roseball
04-02 12:19 PM
Hi All,
My Wife�s I-94 expired on Jan 15, 2010 and I did not know that I had to apply for her H4 extension while applying for my H1B extension under regular processing on March 1, 2010.My employer also forgot to apply for H4 extension. Now that, it�s been more than 2 months with the I-94 expired, Can you please let me know what options I have to resolve this issue?
1.Can I upgrade my H1 Processing to Premium and add the H4 processing to it, so that both H1 and H4 are processed simultaneously?
2.If adding H4 while upgrading H1 to premium is not possible, Should I just upgrade my H1 to Premium so that I can know the results soon and have ample time (before the 180 days grace period) to apply for H4 extension(I-539).Is it true that H1B premium approval is risky compared to regular processing ?
3.Is it safe to go back to India within 180 days (after I-94 expiration) and get H4 stamping in her home country once I get my H1 Extension?
4.Should I just leave my H1B in regular processing and attach the H4 extension (I-539) to it? If attaching H4 is not possible, Can I file H4 separately and get it approved before 180 days expiration?
5.Once her H4 extension is approved, can she get her H4 VISA re-validated in US? Can she apply under �Nunc-pro-tunc� Category?
6.Does she have an option to attend H4 visa interview in Canada or Mexico as her Visa and I-94 are expired? If yes, is this better option than going to India?
Please reply.
Thanks in advance
Chinna
Just apply her H4 asap. No need to upgrade your pending H1 extension to PP (unless your employer is paying for it). Only your H1 application will be processed under PP. They will process H4 under normal processing. Both applications are processed under PP only when they are applied together. There is no separate PP service for I-539 application. I don't see a big issue here since not much time has passed since her H4 expiry. I have seen worst cases, more than 2 yrs before realizing H4 expiration. Like others suggested, no need for her to travel outside the country for stamping. Just file I-539 asap and go from there.
My Wife�s I-94 expired on Jan 15, 2010 and I did not know that I had to apply for her H4 extension while applying for my H1B extension under regular processing on March 1, 2010.My employer also forgot to apply for H4 extension. Now that, it�s been more than 2 months with the I-94 expired, Can you please let me know what options I have to resolve this issue?
1.Can I upgrade my H1 Processing to Premium and add the H4 processing to it, so that both H1 and H4 are processed simultaneously?
2.If adding H4 while upgrading H1 to premium is not possible, Should I just upgrade my H1 to Premium so that I can know the results soon and have ample time (before the 180 days grace period) to apply for H4 extension(I-539).Is it true that H1B premium approval is risky compared to regular processing ?
3.Is it safe to go back to India within 180 days (after I-94 expiration) and get H4 stamping in her home country once I get my H1 Extension?
4.Should I just leave my H1B in regular processing and attach the H4 extension (I-539) to it? If attaching H4 is not possible, Can I file H4 separately and get it approved before 180 days expiration?
5.Once her H4 extension is approved, can she get her H4 VISA re-validated in US? Can she apply under �Nunc-pro-tunc� Category?
6.Does she have an option to attend H4 visa interview in Canada or Mexico as her Visa and I-94 are expired? If yes, is this better option than going to India?
Please reply.
Thanks in advance
Chinna
Just apply her H4 asap. No need to upgrade your pending H1 extension to PP (unless your employer is paying for it). Only your H1 application will be processed under PP. They will process H4 under normal processing. Both applications are processed under PP only when they are applied together. There is no separate PP service for I-539 application. I don't see a big issue here since not much time has passed since her H4 expiry. I have seen worst cases, more than 2 yrs before realizing H4 expiration. Like others suggested, no need for her to travel outside the country for stamping. Just file I-539 asap and go from there.
vin13
09-30 03:25 PM
I gave my 3rd FP for pending 485 last week. Haven't seen any LUD change since. My NC was cleared last year as per USCIS. My question is after every FP, does FBI initiate a new name check? is this a vicious circle ?
how would you know if you have to get your FP done again...would you get an RFE or something like that?
how would you know if you have to get your FP done again...would you get an RFE or something like that?
logiclife
08-02 11:18 AM
EB3 with PD of July 2006. I-140 Approved. 485 +EAD+AP filed 2 weeks ago.
I was contemplating on job change before dates became current in June and decision to accept 485....
Now that 485 is filed and this DUST has settled, wondering whether all this is worth the wait. (even 180 days).
Currently in my 5th year of H1b, by waiting out the 6 months, I'll also get 3 yr h1b ext. (and hopefully ead by then).
So is waiting 180 days the best choice? or screw all this and change! (I dunno if this AC21 etc etc is practical...same job description etc)
(I am single and those complexities are not to be considered I guess yet.
Plan is to try and change jobs on H1b and use EAD only if there is a dire need like layoff to find another job quicker)
EAD is really worth having, especially in IT, because finding jobs with same or similar job description is not difficult.
Even if not in IT, the ability to start working for someone without bothering that employer to sponsor your H1 is a HUGE PLUS. HUGE and I mean really really really HUGE.
Also, if you are in IT, and if job market becomes worse, then employers have more choice and during those times, they get picky and choosy and ask for candidates who have work authorization (Meaning, EAD or GC or citizenship) so that they dont have to sponsor H1 and go thru those hassles. (employers get sick of USCIS delays too).
Therefore, whether you want to stay with same employer, or change to new one, having EAD is a big benefit because having EAD is same as having GC (after 180 days of 485 filing) with one caveat : with GC, you can change profession, or stay at home and not work....with EAD, you need to work and you need to be within the same job description.
Not to mention, the travel benefits. When 485 is pending, in addition to EAD, you get AP for travel and AP is guaranteed re-entry after a visit outside USA. IF on H1, you need to have H1 stamp and if H1 stamp on passport is expired then you have to spend time gathering documents and getting consulate appointment and getting H1 stamp -- Something that causes unneccesary anxiety and too much heartburn and potentially ruins the vacation due to anxiety.
I was contemplating on job change before dates became current in June and decision to accept 485....
Now that 485 is filed and this DUST has settled, wondering whether all this is worth the wait. (even 180 days).
Currently in my 5th year of H1b, by waiting out the 6 months, I'll also get 3 yr h1b ext. (and hopefully ead by then).
So is waiting 180 days the best choice? or screw all this and change! (I dunno if this AC21 etc etc is practical...same job description etc)
(I am single and those complexities are not to be considered I guess yet.
Plan is to try and change jobs on H1b and use EAD only if there is a dire need like layoff to find another job quicker)
EAD is really worth having, especially in IT, because finding jobs with same or similar job description is not difficult.
Even if not in IT, the ability to start working for someone without bothering that employer to sponsor your H1 is a HUGE PLUS. HUGE and I mean really really really HUGE.
Also, if you are in IT, and if job market becomes worse, then employers have more choice and during those times, they get picky and choosy and ask for candidates who have work authorization (Meaning, EAD or GC or citizenship) so that they dont have to sponsor H1 and go thru those hassles. (employers get sick of USCIS delays too).
Therefore, whether you want to stay with same employer, or change to new one, having EAD is a big benefit because having EAD is same as having GC (after 180 days of 485 filing) with one caveat : with GC, you can change profession, or stay at home and not work....with EAD, you need to work and you need to be within the same job description.
Not to mention, the travel benefits. When 485 is pending, in addition to EAD, you get AP for travel and AP is guaranteed re-entry after a visit outside USA. IF on H1, you need to have H1 stamp and if H1 stamp on passport is expired then you have to spend time gathering documents and getting consulate appointment and getting H1 stamp -- Something that causes unneccesary anxiety and too much heartburn and potentially ruins the vacation due to anxiety.
SherazKhan
11-16 08:19 PM
Hi Mena,
I have the same status online, except date is Nov14, did you recieved any mail so far, if yes can you please tell what is that USCIS is looking for.
Thanks.
I have the same status online, except date is Nov14, did you recieved any mail so far, if yes can you please tell what is that USCIS is looking for.
Thanks.
more...
ramaonline
07-10 07:37 PM
My friend has this scenario and want expert advise from IV members.
- On L1 for 3 1/2 years and H1 for 2 years 3 months. About to complete 6
years in 3 months. - Filed Labor (approved. PD Aug 2004 EB3), I140 (applied in May 2007) and I485 (July fiasco)
- I140 still pending
Question:
1. Does L1 period is counted for H1 extention?
[I]H1 term of 6 years includes l1 time and excludes vacation periods
2. Can he do H1 transfer using AC21 without I140 approval?
Not sure what you are looking for. 1 year H1 extension is possible since labor PD is 2004. The extension also allows you to transfer / change employers[I]
As 6 years are going to be expired?
3. What if the old employer revokes his I140 now? His GC process is invalid?
premium processing for 140 is available in some cases - chk the faq on uscis website. If the 140 is withdrawn prior to approval then the PD cannot be ported. If it is revoked after approval then u can retain the PD for any new GC process. 3 year h1 extn is also possible
4. If we leave about GC, Can he do H1 transfer atleast?
Yes based on approved LC + h1 extension.
Note that gc is for a future job offer.
- On L1 for 3 1/2 years and H1 for 2 years 3 months. About to complete 6
years in 3 months. - Filed Labor (approved. PD Aug 2004 EB3), I140 (applied in May 2007) and I485 (July fiasco)
- I140 still pending
Question:
1. Does L1 period is counted for H1 extention?
[I]H1 term of 6 years includes l1 time and excludes vacation periods
2. Can he do H1 transfer using AC21 without I140 approval?
Not sure what you are looking for. 1 year H1 extension is possible since labor PD is 2004. The extension also allows you to transfer / change employers[I]
As 6 years are going to be expired?
3. What if the old employer revokes his I140 now? His GC process is invalid?
premium processing for 140 is available in some cases - chk the faq on uscis website. If the 140 is withdrawn prior to approval then the PD cannot be ported. If it is revoked after approval then u can retain the PD for any new GC process. 3 year h1 extn is also possible
4. If we leave about GC, Can he do H1 transfer atleast?
Yes based on approved LC + h1 extension.
Note that gc is for a future job offer.
jliechty
February 1st, 2004, 10:05 PM
Composition has been defined as "the strongest way of seeing" (IIRC, that's from Edward Weston, but I'm probably getting my photographers and quotations mixed up here). There are different ways to see the same thing. Flowers are a frequently-photographed object, and sometimes it can be hard to find a unique way to portray them. I'm not a terribly experienced photographer, and I don't really want to give any "rules" to follow to get a "good" picture, but here are a few guidelines you might consider as you get started:
Try to avoid a "busy" appearance, with too many subjects competing for attention (In my personal, humble, opinion, your picture has many clusters of flowers, and it's difficult to tell what exactly is the focus of the image).
Pay attention to what's in the background; go for contrast of brightness, color, or both. A low-angle shot, looking up at a medium blue flower against a blue sky, would probably not be the most visually stunning picture one could compose.
The "rule of thirds" is a good guideline for those of us (including myself) who haven't figured out when's a good time to break it and when's not. Imagine two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, dividing the picture into three equal segments horizontally and vertically. Near any one of the intersections of these lines is generally considered a visually strong point to place an important element of your composition.
For some subjects (flowers in particular), a shallow depth of field is recommended, as it helps lower the distractiveness of elements in the background. I think that in the shot you've posted here, opening up the aperture (setting a lower f-stop number) would have decreased the impact of the background flowers, and drawn more attention to the foreground one.
Oh, and feel free to experiment with all sorts of combinations. In my experience, the standard "looking down" angle of flower shot is less visually appealing, because that's the way we generally look at flowers when we are walking through the garden in our backyard (this is a simple property of physics, since most flowers tend to have considerably less height than the average human being ;)). Try out different angles and zoom settings to see what you find appealing (wide, or short focal length, to show more background behind the flower and give a longer depth of field - or far, a long focal length, to "compress" the background and provide a shorter depth of field to isolate the subject from its surroundings).
I'm sure other more experienced members will be able to do better (and probably already have, in the time I took to type up this verbose post), but perhaps this will give you something to think about while you wait for a better answer. :)
Edit: I realize that I made a few negative comments about your picture, without really saying anything positive. For one, I like the contrast of the flowers against the leaves behind them, and I think with a little Photoshop work this could be made even a little more striking. Let's not get lost in all the "rules" and "guidelines" and forget that this subject has lots of potential. I think with a slight change in angle, framing, and DOF, you'd be able to change a picture that may be mediocre to one that is very stunning.
Oh, and another suggestion that can be good for adding just a bit more interest to flowers is to photograph them when they have water droplets on them. Watering or misting the flowers just before you're ready to shoot can be a way to "supply" the drops if they are missing during the time of day when you feel that the lighting is at its best. :D
Try to avoid a "busy" appearance, with too many subjects competing for attention (In my personal, humble, opinion, your picture has many clusters of flowers, and it's difficult to tell what exactly is the focus of the image).
Pay attention to what's in the background; go for contrast of brightness, color, or both. A low-angle shot, looking up at a medium blue flower against a blue sky, would probably not be the most visually stunning picture one could compose.
The "rule of thirds" is a good guideline for those of us (including myself) who haven't figured out when's a good time to break it and when's not. Imagine two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, dividing the picture into three equal segments horizontally and vertically. Near any one of the intersections of these lines is generally considered a visually strong point to place an important element of your composition.
For some subjects (flowers in particular), a shallow depth of field is recommended, as it helps lower the distractiveness of elements in the background. I think that in the shot you've posted here, opening up the aperture (setting a lower f-stop number) would have decreased the impact of the background flowers, and drawn more attention to the foreground one.
Oh, and feel free to experiment with all sorts of combinations. In my experience, the standard "looking down" angle of flower shot is less visually appealing, because that's the way we generally look at flowers when we are walking through the garden in our backyard (this is a simple property of physics, since most flowers tend to have considerably less height than the average human being ;)). Try out different angles and zoom settings to see what you find appealing (wide, or short focal length, to show more background behind the flower and give a longer depth of field - or far, a long focal length, to "compress" the background and provide a shorter depth of field to isolate the subject from its surroundings).
I'm sure other more experienced members will be able to do better (and probably already have, in the time I took to type up this verbose post), but perhaps this will give you something to think about while you wait for a better answer. :)
Edit: I realize that I made a few negative comments about your picture, without really saying anything positive. For one, I like the contrast of the flowers against the leaves behind them, and I think with a little Photoshop work this could be made even a little more striking. Let's not get lost in all the "rules" and "guidelines" and forget that this subject has lots of potential. I think with a slight change in angle, framing, and DOF, you'd be able to change a picture that may be mediocre to one that is very stunning.
Oh, and another suggestion that can be good for adding just a bit more interest to flowers is to photograph them when they have water droplets on them. Watering or misting the flowers just before you're ready to shoot can be a way to "supply" the drops if they are missing during the time of day when you feel that the lighting is at its best. :D
more...
testtesttest
07-17 06:32 PM
just called her and thanked her for her efforts.
smartboy75
09-29 03:43 PM
I wish...:)
But on a serious note, I think It could be this. My wife is currently on an h4 visa and has applied for her I-485, I-765 and I-131 with me.
She had an EAD when she was on L2, when I was on L1 before switching to H1.
When we applied for her I-765, lawyer suggested we select Renewal of EAD option for my wife bcoz she already has an EAD and there is no need for a new EAD now.
May be that is why they may be waiving the fee ?? I don't know....my guess
But on a serious note, I think It could be this. My wife is currently on an h4 visa and has applied for her I-485, I-765 and I-131 with me.
She had an EAD when she was on L2, when I was on L1 before switching to H1.
When we applied for her I-765, lawyer suggested we select Renewal of EAD option for my wife bcoz she already has an EAD and there is no need for a new EAD now.
May be that is why they may be waiving the fee ?? I don't know....my guess
more...
chanduv23
06-18 03:13 PM
u never went to india since 5 years, your crazy :)
I met a US citizen of Indian origin who came to US in 1991 on a tourist visa and in those days, they managed to get green cards - dunno how. He never visited India. Got married here and still visualizes India as how it was in 80s.
I met a US citizen of Indian origin who came to US in 1991 on a tourist visa and in those days, they managed to get green cards - dunno how. He never visited India. Got married here and still visualizes India as how it was in 80s.
azharuddinm
07-23 11:46 AM
i did not inculde the P.O Box is this an issue ?
I used the below add for FEDEX.
Nebraska Service Center
850 "S" Street,
Lincoln, NE 68508
I used the below add for FEDEX.
Nebraska Service Center
850 "S" Street,
Lincoln, NE 68508
more...
yetanotherguyinline
03-23 04:10 PM
http://forums.businessweek.com/bw-bschools/
I remember reading a thread in getting into bschool section. I could not find that thread...
Here are some related threads
http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=80037
http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=79931
http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=80055
a related bw article
http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/mar2009/bs20090319_113428.htm?chan=bschools_bschool+index+ page_top+stories
I remember reading a thread in getting into bschool section. I could not find that thread...
Here are some related threads
http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=80037
http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=79931
http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=80055
a related bw article
http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/mar2009/bs20090319_113428.htm?chan=bschools_bschool+index+ page_top+stories
onemorecame
11-15 01:43 PM
Hi Guru,
Can anybody Help me to know how to Process H1B for Teacher(from India)?
Or guide me how can one who is teacher with 4 year exp can get H1B/Job in US.
if you guys know any company which process new H1B for teacher from India then Please PM/respond this message.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Can anybody Help me to know how to Process H1B for Teacher(from India)?
Or guide me how can one who is teacher with 4 year exp can get H1B/Job in US.
if you guys know any company which process new H1B for teacher from India then Please PM/respond this message.
Thanks for your help in advance.
more...
waitforgc1
04-23 01:25 PM
so if we change the address online.. do we need to verify the address by taking infopass
appointment ??
appointment ??
dealsnet
08-20 03:33 PM
Did you fille tax retun showing the gas station income ?
more...
cheg
09-26 02:39 PM
Congratulations!!! Yes, GC still sucks so good luck to us all! :D
DSLStart
10-01 09:30 AM
search forums here, people haven't gotten their FP renewal notices even after requesting number of times to USCIS. Request from congress member compels uscis to move their butt.
Congressman for FP, you may want to contact USCIS first. They may not expedite your I-485 but they are good in sending these things...
Congressman for FP, you may want to contact USCIS first. They may not expedite your I-485 but they are good in sending these things...
more...
Ann Ruben
10-24 11:08 AM
While there is no requirement that experience letters use language identical to language used in the PERM application, substantive inconsistencies can be a problem. If the PERM appication requires experience in XYZ technology, then the experience letter must mention XYZ technology. If, on the other hand, the PERM application simply requires experience as a systems analyst, then it doesn't matter whether XYZ technology is mentioned in the experience letter.
So, to determine whether your experience letters are adequate, you should first review Section H
of the PERM application and make a list of the employer's stated requirements. Next, compare that list to the content of your experience letters. If the letters do not clearly and explicitly cover everything on the list, note exactly what skill, knowledge or experience is missing.
Then, assuming your prior employers are not willing to amend the letters already provided, identify others (colleagues, co-workers, clients) with actual knowledge of your work and request notarized statements from them to supplement the letters you already have. In addition, if you completed academic or technical course work related to the missing skill or technology, obtain letters from the professors or instructors and/or course descriptions + your transcripts/certificates.
This basic analysis becomes more complicated if, in addition to documenting prior experience, you are seeking EB2 classification based on "five years of progressively responsible experience". In that situation, not only must the letters document that you possess specific skills, knowledge and experience, they must also document the progressive trajectory of your career.
A FINAL NOTE: If at all possible, experience letters and related documents should be obtained and provided to the employer/lawyer PRIOR TO preparing and filing the PERM application.
So, to determine whether your experience letters are adequate, you should first review Section H
of the PERM application and make a list of the employer's stated requirements. Next, compare that list to the content of your experience letters. If the letters do not clearly and explicitly cover everything on the list, note exactly what skill, knowledge or experience is missing.
Then, assuming your prior employers are not willing to amend the letters already provided, identify others (colleagues, co-workers, clients) with actual knowledge of your work and request notarized statements from them to supplement the letters you already have. In addition, if you completed academic or technical course work related to the missing skill or technology, obtain letters from the professors or instructors and/or course descriptions + your transcripts/certificates.
This basic analysis becomes more complicated if, in addition to documenting prior experience, you are seeking EB2 classification based on "five years of progressively responsible experience". In that situation, not only must the letters document that you possess specific skills, knowledge and experience, they must also document the progressive trajectory of your career.
A FINAL NOTE: If at all possible, experience letters and related documents should be obtained and provided to the employer/lawyer PRIOR TO preparing and filing the PERM application.
drirshad
03-13 04:31 PM
03/13/2009: Senate Bill, S. 577 to Punish Immigration Sharks Defrauding and Victimizing Immigrants and Related Parties
Senate Dianne Feinstine from California, cosponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy, introduced this bill in the Senate yesterday. The full text of the bill is as follows:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. SCHEMES TO DEFRAUD ALIENS.
(a) Amendments to Title 18.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:``�1041. Schemes to defraud aliens
``(a) In General.--Any person who willfully and knowingly executes a scheme or artifice, in connection with any matter that is authorized by or arises under Federal immigration laws or any matter the offender willfully and knowingly claims or represents is authorized by or arises under Federal immigration laws, to--
``(1) defraud any person; or
``(2) obtain or receive money or anything else of value from any person by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Here is the background for this bill: The Immigration Fraud Prevention Act would prevent and punish fraud and misrepresentation in the context of immigration proceedings. The act would create a new Federal crime to penalize those who engage in schemes to defraud aliens in connection with Federal immigration laws. Specifically, the act would make it a Federal crime to wilfully and knowingly defraud or obtain or receive money or anything else of value from any person by false or fraudulent pretences, representations, or promises; and to wilfully, knowingly, and falsely represent that an individual is an attorney or accredited representative in any matter arising under Federal immigration law. Violations of these crimes would result in a fine, imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to use task forces currently in existence to detect and investigate individuals who are in violation of the immigration fraud crimes as created by the bill. The act would also work to prevent immigration fraud by requiring that Immigration Judges issue warnings about unauthorized practice of immigration law to immigrants in removal proceedings, similar to the current law that requires notification of pro bono legal services to these immigrants; requiring the Attorney General to provide outreach to the immigrant community to help prevent fraud; providing that any materials used to carry out notification on immigration law fraud is done in the appropriate language for that community; and requiring the distribution of the disciplinary list of individuals not authorized to appear before the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals, BIA, currently maintained by the Executive Office of Immigration Review, EOIR. Unfortunately, the need for Federal action to prevent and prosecute immigration fraud has escalated in recent years as citizens and non-citizens attempt to navigate the immigration legal system. Thus far, only States have sought to regulate the unauthorized practice of immigration law. Since immigration law is a federal matter, I believe the solution to such misrepresentation and fraud should be addressed by Congress. By enacting this bill, Congress would help prevent more victims like Vincent Smith, a Mexican national who has resided in California since 1975. His wife is an American citizen, and they live with their 6 U.S. citizen children in Palmdale, CA. Mr. Smith would likely have received a green card at least two different times during his stay in California. However, in attempting to get legal counsel, Mr. Smith hired someone whom he thought was an attorney, but was not. As a result, Mr. Smith was charged more than $10,000 for processing his immigration paperwork, which was never filed. Mr. Smith now has no legal status and faces removal proceedings. Another victim of immigration fraud is Raul, a Mexican national, who came to the United States in 2000. He also married a U.S. citizen, Loraina, making him eligible to apply for a green card. Raul and his wife went to Jose for legal help. Jose's business card said he had a ``law office'' and that he was an ``immigration specialist.'' But Jose was not a specialist and charged Raul $4,000 to file a frivolous asylum petition. While Raul thought he was going to receive a green card, he was instead placed into removal proceedings. From California to New York, there are hundreds of stories like these. Many immigrants are preyed on because of their fears--others on their hope of realizing the American dream. They are charged exorbitant fees for the filing of frivolous paperwork that clog our immigration courts and keep families and businesses waiting in limbo for years. Law enforcement officials say that many fraudulent ``immigration specialists'' close their businesses or move on to another part of the state or country before they can be held accountable. They can make $100,000 to $200,000 a year and the few who have been caught rarely serve more than a few months in jail. Often victims of such crimes are deported, sending them back to their home countries without accountability for the perpetrator of the fraud. Most recently, hundreds of immigrants were exploited by Victor M. Espinal, who was arrested for allegedly posing as an immigration attorney. Nearly 125 of Mr. Espinal's clients attended the New York City Bar Association's free clinic to address their legal and immigration options. According to prosecutors, Mr. Espinal falsely claimed on his business cards that he was licensed and admitted to the California bar as well as the bar in the Dominican Republic. Organizations such as the Los Angeles Country Bar Association, National Immigration Forum, American Immigration Lawyers Association, and American Bar Association have been documenting this exploitation for many years.
Senate Dianne Feinstine from California, cosponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy, introduced this bill in the Senate yesterday. The full text of the bill is as follows:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. SCHEMES TO DEFRAUD ALIENS.
(a) Amendments to Title 18.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:``�1041. Schemes to defraud aliens
``(a) In General.--Any person who willfully and knowingly executes a scheme or artifice, in connection with any matter that is authorized by or arises under Federal immigration laws or any matter the offender willfully and knowingly claims or represents is authorized by or arises under Federal immigration laws, to--
``(1) defraud any person; or
``(2) obtain or receive money or anything else of value from any person by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Here is the background for this bill: The Immigration Fraud Prevention Act would prevent and punish fraud and misrepresentation in the context of immigration proceedings. The act would create a new Federal crime to penalize those who engage in schemes to defraud aliens in connection with Federal immigration laws. Specifically, the act would make it a Federal crime to wilfully and knowingly defraud or obtain or receive money or anything else of value from any person by false or fraudulent pretences, representations, or promises; and to wilfully, knowingly, and falsely represent that an individual is an attorney or accredited representative in any matter arising under Federal immigration law. Violations of these crimes would result in a fine, imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both. The bill would also authorize the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to use task forces currently in existence to detect and investigate individuals who are in violation of the immigration fraud crimes as created by the bill. The act would also work to prevent immigration fraud by requiring that Immigration Judges issue warnings about unauthorized practice of immigration law to immigrants in removal proceedings, similar to the current law that requires notification of pro bono legal services to these immigrants; requiring the Attorney General to provide outreach to the immigrant community to help prevent fraud; providing that any materials used to carry out notification on immigration law fraud is done in the appropriate language for that community; and requiring the distribution of the disciplinary list of individuals not authorized to appear before the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals, BIA, currently maintained by the Executive Office of Immigration Review, EOIR. Unfortunately, the need for Federal action to prevent and prosecute immigration fraud has escalated in recent years as citizens and non-citizens attempt to navigate the immigration legal system. Thus far, only States have sought to regulate the unauthorized practice of immigration law. Since immigration law is a federal matter, I believe the solution to such misrepresentation and fraud should be addressed by Congress. By enacting this bill, Congress would help prevent more victims like Vincent Smith, a Mexican national who has resided in California since 1975. His wife is an American citizen, and they live with their 6 U.S. citizen children in Palmdale, CA. Mr. Smith would likely have received a green card at least two different times during his stay in California. However, in attempting to get legal counsel, Mr. Smith hired someone whom he thought was an attorney, but was not. As a result, Mr. Smith was charged more than $10,000 for processing his immigration paperwork, which was never filed. Mr. Smith now has no legal status and faces removal proceedings. Another victim of immigration fraud is Raul, a Mexican national, who came to the United States in 2000. He also married a U.S. citizen, Loraina, making him eligible to apply for a green card. Raul and his wife went to Jose for legal help. Jose's business card said he had a ``law office'' and that he was an ``immigration specialist.'' But Jose was not a specialist and charged Raul $4,000 to file a frivolous asylum petition. While Raul thought he was going to receive a green card, he was instead placed into removal proceedings. From California to New York, there are hundreds of stories like these. Many immigrants are preyed on because of their fears--others on their hope of realizing the American dream. They are charged exorbitant fees for the filing of frivolous paperwork that clog our immigration courts and keep families and businesses waiting in limbo for years. Law enforcement officials say that many fraudulent ``immigration specialists'' close their businesses or move on to another part of the state or country before they can be held accountable. They can make $100,000 to $200,000 a year and the few who have been caught rarely serve more than a few months in jail. Often victims of such crimes are deported, sending them back to their home countries without accountability for the perpetrator of the fraud. Most recently, hundreds of immigrants were exploited by Victor M. Espinal, who was arrested for allegedly posing as an immigration attorney. Nearly 125 of Mr. Espinal's clients attended the New York City Bar Association's free clinic to address their legal and immigration options. According to prosecutors, Mr. Espinal falsely claimed on his business cards that he was licensed and admitted to the California bar as well as the bar in the Dominican Republic. Organizations such as the Los Angeles Country Bar Association, National Immigration Forum, American Immigration Lawyers Association, and American Bar Association have been documenting this exploitation for many years.
reddymjm
03-16 01:26 PM
Why he should expect an RFE in a Month or Two ?
Any rational reason ?
One way of reducing backlog is by issuing an RFE and a possible denial. Most of the EB3 with very old PD I would say before 2004 there is a standard RFE for an employment letter, resulting in a AC21 or some chance where they can deny some cases.
Any rational reason ?
One way of reducing backlog is by issuing an RFE and a possible denial. Most of the EB3 with very old PD I would say before 2004 there is a standard RFE for an employment letter, resulting in a AC21 or some chance where they can deny some cases.
wonderlust
09-27 04:34 PM
You are wrong! I am not indian, my friends from China, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Philipine, and Vietnam were there. You just did not see the pics.:D
Ras, looking at the photo at the rally, I think you got the point. Not much attended and I don't see any other nationals there.
Ras, looking at the photo at the rally, I think you got the point. Not much attended and I don't see any other nationals there.
devikas81
07-05 09:58 AM
I am on the similar situation. can i have your email add..
Thanks,
Thanks,
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