gc_seeker_2001
01-29 09:48 PM
My company has filed an AOS application on July 02 2007 using an approved EB3 I-140 (PD = Sep 2001). Then in Dec 2007, they have filed a EB2 I-140 using an approved EB2 PERM to convert the pending AOS apllication to EB2, hoping to port the priority date of pending AOS application to EB2 Sep 2001. EB2 priority dates were retrogressed after the EB2 I-140 was filed.
I am thinking of switching the job now. I don't expect USCIS to process the EB-2 I-140 for next 6 months or so. Is it safe to switch jobs in this situation? I have portability right now, since 180 days have passed after the AOS application was filed with EB3 I-140. Does the EB2 I-140 adversely affect the AC21 after I join the new employer. What will happen to my pending AOS application, when USCIS processes the EB2 I-140 from my original employer, before or after I have used AC21 from the new employer.
Appreciate your feedbacks on this.
I am thinking of switching the job now. I don't expect USCIS to process the EB-2 I-140 for next 6 months or so. Is it safe to switch jobs in this situation? I have portability right now, since 180 days have passed after the AOS application was filed with EB3 I-140. Does the EB2 I-140 adversely affect the AC21 after I join the new employer. What will happen to my pending AOS application, when USCIS processes the EB2 I-140 from my original employer, before or after I have used AC21 from the new employer.
Appreciate your feedbacks on this.
continuedProgress
01-15 10:01 AM
Employment contract/non-compete is the place to look. Now, if you haven't signed any employment contract with your employer (that says otherwise)- you are good to make that change.
Picasa
01-22 03:48 PM
What do you mean by 4 part payments?
Here is the scenario
Lets say I have Rs 100,000 principal loan and I can make 4 payments of Rs 22,000 (4X22,000= 88,000) and tells ICICI bank to span rest of Rs. 12,000 (100,000-88,000=12000) in 13 EMI.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Also note - you are allowed only 4 part payments in a year. Especially with ICICI bank. So plan carefully. That way you are left with only 13 EMI's with a smaller amount.
Here is the scenario
Lets say I have Rs 100,000 principal loan and I can make 4 payments of Rs 22,000 (4X22,000= 88,000) and tells ICICI bank to span rest of Rs. 12,000 (100,000-88,000=12000) in 13 EMI.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Also note - you are allowed only 4 part payments in a year. Especially with ICICI bank. So plan carefully. That way you are left with only 13 EMI's with a smaller amount.
vnsriv
08-14 04:30 PM
I am planning to do that early next year when I go up there for a six week vacation. Thanks for that feedback.
Count me in the R2I for good. My target is next Jun. all the best
Count me in the R2I for good. My target is next Jun. all the best
more...
jonty_11
11-16 09:13 PM
News from REDIFF
http://ia.rediff.com/news/2006/nov/17ndeal8.htm?q=tp&file=.htm
No one seems to be talking abt it....no news, no discussions..that is what lobbying is all abt...not abt making a hue and cry before lame duck and seeing nothing passed through.....The Caucus of companies taht has kinda threatened to outsource if H1Bs are not increased....might just fall flat.
http://ia.rediff.com/news/2006/nov/17ndeal8.htm?q=tp&file=.htm
No one seems to be talking abt it....no news, no discussions..that is what lobbying is all abt...not abt making a hue and cry before lame duck and seeing nothing passed through.....The Caucus of companies taht has kinda threatened to outsource if H1Bs are not increased....might just fall flat.
h1techSlave
04-23 05:26 PM
Can you be a little more specific on what you are doing?
If you don't want to publish it in this open forum, please send me a PM.
I was in dilemma just like every one; keep postponing things right from the day I got EAD(2years passed).
Since I am on employment with H1b/GC sponsoring employer full time, I did not see a problem starting a company on my spouse name and start working part time as Corp to corp relation.
My feeling is, even if my status changed to EAD ( I don't know how to inform USCIS or USCIS know if I work for my spouse single member company), what will be the impact? RFE's for the next 3-5years? In such scenarios H1b/GC employer will any way ans those calls.
Though, I don't have any proof/idea of what the status I am/will be in using EAD as part time. I simply took the plunge with my gut feeling and economy situation.
If there is a chance or idea you want to put forth with your own company, there is no good time than today!
Good luck and let us know.
If you don't want to publish it in this open forum, please send me a PM.
I was in dilemma just like every one; keep postponing things right from the day I got EAD(2years passed).
Since I am on employment with H1b/GC sponsoring employer full time, I did not see a problem starting a company on my spouse name and start working part time as Corp to corp relation.
My feeling is, even if my status changed to EAD ( I don't know how to inform USCIS or USCIS know if I work for my spouse single member company), what will be the impact? RFE's for the next 3-5years? In such scenarios H1b/GC employer will any way ans those calls.
Though, I don't have any proof/idea of what the status I am/will be in using EAD as part time. I simply took the plunge with my gut feeling and economy situation.
If there is a chance or idea you want to put forth with your own company, there is no good time than today!
Good luck and let us know.
more...
BECsufferer
02-12 09:02 AM
Totally support this. However as someone pointed above, please keep message short, cordial, respectfull, positive and patriotic ( towards US).
I differ on describing, how much we make, instead how and what we contribute to nation. My sugestions, describe briefly if you are in;
Medical Profession: Highlight how your service in under-previliaged area is uplifting life of patients and neighborhood.
IT: How your work and company is making the nation more competent and advanced
Automotove: How your work will realize green car revolution and create factory jobs
Infrastrucutre/ Others: Same as above
Aerospace/DEfense: How you are supporting our troops protect nation.
Any other industry I missed, please fill in for yourself. Again be positive, cordial and no-demands.
I differ on describing, how much we make, instead how and what we contribute to nation. My sugestions, describe briefly if you are in;
Medical Profession: Highlight how your service in under-previliaged area is uplifting life of patients and neighborhood.
IT: How your work and company is making the nation more competent and advanced
Automotove: How your work will realize green car revolution and create factory jobs
Infrastrucutre/ Others: Same as above
Aerospace/DEfense: How you are supporting our troops protect nation.
Any other industry I missed, please fill in for yourself. Again be positive, cordial and no-demands.
pom
04-28 05:34 PM
All right, I've changed it once more, but maybe you should remove those moutain pics because it takes forever to load as it is :)
Very nice work though.
Very nice work though.
more...
rajeshalex
09-24 11:06 AM
I had received response to 140 stating pending background name check.
Here is the exact lines
"USCIS is awaiting the results of your pending background name check. The USCIS is unable to predict when a background check might be completed. so they ask us to wait 120 days before initiating another inquiry."
I am not sure whether this is related with IBIS check or name check or background check. If its an IBIS check EAD also got the same check and my EAD has been renewed twice. My FP was done in Nov 07 and after 2 days of FP my appln was transferred from TSC to NSC
Anyway I will wait for another 120 days
Here is the exact lines
"USCIS is awaiting the results of your pending background name check. The USCIS is unable to predict when a background check might be completed. so they ask us to wait 120 days before initiating another inquiry."
I am not sure whether this is related with IBIS check or name check or background check. If its an IBIS check EAD also got the same check and my EAD has been renewed twice. My FP was done in Nov 07 and after 2 days of FP my appln was transferred from TSC to NSC
Anyway I will wait for another 120 days
EndlessWait
08-09 10:52 AM
Form versions are fine as long as you downloaded from USCIS..cmon guys give urself a break..dont get too nosy about the details... its all fine..u did based on what you were provided with the latest at that moment..that's it..
more...
.jpg "quotes about ex boyfriends")
psaxena
07-04 02:01 PM
They are already against us and shouting on top of their lungs "SLUMDOG" for the reason that cowards and scared and suppressed people like you never gonna do anything.
The same attitude like yours actually made us slaves for many more years, instead would have got the freedom long long time back.
Next time when your tail is between your legs , do not try to make suggestions.
Some ideas should be kept to ones self, saying in public "we work harder, longer" than American will turn public against us even more because they feel in an opposite way and it is an insult.
The same attitude like yours actually made us slaves for many more years, instead would have got the freedom long long time back.
Next time when your tail is between your legs , do not try to make suggestions.
Some ideas should be kept to ones self, saying in public "we work harder, longer" than American will turn public against us even more because they feel in an opposite way and it is an insult.
mdipi0
11-17 09:56 PM
ok,,,this is mine. but...i never signed up. i know i didnt....weird.
more...
boston_gc
01-25 05:49 PM
Which US consulate did you apply? Do you already have H1B on your passport? I think the best option will be to approach your employer and have them sort this issue out. Sometimes, the consulate will request for some additional information from the employer and once they get this information, they will issue the visa.
Good luck!
I am in a distress please help me. I attended the US consulate for a new H1B Visa. The visa was refused under 221(g). The reason mentioned for the refusal was:
Your petitioner does not appear to be either able or willing to provide qualifying employment in the United States in accordance with appropriate laws and regulations.
VO mentioned the documents will be sent back to USCIS. Pretty much kept all the documents like I-797, I 129, petition documents, certificates, client agreement, etc.
They mentioned the candidate profile is good but they have doubts about the employer. As far as I know and through my research the employer is good and have all the necessary documents correct. There is nothing wrong in the documentation and every thing is as per stipulated guidelines.
The employer has a good employeee strength and I had good feed back from other employees as well. I am pretty sure the employer is in a position to employ and provide the salary. I do not know on what basis the USCIS has come to conclusion that the employer is not qualified. Only few days back there were two visas granted for the same employer.
Please advise me what to do next. I need to do things urgently as I do not have enough time left (only few months ) on the H1 B Validity.
1. Do I need to send a mail to Consulate asking the specific reasons for denial?
2. Do I need to write to the senator or some one about this?
3. Do I need to consult an attorney about and re-request for a review of the petition?
4. Do I need to ask the employer anything specific.
I have been banking on this opportunity for the last two years and had planned everything hoping everything will go smooth. I am in a distress. Please advise me the next steps urgently so I dont loose the opportunity.
Good luck!
I am in a distress please help me. I attended the US consulate for a new H1B Visa. The visa was refused under 221(g). The reason mentioned for the refusal was:
Your petitioner does not appear to be either able or willing to provide qualifying employment in the United States in accordance with appropriate laws and regulations.
VO mentioned the documents will be sent back to USCIS. Pretty much kept all the documents like I-797, I 129, petition documents, certificates, client agreement, etc.
They mentioned the candidate profile is good but they have doubts about the employer. As far as I know and through my research the employer is good and have all the necessary documents correct. There is nothing wrong in the documentation and every thing is as per stipulated guidelines.
The employer has a good employeee strength and I had good feed back from other employees as well. I am pretty sure the employer is in a position to employ and provide the salary. I do not know on what basis the USCIS has come to conclusion that the employer is not qualified. Only few days back there were two visas granted for the same employer.
Please advise me what to do next. I need to do things urgently as I do not have enough time left (only few months ) on the H1 B Validity.
1. Do I need to send a mail to Consulate asking the specific reasons for denial?
2. Do I need to write to the senator or some one about this?
3. Do I need to consult an attorney about and re-request for a review of the petition?
4. Do I need to ask the employer anything specific.
I have been banking on this opportunity for the last two years and had planned everything hoping everything will go smooth. I am in a distress. Please advise me the next steps urgently so I dont loose the opportunity.
gimme Green!!
01-02 12:12 PM
I have got extension on my H1 after completing 6 years.
My wife has been on H4 till now.
Is she eligible to get a new H1?
Hi,
I just got my 2nd 3 year extension (Nov 2006 to Nov 2009) on my H1B after completing six years.
My PD is June 2005 and I-140 approved on July 2006. I am thinking of
changing my job. I am puzzling about the following questions:
1. Can I change the job and use my 3 year extension for the next job?
2. Can I keep my PD of June 2005 if my current employer doesn't revoke
my I-140 ?
3. If I apply for GC again with new employer and get my I-140 approved , can
I keep getting 3 year extensions on that job ?
PLEASE HELP!.
Thank you,
My wife has been on H4 till now.
Is she eligible to get a new H1?
Hi,
I just got my 2nd 3 year extension (Nov 2006 to Nov 2009) on my H1B after completing six years.
My PD is June 2005 and I-140 approved on July 2006. I am thinking of
changing my job. I am puzzling about the following questions:
1. Can I change the job and use my 3 year extension for the next job?
2. Can I keep my PD of June 2005 if my current employer doesn't revoke
my I-140 ?
3. If I apply for GC again with new employer and get my I-140 approved , can
I keep getting 3 year extensions on that job ?
PLEASE HELP!.
Thank you,
more...
bklog_sufferer
10-18 03:09 AM
Hello,
I have following situation and need some help on making my travel decision:
1. Me and my wife booked ticket to travel to India on October 27th and coming back on November 29th. Our advance parole will expire in NOV 18th. We have H1B approval till 2010 from a company A. I am working on H1B and my wife working on EAD.
2. Me and my wife filed EAD/AP July 29th 2008. My AP got approved on Aug 31. But my wifes AP/EAD is not yet approved.
3. Two months back my H1B sponsoring company( company A) was acquired by company B. Company B is a Canadian company. Company B has taken all obligations and liabilities of LCA's of company A.
4. Since the aquiring comany is candian company my offer letter and the employment verifaication letters are with address and telephone numbers of canada/ottawa.
5. My pay stubs are still issued with name of Campany A.
6. Since My wifes AP is not approved we are planning stamp out H1B/h4 visa at us onsulate in chennai. I am wondering with above situation is there any risk in visa approval at chennai consulate ?
7. Is there any way from now and OCtober 27 I can expidate the AP approval for my wifes application?
8. How long it takes these days for H1B visa approvals at chennai with the new PIMS process ? Will I get visa approved on Nov 10th if my interview is on NOV 3rd?
9. What are the risks in this travel ?
gcman2005,
1) If you do not pocess the approved A/P document before you leave US, you have no option but to get H4 stamping done at a US consulate outside US
2) H1/H4 stamping shouldn't take more than 7 days at any US consulate in India, although they say 7 days it is usually much faster i,e 2-3 days.
3) H1/H4 stamping for reentering US residents usually they would issue very easily, i,e there should not be any risks.
Good luck
I have following situation and need some help on making my travel decision:
1. Me and my wife booked ticket to travel to India on October 27th and coming back on November 29th. Our advance parole will expire in NOV 18th. We have H1B approval till 2010 from a company A. I am working on H1B and my wife working on EAD.
2. Me and my wife filed EAD/AP July 29th 2008. My AP got approved on Aug 31. But my wifes AP/EAD is not yet approved.
3. Two months back my H1B sponsoring company( company A) was acquired by company B. Company B is a Canadian company. Company B has taken all obligations and liabilities of LCA's of company A.
4. Since the aquiring comany is candian company my offer letter and the employment verifaication letters are with address and telephone numbers of canada/ottawa.
5. My pay stubs are still issued with name of Campany A.
6. Since My wifes AP is not approved we are planning stamp out H1B/h4 visa at us onsulate in chennai. I am wondering with above situation is there any risk in visa approval at chennai consulate ?
7. Is there any way from now and OCtober 27 I can expidate the AP approval for my wifes application?
8. How long it takes these days for H1B visa approvals at chennai with the new PIMS process ? Will I get visa approved on Nov 10th if my interview is on NOV 3rd?
9. What are the risks in this travel ?
gcman2005,
1) If you do not pocess the approved A/P document before you leave US, you have no option but to get H4 stamping done at a US consulate outside US
2) H1/H4 stamping shouldn't take more than 7 days at any US consulate in India, although they say 7 days it is usually much faster i,e 2-3 days.
3) H1/H4 stamping for reentering US residents usually they would issue very easily, i,e there should not be any risks.
Good luck
Deepika
08-14 04:38 PM
Its really requires lot of planning and a tough decision to make. Some of our friends say you get good package if you find the job while you are in US and then go.
more...
kumarc123
10-22 09:28 AM
Gurus pls help,
Here's my situation.
I'm a derivative and recently got an interview notice.
1) My spouse came here with H1 status (without me). Because my spouse's company can only start processing my H4 visa, 3 months after my spouse start date. Since it will be difficult for us to be thousands of miles away, we decided to use my tourist visa and come here so that I can join my spouse. So, I came here initially in B1/B2 status (around February 2006). After 3 months (around May 2006), I got a job offer from one company and was willing to sponsor my H1 visa. During the H1 processing, I had to go back home for emergency. Again came back to US using B1/B2. After I came back, we got a RFE asking for the new I-94. Then, my H1 was approved around November 2006 but only started getting paid around May 2007 (after I got a client).
If asked during the interview, when I started working? Should I answer November 2006 (when my H1 visa was approved) or May 2007 (when I started getting paid bec I got a client)?
2) Late last year we went to Canada and our I-94 was not taken from us. We were told that it's because we will be in Canada for few days only. Hence, we dont have a new I-94 in our hands. Currently, we're still holding old I-94. When we filed our I-485, the last entry date we entered was based on the Canada trip so it wont match the date with the old I-94. Will this cause a problem during the interview?
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
Hello there,
Well I can answer one question of your's, when you travel to Canada, they don't normally put a new I94 ( I have driven too many times)
So I would put the date specified on the old 1-94 exclusive of my trips to Canada, reason being I-94 is the only official record of entering and exiting the country. So why complicate things more?
Hope it helps
Here's my situation.
I'm a derivative and recently got an interview notice.
1) My spouse came here with H1 status (without me). Because my spouse's company can only start processing my H4 visa, 3 months after my spouse start date. Since it will be difficult for us to be thousands of miles away, we decided to use my tourist visa and come here so that I can join my spouse. So, I came here initially in B1/B2 status (around February 2006). After 3 months (around May 2006), I got a job offer from one company and was willing to sponsor my H1 visa. During the H1 processing, I had to go back home for emergency. Again came back to US using B1/B2. After I came back, we got a RFE asking for the new I-94. Then, my H1 was approved around November 2006 but only started getting paid around May 2007 (after I got a client).
If asked during the interview, when I started working? Should I answer November 2006 (when my H1 visa was approved) or May 2007 (when I started getting paid bec I got a client)?
2) Late last year we went to Canada and our I-94 was not taken from us. We were told that it's because we will be in Canada for few days only. Hence, we dont have a new I-94 in our hands. Currently, we're still holding old I-94. When we filed our I-485, the last entry date we entered was based on the Canada trip so it wont match the date with the old I-94. Will this cause a problem during the interview?
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
Hello there,
Well I can answer one question of your's, when you travel to Canada, they don't normally put a new I94 ( I have driven too many times)
So I would put the date specified on the old 1-94 exclusive of my trips to Canada, reason being I-94 is the only official record of entering and exiting the country. So why complicate things more?
Hope it helps
voldemar
04-20 08:51 PM
Per Mattheww Oh's web site, Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Immigration Oversight Hearings were held on 04/19/2007 and 04/20/2007. I haven't read the details yet. The details are at http://www.immigration-law.com/I believe it was House committee hearing http://judiciary.house.gov/oversight.aspx?ID=299
wellwishergc
07-11 12:27 PM
^^^^^^
sankap
10-28 12:01 PM
Skilled immigration: Green-card blues | The Economist (http://www.economist.com/node/17366155)
Skilled immigration
Green-card blues
A backlash against foreign workers dims business hopes for immigration reform
The Economist: October 30, 2010
Oct 28th 2010 | Washington, dc
BAD as relations are between business and the Democrats, immigration was supposed to be an exception. On that topic the two have long had a marriage of convenience, with business backing comprehensive reform in order to obtain more skilled foreign workers.
That, at least, was what was meant to happen. In March Chuck Schumer, a Democratic senator, and Lindsey Graham, a Republican, proposed a multi-faceted reform that would toughen border controls and create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants while granting two longstanding goals of business: automatic green cards (that is, permanent residence) for students who earned advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering or maths in America, and an elimination of country quotas on green cards. The quotas bear no relationship to demand, leaving backlogs of eight to ten years for applicants from China and India. Barack Obama immediately announced his support.
But the proposal never became a bill, much less law. Mr Graham developed cold feet and withdrew his support; he was concerned that the Democrats were moving too quickly, as the economic misery that has turned Americans against foreign trade spread to dislike of foreign workers. Last year Congress made it harder for banks that had received money from the Troubled Asset Relief Programme to hire workers on H-1B visas, the most popular type for skilled foreign workers. In January the Citizenship and Immigration Service barred the use of H-1Bs for workers based on a client�s premises instead of their own company�s, a move aimed at outsourcing companies, many of them based in India.
In August even Mr Schumer, needing to look tough on outsourcing, pushed through a bill sharply raising H-1B fees on firms that depend heavily on the visas. Perhaps the most naked election-year hostility to foreigners appeared during the debate in September over a Democratic bill in the Senate that would have rewarded companies for firing foreign-based workers and replacing them with Americans. Charles Grassley, a Republican senator, responded with a proposal to prohibit any company that had laid off Americans from hiring visa workers at all. The bill did not win enough votes to break a filibuster.
Tightened restrictions, political aggravation and economic conditions seem to be having an effect. In 2009 the number of employment-based green cards and H-1B visas was the lowest in years (see chart). It took an unusually long time for the quota of H-1Bs for the fiscal year that ended on September 30th to be used up. Several Indian outsourcing companies have made a point of boosting local hiring at American facilities.
This is partly the result of the recession, which has hurt demand for all types of workers. But in a recent report the Hamilton Project, a moderately liberal research group, notes that the number of foreign workers in America has been declining for some time. This might reflect America�s diminished appeal to the world�s most sought-after workers, as well as brightening prospects in their own countries. A survey for the pro-immigration Kauffman Foundation in 2007 found that only a tiny proportion of foreign students planned to stay in the United States. This almost certainly extracts an economic toll, since immigrants are more likely than others to start businesses or file patents.
America�s immigration policies have long put a higher priority on family reunification than on employment. Legal immigrants to the country are more likely to have failed to finish high school than either native-born Americans or immigrants to other English-speaking countries. Immigrants to Canada are far more likely to have a college degree.
Legislators from both parties have at various times advanced proposals that would smooth the way for skilled migrants, but they have usually foundered on the more intractable problem of dealing with illegal immigration. �These two issues can and should be separate,� says Michael Greenstone of the Hamilton Project. �We are giving up economic growth by putting the two issues together.�
Democratic Hispanic legislators oppose separating them for fear of losing business support for comprehensive reform. In principle, then, a Republican takeover of the House might increase the likelihood of a stand-alone bill on skilled immigration. That, however, is not the Republicans� priority. Lamar Smith, the Republican who would probably become chairman of the House judiciary committee, is more focused on deporting illegal immigrants and strengthening the border.
Still, it would be premature to write off the odds of immigration reform. If Mr Obama is to accomplish anything in the next Congress, he needs to find common ground with Republicans on something. Business-friendly immigration reform might just qualify.
Skilled immigration
Green-card blues
A backlash against foreign workers dims business hopes for immigration reform
The Economist: October 30, 2010
Oct 28th 2010 | Washington, dc
BAD as relations are between business and the Democrats, immigration was supposed to be an exception. On that topic the two have long had a marriage of convenience, with business backing comprehensive reform in order to obtain more skilled foreign workers.
That, at least, was what was meant to happen. In March Chuck Schumer, a Democratic senator, and Lindsey Graham, a Republican, proposed a multi-faceted reform that would toughen border controls and create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants while granting two longstanding goals of business: automatic green cards (that is, permanent residence) for students who earned advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering or maths in America, and an elimination of country quotas on green cards. The quotas bear no relationship to demand, leaving backlogs of eight to ten years for applicants from China and India. Barack Obama immediately announced his support.
But the proposal never became a bill, much less law. Mr Graham developed cold feet and withdrew his support; he was concerned that the Democrats were moving too quickly, as the economic misery that has turned Americans against foreign trade spread to dislike of foreign workers. Last year Congress made it harder for banks that had received money from the Troubled Asset Relief Programme to hire workers on H-1B visas, the most popular type for skilled foreign workers. In January the Citizenship and Immigration Service barred the use of H-1Bs for workers based on a client�s premises instead of their own company�s, a move aimed at outsourcing companies, many of them based in India.
In August even Mr Schumer, needing to look tough on outsourcing, pushed through a bill sharply raising H-1B fees on firms that depend heavily on the visas. Perhaps the most naked election-year hostility to foreigners appeared during the debate in September over a Democratic bill in the Senate that would have rewarded companies for firing foreign-based workers and replacing them with Americans. Charles Grassley, a Republican senator, responded with a proposal to prohibit any company that had laid off Americans from hiring visa workers at all. The bill did not win enough votes to break a filibuster.
Tightened restrictions, political aggravation and economic conditions seem to be having an effect. In 2009 the number of employment-based green cards and H-1B visas was the lowest in years (see chart). It took an unusually long time for the quota of H-1Bs for the fiscal year that ended on September 30th to be used up. Several Indian outsourcing companies have made a point of boosting local hiring at American facilities.
This is partly the result of the recession, which has hurt demand for all types of workers. But in a recent report the Hamilton Project, a moderately liberal research group, notes that the number of foreign workers in America has been declining for some time. This might reflect America�s diminished appeal to the world�s most sought-after workers, as well as brightening prospects in their own countries. A survey for the pro-immigration Kauffman Foundation in 2007 found that only a tiny proportion of foreign students planned to stay in the United States. This almost certainly extracts an economic toll, since immigrants are more likely than others to start businesses or file patents.
America�s immigration policies have long put a higher priority on family reunification than on employment. Legal immigrants to the country are more likely to have failed to finish high school than either native-born Americans or immigrants to other English-speaking countries. Immigrants to Canada are far more likely to have a college degree.
Legislators from both parties have at various times advanced proposals that would smooth the way for skilled migrants, but they have usually foundered on the more intractable problem of dealing with illegal immigration. �These two issues can and should be separate,� says Michael Greenstone of the Hamilton Project. �We are giving up economic growth by putting the two issues together.�
Democratic Hispanic legislators oppose separating them for fear of losing business support for comprehensive reform. In principle, then, a Republican takeover of the House might increase the likelihood of a stand-alone bill on skilled immigration. That, however, is not the Republicans� priority. Lamar Smith, the Republican who would probably become chairman of the House judiciary committee, is more focused on deporting illegal immigrants and strengthening the border.
Still, it would be premature to write off the odds of immigration reform. If Mr Obama is to accomplish anything in the next Congress, he needs to find common ground with Republicans on something. Business-friendly immigration reform might just qualify.
abracadabra
07-06 12:51 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2007/07/05/DI2007070500813.html
No comments:
Post a Comment