raju123
07-08 05:06 PM
I don't know the thinking of some people. immigration-law has nicely covered flower campaign. What is the reason to criticize?
We have very fewwwwwww friends for our cause. Mathew Oh is one of them. Do you guys want to loose few friends???? Are we going to win any battle without others support???
Please delete your negative comments and I request not to do any negative comments for like minded organization or person.
We have very fewwwwwww friends for our cause. Mathew Oh is one of them. Do you guys want to loose few friends???? Are we going to win any battle without others support???
Please delete your negative comments and I request not to do any negative comments for like minded organization or person.
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freetospeak
07-18 07:17 PM
Even my case is similar. I requested my attorney to file my EAD and AP along with I-485 at the same time. But they did not apply for EAD and AP and but instead just filed I-485. Now they are saying they can't file for my EAD and AP until they get the I-485 receipt notice. What a mess??? Now I've pay lots of amount for EAD and AP. By the way my attroney is Murthy Law Firm. I bet yours would be the same
Lasantha
08-16 12:33 PM
Australia is another option.
http://www.immi.gov.au/
http://www.immi.gov.au/
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Ramba
03-15 11:18 AM
Filing 485 during visa unavailability, should not be the concern in this bill. Why our people are worrying about filing AOS when visa number unavailable? Man, this should not be our concern at all. Our main concern should be reinstating the AC21 provision that allow the oversubscribed countries to use excess visas in each EB category. Specter removed very important provision that eliminate per country limit in EB visas for oversubscribed countries. This is a big blow to India, China. It will stop all the benefits from this bill.
If the current form of specter bill passes, there is no benefit to any of us. If EB visa increased to 290K, excluding dependents from counting from FY 2001, recapturing unused visa from 2001 to 2005, and excluding EB1 (OR+EA) and EB2 (MS+3) from count, that drastically increase the visa numbers. The increase is unimaginable, and I feel that it will be about 4 to 5 times than current 140K numbers. If all the listed provisions appears in the final bill, the visa number will always be �current� for all countries for many years, provided AC21 (elimination of per country limit if demand is less than supply) reinstated. If this happens, no one needs to worry about filing AOS when visa number unavailable. That situation never arises.
If current form of Specter bill passes, all the new numbers created thro above listed provisions, will not give any benefit to India/China. DOS simply say per country limit is 10% only no matter what. Remember that, 10% is total of FB+EB numbers. (480000+290000). India and China FB numbers are also heavily backlogged. Therefore our main concern is to reinstate AC21 provision not filing AOS, and keep pressure to keep the listed provisions (EB visa increased to 290K, excluding dependents from counting from FY 2001, recapturing unused visa from 2001 to 2005, and excluding EB1 (OR+EA) and EB2 (MS+3)) in the final bill
If the current form of specter bill passes, there is no benefit to any of us. If EB visa increased to 290K, excluding dependents from counting from FY 2001, recapturing unused visa from 2001 to 2005, and excluding EB1 (OR+EA) and EB2 (MS+3) from count, that drastically increase the visa numbers. The increase is unimaginable, and I feel that it will be about 4 to 5 times than current 140K numbers. If all the listed provisions appears in the final bill, the visa number will always be �current� for all countries for many years, provided AC21 (elimination of per country limit if demand is less than supply) reinstated. If this happens, no one needs to worry about filing AOS when visa number unavailable. That situation never arises.
If current form of Specter bill passes, all the new numbers created thro above listed provisions, will not give any benefit to India/China. DOS simply say per country limit is 10% only no matter what. Remember that, 10% is total of FB+EB numbers. (480000+290000). India and China FB numbers are also heavily backlogged. Therefore our main concern is to reinstate AC21 provision not filing AOS, and keep pressure to keep the listed provisions (EB visa increased to 290K, excluding dependents from counting from FY 2001, recapturing unused visa from 2001 to 2005, and excluding EB1 (OR+EA) and EB2 (MS+3)) in the final bill
more...
dollar500
04-09 08:50 PM
Thanks all.
swamy
10-27 12:54 PM
Sen Kennedy is the reason every one of us could come even be here in the US today. Please read up on some history of legal immigration - especially the one that dismantled racial barriers. The senator might not share your focus or sense of urgency in solving EB issues first and may be more passionate about the illegal issue but that does not mean he's any less interested in legal issues or make him 'exclusively' an advocate for undocumented. Dont unnecessarily diminish anyone who is your friend - once again, go back and read up on the history of immigration especially around the 60's.
more...
dilbert_cal
04-27 12:37 PM
for_gc
PDs are typically recaptured at I-140 stage. Since your EB2 140 is already approved, you cannot use this process.
But I believe there is another state at which you can recapture PD. i.e. @485 stage. You would need to talk to your lawyer - or search for it in immigration forums. If say EB2 dates are current for your EB3 PD , you can file 485 and with that application itself submit the EB3 140 approval AND ask for PD transfer. One of our lawyers had once commented you can port PD at either 140 or 485 stage - we never followed up on the 485 part as we all wanted to keep it safe and at 140 stage. Check with your lawyer and you still have a good chance.
PDs are typically recaptured at I-140 stage. Since your EB2 140 is already approved, you cannot use this process.
But I believe there is another state at which you can recapture PD. i.e. @485 stage. You would need to talk to your lawyer - or search for it in immigration forums. If say EB2 dates are current for your EB3 PD , you can file 485 and with that application itself submit the EB3 140 approval AND ask for PD transfer. One of our lawyers had once commented you can port PD at either 140 or 485 stage - we never followed up on the 485 part as we all wanted to keep it safe and at 140 stage. Check with your lawyer and you still have a good chance.
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shutterbabe
11-18 10:21 AM
Biometrics is not needed for EAD. I received mine with "NO fingerprint available" marked on the card. Please call them back or get another infopass and this time, you might be lucky to talk to somone who knows what they are saying. Or just may be, they changed the rule on the fly a few days ago regarding biometrics and EAD.
Hi, I didn't receive my EAD after the 90 days and my lawyer caller the customer service center and they told her that it hasn't been issued because I haven't gotten FPed for it even though I have gotten my FP done for the 485. Is this right? I have never heard of a separate FP needed for an EAD. I am really confused and despite several attempts to make an infopass appointment with the local office I keep getting "no appointments available" notice. My another question is can I get an appointment in an office that doesn't service the region? I live in Southern CT and New Rochelle, NY is the service center that I got my biometrics done and since I didn't get a date putting my own zip code in - I put New Rochelle's zip in it and it gave me openings in New York City. So, can I go see an officer in New York City even though that is not my local office?
Please help, I need to get my EAD soon since my job is waiting for it.:confused:
Hi, I didn't receive my EAD after the 90 days and my lawyer caller the customer service center and they told her that it hasn't been issued because I haven't gotten FPed for it even though I have gotten my FP done for the 485. Is this right? I have never heard of a separate FP needed for an EAD. I am really confused and despite several attempts to make an infopass appointment with the local office I keep getting "no appointments available" notice. My another question is can I get an appointment in an office that doesn't service the region? I live in Southern CT and New Rochelle, NY is the service center that I got my biometrics done and since I didn't get a date putting my own zip code in - I put New Rochelle's zip in it and it gave me openings in New York City. So, can I go see an officer in New York City even though that is not my local office?
Please help, I need to get my EAD soon since my job is waiting for it.:confused:
more...
sai
04-18 10:21 AM
Its accurate:
AILA site also shows the same
http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=19127
AILA site also shows the same
http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=19127
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IV2007
05-11 10:13 AM
Guys,
I found this site where in we can send letters to our senate members or house representatives regarding the issues we face.
http://capwiz.com/aila2/issues/alert/?alertid=9589591
Letter content pre-exists if needed you can change.
Let's inundate senate & other members with what we are facing..
-IV2007
EB2 Labor Pending
I found this site where in we can send letters to our senate members or house representatives regarding the issues we face.
http://capwiz.com/aila2/issues/alert/?alertid=9589591
Letter content pre-exists if needed you can change.
Let's inundate senate & other members with what we are facing..
-IV2007
EB2 Labor Pending
more...
nrk
10-06 06:07 PM
Done
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sanjay02
08-22 03:07 PM
Doesnt make sense to pay $2500 for retaining the lawyer, they are trying to squeeze maximum out of you. If you are changing employer ask if the new company has an immigration lawyer and you can have him for your services. If they dont have any one you can engage services of your own immigration lawyer and have the new lawyer sign the G-28 form. Also please post the name of law firm and your employer so that others can be cautious.
I am changing my employer and wanted to retain the services of legal firm representing current employer. Upon asking that I want to retain their services after I leave current employer, I have been told to pay upfront retainer fee of $2500.
- Is it normally the case? I have been told that this fee will be put in my account with the firm and used to pay the charges for the services I request.
- If with God's grace my case is approved without requiring attorney's help, is this retainer refundable in full (I have asked attorney this question and waiting for thier reply). Anybody has a similar experience.
I am changing my employer and wanted to retain the services of legal firm representing current employer. Upon asking that I want to retain their services after I leave current employer, I have been told to pay upfront retainer fee of $2500.
- Is it normally the case? I have been told that this fee will be put in my account with the firm and used to pay the charges for the services I request.
- If with God's grace my case is approved without requiring attorney's help, is this retainer refundable in full (I have asked attorney this question and waiting for thier reply). Anybody has a similar experience.
more...
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senthil
08-21 09:46 AM
have fun
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InTheMoment
08-09 09:29 PM
And how may I ask you came to this conclusion?
Any reference, link would be helpful.
This bill is mostly for aviation safety. It doesn't necessarily applies to immigrants who are applying for permanent residency.
Any reference, link would be helpful.
This bill is mostly for aviation safety. It doesn't necessarily applies to immigrants who are applying for permanent residency.
more...
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satishku_2000
02-21 02:34 PM
In last report at Nebraska service center they were processing I 140 EB3 cases with receipt date of June 13th, Now they are processing applications with receipt date of Aug 02nd ...
That sounds like a very good movement and unbeleivable...
That sounds like a very good movement and unbeleivable...
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div_bell_2003
10-14 07:43 PM
You can go visit India after your AP has been applied for, and you can ask your lawyer ( if you are using one ) to send the docs to you in India , so that you can come back with the new approved AP, off course you can't enter USA on an expired AP.
My lawyer has confirmed that one is only required to be present in the USA when applying and it's recommended that one is in US when it's approved, but due to the varying time USCIS is taking to process AP applications that is not a requirement and they can forward the documents to someone not in US.
My lawyer has confirmed that one is only required to be present in the USA when applying and it's recommended that one is in US when it's approved, but due to the varying time USCIS is taking to process AP applications that is not a requirement and they can forward the documents to someone not in US.
more...
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morphthecat
07-30 03:07 PM
how is the baby supposed to sponsor the parents ??
One option:
http://www.dayzadlaw.com/options.html ( I believe Rajiv Khanna and Murthy have clarified on this matter too):
Cancellation of Removal
Persons in removal proceedings, also known as deportation hearings, may apply in court for a special pardon to receive a green card and stay in the United States. For individuals who have never had a green card, the critical element is proving that you have a spouse, parent, or child who is a US citizen or permanent resident who would suffer extreme hardship if you were not allowed to stay the United States. You must also prove that you have lived in the United States for 10 years and have otherwise obeyed the laws.
.....
I believe it would be extremely difficult to be able to do the above though. Proving extreme hardship ain't going to be easy in court.
One option:
http://www.dayzadlaw.com/options.html ( I believe Rajiv Khanna and Murthy have clarified on this matter too):
Cancellation of Removal
Persons in removal proceedings, also known as deportation hearings, may apply in court for a special pardon to receive a green card and stay in the United States. For individuals who have never had a green card, the critical element is proving that you have a spouse, parent, or child who is a US citizen or permanent resident who would suffer extreme hardship if you were not allowed to stay the United States. You must also prove that you have lived in the United States for 10 years and have otherwise obeyed the laws.
.....
I believe it would be extremely difficult to be able to do the above though. Proving extreme hardship ain't going to be easy in court.
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go_gc_way
05-13 10:25 AM
That's really an idea , need a thought by all... pros and cons.
Specially a forum like IV, and then I believe it will be another effort to get it there.
Given retrogression has some what a known issue, does any one think ... this will be mentioned any way in the address.
Specially a forum like IV, and then I believe it will be another effort to get it there.
Given retrogression has some what a known issue, does any one think ... this will be mentioned any way in the address.
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ramus
06-28 04:42 PM
I am sorry.. I don't mean to hurt your feelings.. But this is rumer..
Can you give me link or any other offical source which is saying same thing..
You could have just put this in rumer thred.. Tell me is this helping one...
Everybody is so busy and workiing hard on getting paper work done.. Why do we want to put more burden on them? IF this is true then everybody will know it from different sources. And plus even if this is true what can you do? Can you fight against USCIS?
Hi ramus can you point to the others threads going on this subject?:o I did check other threads to put this info. In fact I don�t want create any new threads. After looking for one that is appropriate, which I did not find, I started this one. The closest one would be the �June 1st filers - receipt � which is a diffrent subject.
This is not a rumor, this a fact and I thought I should share with all so that every one will chill, take it easy and will not stressout in anticipation of 485 approval.
thx.
Can you give me link or any other offical source which is saying same thing..
You could have just put this in rumer thred.. Tell me is this helping one...
Everybody is so busy and workiing hard on getting paper work done.. Why do we want to put more burden on them? IF this is true then everybody will know it from different sources. And plus even if this is true what can you do? Can you fight against USCIS?
Hi ramus can you point to the others threads going on this subject?:o I did check other threads to put this info. In fact I don�t want create any new threads. After looking for one that is appropriate, which I did not find, I started this one. The closest one would be the �June 1st filers - receipt � which is a diffrent subject.
This is not a rumor, this a fact and I thought I should share with all so that every one will chill, take it easy and will not stressout in anticipation of 485 approval.
thx.
abhatti
07-16 02:56 PM
where do you all see/consult for updates or news on USCIS activities?
Blog Feeds
06-27 06:50 PM
AILA Leadership Has Just Posted the Following:
President Obama and Congress members met privately at the White House on Thursday for their first major discussion of immigration reform. A Way Forward on Immigration (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/27/opinion/27sat1.html). New York Times Editorial June 27, 2009. President Obama has a lot on his plate dealing with the economy, health and energy but his approach to immigration reform indicates a clear grasp of the complex dynamic needed to win the battle. The need to reform our immigration laws now could not be more immediate or urgent. There is a crisis in immigration and the need to fix this mess has never been more critical. Immigration raids in our communities and our factories, along with the horrific conditions of detention, have created dread and anxiety within our immigrant population. The process of obtaining lawful status has become unreasonably difficult, and there are few options for the millions of immigrants, many of whom have deep roots here, but entered without visas or have expired visas. Millions of these people have U.S. citizen spouses and children, but no path to legalization. Despite decades of living in the U.S., and contributing to our economy, and whether applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, the pattern is the same: restrictive adjudications coupled with outdated visa quotas that choke the system and make the attainment of lawful status virtually impossible. Whether applying through family or employment, the waiting lines are as protracted as they are preposterous. Many with advanced degrees wait for years and family visa waiting lines routinely extend a decade or longer. Due process protections that form the basis of our great democracy have been stripped from immigrants.
President Obama told a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week that Congress should begin debating a comprehensive immigration by year�s end or early next year, but Republicans said they would support a measure only if it included an expansion of guest worker programs. Republicans Focus on Guest Workers in Immigration Debate (javascript:popup(). The White House released President Obama's remarks following a meeting on June 25, 2009 with congressional leaders to discuss immigration reform, in which he expresses his administration's support for CIR and indicates a clear understanding of the issues and how to fix them. President Obama's Remarks Following June 25 Meeting on Immigration Reform with Congressional Leaders (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29384)
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) understand immigration in a way that only a doctor understands medical ailments or an engineer understands building bridges. We know the issues from a deep perspective and not merely from an emotional view. We believe that a sensible comprehensive immigration reform package will have to include smart enforcement, a path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living and working in the U.S., elimination of family and employment-based visa backlogs, adequate visas to meet the needs of U.S. families and businesses, a new visa program for essential workers, and due process protections to restore the rule of law in our immigration adjudications and courts. AILA Welcomes Obama's Proactive Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29372).
The current immigration system is broken and to allow the status quo to continue will only make things worse for the country. Until Congress deals responsibly with immigration - making taxpayers out of all immigrants, making all employers follow sensible rules, and creating a functioning legal immigration system - everything else on the President's domestic agenda is vulnerable to being dragged down. This is the year and this is the moment for a popular President to work with Congress to address a national issue in a way that benefits the American people and our economy. The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University released a new housing report which notes, �immigrants could be a key element to recovery." Immigration Impact, June 26, 2009, Immigrant Homebuyers Play Crucial Role in Housing Market Revival (javascript:popup(). The president announced that he has charged DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano with leading a bipartisan, bicameral working group to help negotiate and move a legislative package later this year, and those of us who have been championing immigration reform�and who have been training for this day�are off to the races (http://www.americanprogress.org/pressroom/statements/2009/06/White_House_immigration_meeting_statement062509.ht ml). President Kicks Off Immigration Reform (javascript:popup()"The White House meeting yesterday demonstrated that the question is no longer whether reform is necessary or whether it can be achieved this Congress. Those questions were answered squarely in the affirmative." Center for American Progress (CAP), June 26, 2009.
The CAP report articulates five principles for responsible immigration reform grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. The nation�s broken immigration system undermines our core national values, disserves our economic and security interests, and diminishes our moral standing in the world. Congress has for years now overseen an explosion of expensive, ineffective enforcement policies that have wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, enriched criminal syndicates, divided families, disrupted communities, and battered local economies rather than confronting our failed policies with common sense solutions grounded in what is best for our nation. In short, Congress has sacrificed our national interest at the altar of a destined-to-fail, get-tough enforcement strategy.
Confronted with this crisis the United States is left with three options: 1) preserve the status quo�an option that no responsible policymaker would advance; 2) drive millions of workers and families out of our communities, which CAP estimates would run over $41 billion annually; or 3) embrace tough but fair and practical solutions.
The Center for American Progress correctly concludes that the status quo is untenable, mass deportation is contrary to our national interests and values, and the only viable approach is comprehensive immigration reform. Such reform would require immigrants to register and become legal, pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks.
Five key principles for reform should guide the president and Congress as they begin to reengage this pressing domestic priority. CAP�s principles for responsible immigration reform are grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. They are:
Resolve the status of the undocumented
It is morally and economically unacceptable for the wealthiest nation on earth to have 12 million people living and functioning in an underground economy in the United States. Our �shining city upon a hill� is casting a dark shadow over a large class of workers. These workers and their families are interwoven in our communities, yet they are proscribed from becoming full members of our society. Their labor enhances the nation�s competitiveness and enables economic growth, but their lack of legal status exposes them and their U.S. counterparts to manipulation and exploitation. Effective reform must require those living in the United States illegally to register, pay their full share of taxes, learn English, complete background checks, and earn the privilege of citizenship. The country will in turn benefit from an expanded tax base, a more robust rule of law, a workforce less vulnerable to exploitation, and a level playing field for all workers.
Enhance legal immigration channels and labor mobility
Globalization has made it increasingly more efficient to move capital, goods, and services across national borders. Yet legal channels facilitating movement of labor have not kept pace with this rapid development, even though immigration is an integral part of the American economy. The demands of global competitiveness require increased overall levels of legal immigration. Immigrants serve important roles in the success of the nation�s economy in boardrooms and corn fields, in Silicon Valley and the San Fernando Valley. Demographic trends show that an aging United States will need more workers across all occupation levels. Employment-based immigration and family-based immigration complement each other and should not be pitted against one another in a zero-sum game. Target levels should be adjusted to acknowledge that immigration is an engine of economic dynamism and to ensure that close families are not separated for years by outdated limitations. The United States must embrace the inevitable shift toward a well-regulated, legal, global labor market in order to retain our economic leadership.
Protect U.S. workers
Comprehensive immigration reform will benefit all U.S. workers. A program that brings undocumented immigrants out of the shadows will improve accountability for all employers. And a clear but rigorous path toward citizenship would diminish U.S. workers� vulnerability to unscrupulous employers. This creates fair, not exploitative, competition.
Any reforms must also protect American workers by safeguarding their ability to defend their rights, including the rights to change jobs freely and organize without fear, and to earn a fair wage. Millions of American workers are experiencing unemployment or underemployment in today�s economy, and we should strive to provide just wages for all workers and terminate policies that enable employers to participate in a race to the bottom of the wage ladder.
Foster an inclusive American identity
Our country�s identity is shaped by core values of equality, freedom, and opportunity. Immigration and the process of assimilation constantly tests and ultimately strengthens and deepens our commitment to those values. We must be vigilant, however, to ensure that newcomers have access to programs�language and civic education�that facilitate their integration into the nation�s social and cultural fabric. Naturalization, the cornerstone of integration and first step in civic participation for new citizens, must be accessible and encouraged.
Adopt smart enforcement policies and safeguards
The U.S. Border Patrol�s annual budget has more than quintupled since 1993 while the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States has tripled to approximately 12 million during that same time period. Militarization of the border has obviously failed as an immigration control strategy.
CAP has a clear grasp of the essential ingredients to reforming our immigration laws and the American public gets it. More than 80 percent (http://amvoice.3cdn.net/ea94778f39d6c895c3_zvm6beppq.pdf) of Americans across the country, across party lines, and across nearly all demographic cross-sections, want comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, makes employers accountable, and requires undocumented workers to register, learn English, and pay taxes.
The president and Congress must move forward on the path they laid out this week and the American public is clearly behind the popular president.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/186823568153827945-1584438715913274381?l=ailaleadership.blogspot.com
More... (http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/06/immigration-reform-now-reality.html)
President Obama and Congress members met privately at the White House on Thursday for their first major discussion of immigration reform. A Way Forward on Immigration (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/27/opinion/27sat1.html). New York Times Editorial June 27, 2009. President Obama has a lot on his plate dealing with the economy, health and energy but his approach to immigration reform indicates a clear grasp of the complex dynamic needed to win the battle. The need to reform our immigration laws now could not be more immediate or urgent. There is a crisis in immigration and the need to fix this mess has never been more critical. Immigration raids in our communities and our factories, along with the horrific conditions of detention, have created dread and anxiety within our immigrant population. The process of obtaining lawful status has become unreasonably difficult, and there are few options for the millions of immigrants, many of whom have deep roots here, but entered without visas or have expired visas. Millions of these people have U.S. citizen spouses and children, but no path to legalization. Despite decades of living in the U.S., and contributing to our economy, and whether applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, the pattern is the same: restrictive adjudications coupled with outdated visa quotas that choke the system and make the attainment of lawful status virtually impossible. Whether applying through family or employment, the waiting lines are as protracted as they are preposterous. Many with advanced degrees wait for years and family visa waiting lines routinely extend a decade or longer. Due process protections that form the basis of our great democracy have been stripped from immigrants.
President Obama told a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week that Congress should begin debating a comprehensive immigration by year�s end or early next year, but Republicans said they would support a measure only if it included an expansion of guest worker programs. Republicans Focus on Guest Workers in Immigration Debate (javascript:popup(). The White House released President Obama's remarks following a meeting on June 25, 2009 with congressional leaders to discuss immigration reform, in which he expresses his administration's support for CIR and indicates a clear understanding of the issues and how to fix them. President Obama's Remarks Following June 25 Meeting on Immigration Reform with Congressional Leaders (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29384)
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) understand immigration in a way that only a doctor understands medical ailments or an engineer understands building bridges. We know the issues from a deep perspective and not merely from an emotional view. We believe that a sensible comprehensive immigration reform package will have to include smart enforcement, a path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living and working in the U.S., elimination of family and employment-based visa backlogs, adequate visas to meet the needs of U.S. families and businesses, a new visa program for essential workers, and due process protections to restore the rule of law in our immigration adjudications and courts. AILA Welcomes Obama's Proactive Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29372).
The current immigration system is broken and to allow the status quo to continue will only make things worse for the country. Until Congress deals responsibly with immigration - making taxpayers out of all immigrants, making all employers follow sensible rules, and creating a functioning legal immigration system - everything else on the President's domestic agenda is vulnerable to being dragged down. This is the year and this is the moment for a popular President to work with Congress to address a national issue in a way that benefits the American people and our economy. The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University released a new housing report which notes, �immigrants could be a key element to recovery." Immigration Impact, June 26, 2009, Immigrant Homebuyers Play Crucial Role in Housing Market Revival (javascript:popup(). The president announced that he has charged DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano with leading a bipartisan, bicameral working group to help negotiate and move a legislative package later this year, and those of us who have been championing immigration reform�and who have been training for this day�are off to the races (http://www.americanprogress.org/pressroom/statements/2009/06/White_House_immigration_meeting_statement062509.ht ml). President Kicks Off Immigration Reform (javascript:popup()"The White House meeting yesterday demonstrated that the question is no longer whether reform is necessary or whether it can be achieved this Congress. Those questions were answered squarely in the affirmative." Center for American Progress (CAP), June 26, 2009.
The CAP report articulates five principles for responsible immigration reform grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. The nation�s broken immigration system undermines our core national values, disserves our economic and security interests, and diminishes our moral standing in the world. Congress has for years now overseen an explosion of expensive, ineffective enforcement policies that have wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, enriched criminal syndicates, divided families, disrupted communities, and battered local economies rather than confronting our failed policies with common sense solutions grounded in what is best for our nation. In short, Congress has sacrificed our national interest at the altar of a destined-to-fail, get-tough enforcement strategy.
Confronted with this crisis the United States is left with three options: 1) preserve the status quo�an option that no responsible policymaker would advance; 2) drive millions of workers and families out of our communities, which CAP estimates would run over $41 billion annually; or 3) embrace tough but fair and practical solutions.
The Center for American Progress correctly concludes that the status quo is untenable, mass deportation is contrary to our national interests and values, and the only viable approach is comprehensive immigration reform. Such reform would require immigrants to register and become legal, pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks.
Five key principles for reform should guide the president and Congress as they begin to reengage this pressing domestic priority. CAP�s principles for responsible immigration reform are grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. They are:
Resolve the status of the undocumented
It is morally and economically unacceptable for the wealthiest nation on earth to have 12 million people living and functioning in an underground economy in the United States. Our �shining city upon a hill� is casting a dark shadow over a large class of workers. These workers and their families are interwoven in our communities, yet they are proscribed from becoming full members of our society. Their labor enhances the nation�s competitiveness and enables economic growth, but their lack of legal status exposes them and their U.S. counterparts to manipulation and exploitation. Effective reform must require those living in the United States illegally to register, pay their full share of taxes, learn English, complete background checks, and earn the privilege of citizenship. The country will in turn benefit from an expanded tax base, a more robust rule of law, a workforce less vulnerable to exploitation, and a level playing field for all workers.
Enhance legal immigration channels and labor mobility
Globalization has made it increasingly more efficient to move capital, goods, and services across national borders. Yet legal channels facilitating movement of labor have not kept pace with this rapid development, even though immigration is an integral part of the American economy. The demands of global competitiveness require increased overall levels of legal immigration. Immigrants serve important roles in the success of the nation�s economy in boardrooms and corn fields, in Silicon Valley and the San Fernando Valley. Demographic trends show that an aging United States will need more workers across all occupation levels. Employment-based immigration and family-based immigration complement each other and should not be pitted against one another in a zero-sum game. Target levels should be adjusted to acknowledge that immigration is an engine of economic dynamism and to ensure that close families are not separated for years by outdated limitations. The United States must embrace the inevitable shift toward a well-regulated, legal, global labor market in order to retain our economic leadership.
Protect U.S. workers
Comprehensive immigration reform will benefit all U.S. workers. A program that brings undocumented immigrants out of the shadows will improve accountability for all employers. And a clear but rigorous path toward citizenship would diminish U.S. workers� vulnerability to unscrupulous employers. This creates fair, not exploitative, competition.
Any reforms must also protect American workers by safeguarding their ability to defend their rights, including the rights to change jobs freely and organize without fear, and to earn a fair wage. Millions of American workers are experiencing unemployment or underemployment in today�s economy, and we should strive to provide just wages for all workers and terminate policies that enable employers to participate in a race to the bottom of the wage ladder.
Foster an inclusive American identity
Our country�s identity is shaped by core values of equality, freedom, and opportunity. Immigration and the process of assimilation constantly tests and ultimately strengthens and deepens our commitment to those values. We must be vigilant, however, to ensure that newcomers have access to programs�language and civic education�that facilitate their integration into the nation�s social and cultural fabric. Naturalization, the cornerstone of integration and first step in civic participation for new citizens, must be accessible and encouraged.
Adopt smart enforcement policies and safeguards
The U.S. Border Patrol�s annual budget has more than quintupled since 1993 while the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States has tripled to approximately 12 million during that same time period. Militarization of the border has obviously failed as an immigration control strategy.
CAP has a clear grasp of the essential ingredients to reforming our immigration laws and the American public gets it. More than 80 percent (http://amvoice.3cdn.net/ea94778f39d6c895c3_zvm6beppq.pdf) of Americans across the country, across party lines, and across nearly all demographic cross-sections, want comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, makes employers accountable, and requires undocumented workers to register, learn English, and pay taxes.
The president and Congress must move forward on the path they laid out this week and the American public is clearly behind the popular president.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/186823568153827945-1584438715913274381?l=ailaleadership.blogspot.com
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