ravi.shah
01-06 01:33 PM
As always, lets hope that some or the other bill materializes and provides much needed relief to those waiting in line :)
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mwin
11-21 10:56 AM
Also, when applying for AP (form I-131), you have choose, if the AP is for one trip or multiple trips. Most lawyers choose multiple.
How do you know AP is approved for multiple entries?
I thought AP in general is for multiple entries.
Is there a way to tell from your approval notice it your AP was approved for multiple times?
Thank you.
How do you know AP is approved for multiple entries?
I thought AP in general is for multiple entries.
Is there a way to tell from your approval notice it your AP was approved for multiple times?
Thank you.
felix31
04-18 11:42 AM
I received a receipt confirmation for my I-140 petition. It shows that they received on March 24, 2006. I tried to check on the status on USCIS website in case status. I could not find my case so far. Does it take so long to be updated. I am worried if my petition is misplaced somewhere...
Please give me your advice.
GC092003,
I am sorry to hear that. But this is absolutely new to me. As soon as we got the receipt number we were able to check online status ....
have you punched in all the letters and numbers correctly? Pay attention to that, because if you mistake one number you will not get accurate result..
If the number you are typing is correct than something must be wrong on their side and you can call 800 number to inquire via attomated system about your case...
hope this helps
Please give me your advice.
GC092003,
I am sorry to hear that. But this is absolutely new to me. As soon as we got the receipt number we were able to check online status ....
have you punched in all the letters and numbers correctly? Pay attention to that, because if you mistake one number you will not get accurate result..
If the number you are typing is correct than something must be wrong on their side and you can call 800 number to inquire via attomated system about your case...
hope this helps
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WaitingYaar
10-02 08:17 AM
This is how PD and RD work.
ASSUME ALL ARE EB3
Mr. A PD JULY 2004 RD MARCH 2005(1)
Mr B PD FEB 2004 RD DECEMBER 2005 (2)
MR C PD JAN 2003 RD JANAURY 2006 (3)
USCIS Processes applications based on RD. After they are processed they are in the "staging area" (pre-adjudicated)
IF ALL visa bulletin DATES ARE "CURRENT" MR A would get GC first
If visa bulletin date has a PD of "May 2003" Mr. C would get GC first
If visa bulletin date has a PD of "MAY 2004 "MR B would get GC first
If visa bulletin date is August 2004 "Mr A would get GC first"
In a summary, when PD is current, people with the earliest RD would get GC first. Your PD HAS to be CURRENT to be eligible for a visa number.
What about if PD is current, and your RD is outside their normal processing time. If you do not see any LUD change, what does this mean?
ASSUME ALL ARE EB3
Mr. A PD JULY 2004 RD MARCH 2005(1)
Mr B PD FEB 2004 RD DECEMBER 2005 (2)
MR C PD JAN 2003 RD JANAURY 2006 (3)
USCIS Processes applications based on RD. After they are processed they are in the "staging area" (pre-adjudicated)
IF ALL visa bulletin DATES ARE "CURRENT" MR A would get GC first
If visa bulletin date has a PD of "May 2003" Mr. C would get GC first
If visa bulletin date has a PD of "MAY 2004 "MR B would get GC first
If visa bulletin date is August 2004 "Mr A would get GC first"
In a summary, when PD is current, people with the earliest RD would get GC first. Your PD HAS to be CURRENT to be eligible for a visa number.
What about if PD is current, and your RD is outside their normal processing time. If you do not see any LUD change, what does this mean?
more...
desi_hardcore_techie
08-13 12:32 PM
oye chappan... ever been to indore?
there is a small shops complex there called chappan dukaan... very famous hangout place for all indorians... just remembered :)
Chappan Dukaan is too good...even non indorians have heard about it...
I just had a morning dream that EB3 will be current in coming months.
May all EBs get current and all desis can switch jobs/companies/professions....
Good Luck to everybody!
there is a small shops complex there called chappan dukaan... very famous hangout place for all indorians... just remembered :)
Chappan Dukaan is too good...even non indorians have heard about it...
I just had a morning dream that EB3 will be current in coming months.
May all EBs get current and all desis can switch jobs/companies/professions....
Good Luck to everybody!
swapnajay
10-09 01:02 PM
Dude!! Don't even think of applying for AOS now. The dates are not current and you have some issues with your H1-B. Please consult an Attorney immediately!!!!......
I came to the USA on 3rd November, 2006 in company A. I did not work a single day in company A. I joined to company B on 17th January, 2007. I have no idea how my employer filed my H1B in company B without any paystub. I joined to company C on 24th July as they started my GC process right away. My H1B with company B and C are still pending. Company C has filed my labor on 31st August and got approval on 11th September. I am planning to file I-140, I-485, I-765 and I-131 together. So my questions are:
1) Is there any possibility to get denied/RFE for my GC as my last two H1B are still pending ?
2) What are the risks to be considered if I go back to my country and come back on AP as I don't have a visa stamp on my passport ? I am from a non-retrogressed country.
3) I heard that it takes too much time to bring spouse here if I marry after GC approval. I am planning to go back and marry and come back but don't want to bring my future wife on H4. Will it help me later to avoid unnecessesary waiting time to bring her here once my GC is approved ?
I shall be thankful to you to get my answer.
Thanks & regards,
SU1979
I came to the USA on 3rd November, 2006 in company A. I did not work a single day in company A. I joined to company B on 17th January, 2007. I have no idea how my employer filed my H1B in company B without any paystub. I joined to company C on 24th July as they started my GC process right away. My H1B with company B and C are still pending. Company C has filed my labor on 31st August and got approval on 11th September. I am planning to file I-140, I-485, I-765 and I-131 together. So my questions are:
1) Is there any possibility to get denied/RFE for my GC as my last two H1B are still pending ?
2) What are the risks to be considered if I go back to my country and come back on AP as I don't have a visa stamp on my passport ? I am from a non-retrogressed country.
3) I heard that it takes too much time to bring spouse here if I marry after GC approval. I am planning to go back and marry and come back but don't want to bring my future wife on H4. Will it help me later to avoid unnecessesary waiting time to bring her here once my GC is approved ?
I shall be thankful to you to get my answer.
Thanks & regards,
SU1979
more...
mbartosik
11-09 05:42 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7087846.stm
Actually there were two issues.
1) UK gov changed qualifying period for "indefinite leave to stay" from 4 years to 5 years. Without a grand father clause. UK gov won this.
2) NHS (state heath system) discriminated against those with UK work visa without "indefinite leave to say". That is called a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
For comparison with US system
indefinite leave to say == green card. Much easier to get in UK, wait time fixed at 5 years (up from 4).
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme == H1B H4 and L1 L2 but I think like having an EAD also.
I wonder given this ruling if those affected can now sue the NHS (National Health Service) over this for compensatory damages.
Actually there were two issues.
1) UK gov changed qualifying period for "indefinite leave to stay" from 4 years to 5 years. Without a grand father clause. UK gov won this.
2) NHS (state heath system) discriminated against those with UK work visa without "indefinite leave to say". That is called a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
For comparison with US system
indefinite leave to say == green card. Much easier to get in UK, wait time fixed at 5 years (up from 4).
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme == H1B H4 and L1 L2 but I think like having an EAD also.
I wonder given this ruling if those affected can now sue the NHS (National Health Service) over this for compensatory damages.
2010 Gautama Buddha Quotes, Anger
franklin
10-10 02:28 PM
If I remember correctly, there is information on the paperwork that you receive your card with that states something along the lines of:-
"Please check the information on the card, if any of it is correct please call XXX number / write to us at YYY"
Have you tried that?
"Please check the information on the card, if any of it is correct please call XXX number / write to us at YYY"
Have you tried that?
more...
vinay.shah73
01-17 03:12 AM
Both I and my wife had LUD update on Jan 9th. We got an RFE for her (but not me), asking for evidence regarding the bona fides of marriage. It will be great if you can share your experiences on RFE with us.
Here is what USCIS specifically requested:
1. Birth certificates of children
2. Documents of joint ownership of property such as car title, house (grant deed or rental agreement), etc.
3. Joint income tax returns
4. Joint financial accounts such as bank statements
5. Spousal insurance coverage such as health insurance and life insurance
In my original application, I had submitted the marriage certificate (in English) from India. I can resubmit that.
Things that I plan to submit:
a) Marriage certificate from India.
b) Joint US income tax returns for 2006.
c) Joint bank statement.
d) Kaiser health insurance for spouse.
e) Joint credit card statements.
We do not have kids. No car title or house on joint name. No rental agreement or utility bills on joint name. We do not have life insurance.
Please let me know if these documents sound reasonable enough to convince USCIS. If there is anything else that I can provide, please do let me know.
Thanks a lot!
vinay.shah73@gmail.com
PS: I filed I-485 in Jan 2007 under EB-1 in Nebraska Service Center. My I-140 was also approved in Jan 2007. This was not a concurrent filing. I filed I-485 after getting I-140 approved. Got finger-print, EAD, AP in April.
Here is what USCIS specifically requested:
1. Birth certificates of children
2. Documents of joint ownership of property such as car title, house (grant deed or rental agreement), etc.
3. Joint income tax returns
4. Joint financial accounts such as bank statements
5. Spousal insurance coverage such as health insurance and life insurance
In my original application, I had submitted the marriage certificate (in English) from India. I can resubmit that.
Things that I plan to submit:
a) Marriage certificate from India.
b) Joint US income tax returns for 2006.
c) Joint bank statement.
d) Kaiser health insurance for spouse.
e) Joint credit card statements.
We do not have kids. No car title or house on joint name. No rental agreement or utility bills on joint name. We do not have life insurance.
Please let me know if these documents sound reasonable enough to convince USCIS. If there is anything else that I can provide, please do let me know.
Thanks a lot!
vinay.shah73@gmail.com
PS: I filed I-485 in Jan 2007 under EB-1 in Nebraska Service Center. My I-140 was also approved in Jan 2007. This was not a concurrent filing. I filed I-485 after getting I-140 approved. Got finger-print, EAD, AP in April.
hair forget his anger before he
morchu
05-14 12:09 PM
Thanks for pointing this out (Hernandez letter).
It is new information to me.
H-1B is approved from Oct/1/2009. Currently I should be on L-1B. As per this article, I think I can travel without jeopardizing my future status. They call it the 'Hernandez letter'. Is this true?
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_cosapp.html
Thanks..
It is new information to me.
H-1B is approved from Oct/1/2009. Currently I should be on L-1B. As per this article, I think I can travel without jeopardizing my future status. They call it the 'Hernandez letter'. Is this true?
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_cosapp.html
Thanks..
more...
excogitator
12-11 03:34 PM
Since the official announcement thread hasn't been put up yet.
Congratulations to all the winners!!
:)
Congratulations to all the winners!!
:)
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eager_immi
07-18 11:01 AM
Common guys!!!
more...
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gapala
02-24 12:24 PM
its depends ...
1) my and wife air ticket to india for visa stamping.
2) All visa fees
3) all hotel exp.
4) All attorney and USCIS fees .
but check with your CPA .
Jeezz.. travel to India? Is this personal or business travel? If business didn't you get paid for international travel?
I guess everything related to conducting your business can be itemized as tax deductable.
1) my and wife air ticket to india for visa stamping.
2) All visa fees
3) all hotel exp.
4) All attorney and USCIS fees .
but check with your CPA .
Jeezz.. travel to India? Is this personal or business travel? If business didn't you get paid for international travel?
I guess everything related to conducting your business can be itemized as tax deductable.
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kevnss
03-20 12:35 PM
You are right, here is the link to see more information about the rules..
Please read A. Approved Form I-140 Visa Petitions and Form I-485 Applications and B as well on Page 2
Link: "http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/I140_AC21_8403.pdf".
I have one question with regards to changing employer. My I-140 was approved long ago (in 2005) under EB3 and was filed for AOS during July 2007. But now we re-filed labor under EB2 got approved and refiled I-140 under EB2 category. I-140 under EB2 has been filed recently so I am assuming it will take months to get it approved. Now I am thinking of switching to new employer so what are my chances to move to new employer. Sorry am not sure if this message is already posted or not.
Please read A. Approved Form I-140 Visa Petitions and Form I-485 Applications and B as well on Page 2
Link: "http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/I140_AC21_8403.pdf".
I have one question with regards to changing employer. My I-140 was approved long ago (in 2005) under EB3 and was filed for AOS during July 2007. But now we re-filed labor under EB2 got approved and refiled I-140 under EB2 category. I-140 under EB2 has been filed recently so I am assuming it will take months to get it approved. Now I am thinking of switching to new employer so what are my chances to move to new employer. Sorry am not sure if this message is already posted or not.
more...
pictures Anger Quotes
dixie
09-19 04:06 PM
We should just be asking for relief on waiting times, ability to travel freely, and change jobs.
Unfortunately, this requires a complete overhaul of the immigration system; not minor amendments. For instance, if we want the ability to change jobs freely that is really asking to de-couple the whole H1-B/GC system from our employers. You know very well how things work with current law: EVERYTHING related to our presence in the US; whether that is the work visa, LC or even the PD is OWNED by our employers.
I do agree that increasing visa numbers does not make good PR for our cause.
But the only quick and non-controversial fix (without increasing visa numbers) that I can think of is recapture and ability to file 485 without a visa number.
However, we cannot shy away from explaining how our problems can be solved .. after all average americans have no clue of how their country's immigration system works; if we dont do the explaining the anti-immigrant groups will do that for us with their own interpretation.
Unfortunately, this requires a complete overhaul of the immigration system; not minor amendments. For instance, if we want the ability to change jobs freely that is really asking to de-couple the whole H1-B/GC system from our employers. You know very well how things work with current law: EVERYTHING related to our presence in the US; whether that is the work visa, LC or even the PD is OWNED by our employers.
I do agree that increasing visa numbers does not make good PR for our cause.
But the only quick and non-controversial fix (without increasing visa numbers) that I can think of is recapture and ability to file 485 without a visa number.
However, we cannot shy away from explaining how our problems can be solved .. after all average americans have no clue of how their country's immigration system works; if we dont do the explaining the anti-immigrant groups will do that for us with their own interpretation.
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hopefulgc
05-12 05:51 PM
Absolutely
the only requirement is if we can strictly follow what has been mentioned in the post.
Its like this .. would we be ready to drop $1000 or $2000 to get GC years earlier?
i think the answer in my case is yes.
the only requirement is if we can strictly follow what has been mentioned in the post.
Its like this .. would we be ready to drop $1000 or $2000 to get GC years earlier?
i think the answer in my case is yes.
more...
makeup Filed in: Quotes, graphics
new_phd
05-14 12:51 AM
*** Modified post to reflect that this is a repeat post.***
__________All Other________ China _________ India __________ Mexico _______ Phillipines
EB-1_________ C ____________ C ____________ C ____________ C ____________ C
EB-2_________ C ________ 01 APR 04 _____ 01 APR 04 _________ C ____________ C
EB-3_____ 01 MAR 06 _____ 22 Mar 03 _____ 01 NOV 01 _____ 01 JUL 02 _____ 01 MAR 06
Other_____01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03
Everything else is current.
Link to travel.state.gov bulletin: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4231.html
__________All Other________ China _________ India __________ Mexico _______ Phillipines
EB-1_________ C ____________ C ____________ C ____________ C ____________ C
EB-2_________ C ________ 01 APR 04 _____ 01 APR 04 _________ C ____________ C
EB-3_____ 01 MAR 06 _____ 22 Mar 03 _____ 01 NOV 01 _____ 01 JUL 02 _____ 01 MAR 06
Other_____01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03 _____ 01 JAN 03
Everything else is current.
Link to travel.state.gov bulletin: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4231.html
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eb3_nepa
04-16 11:21 PM
Dont the bill have to be placed in federal register after the Prez signs it, for 90 days for it to be law? I remember so from the PERM regulation timeline.
Do you have any kind of documentation or a Link for this by any chance?
Do you have any kind of documentation or a Link for this by any chance?
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shana04
07-23 12:58 AM
Shana,
Once you take the infopass appointment, you can go to your local office (indicated on the appointment) and wait in the line/queue and ask your questions them when they call your number.
It's simple process.
Thanks
Thanks pcjandyala
Once you take the infopass appointment, you can go to your local office (indicated on the appointment) and wait in the line/queue and ask your questions them when they call your number.
It's simple process.
Thanks
Thanks pcjandyala
STAmisha
11-15 12:42 PM
You dont need a new H1 to come back to USA from Canada.All you need it is a valid I-94 and I-797. Dont surrender the I-94 at the border. This rule is called automatic revalidation rule.
buddhaas
02-02 03:57 PM
Why Is H-1B A Dirty Word?
By Eleanor Pelta, AILA First Vice President
H-1B workers certainly seem to be under fire these days on many fronts. A new memo issued by USCIS on the employer-employee relationship imposes new extra-regulatory regulations on the types of activities in which H-1B workers can engage as well as the types of enterprises that can petition for H-1B workers. The memo targets the consulting industry directly, deftly slips in a new concept that seems to prohibit H-1B petitions for employer-owners of businesses, and will surely constitute an open invitation to the Service Centers to hit H-1B petitioners with a new slew of kitchen-sink RFE's. On another front, USCIS continues to make unannounced H-1B site visits, often repeatedly to the same employer. Apart from the "in-terrorem" impact of such visits, I personally cannot see the utility of three different visits to the same employer, particularly after the first one or two visits show that the employer is fully compliant.
But USCIS isn't the only agency that is rigorously targeting H-1B's. An AILA member recently reported that CBP pulled newly-arrived Indian nationals holding H-1B visas out of an immigration inspection line and reportedly placed them in Expedited Removal. The legal basis of those actions is still unclear. However, the tactic is too close to racial profiling for my own comfort.
Finally, recent H-1B "skirmishes" include various U.S. consular posts in India issuing "pink letters" that are, simply put, consular "RFE's" appearing to question the bona fides of the H-1B and requesting information on a host of truly repetitive and/or irrelevant topics. Much of the information that is routinely requested on a pink letter is already in the copy of the H-1B visa petition. Some of the letters request payroll information for all employees of the sponsoring company, a ridiculous request in most instances, particularly for major multi-national companies. One of the most frustrating actions we are seeing from consular officers in this context is the checking off or highlighting of every single category of additional information on the form letter, whether directly applicable or not, in effect a "paper wall" that must be overcome before an applicant can have the H-1B visa issued. Very discouraging to both employer and employee.
How have we come to a point in time where the H-1B category in and of itself is so disdained and mistrusted? Of course I'm aware that instances of fraud have cast this category in a bad light. But I think that vehemence of the administrative attack on the H-1B category is so disproportionate to the actual statistics about fraud. And interestingly, the disproportionate heavy-handed administrative reaction comes not from the agency specifically tasked with H-1B enforcement—the Department of Labor—but from CIS, CBP and State. Sometimes I just have to shake my head and ask myself what makes people so darn angry about a visa category that, at bottom, is designed to bring in relatively tiny number of really smart people to work in U.S. businesses of any size. It has to be a reaction against something else.
Yes, a great number of IT consultants come to the US on H-1B's. It is important to remember that so many of these individuals are extremely well-educated, capable people, working in an industry in which there are a large number of high profile players. And arguably, the high profile consulting companies have the most at stake if they do not focus on compliance, as they are the easiest enforcement target and they need their business model to work in the U.S. in order to survive. Some people may not like the business model, although arguably IT consulting companies provide needed services that allow US businesses, such as banks and insurance companies to focus on their own core strengths. Like it or not, though, this business model is perfectly legal under current law, and the agencies that enforce our immigration laws have no business trying to eviscerate it by policy or a pattern of discretionary actions.
It is true that some IT consulting companies' practices have been the focus of fraud investigations. But DOL has stringent rules in place to deal with the bad guys. Benching H-1B workers without pay, paying below the prevailing wage, sending H-1B workers on long-term assignments to a site not covered by an LCA—these are the practices we most often hear about, and every single one of these is a violation of an existing regulation that could be enforced by the Department of Labor. When an employer violates wage and hour rules, DOL investigates the practices and enforces the regulations against that employer. But no one shuts down an entire industry as a result.
And the IT consulting industry is not the only user of the H-1B visa. Let's not forget how many other critical fields use H-1B workers. In my own career alone, I have seen H-1B petitions for nanoscientists, ornithologists, CEO's of significant not for profit organizations, teachers, applied mathematicians, risk analysts, professionals involved in pharmaceutical research and development, automotive designers, international legal experts, film editors, microimaging engineers. H-1B's are valuable to small and large businesses alike, arguably even more to that emerging business that needs one key expert to develop a new product or service and get the business off the ground.
The assault on H-1B's is not only offensive, it's dangerous. Here's why:
* H-1B's create jobs—statistics show that 5 jobs are created in the U.S. for every H-1B worker hired. An administrative clamp-down in the program will hinder this job creation. And think about the valuable sharing of skills and expertise between H-1B workers and U.S. workers—this is lost when companies are discouraged from using the program.
* The anti-H-1B assault dissuades large businesses from conducting research and development in the US, and encourages the relocation of those facilities in jurisdictions that are friendlier to foreign professionals.
* The anti-H-1B assault chills the formation of small businesses in the US, particularly in emerging technologies. This will most certainly be one of the long-term results of USCIS' most recent memo.
* The attack on H-1B's offends our friends and allies in the world. An example: Earlier this year India –one of the U.S.'s closest allies --announced new visa restrictions on foreign nationals working there. Surely the treatment of Indian national H-1B workers at the hands of our agencies involved in the immigration process would not have escaped the attention of the Indian government as they issued their own restrictions.
* The increasing challenges in the H-1B program may have the effect of encouraging foreign students who were educated in the U.S. to seek permanent positions elsewhere.
Whatever the cause of the visceral reaction against H-1B workers might be—whether it stems from a fear that fraud will become more widespread or whether it is simply a broader reaction against foreign workers that often raises its head during any down economy –I sincerely hope that the agencies are able to gain some perspective on the program that allows them to treat legitimate H-1B employers and employees with the respect they deserve and to effectively enforce against those who are non-compliant, rather than casting a wide net and treating all H-1B users as abusers.
source link : http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2010/02/why-is-h-1b-dirty-word.html#comment-form
By Eleanor Pelta, AILA First Vice President
H-1B workers certainly seem to be under fire these days on many fronts. A new memo issued by USCIS on the employer-employee relationship imposes new extra-regulatory regulations on the types of activities in which H-1B workers can engage as well as the types of enterprises that can petition for H-1B workers. The memo targets the consulting industry directly, deftly slips in a new concept that seems to prohibit H-1B petitions for employer-owners of businesses, and will surely constitute an open invitation to the Service Centers to hit H-1B petitioners with a new slew of kitchen-sink RFE's. On another front, USCIS continues to make unannounced H-1B site visits, often repeatedly to the same employer. Apart from the "in-terrorem" impact of such visits, I personally cannot see the utility of three different visits to the same employer, particularly after the first one or two visits show that the employer is fully compliant.
But USCIS isn't the only agency that is rigorously targeting H-1B's. An AILA member recently reported that CBP pulled newly-arrived Indian nationals holding H-1B visas out of an immigration inspection line and reportedly placed them in Expedited Removal. The legal basis of those actions is still unclear. However, the tactic is too close to racial profiling for my own comfort.
Finally, recent H-1B "skirmishes" include various U.S. consular posts in India issuing "pink letters" that are, simply put, consular "RFE's" appearing to question the bona fides of the H-1B and requesting information on a host of truly repetitive and/or irrelevant topics. Much of the information that is routinely requested on a pink letter is already in the copy of the H-1B visa petition. Some of the letters request payroll information for all employees of the sponsoring company, a ridiculous request in most instances, particularly for major multi-national companies. One of the most frustrating actions we are seeing from consular officers in this context is the checking off or highlighting of every single category of additional information on the form letter, whether directly applicable or not, in effect a "paper wall" that must be overcome before an applicant can have the H-1B visa issued. Very discouraging to both employer and employee.
How have we come to a point in time where the H-1B category in and of itself is so disdained and mistrusted? Of course I'm aware that instances of fraud have cast this category in a bad light. But I think that vehemence of the administrative attack on the H-1B category is so disproportionate to the actual statistics about fraud. And interestingly, the disproportionate heavy-handed administrative reaction comes not from the agency specifically tasked with H-1B enforcement—the Department of Labor—but from CIS, CBP and State. Sometimes I just have to shake my head and ask myself what makes people so darn angry about a visa category that, at bottom, is designed to bring in relatively tiny number of really smart people to work in U.S. businesses of any size. It has to be a reaction against something else.
Yes, a great number of IT consultants come to the US on H-1B's. It is important to remember that so many of these individuals are extremely well-educated, capable people, working in an industry in which there are a large number of high profile players. And arguably, the high profile consulting companies have the most at stake if they do not focus on compliance, as they are the easiest enforcement target and they need their business model to work in the U.S. in order to survive. Some people may not like the business model, although arguably IT consulting companies provide needed services that allow US businesses, such as banks and insurance companies to focus on their own core strengths. Like it or not, though, this business model is perfectly legal under current law, and the agencies that enforce our immigration laws have no business trying to eviscerate it by policy or a pattern of discretionary actions.
It is true that some IT consulting companies' practices have been the focus of fraud investigations. But DOL has stringent rules in place to deal with the bad guys. Benching H-1B workers without pay, paying below the prevailing wage, sending H-1B workers on long-term assignments to a site not covered by an LCA—these are the practices we most often hear about, and every single one of these is a violation of an existing regulation that could be enforced by the Department of Labor. When an employer violates wage and hour rules, DOL investigates the practices and enforces the regulations against that employer. But no one shuts down an entire industry as a result.
And the IT consulting industry is not the only user of the H-1B visa. Let's not forget how many other critical fields use H-1B workers. In my own career alone, I have seen H-1B petitions for nanoscientists, ornithologists, CEO's of significant not for profit organizations, teachers, applied mathematicians, risk analysts, professionals involved in pharmaceutical research and development, automotive designers, international legal experts, film editors, microimaging engineers. H-1B's are valuable to small and large businesses alike, arguably even more to that emerging business that needs one key expert to develop a new product or service and get the business off the ground.
The assault on H-1B's is not only offensive, it's dangerous. Here's why:
* H-1B's create jobs—statistics show that 5 jobs are created in the U.S. for every H-1B worker hired. An administrative clamp-down in the program will hinder this job creation. And think about the valuable sharing of skills and expertise between H-1B workers and U.S. workers—this is lost when companies are discouraged from using the program.
* The anti-H-1B assault dissuades large businesses from conducting research and development in the US, and encourages the relocation of those facilities in jurisdictions that are friendlier to foreign professionals.
* The anti-H-1B assault chills the formation of small businesses in the US, particularly in emerging technologies. This will most certainly be one of the long-term results of USCIS' most recent memo.
* The attack on H-1B's offends our friends and allies in the world. An example: Earlier this year India –one of the U.S.'s closest allies --announced new visa restrictions on foreign nationals working there. Surely the treatment of Indian national H-1B workers at the hands of our agencies involved in the immigration process would not have escaped the attention of the Indian government as they issued their own restrictions.
* The increasing challenges in the H-1B program may have the effect of encouraging foreign students who were educated in the U.S. to seek permanent positions elsewhere.
Whatever the cause of the visceral reaction against H-1B workers might be—whether it stems from a fear that fraud will become more widespread or whether it is simply a broader reaction against foreign workers that often raises its head during any down economy –I sincerely hope that the agencies are able to gain some perspective on the program that allows them to treat legitimate H-1B employers and employees with the respect they deserve and to effectively enforce against those who are non-compliant, rather than casting a wide net and treating all H-1B users as abusers.
source link : http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2010/02/why-is-h-1b-dirty-word.html#comment-form
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