kaisersose
07-27 02:37 PM
Hi All,
Has anybody used this Freedom of Information Act to obtain the information. I was going over the Form G-639 and it looks like they are asking for couple of information which I don't have and I am not sure if my employer will provide (Thats the sole reason why I want to use this act).The form is asking for the Alien Registration # and Petition #. I dont have them. Also for the information needed to search what needs to be mentioned if I need to get a copy of my Labour certification (Not sure If I could get that ) and my I-140 related documents say (Receipt Notice/Approval Notice). Any advise/input on this is highly appreciated.
Thanks.
You really do not need your labor certificate. You do not need the A# as it is optional. Leave it blank.
You however need to have the 140 petition number. Ask your employer for the number. Tel him you would like to have it for tracking purposes.
Has anybody used this Freedom of Information Act to obtain the information. I was going over the Form G-639 and it looks like they are asking for couple of information which I don't have and I am not sure if my employer will provide (Thats the sole reason why I want to use this act).The form is asking for the Alien Registration # and Petition #. I dont have them. Also for the information needed to search what needs to be mentioned if I need to get a copy of my Labour certification (Not sure If I could get that ) and my I-140 related documents say (Receipt Notice/Approval Notice). Any advise/input on this is highly appreciated.
Thanks.
You really do not need your labor certificate. You do not need the A# as it is optional. Leave it blank.
You however need to have the 140 petition number. Ask your employer for the number. Tel him you would like to have it for tracking purposes.
wallpaper Jennifer Lopez - Love - 2011
![jennifer lopez love cover art. Jennifer Lopez. Love Don#39;t Cost A Thing. from the album J.Lo [Explicit]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61DxFdel4DL._SL500_.jpg "Jennifer Lopez. Love Don#39;t Cost A Thing. from the album J.Lo [Explicit]")
Templarian
08-27 05:58 PM
Shaking My Head
%2B-%2BFresh%2BOut%2BThe%2BOver%2B(Official%2BPromo%2BCover)%2BThanx%2Bto%2Bbritneytaiwan.png "Jennifer Lopes/Lola")
gcseeker2002
10-26 01:00 PM
My wife had her visa stamped in Bombay consulate - and during the interview they asked to see the I797 - but i had instructed her to ask for it back and she specifically asked the officer if she could have it back because I needed it - and he promptly gave it.
maybe Delhi Consulate works differently. Hopefully they will mail you back the 797 notice with the passport.
My wife went for stamping in 08/2003 and I just gave her the copy of the I797 approval notice, so I didnt have to worry about getting back the original. I think they gave back the copy too, so why are you sending original 797 for H4 stamping, it is not a required document I think.
maybe Delhi Consulate works differently. Hopefully they will mail you back the 797 notice with the passport.
My wife went for stamping in 08/2003 and I just gave her the copy of the I797 approval notice, so I didnt have to worry about getting back the original. I think they gave back the copy too, so why are you sending original 797 for H4 stamping, it is not a required document I think.
2011 Jennifer Lopez. Love Don#39;t Cost A Thing. from the album J.Lo [Explicit]
satishku_2000
08-23 03:23 PM
Received FP Notice in mail today
485 RD: Jul 2 2007
485 ND: Aug 7 2007
FP ND : Aug 14 2007
FP Date: Aug 28 2007
Is it from NSC or TSC
485 RD: Jul 2 2007
485 ND: Aug 7 2007
FP ND : Aug 14 2007
FP Date: Aug 28 2007
Is it from NSC or TSC
more...
seaken75
10-31 09:07 PM
Hi all,
Need your help and experience in this!
I received an RFE for my EAD and AP a few days ago. This has to do with me not registering myself during the NSEERS Special Registration. They want to know why i did not register for the NSEERS.
I visited an attorney around March 2003 regarding the Special Registration and was adviced that I dont have to register because my last entry to the U.S. was in January 2003. That was when return for school after going back home for my Christmas holiday. I have been an F-1 student since September 1998.
Reading the NSEERS requirement (http://www.ice.gov/doclib/pi/specialregistration/Call_In_Group4.pdf), my interpretation is that i should be exempted since my last entry to the U.S. is AFTER September 30, 2002. Is my interpretation right or wrong?
Please advice.
Thanks!
Need your help and experience in this!
I received an RFE for my EAD and AP a few days ago. This has to do with me not registering myself during the NSEERS Special Registration. They want to know why i did not register for the NSEERS.
I visited an attorney around March 2003 regarding the Special Registration and was adviced that I dont have to register because my last entry to the U.S. was in January 2003. That was when return for school after going back home for my Christmas holiday. I have been an F-1 student since September 1998.
Reading the NSEERS requirement (http://www.ice.gov/doclib/pi/specialregistration/Call_In_Group4.pdf), my interpretation is that i should be exempted since my last entry to the U.S. is AFTER September 30, 2002. Is my interpretation right or wrong?
Please advice.
Thanks!
Hassan11
03-28 03:08 PM
is there a way we can add filters so we can filter for only EB3 ROW or EB3 India for example. this will be very helpful to know the numbers of IV members under EB3 ROW for example. Thank you for all your efforts
Great start
This is a good move from IV.:D
Great start
This is a good move from IV.:D
more...
DyersEve
10-21 01:36 AM
Well guess what.......I changed it to almost exactly what you are describing the second after i made that last post, I think it looks much better than when i first started out.......thanks a lot everyone. :)
http://teamnerd.tripod.com/random/images4.txt
http://teamnerd.tripod.com/random/images4.txt
2010 Jennifer Lopes/Lola
sanjay02
05-14 03:15 PM
Gurus
I am going to be renewing my EAD myself and its going to be paper filing, so my question is what should I be be answering to the question below?
Its question 17 on the EAD form
17. If you entered the Eligibility Category, (c)(3)(C), in item 16 above, list your
degree, your employer's name as listed in E-Verfy, and your employer's EVerify
Company Identification Number or a valid E-Verify
Client Company Identification Number in the space below.
Degree:
Employer's Name as listed in E-Verify:
Employer's E-Verify Company Identification Number or a valid E-Verify
Client Company Identification Number
I am going to be renewing my EAD myself and its going to be paper filing, so my question is what should I be be answering to the question below?
Its question 17 on the EAD form
17. If you entered the Eligibility Category, (c)(3)(C), in item 16 above, list your
degree, your employer's name as listed in E-Verfy, and your employer's EVerify
Company Identification Number or a valid E-Verify
Client Company Identification Number in the space below.
Degree:
Employer's Name as listed in E-Verify:
Employer's E-Verify Company Identification Number or a valid E-Verify
Client Company Identification Number
more...
GCcomesoon
06-25 01:27 PM
Guys
Go to rite-aid & they are really cheap if you are looking to save some money.I went to Kinkos & the lady said it would cost around $65 for me & my wife ( 8 copies each ) , Now she herself suggested that I should save some money & try some other place like CVS, or Rite-Aid
I went to rite-aid & paid approx $15 for me & my wife ( 8 copies each )
Thanks
GCcomesoon
Go to rite-aid & they are really cheap if you are looking to save some money.I went to Kinkos & the lady said it would cost around $65 for me & my wife ( 8 copies each ) , Now she herself suggested that I should save some money & try some other place like CVS, or Rite-Aid
I went to rite-aid & paid approx $15 for me & my wife ( 8 copies each )
Thanks
GCcomesoon
hair Deluxe jennifer lopez love
jkays94
03-31 03:01 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2006/03/30/DI2006033001345.html
S. Mitra Kalita: From a former H-1B holder... You know what strikes me? The minute an H-1B holder gets his or her green card, they seem to forget (and likely want to forget) those days where they agonized and strategized over how to stay in the country, where in the labor cert process the application was, etc. I wonder if the H-1Bs have any lobbying groups out there for them. If so, can you please e-mail me with your contact info. Years ago, I used to quote a group called the Immigrants Support Network but I have tried to reach out and not heard about it in a long time. Any H-1B support groups out there?
This was in the H1-B discussion, could someone from the core group please do the needful. I thought this article written last year was very insightful into the plight of EB based immigrants and with this reporter reaching out, it could be a good opportunity to get the story out http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/22/AR2005072202060.html
Some info : If you are trying to reach a Washington Post reporter or staff member, please call 800.627.1150 or 202.334.6000.
S. Mitra Kalita: From a former H-1B holder... You know what strikes me? The minute an H-1B holder gets his or her green card, they seem to forget (and likely want to forget) those days where they agonized and strategized over how to stay in the country, where in the labor cert process the application was, etc. I wonder if the H-1Bs have any lobbying groups out there for them. If so, can you please e-mail me with your contact info. Years ago, I used to quote a group called the Immigrants Support Network but I have tried to reach out and not heard about it in a long time. Any H-1B support groups out there?
This was in the H1-B discussion, could someone from the core group please do the needful. I thought this article written last year was very insightful into the plight of EB based immigrants and with this reporter reaching out, it could be a good opportunity to get the story out http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/22/AR2005072202060.html
Some info : If you are trying to reach a Washington Post reporter or staff member, please call 800.627.1150 or 202.334.6000.
more...
hebron
04-03 03:40 AM
I can apply for 3 years H1-B extension (8,9 and 10th year) based on my approved I-140. However, my Indian passport expires in August 2008. Does this have anything to do with H1-B extension? Will I geet 3 years extension?
Can I renew my passport now before applying for my H1-B extn? Can I get my passport renewed before 6 months of expiry?
Kindly help.
Thanks!
Can I renew my passport now before applying for my H1-B extn? Can I get my passport renewed before 6 months of expiry?
Kindly help.
Thanks!
hot girlfriend Artist: Jennifer
askreddy
08-16 05:03 PM
Hi
What is your Received and Notice dates for 485.Just checking is this related topre adjuducation process.
Thanks
What is your Received and Notice dates for 485.Just checking is this related topre adjuducation process.
Thanks
more...
house Jennifer Lopez - Love? (Deluxe
abhi_jais
12-04 03:24 PM
Bharmohan and Mukesh:
What happened to your case? Is it still pending or you got it stamped?
Please let us know.
What happened to your case? Is it still pending or you got it stamped?
Please let us know.
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whiteStallion
05-22 07:40 PM
My PERM application filed on 10th March 2008 in Chicago, got certified this Monday(05.19.2008). So you should be very close to your approval...may be next week!
All the best!
All the best!
more...
pictures Jennifer, who#39;s among Barbara
sats123
03-11 01:29 AM
My AP was mailed by USCIS in January and I never received it. Called USCIS customer service, they said I need to apply again by paying $305 again. Called up USPS and they cannot find it, USPS said they will be sending me apology letter.
Did any one lost AP in mail, did any of you refile again.
Did any one lost AP in mail, did any of you refile again.
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sumansk
06-30 02:36 PM
Babloo Bhaiyye...
Even I am very positive and I am hopeful everything will be fine..
Everyone please use our combined CONCIOUSNESS to affect the adverse decison from DOS or USCIS..
Thanks and stay positive and spread the POSITIVE ENERGY by use of our subconcious ENERGY....IT IS A MAGICAL ENERGY...
Even I am very positive and I am hopeful everything will be fine..
Everyone please use our combined CONCIOUSNESS to affect the adverse decison from DOS or USCIS..
Thanks and stay positive and spread the POSITIVE ENERGY by use of our subconcious ENERGY....IT IS A MAGICAL ENERGY...
more...
makeup Multi-faceted Jennifer Lopez
uma001
09-08 04:44 PM
waitingmygc,
We can say lot of ways how we can proceed but companies are not in a position to listen to us. They are not desi consulting companies, they are american companies. Who will apply to the positions that appear on job posting sites or magazines? whoever qualify to those requirments on positions will apply to those positions. So there is no question of whether they qualify or not. If position is for 5 years exp, ofcourse most of the resumes will have min 5 yrs of exp. Doesnt matter whether you have masters or not.
We can say lot of ways how we can proceed but companies are not in a position to listen to us. They are not desi consulting companies, they are american companies. Who will apply to the positions that appear on job posting sites or magazines? whoever qualify to those requirments on positions will apply to those positions. So there is no question of whether they qualify or not. If position is for 5 years exp, ofcourse most of the resumes will have min 5 yrs of exp. Doesnt matter whether you have masters or not.
girlfriend hair JENNIFER LOPEZ – LOVE
perm
07-11 04:56 PM
Is this true...? if it is, USCIS is in big trouble.
5. When the law clearly says that USCIS could allot only 10% of visas per month which is 14K, under what basis USCIS issued 60K visas in the month of June 2007. Here is the link to that law. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text....6.1.1&idno=22
link not working
5. When the law clearly says that USCIS could allot only 10% of visas per month which is 14K, under what basis USCIS issued 60K visas in the month of June 2007. Here is the link to that law. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text....6.1.1&idno=22
link not working
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dealsnet
08-19 12:53 PM
I did reply same questions from many people before.
Give me green.
See the linkhttp://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?p=271903#post271903
About ADIT:
ADIT=Alien Documentation Identification & Telecommunication Systems.
Could mean biometrics not up to date or just stamp in passport.
Either way they will tell you what they want.
ADIT (I-551) stamping
�
Applicant appears at local USCIS for ADIT processing, as outlined in AOS approval letter. Applicant will not be scheduled for an ADIT appointment, ADIT processing is done by "walk-in" basis ONLY.
�
Once the applicant adjusts his/her status by completing ADIT processing, s/he is given the I-551 permanent resident stamp in his/her passport.
Give me green.
See the linkhttp://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?p=271903#post271903
About ADIT:
ADIT=Alien Documentation Identification & Telecommunication Systems.
Could mean biometrics not up to date or just stamp in passport.
Either way they will tell you what they want.
ADIT (I-551) stamping
�
Applicant appears at local USCIS for ADIT processing, as outlined in AOS approval letter. Applicant will not be scheduled for an ADIT appointment, ADIT processing is done by "walk-in" basis ONLY.
�
Once the applicant adjusts his/her status by completing ADIT processing, s/he is given the I-551 permanent resident stamp in his/her passport.
Pagal
09-08 02:06 PM
Hello,
You can work with your HR and lawyers in creating a better job description. Here are some points that I would consider in creating a job description that is honest and flexible...
1. Job should be for future placement (say, in 3-5 years time)
2. Job should offer you reasonable career and skill growth
3. Job should not be constrained to a single geographic location in US
4. Job title should match one of the broad skill categories of DOL (this would allow you to change jobs without having to worry about implications on labor certification)
All the best...
You can work with your HR and lawyers in creating a better job description. Here are some points that I would consider in creating a job description that is honest and flexible...
1. Job should be for future placement (say, in 3-5 years time)
2. Job should offer you reasonable career and skill growth
3. Job should not be constrained to a single geographic location in US
4. Job title should match one of the broad skill categories of DOL (this would allow you to change jobs without having to worry about implications on labor certification)
All the best...
GCcomesoon
03-16 03:54 PM
Hi
It seems like we all have to wait till march 27th to understand the impact .Please make us understand how this makes good news for legal immigrants.There is no mention of any thing here.Frankly in the last 10 days after this bill started getting discussed, we have hardly heard anyone speaking about us.Its only guest worker,illegal immigration,border security.
Its not being pessimistic here ,Please give us some realistic picture.
We all understand & appreciate each other efforts,time,money spend in this cause.Especially hats off to Voice team.
Lets hope we all the see the fruits of "labor" soon
Thanks
GCcomesoon
__________________________________________________ _______________
pilid
Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not to be pessimist but I tend to agree with learning01 that Nothing is going to happen. This is election year and it will be difficult to get such sweeping and comprehensive legislation passed. Having said all this, I will continue to support IV as I think these efforts will eventually pay off.
learning01, I laud your efforts. However, I am not sure what incentive any employer has to really help with this cause. Sure worth trying though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by learning01
Newt said Nothing is going to happen on this Specter or any other immigration bills in Senate. The conference with House will not agree to anything.
I also sincerely believe that Nothing is going to happen I say, these senators are doing CYAs; they will bitch it to media, their constituents, hey look, we did attempt these immigration reforms.
I am talking from my long experience and wisdom and take it from me. The only force that can improve the pitiable conditions of Indian and Chinese due to retrogression and lack of visa numbers is the big corporate employers . Each one whose LC is approved, whose I-140 is approved, who is waiting to file for adjustment of status AND who are indispensable to the employer / work at this stage should write to the HR/ Immigration/ Attorney.
I am in such a position. I am a technical lead in my IT department. PD Nov 2001. I write about these issues and the difficulties once in a month my team manager, or project manager or Immigration department.
pilid
View Public Profile
Send a private message to pilid
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#14 Today, 09:18 PM
beppenyc
Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 51
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I tend to agree too that nothing will happen, too much talking, too much BS, but, I can only hope that the republicans know that they can loose the house control, so, maybe they will prefer to have something more conservative than nothing.
beppenyc
View Public Profile
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#15 Today, 09:43 PM
ragz4u
Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 183
Looks like the committee has brokered a deal :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by beppenyc
I tend to agree too that nothing will happen, too much talking, too much BS, but, I can only hope that the republicans know that they can loose the house control, so, maybe they will prefer to have something more conservative than nothing.
Check out the following article from the OC register here http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister...le_1053340.php
If this is true, this seems to be good news for us. The McCain Kennedy bill is the most pro-immigrant of the bills and if thats what becomes the Comprehensive Immigration Bill, we all might end up happy!
WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today reached agreement on proposals for a new guest-worker program and a plan to allow the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States to become permanent residents.
Less than 24 hours after most experts and Capitol Hill watchers believed the committee would be unable to get a bill to the Senate floor by Majority Leader Bill Frist's March 27 deadline, committee Chairman Arlen Specter had brokered deals between some key senators on the complex issue.
No formal votes were taken and committee staffs were preparing to spend the next 10 days drafting language that would put in place the compromises reached. It appeared that at least a dozen of the 18 members on the panel would be prepared to back this deal. The committee plans to meet first thing in the morning on March 27. It is not yet known whether Frist will allow the panel to finish and send its bill to the Senate floor or if he still plans to bring up a more limited, possibly enforcement-only measure.
But even if nothing scuttles the compromise between now and when lawmakers get back from recess, and if the Senate passes a bill with these elements, there would remain a steep battle to get agreement from the House. The House passed an enforcement-based measure in December that doesn't include a guest-worker program or a plan for undocumented immigrants in the United States now.
Early this afternoon, Frist announced his intention to introduce a bill before next week’s recess that would deal with enforcement of immigration laws but will not include any of the controversial guest-worker or illegal immigrant provisions. Officials in Frist’s office say he is doing this to ensure that there is a bill ready on the floor if the committee fails to pass one. If Specter does get a bill out of committee, said Frist press secretary Amy Call, that could be substituted for the majority leader’s measure.
The most likely scenario, said ardent supporters of immigration reform who were pleasantly stunned by today's events, is that this will end in a stalemate, only to be brought up again in the next Congress. But they say it's important that the Senate go on record as supporting comprehensive change.
For the first time, Specter, R-Pa., who said he spent hours on the phone last night with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., agreed to Kennedy's plan to deal with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants. Specter would have allowed these people to work indefinitely but not get green cards. Kennedy wanted to give them a path to legalization.
Specter agreed this morning with Kennedy's approach, provided that these illegal immigrants would not be able to start legalization proceedings until the backlog of 3 million people now waiting in countries around the world for their chance to come to the United States legally get their green cards.
The deal reached on a new guest-worker plan says that 400,000 new guest workers would be allowed into the country each year. Under the proposal authored by Kennedy and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that number would have been unlimited. But Kennedy, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, agreed to a cap and also agreed that after working for two years, these new guest workers would have to go back to their home countries and reapply for another stint as guest workers, one that could last up to six years. But first they'd have to stay in their home countries for one year.
Built into this compromise, however, is a chance for these workers to get a waiver and not go home based on how long they have been employed here or if they are considered essential to a U.S. employer's business.
The plan also allows guest workers to apply for permanent U.S. residency, something not included in either Specter's bill or the other major proposal under consideration, the bill by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.
Kennedy essentially compromised with Cornyn, who chairs the immigration subcommittee. The deal takes parts of each of their proposals.
Not all members of the committee agreed with these compromises.
Kyl said he still believed the illegal immigrants would get preference over those waiting legally in line overseas because the undocumented would be able to stay in the U.S. and work until their turn at a green card came. Those waiting to come here legally don't have that option, he said.
And several committee members most opposed to a guest-worker program – most notably Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., were not at this morning's session.
__________________________________________________ _______________
It seems like we all have to wait till march 27th to understand the impact .Please make us understand how this makes good news for legal immigrants.There is no mention of any thing here.Frankly in the last 10 days after this bill started getting discussed, we have hardly heard anyone speaking about us.Its only guest worker,illegal immigration,border security.
Its not being pessimistic here ,Please give us some realistic picture.
We all understand & appreciate each other efforts,time,money spend in this cause.Especially hats off to Voice team.
Lets hope we all the see the fruits of "labor" soon
Thanks
GCcomesoon
__________________________________________________ _______________
pilid
Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not to be pessimist but I tend to agree with learning01 that Nothing is going to happen. This is election year and it will be difficult to get such sweeping and comprehensive legislation passed. Having said all this, I will continue to support IV as I think these efforts will eventually pay off.
learning01, I laud your efforts. However, I am not sure what incentive any employer has to really help with this cause. Sure worth trying though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by learning01
Newt said Nothing is going to happen on this Specter or any other immigration bills in Senate. The conference with House will not agree to anything.
I also sincerely believe that Nothing is going to happen I say, these senators are doing CYAs; they will bitch it to media, their constituents, hey look, we did attempt these immigration reforms.
I am talking from my long experience and wisdom and take it from me. The only force that can improve the pitiable conditions of Indian and Chinese due to retrogression and lack of visa numbers is the big corporate employers . Each one whose LC is approved, whose I-140 is approved, who is waiting to file for adjustment of status AND who are indispensable to the employer / work at this stage should write to the HR/ Immigration/ Attorney.
I am in such a position. I am a technical lead in my IT department. PD Nov 2001. I write about these issues and the difficulties once in a month my team manager, or project manager or Immigration department.
pilid
View Public Profile
Send a private message to pilid
Send email to pilid
Find all posts by pilid
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#14 Today, 09:18 PM
beppenyc
Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 51
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I tend to agree too that nothing will happen, too much talking, too much BS, but, I can only hope that the republicans know that they can loose the house control, so, maybe they will prefer to have something more conservative than nothing.
beppenyc
View Public Profile
Send a private message to beppenyc
Find all posts by beppenyc
Add beppenyc to Your Buddy List
#15 Today, 09:43 PM
ragz4u
Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 183
Looks like the committee has brokered a deal :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by beppenyc
I tend to agree too that nothing will happen, too much talking, too much BS, but, I can only hope that the republicans know that they can loose the house control, so, maybe they will prefer to have something more conservative than nothing.
Check out the following article from the OC register here http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister...le_1053340.php
If this is true, this seems to be good news for us. The McCain Kennedy bill is the most pro-immigrant of the bills and if thats what becomes the Comprehensive Immigration Bill, we all might end up happy!
WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today reached agreement on proposals for a new guest-worker program and a plan to allow the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States to become permanent residents.
Less than 24 hours after most experts and Capitol Hill watchers believed the committee would be unable to get a bill to the Senate floor by Majority Leader Bill Frist's March 27 deadline, committee Chairman Arlen Specter had brokered deals between some key senators on the complex issue.
No formal votes were taken and committee staffs were preparing to spend the next 10 days drafting language that would put in place the compromises reached. It appeared that at least a dozen of the 18 members on the panel would be prepared to back this deal. The committee plans to meet first thing in the morning on March 27. It is not yet known whether Frist will allow the panel to finish and send its bill to the Senate floor or if he still plans to bring up a more limited, possibly enforcement-only measure.
But even if nothing scuttles the compromise between now and when lawmakers get back from recess, and if the Senate passes a bill with these elements, there would remain a steep battle to get agreement from the House. The House passed an enforcement-based measure in December that doesn't include a guest-worker program or a plan for undocumented immigrants in the United States now.
Early this afternoon, Frist announced his intention to introduce a bill before next week’s recess that would deal with enforcement of immigration laws but will not include any of the controversial guest-worker or illegal immigrant provisions. Officials in Frist’s office say he is doing this to ensure that there is a bill ready on the floor if the committee fails to pass one. If Specter does get a bill out of committee, said Frist press secretary Amy Call, that could be substituted for the majority leader’s measure.
The most likely scenario, said ardent supporters of immigration reform who were pleasantly stunned by today's events, is that this will end in a stalemate, only to be brought up again in the next Congress. But they say it's important that the Senate go on record as supporting comprehensive change.
For the first time, Specter, R-Pa., who said he spent hours on the phone last night with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., agreed to Kennedy's plan to deal with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants. Specter would have allowed these people to work indefinitely but not get green cards. Kennedy wanted to give them a path to legalization.
Specter agreed this morning with Kennedy's approach, provided that these illegal immigrants would not be able to start legalization proceedings until the backlog of 3 million people now waiting in countries around the world for their chance to come to the United States legally get their green cards.
The deal reached on a new guest-worker plan says that 400,000 new guest workers would be allowed into the country each year. Under the proposal authored by Kennedy and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that number would have been unlimited. But Kennedy, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, agreed to a cap and also agreed that after working for two years, these new guest workers would have to go back to their home countries and reapply for another stint as guest workers, one that could last up to six years. But first they'd have to stay in their home countries for one year.
Built into this compromise, however, is a chance for these workers to get a waiver and not go home based on how long they have been employed here or if they are considered essential to a U.S. employer's business.
The plan also allows guest workers to apply for permanent U.S. residency, something not included in either Specter's bill or the other major proposal under consideration, the bill by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.
Kennedy essentially compromised with Cornyn, who chairs the immigration subcommittee. The deal takes parts of each of their proposals.
Not all members of the committee agreed with these compromises.
Kyl said he still believed the illegal immigrants would get preference over those waiting legally in line overseas because the undocumented would be able to stay in the U.S. and work until their turn at a green card came. Those waiting to come here legally don't have that option, he said.
And several committee members most opposed to a guest-worker program – most notably Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., were not at this morning's session.
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