own H1-B visa which she thought would allow her to start working. She had high hopes and started concentrating on honing her skills. But the process was such a long one that it took more than 8 months for her to get the visa approval. She tried to keep her cool, but it was one heck of a struggle. There were so many laws and rules and other incomprehensible things associated with her H1 and her husband�s green card process that she could not go to India to meet her parents . The real struggle started once she got her H1 B. She could not find a project to work on. There were requirements for people in her technology, but most of the jobs required hat she be one of the following:
1. Candidate with 6 years or more experience
2. Green Card holder with any experience.
She hit a roadblock. 6 years of experience or GREENCARD????
How will she get any of this now?
Her husband had also become very sad because of the pain that she had been going through. They were never peaceful during these past 1.5 years. Even he was also completely stalled in his career. There is a rule which doesn�t allow him to change jobs or take a promotion even in the same company once his green card process has been started. He has to either wait until he gets the green card or start it all over again. It is like leaving one�s place in a long queue and having to join in at the end, all over again.
I hear they are thinking about going back to India, where their lives will be much easier.
Two highly skilled people who were disowned like foster children and put entangled in such complex problems.
Unless they do something about this green card process soon, there will be many more immigrants who would plan to move back to their own countries.
It is America�s loss, no doubt!
An organization called Immigration Voice has been started by a few people, suffering skilled immigrants themselves, to take up the cause of all the others in similar situation. It has picked up quite a lot of momentum these days and
had been able to achieve success to a certain extent. But it requires more people, more funds and more support to actually attain a significant result.
America has been built on the competitiveness of highly skilled immigrants. America enjoys a technological leadership around the world primarily because of them.
Let�s hope that the government will do something soon to provide relief to these skilled immigrants lest America should become a mere legend like Atlantis.
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