chanduv23
11-06 03:52 PM
Lets concentrate on EB issues. Those who have not yet joined a State chapter, please do so now.
Joining the State chapter and help grassroots efforts is an ongoing action item and everyone here MUST join your State chapter and contribute towards grassroots efforts.
Nothing much can be achieved by writing individual emails.
We need to focus on our issues and do what is organized, collective effort.
Joining the State chapter and help grassroots efforts is an ongoing action item and everyone here MUST join your State chapter and contribute towards grassroots efforts.
Nothing much can be achieved by writing individual emails.
We need to focus on our issues and do what is organized, collective effort.
wallpaper Used Subaru Forester 1998
bach007
11-25 11:44 AM
How true! In fact not only we have to maintain H1B to be able to "bring" spouses but we have to MAINTAIN H1B until the our PD becomes current to be able to maintain spouse's H4 status.
THIS SUCKS. Is there any thread which discusses this issue in detail?
Its preposterous that USCIS does not allow LEGAL prospective permanent immigrants using EAD to bring their spouses!!
THIS SUCKS. Is there any thread which discusses this issue in detail?
Its preposterous that USCIS does not allow LEGAL prospective permanent immigrants using EAD to bring their spouses!!
Macaca
11-19 12:41 PM
In War on the Middle Class (http://www.amazon.com/War-Middle-Class-Government-Business/dp/0670037923) Lou Dobbs says H1B workers don't pay taxes.
However, H-1B workers are legally required to pay the same taxes as any other US resident, including Social Security and Medicare. Some H-1B workers are not eligible to receive any Social Security or Medicare benefits unless they are able to adjust status to that of permanent resident. However, if their country of citizenship has a tax agreement with the United States, they are able to collect the Social Security they've earned even if they don't gain permanent residency.
In some cases, H-1B workers pay higher taxes than a US citizen because they are not entitled to certain deductions (eg. head of household deduction amongst many others).
Indian techie slams CNN Lou Dobbs! (http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/10-28a-04.asp) By N. Sivakumar, October 28, 2004
In a book titled "Dude, did I steal your job? Debugging Indian Computer programmers", the author, an Indian software engineer, has slammed Lou Dobbs of CNN for calling the foreign high-tech workers as non-tax payers, and humiliating the enormous contributions of foreign high-tech workforce to the American economy.
"Foreign high-tech workers who come here on H-1B / L1 visas pay every tax that U.S. citizens do, including Social Security and Medicare. But if they return to their homeland, then they will not get any benefits from these programs. The recent recession cost the United States more than half a million foreign high-tech workers who had to return home after paying all these taxes. In fact, Americans owe them money"
The author writes.
"The ignorance to mention the stupendous contributions of immigrant high-tech workers was the primary cause for the anti-Indian atmosphere which is seen among computer professionals lately. Unfortunately, neither the media nor the public understand the foreign high-tech workforce. The net result: those who supported the foreign high-tech worker programs have taken a back seat to play safe, and Indians and others who came here on visas, and worked their butts off to make this country prosper are named 'slaves', 'dummies', and 'enemies'. writes the author, N.Sivakumar.
The book also claims that bringing in foreign high-tech workforce at the right time was the primary reason for America's stupendous high-tech success, and gives statistics and evidence to prove that hadn't America acted quickly, the Europeans would have taken over the software dominance.
The book also outlines the life, struggle and achievements of Indian programmers in America with entertaining facts, and is a prime discussion topic in many anti-outsourcing and immigration websites lately.
However, H-1B workers are legally required to pay the same taxes as any other US resident, including Social Security and Medicare. Some H-1B workers are not eligible to receive any Social Security or Medicare benefits unless they are able to adjust status to that of permanent resident. However, if their country of citizenship has a tax agreement with the United States, they are able to collect the Social Security they've earned even if they don't gain permanent residency.
In some cases, H-1B workers pay higher taxes than a US citizen because they are not entitled to certain deductions (eg. head of household deduction amongst many others).
Indian techie slams CNN Lou Dobbs! (http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/10-28a-04.asp) By N. Sivakumar, October 28, 2004
In a book titled "Dude, did I steal your job? Debugging Indian Computer programmers", the author, an Indian software engineer, has slammed Lou Dobbs of CNN for calling the foreign high-tech workers as non-tax payers, and humiliating the enormous contributions of foreign high-tech workforce to the American economy.
"Foreign high-tech workers who come here on H-1B / L1 visas pay every tax that U.S. citizens do, including Social Security and Medicare. But if they return to their homeland, then they will not get any benefits from these programs. The recent recession cost the United States more than half a million foreign high-tech workers who had to return home after paying all these taxes. In fact, Americans owe them money"
The author writes.
"The ignorance to mention the stupendous contributions of immigrant high-tech workers was the primary cause for the anti-Indian atmosphere which is seen among computer professionals lately. Unfortunately, neither the media nor the public understand the foreign high-tech workforce. The net result: those who supported the foreign high-tech worker programs have taken a back seat to play safe, and Indians and others who came here on visas, and worked their butts off to make this country prosper are named 'slaves', 'dummies', and 'enemies'. writes the author, N.Sivakumar.
The book also claims that bringing in foreign high-tech workforce at the right time was the primary reason for America's stupendous high-tech success, and gives statistics and evidence to prove that hadn't America acted quickly, the Europeans would have taken over the software dominance.
The book also outlines the life, struggle and achievements of Indian programmers in America with entertaining facts, and is a prime discussion topic in many anti-outsourcing and immigration websites lately.
2011 Used Subaru Forester 2003
willigetagc
08-26 12:22 PM
Oh really? do you think so? RBI controls the exchange rate. You know who control RBI? Banks like ICICI and big corporate companies like RIL etc and other biggies and also big IT comps.
:D a gem..
Thanks for the humor relief on this otherwise serious site.
:D a gem..
Thanks for the humor relief on this otherwise serious site.
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DDash
07-19 03:29 PM
What IV has done is commendable and unprecedented. I also think that most of us here do not know anything about the expenses incurred by IV team or money collected by IV team. It would be a good idea to be transparent in that aspect so that members can have a better understanding of the functioning of the organization and contribute appropriately. Just a suggestion; what do you guys think?
Definitely not a good idea to transperent for an org like IV. Dont forget that internet is open to any body in the whole wide world. Not fair to assume that only supports come here....people who oppose us come here to build strong cases against us and we dont want to fuel their efforts by opening things too much.
Have faith in IV, this is a 100% non-profit org, with no paid employees.
Definitely not a good idea to transperent for an org like IV. Dont forget that internet is open to any body in the whole wide world. Not fair to assume that only supports come here....people who oppose us come here to build strong cases against us and we dont want to fuel their efforts by opening things too much.
Have faith in IV, this is a 100% non-profit org, with no paid employees.
pkpalta
07-19 06:25 PM
I'm like everyone else - 7th year on H1-B. Sick of thinking about my career. I filed my labor in Aug 2002 EB-3 and so I'm also a retro victim. I'm convinced that GC will take another 5 years to come to my date.
There are few options:
1. Apply for Canandian PR and then if you are lucky you may get a good job in Canada in IT or else you will end up working in Wal*Mart or some grocery store cursing why you came here. Canadian Companies wants Canadian experience. US experience is not enough! :(
2. Just enjoy without doing anything and hope that your GC would come before you die. :D
3. Do some Masters degree. I'm currently erolled in a masters program and would somehow try to finish it. It would keep me focussed and create positive energies in me. Otherwise due to utter frustration, I'm not able to concentrate and work. If you are wise enough you would understand that there is no place for you here in US and you would push off immediately. :)
There are few options:
1. Apply for Canandian PR and then if you are lucky you may get a good job in Canada in IT or else you will end up working in Wal*Mart or some grocery store cursing why you came here. Canadian Companies wants Canadian experience. US experience is not enough! :(
2. Just enjoy without doing anything and hope that your GC would come before you die. :D
3. Do some Masters degree. I'm currently erolled in a masters program and would somehow try to finish it. It would keep me focussed and create positive energies in me. Otherwise due to utter frustration, I'm not able to concentrate and work. If you are wise enough you would understand that there is no place for you here in US and you would push off immediately. :)
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she81
01-31 01:49 PM
Please read and vote cautiously as another illegal immigration related clause is at number 5
Whoa, the question is up at number 3 now!
Thanks syzygy but I think I can discern that much.
Whoa, the question is up at number 3 now!
Thanks syzygy but I think I can discern that much.
2010 Used Subaru Forester 2002
desi485
02-13 02:42 PM
why immigration lawyers provides different anwers on this? I guess, still some confusion...
is there any one on IV Community who used AP to travel and after coming back, successfully transferred the H1B visa to a new employer???
Please share...!!!
is there any one on IV Community who used AP to travel and after coming back, successfully transferred the H1B visa to a new employer???
Please share...!!!
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Raju
07-19 07:45 PM
There is a funding drive in this other thread towards reimbursing Aman's expenses.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/sh...874#post125874
Could you please pledge an amount ?
I cannot find this thread and the link does not work. I pledge $200
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/sh...874#post125874
Could you please pledge an amount ?
I cannot find this thread and the link does not work. I pledge $200
hair Used Subaru Forester 2006
SK2007
11-02 02:45 PM
I think you got a very good point here.
If India is really good economically, people from all over the world would be going there and find job.
There are people from even poorer countries coming to India for education and employment and so.
I agree that property is getting expensive by second in India, Some times it makes me think, most of us who wants to go back might not go back for wrong economical resons, Don't you think this is what happened to many people who migrated to African countries before Indian Independence. Most of them never visited India in their life time(I attribute most of them to economic reasons). I am not if this is a paradox or anticlimax.
If India is really good economically, people from all over the world would be going there and find job.
There are people from even poorer countries coming to India for education and employment and so.
I agree that property is getting expensive by second in India, Some times it makes me think, most of us who wants to go back might not go back for wrong economical resons, Don't you think this is what happened to many people who migrated to African countries before Indian Independence. Most of them never visited India in their life time(I attribute most of them to economic reasons). I am not if this is a paradox or anticlimax.
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Humhongekamyab
08-25 01:48 PM
I opened an account with them few years back and had to experience the same crappy service. The funny thing is that they had two phone numbers one for new customers calling to ask them about their services and the other one from existing customers.
The phone number for the new customers was answered within minutes and the quality of customer service reps was good BUT if you would call the other number if you were an existing customer then you would have to wait for someone to answer the call for hours and the quality of their reps was pathetic. The best part was that if you call the phone number for new cust and tell them you are an existing cust and have an issue then they would tell you too call the other phone number as they do not have access to the info.
I guess right after my first transaction, I canceled the account. The only way we can teach these people a lesson is by not giving our business to them in the first place.
The phone number for the new customers was answered within minutes and the quality of customer service reps was good BUT if you would call the other number if you were an existing customer then you would have to wait for someone to answer the call for hours and the quality of their reps was pathetic. The best part was that if you call the phone number for new cust and tell them you are an existing cust and have an issue then they would tell you too call the other phone number as they do not have access to the info.
I guess right after my first transaction, I canceled the account. The only way we can teach these people a lesson is by not giving our business to them in the first place.
hot Used Subaru Forester 2001
rdehar
09-15 08:41 PM
..
more...
house Used Subaru Forester 2008
number30
04-19 07:06 PM
There have been thousands of instances where applicants have been disqualified from applying for GC and even their H1B revoked when initial degree was found to not be related to the occupation - examples: B.Com, B.Sc (Bio, Geology..except Physics/Math), B.Arch.
USCIS is now very strict. :( -but for the betterment of the whole system.
It goes by how requirements were specified on LC. If you put proper wordings on LC B.Com, B.Sc. are OK for EB3 .
But for EB2 they want Four year degree for Indian graduates.
USCIS is now very strict. :( -but for the betterment of the whole system.
It goes by how requirements were specified on LC. If you put proper wordings on LC B.Com, B.Sc. are OK for EB3 .
But for EB2 they want Four year degree for Indian graduates.
tattoo Subaru Forester 2.0
danielp78
06-07 09:00 AM
This is the kind of attitude that we must have in life. Not just in our immigration matters, but as general view of what life is and how to get things done.
If you want to change things, you have fight for it. And remember, trying to change the law is not against the law.
If you want to change things, you have fight for it. And remember, trying to change the law is not against the law.
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pictures Used Subaru Forester 2010
shree772000
10-09 04:46 PM
You are right on - most of conversations/analysis on RE market in India (especially Hyderabad which I am familiar with) center around how NRI/IT employee money has spurred the prices. its a big urban legend. Majority of these "investments" were with black money - corrupt govt employees, local businessmen, and politicians of all parties, and ultra rich actors. They saw a chance in converting their black money into white and pumped up into RE projects as "investments". I saw a report somewhere which said that these black-money transactions can account for atleast 33% of RE transactions in hyderabad (with another 1/3 coming from companies/FII's and only the other 1/3 from NRI's + local rich professionals like IT employees/doctors/lawyers etc). In the apartment and SF homes market most of the projects are in the mid-way thru completion -with majority of apartment projects scheduled to complete in 2009-11. During that time there will be abundant apartments with not many people living in them - expect to see rental prices go down even more.
Of course these investors would eventually try to cash their assets - and deman vs supply equations change dramatically to drag down prices. In addition to this - the current global economic conditions are bad (to put it very mildly) - the argument that it will not touch India may not be correct. Our economy is a lot smaller than other economies like US/europe and depend a lot on those economies - more financial companies bankruptsies would affect IT companies revenues. Also there were direct investments from some of the failed companies in India - for example Lehman Bros had a investment in one of apartment project in Hyderabad. Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, etc. all have tie ups with RE companies with huge "promised" investments. Now that they themselves are in trouble - dont think that they would venture into indian RE market anymore - this can also potentially drag down prices.
I could be wrong (was saying that this would happen for last one year - it didnt happen so far ;)) - but I think buying an apartment/house in Hyderabad/Bangalore/Chennai now in 2008 as an "investment" is not a great idea. If the buy is to live there - then its another matter (I never look at my home as an investment - its more of a life style choice whether in India or in US).
On the same note.... On my last trip to India, Hyd specifically...I went around and asked some people I knew for an estimate on a property...I saw people just pulled the numbers out of thin air. I donno how they came to the number, there was nothing to track the real value, like revenue records etc.
I think this also causes the bubble we are seeing, as some people who have cash and are willing to pay may buy it at that price and that will cause people to think that its actually worth that much.
Of course these investors would eventually try to cash their assets - and deman vs supply equations change dramatically to drag down prices. In addition to this - the current global economic conditions are bad (to put it very mildly) - the argument that it will not touch India may not be correct. Our economy is a lot smaller than other economies like US/europe and depend a lot on those economies - more financial companies bankruptsies would affect IT companies revenues. Also there were direct investments from some of the failed companies in India - for example Lehman Bros had a investment in one of apartment project in Hyderabad. Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, etc. all have tie ups with RE companies with huge "promised" investments. Now that they themselves are in trouble - dont think that they would venture into indian RE market anymore - this can also potentially drag down prices.
I could be wrong (was saying that this would happen for last one year - it didnt happen so far ;)) - but I think buying an apartment/house in Hyderabad/Bangalore/Chennai now in 2008 as an "investment" is not a great idea. If the buy is to live there - then its another matter (I never look at my home as an investment - its more of a life style choice whether in India or in US).
On the same note.... On my last trip to India, Hyd specifically...I went around and asked some people I knew for an estimate on a property...I saw people just pulled the numbers out of thin air. I donno how they came to the number, there was nothing to track the real value, like revenue records etc.
I think this also causes the bubble we are seeing, as some people who have cash and are willing to pay may buy it at that price and that will cause people to think that its actually worth that much.
dresses Used Subaru Forester 2009
Bradman
11-09 10:06 AM
What you think and suggest is your problem. I know what all i had go through to be where I am today. I did a receive a call on either occasion from the Presidents office. As a matter of fact when I wrote to the FL and the Senators office then too I received calls.
Keep you subject very precise and on the top of envelop remember to mention "Immigration Assistance". Please use ordinary mail 41 cents stamp and wait and watch.
All the best !!!!
Forgot to mention on all the instance I had sent hand written personal letters just stating traumatic situation which I am going through. Also remember this is a request which we are asking for and there is no moral obligation on their part to expedite.
Cheers !!!
Bradman
Keep you subject very precise and on the top of envelop remember to mention "Immigration Assistance". Please use ordinary mail 41 cents stamp and wait and watch.
All the best !!!!
Forgot to mention on all the instance I had sent hand written personal letters just stating traumatic situation which I am going through. Also remember this is a request which we are asking for and there is no moral obligation on their part to expedite.
Cheers !!!
Bradman
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makeup subaru forester used car
WillIBLucky
11-16 02:24 PM
Check out -
http://weblog.infoworld.com/techwatch/archives/008912.html
http://weblog.infoworld.com/techwatch/archives/008912.html
girlfriend Used Subaru Forester 2000
gccovet
09-24 08:32 AM
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=286606 :mad::mad:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best way to respond this kind of people is to ignore them....
If you are successful, certain people will complain and make up stories how you became successful.
If you fail, the same people will makeup stories how dumb you are etc...
The best way, in my opinion, is to ignore these fools.
Those who are writing negative about IV and their leaders, do not have slightest idea on how much sacrifices they have made (family time, financially, physically, mentally etc) so that most of us could be benefited out of it. If these people think they are not benefited or does not like the idea, please don't read those post or just ignore them and move on, go to the posts that you would be benefited from and logout, I personally would like these people to share their experience and answer questions by others with their best of their knowledge, but if you can�t do that, please don't demoralize others.
And yes, I don't care about RED dots, so bring them on.
GCCOvet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best way to respond this kind of people is to ignore them....
If you are successful, certain people will complain and make up stories how you became successful.
If you fail, the same people will makeup stories how dumb you are etc...
The best way, in my opinion, is to ignore these fools.
Those who are writing negative about IV and their leaders, do not have slightest idea on how much sacrifices they have made (family time, financially, physically, mentally etc) so that most of us could be benefited out of it. If these people think they are not benefited or does not like the idea, please don't read those post or just ignore them and move on, go to the posts that you would be benefited from and logout, I personally would like these people to share their experience and answer questions by others with their best of their knowledge, but if you can�t do that, please don't demoralize others.
And yes, I don't care about RED dots, so bring them on.
GCCOvet
hairstyles Used Subaru Forester 2000
wellwishergc
12-16 06:20 AM
That was a very interesting roller-coaster ride. By the way, if you ever decide to make movies, count on me to watch them:). Your story-telling talent is fabulous.
Your experience does give hope to lot of us. Thanks for posting. Enjoy your freedom and the holiday season!!!
When GCSOON-Ihope becomes GC-IgotIt!
Guys, guess what I am holding in my hand? Yes, that bit of plastic, object of our fantasies �.and nightmares. After filing Writ of Mandamus on November 1st, things went amazingly quickly and smoothly: on December 1st, the US attorney gave confirmation that the case has been approved and I received the card in the mail on 12/07.
What did I feel then? Really indescribable�Happy? It goes way beyond that.
I feel more relieved than anything else, like if I had a ton of lead off my shoulders�
May my story inspire, give hope and faith to all of you guys who are so depressed at the moment because of what happened, or did not happen should I say, in that shameful Congress.
As you will see, I had my head in a brick wall more than once. More than once, I was devastated and, still, I never gave up and made it through.
So, please, enjoy the holidays: as long as there is life, there is hope.
I know something about it:
Come here in 1993 as a student on F1 visa. Graduate and got Work Permit (OPT).
Find dream job in dream company. Hired directly by CEO himself.
Company loves me and applies right away for H1 and then Labor Cert.
Life is beautiful. The start of the American Dream. Not for long.
Attorney has been working for company for years. Always successfully.
Picks me for his first failure: screws up completely.
H1 denied. Labor Cert denied. Company gets mad: attorney is fired.
OPT runs out: company still loves me but�I am now out of status and�fired too.
Welcome to America. Life has turned dark. The start of my American Nightmare.
I am disgusted. Decide to go back to my home country (France).
I miss California. Find new company that loves me: apply for H1 again (this time, I am paying all fees, out of my meager savings).
H1 is approved, got stamp at embassy in Paris. I am back. Life is beautiful again.
Not for long. Exactly 2 hours (no kidding).
Find out that company is a sweat-shop and boss is a crook.
Pays me half (yes, half) what he was supposed to.
Go to INS to complain: �If you are not happy, go back to your home country�.
I swear that it is exactly what I am told.
Consult attorneys for a possible lawsuit: � Alas, your situation happens more often than you can imagine. Many unscrupulous employers use and abuse of would-be immigrants like you. Don�t waste your time and money in a lawsuit, just find yourself a new job�and be more careful this time�.
I am broke. Can�t even go back �home� and anyway I don�t want to.
Not with just my tail between my legs for the second time.
Home is here. I want my American Dream and I will get it, no matter what.
Decide to swallow my pride and endure the humiliation until I can find new employer willing to sponsor new H1 and pay all fees. I just can�t afford anything as I am hardly surviving.
Employer wants to fire me: �you are always complaining about the money�.
I have to threaten him (yes I did) to report his company to Dept. of Labor (most his employees are illegals and as abused as I am, not getting paid for overtime and so on�).
Imagine in what kind of atmosphere I am working�but I need this job to remain legal until I can find something else.
For sure, I will be out of there within a couple months at the most.
Don�t know yet that this nightmare will last�2 years. Still can�t believe it.
Had I known, I would have fled the first day, no matter what.
In my specialty, jobs are not easy to find.
Not to mention that this time, I have to be very �choosy��
Companies that I approach:
a) don�t want to hear about immigration or
b) don�t want to pay attorney fees or
c) don�t want to pay at least prevailing wage or
d) all of the above
All doors seem to be closed.
I have never felt that bad in my life: go see the doctor.
�You have all the symptoms of someone who is having�a nervous depression.
Do you want me to refer you to a good psy who could help you?�
No, thanks. I know why I am sick.
Finally find new company that loves me: apply for new H1 and they pay all fees.
H1 approved.
This time, I am holding my breath. We are now in December 2000. Seven years since I first came in the US. Time flies�and no GC in sight.
Job is nice, company is nice. Recovering from depression.
Boss loves me: decides to start for me RIR Labor in�.May 2001.
Yes, one month after that damn month of April 2001. You know what I mean.
Six months of advertising.
PD is January 2002.
Labor Cert approved �in July 2004. Concurrent filing I-140/I-485 in August 2004.
Get EAD. FP in September 2004.
Things change: company is now going down. Boss still loves me but�lays me off.
(Re)(Re) Start of my American Nightmare?
Attorney says: �Don�t worry (!!!) Employer loves you. Won�t revoke I-140. GC is for future job. Find new H1 job to maintain status and see what happens�.
This time, I am lucky (!) and find right away new H1 job. Company is OK, job is OK.
Later, previous company nicely recovers: got rehired!
Only thing: I will have to pay all fees from now on. Don�t care. Back on the right track.
Do Medical in April 2005.
I-140 approved in May 2005�but visas are now �Unavailable�. Nothing to worry about.
October is around the corner and new numbers will be available, right?
Just a few more months and I will have my GC. Wrong.
October bulletin comes out. EB3 World is back to March 2001 (PD is 01/2002).
I swear that I almost s..t in my pants. When is too much�just too much?
How much more frustration and anguish can I endure? More, much more.
By rage and stress, I pack up an extra 20 lbs in just a few months.
Most people lose weight when they are under extreme stress and/or depression, I do the opposite. I am now 40 lbs overweight.
Second EAD. FP again in October 2005. Life is paced by visa bulletins�
September 2006 bulletin comes out: EB3 World has now passed my PD.
I am holding my breath again. Rightly so, for the umpteenth time.
Third EAD.
Wait 2 weeks and start inquiring about the status of my application.
Call so-called �Customer service�: as usual they know jack s..t.
�Your application is still pending�. Thanks, I already knew that.
Make Infopass appointment at Los Angeles downtown office.
�Sir, I can�t tell you anything specific because your case is at the Laguna Niguel office.
Contact them at: CSC-XII@dhs.gov�
E-mail #1 on 09/18: (�) Status of my case? (�)
Response on 09/27: �the I-485 at question is still pending FBI name check clearance.
Once the file has been cleared by FBI, it will be adjudicated. The service has no control on how long it takes FBI to clear the case�.
E-mail #2 on 09/27: (�) When was that initiated? (�)
Response on 10/02: (�) On or about 08/19/2004. (�)
This time, I surprise myself: I am one more time devastated but remain strangely calm.
Even laugh about it. Nervously. Too much is just too much.
I had heard about that Name Check aberration before but had ignored it.
Like most people involved in that GC mess, I refused to worry in advance.
One bridge to cross at the time, please.
Weirdly enough, I am now almost relieved. Why? Because for the first time ever, I can be proactive and I CAN ACT!
I call my lawyer and tell her about those 2 e-mails: �That�s good enough to file Writ of Mandamus. That summarizes the whole situation, we don�t need anything else�.
WOM is filed on November 1st.
(I requested FOIPA and contacted Senators, President, Vice-President etc, etc�
only later just in case we would have needed more ammunitions).
After that, things go fast:
11/ 29: without any warning (!), LUD: �Your card has been ordered�.
12/01: confirmation from the Assistant US Attorney that my case has been approved.
12/04 LUD: �Your case has been approved�.
(So, they notify you that the card has been ordered�before notifying that the case has been approved�).
12/05: receive Approval Notice in the mail and my attorney indicates that she will then dismiss the Mandamus complaint.
12/07: receive the Magic Card in the mail (regular mail, even not certified, unbelievable�).
What a timing! Could I dream of a better Christmas Gift?
Who said Papa Noel/Santa or Banta Claus/Little Red Riding Hood did not exist?
:) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :)
Your experience does give hope to lot of us. Thanks for posting. Enjoy your freedom and the holiday season!!!
When GCSOON-Ihope becomes GC-IgotIt!
Guys, guess what I am holding in my hand? Yes, that bit of plastic, object of our fantasies �.and nightmares. After filing Writ of Mandamus on November 1st, things went amazingly quickly and smoothly: on December 1st, the US attorney gave confirmation that the case has been approved and I received the card in the mail on 12/07.
What did I feel then? Really indescribable�Happy? It goes way beyond that.
I feel more relieved than anything else, like if I had a ton of lead off my shoulders�
May my story inspire, give hope and faith to all of you guys who are so depressed at the moment because of what happened, or did not happen should I say, in that shameful Congress.
As you will see, I had my head in a brick wall more than once. More than once, I was devastated and, still, I never gave up and made it through.
So, please, enjoy the holidays: as long as there is life, there is hope.
I know something about it:
Come here in 1993 as a student on F1 visa. Graduate and got Work Permit (OPT).
Find dream job in dream company. Hired directly by CEO himself.
Company loves me and applies right away for H1 and then Labor Cert.
Life is beautiful. The start of the American Dream. Not for long.
Attorney has been working for company for years. Always successfully.
Picks me for his first failure: screws up completely.
H1 denied. Labor Cert denied. Company gets mad: attorney is fired.
OPT runs out: company still loves me but�I am now out of status and�fired too.
Welcome to America. Life has turned dark. The start of my American Nightmare.
I am disgusted. Decide to go back to my home country (France).
I miss California. Find new company that loves me: apply for H1 again (this time, I am paying all fees, out of my meager savings).
H1 is approved, got stamp at embassy in Paris. I am back. Life is beautiful again.
Not for long. Exactly 2 hours (no kidding).
Find out that company is a sweat-shop and boss is a crook.
Pays me half (yes, half) what he was supposed to.
Go to INS to complain: �If you are not happy, go back to your home country�.
I swear that it is exactly what I am told.
Consult attorneys for a possible lawsuit: � Alas, your situation happens more often than you can imagine. Many unscrupulous employers use and abuse of would-be immigrants like you. Don�t waste your time and money in a lawsuit, just find yourself a new job�and be more careful this time�.
I am broke. Can�t even go back �home� and anyway I don�t want to.
Not with just my tail between my legs for the second time.
Home is here. I want my American Dream and I will get it, no matter what.
Decide to swallow my pride and endure the humiliation until I can find new employer willing to sponsor new H1 and pay all fees. I just can�t afford anything as I am hardly surviving.
Employer wants to fire me: �you are always complaining about the money�.
I have to threaten him (yes I did) to report his company to Dept. of Labor (most his employees are illegals and as abused as I am, not getting paid for overtime and so on�).
Imagine in what kind of atmosphere I am working�but I need this job to remain legal until I can find something else.
For sure, I will be out of there within a couple months at the most.
Don�t know yet that this nightmare will last�2 years. Still can�t believe it.
Had I known, I would have fled the first day, no matter what.
In my specialty, jobs are not easy to find.
Not to mention that this time, I have to be very �choosy��
Companies that I approach:
a) don�t want to hear about immigration or
b) don�t want to pay attorney fees or
c) don�t want to pay at least prevailing wage or
d) all of the above
All doors seem to be closed.
I have never felt that bad in my life: go see the doctor.
�You have all the symptoms of someone who is having�a nervous depression.
Do you want me to refer you to a good psy who could help you?�
No, thanks. I know why I am sick.
Finally find new company that loves me: apply for new H1 and they pay all fees.
H1 approved.
This time, I am holding my breath. We are now in December 2000. Seven years since I first came in the US. Time flies�and no GC in sight.
Job is nice, company is nice. Recovering from depression.
Boss loves me: decides to start for me RIR Labor in�.May 2001.
Yes, one month after that damn month of April 2001. You know what I mean.
Six months of advertising.
PD is January 2002.
Labor Cert approved �in July 2004. Concurrent filing I-140/I-485 in August 2004.
Get EAD. FP in September 2004.
Things change: company is now going down. Boss still loves me but�lays me off.
(Re)(Re) Start of my American Nightmare?
Attorney says: �Don�t worry (!!!) Employer loves you. Won�t revoke I-140. GC is for future job. Find new H1 job to maintain status and see what happens�.
This time, I am lucky (!) and find right away new H1 job. Company is OK, job is OK.
Later, previous company nicely recovers: got rehired!
Only thing: I will have to pay all fees from now on. Don�t care. Back on the right track.
Do Medical in April 2005.
I-140 approved in May 2005�but visas are now �Unavailable�. Nothing to worry about.
October is around the corner and new numbers will be available, right?
Just a few more months and I will have my GC. Wrong.
October bulletin comes out. EB3 World is back to March 2001 (PD is 01/2002).
I swear that I almost s..t in my pants. When is too much�just too much?
How much more frustration and anguish can I endure? More, much more.
By rage and stress, I pack up an extra 20 lbs in just a few months.
Most people lose weight when they are under extreme stress and/or depression, I do the opposite. I am now 40 lbs overweight.
Second EAD. FP again in October 2005. Life is paced by visa bulletins�
September 2006 bulletin comes out: EB3 World has now passed my PD.
I am holding my breath again. Rightly so, for the umpteenth time.
Third EAD.
Wait 2 weeks and start inquiring about the status of my application.
Call so-called �Customer service�: as usual they know jack s..t.
�Your application is still pending�. Thanks, I already knew that.
Make Infopass appointment at Los Angeles downtown office.
�Sir, I can�t tell you anything specific because your case is at the Laguna Niguel office.
Contact them at: CSC-XII@dhs.gov�
E-mail #1 on 09/18: (�) Status of my case? (�)
Response on 09/27: �the I-485 at question is still pending FBI name check clearance.
Once the file has been cleared by FBI, it will be adjudicated. The service has no control on how long it takes FBI to clear the case�.
E-mail #2 on 09/27: (�) When was that initiated? (�)
Response on 10/02: (�) On or about 08/19/2004. (�)
This time, I surprise myself: I am one more time devastated but remain strangely calm.
Even laugh about it. Nervously. Too much is just too much.
I had heard about that Name Check aberration before but had ignored it.
Like most people involved in that GC mess, I refused to worry in advance.
One bridge to cross at the time, please.
Weirdly enough, I am now almost relieved. Why? Because for the first time ever, I can be proactive and I CAN ACT!
I call my lawyer and tell her about those 2 e-mails: �That�s good enough to file Writ of Mandamus. That summarizes the whole situation, we don�t need anything else�.
WOM is filed on November 1st.
(I requested FOIPA and contacted Senators, President, Vice-President etc, etc�
only later just in case we would have needed more ammunitions).
After that, things go fast:
11/ 29: without any warning (!), LUD: �Your card has been ordered�.
12/01: confirmation from the Assistant US Attorney that my case has been approved.
12/04 LUD: �Your case has been approved�.
(So, they notify you that the card has been ordered�before notifying that the case has been approved�).
12/05: receive Approval Notice in the mail and my attorney indicates that she will then dismiss the Mandamus complaint.
12/07: receive the Magic Card in the mail (regular mail, even not certified, unbelievable�).
What a timing! Could I dream of a better Christmas Gift?
Who said Papa Noel/Santa or Banta Claus/Little Red Riding Hood did not exist?
:) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :)
santosh08872
08-19 02:36 PM
EB3 India
PD June 2002
PD June 2002
go_gc_way
09-13 09:17 PM
We need more members to join IV. In order to help us, pls--
- post IV poster in your local grocery stores, temples and restaaurants. (the poster is in resources section)
- try to get friends from other nationalities to join IV.
- If you are a graduate of A US university pls contact your alumni association and inform all their members.
- Send an email to all your friends. (template in resources section) informing about IV
I will be doing these soon.
- post IV poster in your local grocery stores, temples and restaaurants. (the poster is in resources section)
- try to get friends from other nationalities to join IV.
- If you are a graduate of A US university pls contact your alumni association and inform all their members.
- Send an email to all your friends. (template in resources section) informing about IV
I will be doing these soon.
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