Kama Of Kingstone

Where the visa numbers in Oct'08 will be will depend on how proactive IV is.

Here is my take on the situation.

DOS said that they used up 80% of EB numbers in first 3 quarters of Fiscal year '08, that leaves 28K (20% of 140K) visas available for last quarter of Fiscal year '08.

Since higher priority categories are already current, this means that most of these visas have to be used by EB2 India/China.

Hence DOS made it an option for USCIS to issue another 25K visas to EB2 India/China.

See my analysis:


If USCIS uses these 25K visas, then in Oct'08, they get the first quarter allocation for Fiscal year '09, and my calculation shows that EB2 India/China will move to atleast Jul 1, 06 (based on 627 India/China Level III/IV labor approvals forthat period).

If USCIS lets the 25K visas to go waste, then in Oct'08, PDs will move back to mid 04.

If they can approve ~ 150 k total EB cases per year @ ~12,500 / month, with EB3 used up for the remainder of this year, they can definitely process at least 25 k during Aug and Sep.

At the end of the day, its comes to ones preferences.

The way i look at, after spending so many years in states, its just hard to pack and move. Over the period of time, we make friends, we have familes and above all we invest the best years of our lives.

Pros and cons will be everywhere.
India no doubt has changed a lot. One can debate about the pros and cons the whole day. I dont think money is a problem in india any more. The economy is growing like anything and will keep on growing. No doubt about it.

I am sure folks who have spent 7-8 years in this country and are still trying to settle down, will love every oppurtunity to settle down here. Because this country is like our home now. We have given it everything. We have made sincere efforts in helping the American economy grow.

Even if we move to other countries, there is no gurantee we will be treated good. We have to start from scratch, make friends, earn peoples respect and trust.

Sometimes i feel sad when people talk about leaving the country, to whom they have given everything.

I will like to ask everyone one question.
Why not give one good shot at trying to fix the broken Employement-Based green card system? What are we all scared off? We never did anything wrong, so why do we need to leave the country?

Folks think about it.

I am sorry if i offended anyone, but this is what i feel.

I believe in fixing things then running away from them. Thats my take.

GO IV GO
TOGETHER WE CAN

You have said what exactly what I want to say. I have built a business here and it is been around for eight years. My customers, products, services, connections, knowledge and experience, etc., etc. I can not move them with me. They are from this country and for this country only.

any one else.. who got any update after filling RFE?

I got soft LUD on Oct 12.... nothing after that :confused:

EB3 - PD Nov 2004
EAD - July 2007; FP done
Masters degree from US but employer filed under EB3

I have heard from people who have worked there that Socialism has eaten away at the insides of the European economy so much that they do not care if an immigrant helps them make more money. Unlike the capitalist US that accepts immigrants (at least to some extent) that bring economic benefit, the EU is one big xenophobic amalgamation of countries.
Well - though white racists may oppose - anything related to economy and development does go through.

I personally think that if this proposal goes through - EU will be the next melting pot.

Racism is there everywhere, we find it in US also, even in India, you find caste system and inter state racism. With rising opportunities, such things may not really be visible especially in places where there are free zones.

Does anyone has more info on this?

Hi Friends,

Please participate in this Eb3 Poll so that we would have some idea on Eb3 numbers from ImmigrationVoice members.

Thanks & Regards,

Alex

Good point Jaime... currency strengthening has nothing to do with general career opportunities in that particular country. In short term it is because of interest rate differentials and in long run it is because of multiple factors primarily being inflation and trade balance. Therefore moving to Europe or India (best performing Asian currency this year) because of appreciating local currency does not mean anything as far as your career opportunities are concerned.

By the time you are settled in Europe (5-10 years), the currency rates may reverse because US would have started exporting more goods to Europe as US goods would be getting cheaper. Euro and dollar zones are mature market based currencies so we can say something about them.

However, same is not true for India largely because of intervention of RBI. However, look at Japanese currency, over 3 decades it has risen from 600 yen to 115 yen even after intervention of Japanese central bank. This is because of strength of exports from Japan. So it is possible that INR may end up somewhere near Rs. 8-15 if we go by PPP or somewhere in between depending upon trade balance and inflation. However recent reports suggest that Rs. 32-35 is breaking point and Indian software exports will become costlier than simply offshoring to Arkansas or Illinois. Therefore, most likely Indian govt. will step in and avoid dollar free fall against rupee.

Very good analysis.

On another note people discuss about excessive war spending and lack of funding for technology and research and innovation and offcourse, lack of motivation to fix the legal immigration mess and protectionistic policy appproach as part of vote bank politics.

So we have two different perspectives here.

Guys,

I heard on NPR yesterday evening,DHS has decided to conduct Security Checks through FBI for over 400,000 Port and Dock Employees in the US of A.
President BUSH wants the initial Phase of Name Checks to be done before Summer is over.If the move proceeds as per the plan(I see no reason not to, considering the sensitive nature for which it is being carried out)its going to be even more pain for people who have been waiting to get their Name Check done.

Regards.

You don't have to struggle in home country. You were born and raised there and I do not see a need to struggle.

And you are not struggling here also, you have come to pursue your dream, everyone here have jobs, we are just trying to fix a broken system here.

I have 2 European co-workers. They both told me, "The only way we will go back to Europe is when we die".

...
I did argue about the scenario if I ended up losing my passport and vital documents, which is why I had made copies. He shook his head and repeated the same - NO PHOTOCOPIES OF OFFICIAL US IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR PERSONAL USE.
....


Presenting copies of your documents to government officials is not PERSONAL use. You could argue that. Personal use is if you would be playing monopoly with copies of your documents with your friends. But if you make a copy of US document for the intent to present to US official and not to misrepresent the original document, it is not "personal use" and it is not illegal. That's why lawyers are suggesting making and having copies.

Hi,

Is there something you need to show for entry at the event ?
Sorry if it is a dumb question.. .I just joined today..

- Naresh

Thanks for your very kind feedback everyone. Let me address a few things all of you raised:

1. Not once did I mention I represent Immigration Voice - in fact the man in the white shirt assumed I did and I categorically along with my 4 friends said I was not.
2. Talking about being elitist:
a). I am not sure what makes you believe that - if its the words like prestigious etc. Keep in mind my friends, these are politicians you are talking to. You got to use a language that resonates the flaws in their laws. And when a powerful statement like mentioning a school can be made, I would make it. In addition, its about telling a story with passion, they all know about the EB2/ EB3 issues, retrogression, inability to apply 485, spouses inability work. Our telling them those same issues again wont help especially to the one who wrote the new proposal. You have to tell him a story that shows that the US will be hurt as we have other options - if we show them an attitude that this is country is our only option, they will not do much but abuse our rights further. He should be told they would loose us. In fact the passive Indian attitude has to be killed. We need to have the "WTF" attitude and not believe the GC being the end of our lives.Let them know we carry the skilled edge and if you don't fix our situation then its only your loss. This is what the foundation was of our country's independence - don't forget that.

b). Don't tell me people did not have personal agendas to fight for. We legals are crying about illegals coming ahead of us. People in EB2 don't read about EB3. IV focuses on employment based issues - what about people on family based issues? What about people who have green cards but can't marry because of waiting periods. These are all issues and equally important from the eyes of the person suffering them. We all have our agendas.

i). The dude in the white shirt did not want IV guys to read what the Latinos had to say on their flyer. Was he not trying to promote IV's agenda at a predominantly illegal and Latinos focused gathering?
Some of us wanted English in a crowd that was primarily Hispanic. Was that not an agenda?

ii). How many of you would have been part of IV if you already had a green card - even though you faced so many hurdles. I bet none of you. You all care about your GCs - lets be honest. At least in my case I know nothing can happen for me to go to school this year and I am taking a chance in India. I know I wont get the benefit of it - but I am raising a concern for future people who could benefit.

iii). Talking about agendas - think with a cool mind - My story and that of the other 15 people's is actually a pretty powerful story to discuss in media - to go to newspapers to go to lawmakers - we are backed by the Stanfords and the Harvards. Our story is a perfect platform one could use to affect Immigration Reform. And I did reach out to IV about this a month ago - but since we were only 14 it is not on your agenda. Its all about numbers - and the rally proved it. The Senator talked only about illegals since that was his audience. IV folks were on the podium - what happened? Did one statement come about legals? No. Because we are not in the millions. Because we are chicken about loosing our jobs if we go on a country wide 1 day strike to prove how we can damage the economy if we don't work. We can't even get our employers to rally up for us where as the illegals have got their employers talk about them.

iv). How many of us realize that we are better off with an IT job that pays well when one compares to the 20K odd cash jobs the illegals support families of 4+ with? We all knew spouses cant work on H4 but we still got married - we all want to make more money with a better control on life and therefore we talk about reforms - trust me we all are better off than those illegals. But yet we have our own agenda and we are complaining.

3. Anyone who thinks I should get out of the portal - trust me you are not promoting free speech - the very essence of this country - I'll do what is right for me as long as I don't hurt anyone else...But don't get stressed if you did not get your chance...Its about survival of the fittest and when IV decided not to bring my case up, it was for me to bring it up. I believe in leading in the absence of a leader. I do not doubt IV's efforts but that rally was not your effective place. It was clearly addressed to the illegals and therefore I rose. I am in the same boat as all of you cant apply for stage 3, but then I took a stand, F*** the GC, I want to create my own destiny and not let a moron decide that I will stay a software engineer for the rest of my life...may of you want to go to school to get educated but are waiting for GC to happen - I was in that boat for ever too but enough is enough, I wont let my identity and my self respect be treated by the "Hijda visa" we all have to live off. I mean it DO NOT show a begging attitude for change in laws - be aggressive like the Latinas - you saw what happened at the rally. These lawmakers are looking for numbers to get votes - they don't care about you and me....they really don't....

4. Lastly, anyone who thinks I wanted free legal advice feel free to drop a note to me to see my lawyers fees in the last 3 weeks - also feel free to call Rajiv Khanna to see how many times I have spoken to him - the uniqueness of my situation caused him enough pain that he did a free conf-call 3 weeks ago and someone from IV was there too. Instead of being focused on the agenda of the call - he was trying to change focus to the agenda of getting his wife to work on H2 by moving to J1 and doing to school - these are all agendas my friends...

You don't like members blaming CIS, could have said in one line

i don't..... becoz i' not in sarah palin brigade of mindless freaks who have to find someone to blame others for the sake of it..... we live in a complicated world..... just becoz we applied with uscis..... & just becoz they've to approve applications..... it doesn't mean
backlogs & delays is uscis fault..... the least amongst us can easily figure out that the problem is with the congress, not with cis.....

y the hell do u blame cis...... r they not allocating 140K per year..... what more do u want from them....... oh well...... for the sarah palin brigade on this forum i'm now an outcast.....

Suck some beer and get some good sleep yo.
Leave the delivery stuff to Fedex or UPS guys, else you will end up with traffic congestion in Lincon, Nebraska on Monday morning.

That is America my friends - people tend to move towards the direction of the wind.

A typical example - my wife was stressing out to get into a residency and was seeking help from contacts - everyone told "it is not easy for immigrants" it is a challenge, it is difficult." When she got into residency, the same people say that America is a land of opportunities, and your wife is intelligent ......

Thats how this Sheela Murthy is. Cannot initiate anything, but will want to take credit for participating in success.

A lot of Attorneys currently have no clue what is going on in the background.

Sorry didnt follow up this thread , i dont know why USCIS is asking for colored copies , Passport i dont know but i have seen in clearly through state of ILLINOIS website some where about ITS ILLEGAL TO TAKE ID COLOR COPIES i noticed this when i am taking photo copy color and fedex kinko's person and tore away the color copy and said we both will be at risk as its strictly illegal. I dont know about other states and hence said so , let the RFE come i will then send it for DL; i am sending the one for passport in color though. i enquired with my lawyer he said thats fine just to update you .They might be asking it for clarity in picture i achieved the same using color copier but B/W with light tone effect. It came really good. I hope that useful.

I got a reply from USCIS saying that they can process the request sorted by priority date and country of birth of the applicant. Processing time will be around 15 months and that they have got their answer on priority date.

what are the next steps?

I dont think we should relay on their 15 months time line. Its too late. I am sure in coming 15 months whole immigration system will be changed. May be we will see point based system or something different. And at that time information will be no use. They are smart that is why they gave us 15 months. They will wait for 12 months to Congress to do something and then if nothing happen they will write SQL query in last 3 months.

Numbers USA already working to block the SKIL Bill. Please see my reply to them for the problems that they are sending to Senator.

Hi There,

If you don't know how the H1B Visa works first educate your self and then give the facts to the senators. I am not sure where you get this info.

(1) The six-year visas allow foreign workers to bring in their families, and guarantee thousands of anchor babies.
So u say that people on H1 should not have wife and children????

(2) H-1B salaries are tax-exempt - no FICA, no federal or state income taxes. They can live at the same level as tax-paying Americans at a lower cost. Therefore, Congress allows foreigners to "low-ball" American workers.
You people eat on the taxes that we pay and leave once our 6 years are compelte. Can you show where and how the H1B's are tax exempt.


(3) H-1Bs can leave the job they came to fill and seek other jobs, not necessarily in the "hard to fill" category.
H1B's cannot take any job as they like first they have to get the H1 processed by that company that is willing to employ them. If you don't know how H1B works then educate your self by going thru the requirements for the H1B.


(4) Most H-1Bs are of a "protected" ethnic group, so H-1Bs have an affirmative action preference when competing with Americans for the same jobs.
What do you mean by that???

.... can some one let me know if during 2005 when perm was instigated was regular labor processing also going on or was it completed stopped during that time....


upto March 2005 everything was pre-PERM, post March everything is PERM.
Those stats in the earlier post refer to only PERM LCs (1350 for India).

However I think there are going to be quite a few people with 2004/2005 pre-PERM PDs. In both mine as well as my wife's offices (big silicon valley companies) two things happened between Q4-2004 & Q1-2005 that contributed to many people with that PD:
- lawyers rushed in with filings because PERM was new, not well understood, and any case that they could file earlier, they did.
- the company had a policy of not filing GC after layoffs (2002/2003/2004) and by mid-2004 to end-2004 the economy had recovered enough that the companies felt comfortable starting GC processing again. All of us landed up in queue at the same time.

If you look at the data also you see this 'anomaly' where there is a big 'clump' of cases with PD jan/feb/march 2005.

Participate in the Rally

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Don't put words in my mouth.
Now you want me to give you reply which you will understand. The SledgeHammer or Mirage way. About the link, read from the top don't just read one post.



>> Now you want me to give you reply which you will understand.
[COLOR=Black]
Thanks for using such "polite" language.

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I think it is in our interest to punish the first insult; because an insult unpunished is the parent of many others. -- Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 1785