pointlesswait
07-15 11:24 PM
$10, via chase!
njoy!
njoy!
wallpaper Graffiti by UK artist Banksy
Mouns
04-30 03:05 PM
... King is happy with the current numbers. "Don't take the risk to go over the caps" he says...
Administrator2
05-02 09:27 AM
Here is the information sent to IV by Research Program Manager at NEU
Thank you for sending excellent compilation of information on this subject. It is very helpful to understand the background of this issue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
When Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act in January, anti-immigrant pressure groups, such as FAIR, cried foul. FAIR claimed that the Act would put funds into the hands of illegal immigrants. They therefore petitioned for an amendment that would exclude taxpayers who file with an ITIN, which according to FAIR included many illegal immigrants (sic).
http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_mar08nl01?&printer_friendly=1
After FAIR�s concerns were aired in the US media, the Senate amended the Act to require valid Social Security numbers on all tax returns qualifying for the stimulus payment. Families who file jointly are excluded from ANY payment if one of the taxpayers on the form filed with an ITIN. As a result, thousands of Military families and an even larger number of legal US residents will receive no stimulus payment. Consider a report in a military newspaper about a family of five stationed overseas. The father is a foreign citizen who filed a joint return using an ITIN. Now the entire family will not receive the stimulus check, even though the mother (a US soldier) and her three children are US citizens.
http://www.military.com/news/article/itin-ineligible-for-special-rebate.html
In Japan, thousands of military families face the same situation.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/04/army_rebate_041408w/
The solution, according to some, is to amend the tax return and file separately. However, by excluding the ITIN holders from the tax return, the head of household must forgo claiming them as dependents. The end result has little or no benefit in most cases because to receive the stimulus payment, the taxpayer must agree to pay more in taxes.
Foreign born workers who live in the US are also affected. Many have lived in the US for years and have been dutifully paying taxes and contributing to the US economy. However, a large number have family members who do not have Visas that permit them to work (Laws that prevent dependents of immigrants from working in the US already places these families at an economic disadvantage). As a result, they are not eligible for a SSN and must file their tax returns using ITIN numbers. Even though these families are faced with the same challenges as their American born neighbors, they will receive no tax relief because of the ITIN exclusion.
The only way to get the stimulus payment is to obtain a Social Security Number for �non-work� purposes. The SSA may issue an SSN to an alien under the following provision:
20 C.F.R. � 422.104(a)(3)
(i) You need a social security number to satisfy a Federal statute or regulation that requires you to have a social security number in order to receive a Federally-funded benefit to which you have otherwise established entitlement and you reside either in or outside the U.S.;
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/422/422-0104.htm
The Social Security Administration is required by federal law to issue Social Security Numbers to legal aliens who require them to receive federally funded benefits under Section 205(c)(2)(B)(i)(II) of the Social Security Act, which states that the Social Security Administration is required to assign an SSN to �any individual who is an applicant for or recipient of a benefit funded in whole or in part with Federal funds.�
Here are some links to documents from official Senate and House websites (senate.gov, house.gov), which refer to the stimulus payment as a benefit.
Lawmakers
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
�Residents of the U.S. territories will also receive the benefit.�
Johnny Isakson, United States Senator from Georgia
The benefit would phase out for single people earning more than $75,000 a year and married couples earning more than $150,000.
Johnson (GA04) | Press Release | Rep. Johnson Votes to Stimulate Economy
Americans who earned at least $3,000 in 2007 will receive the benefit, including Social Security recipients and 250,000 disabled veterans. Higher income taxpayers are not eligible and the relief phases out above incomes of $75,000 for a single earner and $150,000 for married couples.
Senator Robert Menendez | Newsroom
�Today's event is a chance to spread the word so that everyone is aware of the steps they need to take to receive this benefit.�
News | Senator Pete V. Domenici
This benefit would help an estimated 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans.
EconomicStimulus2008
The 2008 tax instructions will include a worksheet to help those who did not qualify for a payment or those who received a reduced amount determine if they can obtain a benefit when they file their 2008 tax returns next year.
Senate Finance Committee
020808 Econ Stim Staff Summary.pdf (application/pdf Object)
The amount of the credit is phased out at a rate of 5% of adjusted gross income beginning at $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of joint returns). Residents of the U.S. possessions will also receive the benefit�
The law also clearly states that qualified recipients of this benefit must have social security numbers to receive these funds. No other identification number is considered permissible. SEC. 6428 (h) (2) �Identification Number Requirement� states, �For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `valid identification number' means a social security number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration. Such term shall not include a TIN issued by the Internal Revenue Service.�
According to SSA document 20 CFR Part 422 [Reg. No. 22] RIN 0960-AF05 Evidence Requirements for Assignment of Social Security Numbers (SSNs); Assignment of SSNs for Nonwork Purposes, a �valid non-work purpose� results when the �law requires an alien who is legally in the U.S. to have an SSN in order to receive general public assistance benefits (i.e., a public benefit that is means-tested) to which the alien has established Entitlement.�
The means-testing provision of H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 is stated in SEC. 6428 (d) Limitation Based on Adjusted Gross Income.
The federal government has also defined H.R. 5140 as a form of financial relief to persons who fall within certain income categories. According to a Whitehouse publication explaining the means-testing provision of H.R. 5140, �This relief would be available to everyone with adjusted gross income less than $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. It will be phased out for taxpayers above those income thresholds. Taxpayers may qualify by filing a tax return for 2007 and including a valid Social Security number on their tax return.� [Fact Sheet: Bipartisan Growth Package Will Help Protect Our Nation's Economic Health, Office of the Press Secretary, February 13, 2008, whitehouse.gov].
Lawmakers included the identification requirements to HR.5140 under the belief that all legal residents of the United States will hold Social Security numbers. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Commissioner of Social Security to �take affirmative measures to assure that social security account numbers will, to the maximum extent practicable, be assigned to all members of appropriate groups or categories of individuals by assigning such numbers� [Section 205(c)(2)(B)(i)] and that all qualified individuals receive �financial relief� under H.R. 5140 according to the stated will and intention of the United States Congress and Senate (as described in the links above).
Thank you for sending excellent compilation of information on this subject. It is very helpful to understand the background of this issue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
When Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act in January, anti-immigrant pressure groups, such as FAIR, cried foul. FAIR claimed that the Act would put funds into the hands of illegal immigrants. They therefore petitioned for an amendment that would exclude taxpayers who file with an ITIN, which according to FAIR included many illegal immigrants (sic).
http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_mar08nl01?&printer_friendly=1
After FAIR�s concerns were aired in the US media, the Senate amended the Act to require valid Social Security numbers on all tax returns qualifying for the stimulus payment. Families who file jointly are excluded from ANY payment if one of the taxpayers on the form filed with an ITIN. As a result, thousands of Military families and an even larger number of legal US residents will receive no stimulus payment. Consider a report in a military newspaper about a family of five stationed overseas. The father is a foreign citizen who filed a joint return using an ITIN. Now the entire family will not receive the stimulus check, even though the mother (a US soldier) and her three children are US citizens.
http://www.military.com/news/article/itin-ineligible-for-special-rebate.html
In Japan, thousands of military families face the same situation.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/04/army_rebate_041408w/
The solution, according to some, is to amend the tax return and file separately. However, by excluding the ITIN holders from the tax return, the head of household must forgo claiming them as dependents. The end result has little or no benefit in most cases because to receive the stimulus payment, the taxpayer must agree to pay more in taxes.
Foreign born workers who live in the US are also affected. Many have lived in the US for years and have been dutifully paying taxes and contributing to the US economy. However, a large number have family members who do not have Visas that permit them to work (Laws that prevent dependents of immigrants from working in the US already places these families at an economic disadvantage). As a result, they are not eligible for a SSN and must file their tax returns using ITIN numbers. Even though these families are faced with the same challenges as their American born neighbors, they will receive no tax relief because of the ITIN exclusion.
The only way to get the stimulus payment is to obtain a Social Security Number for �non-work� purposes. The SSA may issue an SSN to an alien under the following provision:
20 C.F.R. � 422.104(a)(3)
(i) You need a social security number to satisfy a Federal statute or regulation that requires you to have a social security number in order to receive a Federally-funded benefit to which you have otherwise established entitlement and you reside either in or outside the U.S.;
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/422/422-0104.htm
The Social Security Administration is required by federal law to issue Social Security Numbers to legal aliens who require them to receive federally funded benefits under Section 205(c)(2)(B)(i)(II) of the Social Security Act, which states that the Social Security Administration is required to assign an SSN to �any individual who is an applicant for or recipient of a benefit funded in whole or in part with Federal funds.�
Here are some links to documents from official Senate and House websites (senate.gov, house.gov), which refer to the stimulus payment as a benefit.
Lawmakers
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
�Residents of the U.S. territories will also receive the benefit.�
Johnny Isakson, United States Senator from Georgia
The benefit would phase out for single people earning more than $75,000 a year and married couples earning more than $150,000.
Johnson (GA04) | Press Release | Rep. Johnson Votes to Stimulate Economy
Americans who earned at least $3,000 in 2007 will receive the benefit, including Social Security recipients and 250,000 disabled veterans. Higher income taxpayers are not eligible and the relief phases out above incomes of $75,000 for a single earner and $150,000 for married couples.
Senator Robert Menendez | Newsroom
�Today's event is a chance to spread the word so that everyone is aware of the steps they need to take to receive this benefit.�
News | Senator Pete V. Domenici
This benefit would help an estimated 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans.
EconomicStimulus2008
The 2008 tax instructions will include a worksheet to help those who did not qualify for a payment or those who received a reduced amount determine if they can obtain a benefit when they file their 2008 tax returns next year.
Senate Finance Committee
020808 Econ Stim Staff Summary.pdf (application/pdf Object)
The amount of the credit is phased out at a rate of 5% of adjusted gross income beginning at $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of joint returns). Residents of the U.S. possessions will also receive the benefit�
The law also clearly states that qualified recipients of this benefit must have social security numbers to receive these funds. No other identification number is considered permissible. SEC. 6428 (h) (2) �Identification Number Requirement� states, �For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `valid identification number' means a social security number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration. Such term shall not include a TIN issued by the Internal Revenue Service.�
According to SSA document 20 CFR Part 422 [Reg. No. 22] RIN 0960-AF05 Evidence Requirements for Assignment of Social Security Numbers (SSNs); Assignment of SSNs for Nonwork Purposes, a �valid non-work purpose� results when the �law requires an alien who is legally in the U.S. to have an SSN in order to receive general public assistance benefits (i.e., a public benefit that is means-tested) to which the alien has established Entitlement.�
The means-testing provision of H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 is stated in SEC. 6428 (d) Limitation Based on Adjusted Gross Income.
The federal government has also defined H.R. 5140 as a form of financial relief to persons who fall within certain income categories. According to a Whitehouse publication explaining the means-testing provision of H.R. 5140, �This relief would be available to everyone with adjusted gross income less than $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. It will be phased out for taxpayers above those income thresholds. Taxpayers may qualify by filing a tax return for 2007 and including a valid Social Security number on their tax return.� [Fact Sheet: Bipartisan Growth Package Will Help Protect Our Nation's Economic Health, Office of the Press Secretary, February 13, 2008, whitehouse.gov].
Lawmakers included the identification requirements to HR.5140 under the belief that all legal residents of the United States will hold Social Security numbers. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Commissioner of Social Security to �take affirmative measures to assure that social security account numbers will, to the maximum extent practicable, be assigned to all members of appropriate groups or categories of individuals by assigning such numbers� [Section 205(c)(2)(B)(i)] and that all qualified individuals receive �financial relief� under H.R. 5140 according to the stated will and intention of the United States Congress and Senate (as described in the links above).
2011 Banksy#39;s Graffiti. 1 of 20
Jimi_Hendrix
11-16 06:12 PM
Hi everyone,
I would like to have a conference call this Sunday between 3pm-3:30 pm. Please tell me if this will work out for you all? Please shoot me an e-mail at amitg_2000@hotmail.com with your availability, your phone number and most accessed e-mail account.
Once everyone confirms I will forward some discussion points for the call.
I look foward to hearing back from you.
Thanks,
JH
I would like to have a conference call this Sunday between 3pm-3:30 pm. Please tell me if this will work out for you all? Please shoot me an e-mail at amitg_2000@hotmail.com with your availability, your phone number and most accessed e-mail account.
Once everyone confirms I will forward some discussion points for the call.
I look foward to hearing back from you.
Thanks,
JH
more...
chintu25
09-11 04:40 PM
Singhsa
I am in
:mad::mad::mad:
I am in
:mad::mad::mad:
vkannan
03-06 05:33 PM
Few observations based on thread postings
1) Last year around this same time not many RFE/LUD were seen.
2) Most of these cases with RFE/LUD are either EB2 around 2005-2006 or EB3 2003-2004
3) My Lawyer based out of IL confirming RFEs are in high volume and majority of these are Employment verification with Birth verification and Health letter verification as close second.
Now given the gov attitude and the current scenario it does not seem that they would be interested in pre-adjudication. There is something else that is going on. On the same note I am also seeing that people with dates which could possibly be current anytime this year are not seeing any LUD/RFE. If pre-adjudicating is the objective than these cases should have received the RFEs first.
Just my observation. Any input is appreciated.
To keep the HOPE high;) One more point to consider , remember a month back there was a information going around on the # of Cards ordered by USCIS? Man, all these crazy things going around with
a) LUDs
b) Name Check 180 days rule
c) # of Cards ordered etc etc., etc., is making ppl. more anxious.....
1) Last year around this same time not many RFE/LUD were seen.
2) Most of these cases with RFE/LUD are either EB2 around 2005-2006 or EB3 2003-2004
3) My Lawyer based out of IL confirming RFEs are in high volume and majority of these are Employment verification with Birth verification and Health letter verification as close second.
Now given the gov attitude and the current scenario it does not seem that they would be interested in pre-adjudication. There is something else that is going on. On the same note I am also seeing that people with dates which could possibly be current anytime this year are not seeing any LUD/RFE. If pre-adjudicating is the objective than these cases should have received the RFEs first.
Just my observation. Any input is appreciated.
To keep the HOPE high;) One more point to consider , remember a month back there was a information going around on the # of Cards ordered by USCIS? Man, all these crazy things going around with
a) LUDs
b) Name Check 180 days rule
c) # of Cards ordered etc etc., etc., is making ppl. more anxious.....
more...
ksach
02-12 02:56 AM
it means freedom and a respect for my education, my skills and my hard work.
read my story below.
-------------------------------------------------------
America, the land of opportunity and freedom.
These days when I hear America being any of the above, I usually
sneer. 6 long years have thought me not to accept everything I hear.
Back home, I had respect. I had a good education and a great job. I
got an education from the best schools and the best colleges. I worked
for a big multi-national with a big fat salary and lots of
opportunities to travel to countries on work. I was a success. But I
wanted to be more. I wanted to be global. I wanted to work in a
different country for sometime. I loved seeing different cultures,
seeing different places; I wanted to see the world. Thats when the
offer for a job in the US came. I took it up because I could see the
US of A, the land of the free, the land of opportunity, the land of
the Cisco's and Microsofts and more importantly, the land of dreams. I
thought a couple of years working away from home would do me no harm.
Boy, was I wrong!!!!
The first few years in my new country of residence were difficult. I
worked for a startup with its crazy hours and insane schedules. Far
from seeing new places, I was busy at work. But I did not complain. I
liked the work and the company's passion to create something new. No
longer was I working on the junk companies outsource to third world
companies. I was working on the actual product, creating something
that was not done before, something I could be proud off. I was busy
at work, but it was not difficult to notice something, the Americans
worked hard, the people with green card worked harder, but the people
on H1-B worked hardest. I guess, the people on H1B had the most to
lose. But I did not give a hoot. I had a product to deliver. I never
had the time to think about my green card. I still wanted to go back
to my country, maybe not right now, but I wanted to. Right now, my
work was my priority and I would concentrate on that.
Slowly the years went by, and unknowningly I started seeing the
American Dream. I got a new car and expensive clothes, I started going
out with my friends, visited new places, and more importantly I
stopped feeling homesick. The apartment I shared with my friends was
my new home. So when my company asked me if they could do my green
card, I readily agreed.
I should have seen the signs. There were many of them; but I chose to
ignore. I should have know that people are exploited when I heard a
top executive at my company say once that he expects everyone to work
long hours and weekends because we had no options. The job market
outside was bad and none of us could find jobs. I should have known
that my cultural background mattered when the girl at the Albertson's
counter did not even look up to me, but was very friendly with all the
Americans ahead of me, or when an office colleauge introduced his girl
friend to all americans but ignored the Indians. I chose to ignore all
this, because I thought it does not affect me. As long as I did my
work or followed the rule of the land, nothing else mattered. I was
wrong again.
Two things changed in 2005. My company went down and I got married. I
was on H1B and had to find a job soon. I was already at the end of my
H1B tenure so not many companies were interested. That is when I
realized the disadvantage of being on an H1B. It did not matter that
my resume was impressive. My H1B status was more important than my
skill set. It it did not matter that I had already spent a lot years
in this country and my green card had been filed. It was hard finding
a job that would sponsor my H1B and my green card again. I did manage
to find one. But I was not lucky on my home front. My wife could not
work because she was on a dependent visa. She had given up a career in
India to be with me, but reality hit soon when she started getting
bored. She kept herself busy with books, TV and cooking. And life went
on, hoping that we would get our green card soon and we would be free
again. Free to find a job of my liking for me, and free to do any job
for my wife.
Its Feb 2007 now and there's still no sign of the green card. I
stopped hoping for one. I dont care for one. All I care for now is my
wife to be able to work in something she likes within any legal
boundaries.
Its been a long time since I legally came to this country. I was young
and succesful then. And now as I cross another anniversary of my
landing in the US, I reflect upon what I have gained. I have gained a
big bank balance, a good car, a good lifestyle. What have I lost -
plenty. I have lost my career, my freedom, my health, my marriage and
my family. I have been stuck in the same job for many many years while
all my friends have climbed up the corporate ladder back home in
India. Its not easy working on an H1B. My marriage has suffered
because my wife is unhappy that she cannot work, she's close to a
breakdown, my health has suffered because of all the thinking, and my
parents have sufferred because I have not been able to take care of
them. I never have cried so much at my helplessness as I have cried in
the last one year.
One thing I have realized about the US is that it is no different than
any country. Like any other country, the exploitable are always
exploited. (The big companies are not willing to fight for the welfare
of their employees. They fight to get more people into the country to
exploit.) Like any other country, the only thing that gets politicians
excited is money and votes. (Why do we need so money to lobby the
politicians? Isn't freedom and justice reasons good enough?) Like any
other country, it discriminates between the have and the have nots. It
is a country that has no respect for people. (Ask anyone who goes for
a visa stamping in the US embassy in India. I have seen old people and
ladies with small kids spend hours in the hot Chennai Sun to enter the
embassy for an appointment, just to be spoken rudely by the Visa
office. There was not even a shelter outside to block the sun. I have
never seen people turn into US haters so soon). It is a country that
wants our brains, but is not willing to show a heart.
Some people may argue that I have the freedom to quit my job and go
back to my country. But that is not freedom enough. I want the freedom
to choose when I want to go back. Its not easy to pack 8 years of your
life in a jiffy. Its not easy to pack 8 years of your life into 2
suitcases. Neither is it easy to restart your life in a different
place, even if its your own. It reminds me of an Indian saying -
"dhobi ka kutta - na ghar ka, na ghat ka". It means, a washerman's dog
belongs neither to the house nor the river banks. Thats me in a
nutshell, a "dhobi ka kutta."; a washerman's dog!!!
ps: I love this country as much as I love my own. But I wish this country loved me back as well.
read my story below.
-------------------------------------------------------
America, the land of opportunity and freedom.
These days when I hear America being any of the above, I usually
sneer. 6 long years have thought me not to accept everything I hear.
Back home, I had respect. I had a good education and a great job. I
got an education from the best schools and the best colleges. I worked
for a big multi-national with a big fat salary and lots of
opportunities to travel to countries on work. I was a success. But I
wanted to be more. I wanted to be global. I wanted to work in a
different country for sometime. I loved seeing different cultures,
seeing different places; I wanted to see the world. Thats when the
offer for a job in the US came. I took it up because I could see the
US of A, the land of the free, the land of opportunity, the land of
the Cisco's and Microsofts and more importantly, the land of dreams. I
thought a couple of years working away from home would do me no harm.
Boy, was I wrong!!!!
The first few years in my new country of residence were difficult. I
worked for a startup with its crazy hours and insane schedules. Far
from seeing new places, I was busy at work. But I did not complain. I
liked the work and the company's passion to create something new. No
longer was I working on the junk companies outsource to third world
companies. I was working on the actual product, creating something
that was not done before, something I could be proud off. I was busy
at work, but it was not difficult to notice something, the Americans
worked hard, the people with green card worked harder, but the people
on H1-B worked hardest. I guess, the people on H1B had the most to
lose. But I did not give a hoot. I had a product to deliver. I never
had the time to think about my green card. I still wanted to go back
to my country, maybe not right now, but I wanted to. Right now, my
work was my priority and I would concentrate on that.
Slowly the years went by, and unknowningly I started seeing the
American Dream. I got a new car and expensive clothes, I started going
out with my friends, visited new places, and more importantly I
stopped feeling homesick. The apartment I shared with my friends was
my new home. So when my company asked me if they could do my green
card, I readily agreed.
I should have seen the signs. There were many of them; but I chose to
ignore. I should have know that people are exploited when I heard a
top executive at my company say once that he expects everyone to work
long hours and weekends because we had no options. The job market
outside was bad and none of us could find jobs. I should have known
that my cultural background mattered when the girl at the Albertson's
counter did not even look up to me, but was very friendly with all the
Americans ahead of me, or when an office colleauge introduced his girl
friend to all americans but ignored the Indians. I chose to ignore all
this, because I thought it does not affect me. As long as I did my
work or followed the rule of the land, nothing else mattered. I was
wrong again.
Two things changed in 2005. My company went down and I got married. I
was on H1B and had to find a job soon. I was already at the end of my
H1B tenure so not many companies were interested. That is when I
realized the disadvantage of being on an H1B. It did not matter that
my resume was impressive. My H1B status was more important than my
skill set. It it did not matter that I had already spent a lot years
in this country and my green card had been filed. It was hard finding
a job that would sponsor my H1B and my green card again. I did manage
to find one. But I was not lucky on my home front. My wife could not
work because she was on a dependent visa. She had given up a career in
India to be with me, but reality hit soon when she started getting
bored. She kept herself busy with books, TV and cooking. And life went
on, hoping that we would get our green card soon and we would be free
again. Free to find a job of my liking for me, and free to do any job
for my wife.
Its Feb 2007 now and there's still no sign of the green card. I
stopped hoping for one. I dont care for one. All I care for now is my
wife to be able to work in something she likes within any legal
boundaries.
Its been a long time since I legally came to this country. I was young
and succesful then. And now as I cross another anniversary of my
landing in the US, I reflect upon what I have gained. I have gained a
big bank balance, a good car, a good lifestyle. What have I lost -
plenty. I have lost my career, my freedom, my health, my marriage and
my family. I have been stuck in the same job for many many years while
all my friends have climbed up the corporate ladder back home in
India. Its not easy working on an H1B. My marriage has suffered
because my wife is unhappy that she cannot work, she's close to a
breakdown, my health has suffered because of all the thinking, and my
parents have sufferred because I have not been able to take care of
them. I never have cried so much at my helplessness as I have cried in
the last one year.
One thing I have realized about the US is that it is no different than
any country. Like any other country, the exploitable are always
exploited. (The big companies are not willing to fight for the welfare
of their employees. They fight to get more people into the country to
exploit.) Like any other country, the only thing that gets politicians
excited is money and votes. (Why do we need so money to lobby the
politicians? Isn't freedom and justice reasons good enough?) Like any
other country, it discriminates between the have and the have nots. It
is a country that has no respect for people. (Ask anyone who goes for
a visa stamping in the US embassy in India. I have seen old people and
ladies with small kids spend hours in the hot Chennai Sun to enter the
embassy for an appointment, just to be spoken rudely by the Visa
office. There was not even a shelter outside to block the sun. I have
never seen people turn into US haters so soon). It is a country that
wants our brains, but is not willing to show a heart.
Some people may argue that I have the freedom to quit my job and go
back to my country. But that is not freedom enough. I want the freedom
to choose when I want to go back. Its not easy to pack 8 years of your
life in a jiffy. Its not easy to pack 8 years of your life into 2
suitcases. Neither is it easy to restart your life in a different
place, even if its your own. It reminds me of an Indian saying -
"dhobi ka kutta - na ghar ka, na ghat ka". It means, a washerman's dog
belongs neither to the house nor the river banks. Thats me in a
nutshell, a "dhobi ka kutta."; a washerman's dog!!!
ps: I love this country as much as I love my own. But I wish this country loved me back as well.
2010 by graffiti artist Banksy
Kodi
06-22 11:50 AM
If you have the username and password you can check the status in the DOL site. Usually only the lawyer and employer can check it as they don't give you the login details but some don't mind.
more...
mirage41
09-15 09:09 PM
people who do not support pd porting must *morally* refuse any pay hikes they get along the course of the GC journey, decline promotions offered at their workplace and must vehemently refuse any self help initiatives by the employer.
If they actually do that, they are both justified in opposing PD porting and they kinda give away their I.Q in the process! lol
Not to mention, if anyone of the above happens, they need to re-start their GC process *to be fair*!
Before someone gives me red dots, please note the Sarcasm in my post. (I support PD porting with all my heart!!) :D
If they actually do that, they are both justified in opposing PD porting and they kinda give away their I.Q in the process! lol
Not to mention, if anyone of the above happens, they need to re-start their GC process *to be fair*!
Before someone gives me red dots, please note the Sarcasm in my post. (I support PD porting with all my heart!!) :D
hair A mural by graffiti artist
vandanaverdia
09-13 11:13 AM
milind123 & sam2006:
Hats off to u guys... U r doing a fabulous job!
All those who havent contributed so far, pls come forward!
Help IV help you...
Hats off to u guys... U r doing a fabulous job!
All those who havent contributed so far, pls come forward!
Help IV help you...
more...
Milind123
09-13 11:36 AM
Hello guys
For many of us, today is payday. What better day than today to make your first time contribution. I understand most of the money that we get is earmarked for something or the other. In a few days we again start our long wait for the next paycheck. On CNBC, I heard one commentator talking about consumers and how apt they were to rearrange their expenditure to the changing environment. For us, the environment is pretty static in the Green card world and there is very little change in the last several years.
So I urge you to rearrange your expenditure and contribute and see the environment change.
Please remember I will contribute $25 for each contribution of $100 from a member who is making this contribution for the first time.
Thanks for listening
Milind123
For many of us, today is payday. What better day than today to make your first time contribution. I understand most of the money that we get is earmarked for something or the other. In a few days we again start our long wait for the next paycheck. On CNBC, I heard one commentator talking about consumers and how apt they were to rearrange their expenditure to the changing environment. For us, the environment is pretty static in the Green card world and there is very little change in the last several years.
So I urge you to rearrange your expenditure and contribute and see the environment change.
Please remember I will contribute $25 for each contribution of $100 from a member who is making this contribution for the first time.
Thanks for listening
Milind123
hot The artist#39;s works sell for
aadimanav
06-10 11:28 PM
Source:
http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/general-immigration-questions/8261-visa-number-update-from-the-department-of-state.html
AILA just published the following information that they received from the Visa Office:
Department of State Advises of Dire State of Affairs on Visa Number Availability for Those Born in India or China!
Cite as "AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09061032 (posted Jun. 10, 2009)"
Mr. Charles Oppenheim of the Department of State Visa Office has advised AILA of the following predictions for the movement of priority dates for the remainder of FY2009 and future years. He estimates that all 140,000 employment-based immigrant visa numbers will be used this fiscal year (October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009). Mr. Oppenheim notes that the estimates provided on visa availability for the remainder of FY2009 were based on USCIS processing during the first 7 � months of the fiscal year, and any changes to USCIS processing patterns would impact availability. Mr. Oppenheim reported:
* The employment-based fourth preference, which includes religious workers and other special immigrants, has experienced a surge in usage of immigrant visa numbers this year. While this preference is current for June 2009, continued heavy demand for numbers could require the establishment of a cut-off date later in the fiscal year.
* The employment-based fifth preference (immigrant investors) has also experienced a surge in usage of immigrant visa numbers this year.
* The surge in usage of the employment-based fourth and fifth preference numbers is significant beyond those specific categories themselves because, historically, there have been substantial unused numbers in these categories which have been used to meet demand for visas in the employment-based first and second preference categories, allowing the China and India cut-off dates to advance further than would be possible if those categories are limited to only their annual limits. This means EB2 immigrants from China and India could have an even longer wait to obtain green cards.
* The EB1 category worldwide will remain current the rest of the fiscal year but demand is high.
* The EB1 categories for India and China will be current during the month of July 2009, but could require the establishment of a cut-off date in August or September should EB1 demand remain heavy. As noted above, China and India have previously benefited from the excess EB1 numbers for all other countries because excess visa numbers from other countries "fall across" the EB1 category to India and China. The high demand from other countries this year means there are fewer numbers to "fall across" to India and China.
* EB2 India. The prognosis is grim. For July 2009, the cut-off date is January 1, 2000, and the category may become unavailable in August or September of 2009. There are currently approximately 25,000 EB2 India cases which have been reviewed by USCIS and queued up at the Department of State awaiting visa numbers for the "green cards" to be approved. Like all other countries, India has a limit of 2,800 EB2 numbers available per year plus any "fall across" and "fall down" numbers from EB4, EB5 and EB1 visa numbers. Therefore, without legislative relief, the waiting time for Indian EB2 applicants may be measured in years, even decades.
* EB2 China. The prognosis is equally grim. As of July 2009, the cut-off date will be January 1, 2000 and the category may become unavailable in August or September of 2009. There are a significant amount of EB2 China cases which have been reviewed by USCIS and queued up at the Department of State awaiting visa numbers for approval of the adjustment of status. Like all other countries, China has a limit of 2,800 EB2 numbers available per year plus any "fall across" and "fall down" from EB4, EB5 and EB1 visa numbers. Therefore, without legislative relief, the waiting time for China born EB2 applicants may also be many years.
* EB3 Worldwide will be unavailable the remainder of this fiscal year. As the Department of Labor cleared its long backlog of Alien Labor Certification cases, there were tens of thousands of I-485 applications with priority dates in 2004 and earlier years which were processed by USCIS this year. The Department of State currently estimates that, as of October 1, 2009, the EB3 worldwide cut-off date will be March 1, 2003. There will be extended delays in this category.
* EB3 visas for India, China and Mexico applicants will be unavailable for the remainder of the fiscal year. It is estimated, based on current demand for visa numbers that as of October 1, 2009, the following cut-off dates could be established: China will be March 1, 2003; India will be November 1, 2001; and Mexico will be March 1, 2003. These estimates are based on "current demand" in the first 7 � months of FY2009, and a lot could change between now and early September when October dates are established.
* There are approximately 25,000 EB2 and 25,000 EB3 applicants currently queued at the Department of State awaiting visa numbers.
* There are 2.7 million family-based applicants on the waiting lists for consular processing. Note that this information was provided in the March Visa Bulletin. (See AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 9021063.)
* There could be approximately 50,000 employment-based applicants on the waiting lists for consular processing.
* Currently almost 90% of all employment-based visa numbers are used by USCIS and 75% of all family-based visa numbers are used by consular posts.
http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/general-immigration-questions/8261-visa-number-update-from-the-department-of-state.html
AILA just published the following information that they received from the Visa Office:
Department of State Advises of Dire State of Affairs on Visa Number Availability for Those Born in India or China!
Cite as "AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09061032 (posted Jun. 10, 2009)"
Mr. Charles Oppenheim of the Department of State Visa Office has advised AILA of the following predictions for the movement of priority dates for the remainder of FY2009 and future years. He estimates that all 140,000 employment-based immigrant visa numbers will be used this fiscal year (October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009). Mr. Oppenheim notes that the estimates provided on visa availability for the remainder of FY2009 were based on USCIS processing during the first 7 � months of the fiscal year, and any changes to USCIS processing patterns would impact availability. Mr. Oppenheim reported:
* The employment-based fourth preference, which includes religious workers and other special immigrants, has experienced a surge in usage of immigrant visa numbers this year. While this preference is current for June 2009, continued heavy demand for numbers could require the establishment of a cut-off date later in the fiscal year.
* The employment-based fifth preference (immigrant investors) has also experienced a surge in usage of immigrant visa numbers this year.
* The surge in usage of the employment-based fourth and fifth preference numbers is significant beyond those specific categories themselves because, historically, there have been substantial unused numbers in these categories which have been used to meet demand for visas in the employment-based first and second preference categories, allowing the China and India cut-off dates to advance further than would be possible if those categories are limited to only their annual limits. This means EB2 immigrants from China and India could have an even longer wait to obtain green cards.
* The EB1 category worldwide will remain current the rest of the fiscal year but demand is high.
* The EB1 categories for India and China will be current during the month of July 2009, but could require the establishment of a cut-off date in August or September should EB1 demand remain heavy. As noted above, China and India have previously benefited from the excess EB1 numbers for all other countries because excess visa numbers from other countries "fall across" the EB1 category to India and China. The high demand from other countries this year means there are fewer numbers to "fall across" to India and China.
* EB2 India. The prognosis is grim. For July 2009, the cut-off date is January 1, 2000, and the category may become unavailable in August or September of 2009. There are currently approximately 25,000 EB2 India cases which have been reviewed by USCIS and queued up at the Department of State awaiting visa numbers for the "green cards" to be approved. Like all other countries, India has a limit of 2,800 EB2 numbers available per year plus any "fall across" and "fall down" numbers from EB4, EB5 and EB1 visa numbers. Therefore, without legislative relief, the waiting time for Indian EB2 applicants may be measured in years, even decades.
* EB2 China. The prognosis is equally grim. As of July 2009, the cut-off date will be January 1, 2000 and the category may become unavailable in August or September of 2009. There are a significant amount of EB2 China cases which have been reviewed by USCIS and queued up at the Department of State awaiting visa numbers for approval of the adjustment of status. Like all other countries, China has a limit of 2,800 EB2 numbers available per year plus any "fall across" and "fall down" from EB4, EB5 and EB1 visa numbers. Therefore, without legislative relief, the waiting time for China born EB2 applicants may also be many years.
* EB3 Worldwide will be unavailable the remainder of this fiscal year. As the Department of Labor cleared its long backlog of Alien Labor Certification cases, there were tens of thousands of I-485 applications with priority dates in 2004 and earlier years which were processed by USCIS this year. The Department of State currently estimates that, as of October 1, 2009, the EB3 worldwide cut-off date will be March 1, 2003. There will be extended delays in this category.
* EB3 visas for India, China and Mexico applicants will be unavailable for the remainder of the fiscal year. It is estimated, based on current demand for visa numbers that as of October 1, 2009, the following cut-off dates could be established: China will be March 1, 2003; India will be November 1, 2001; and Mexico will be March 1, 2003. These estimates are based on "current demand" in the first 7 � months of FY2009, and a lot could change between now and early September when October dates are established.
* There are approximately 25,000 EB2 and 25,000 EB3 applicants currently queued at the Department of State awaiting visa numbers.
* There are 2.7 million family-based applicants on the waiting lists for consular processing. Note that this information was provided in the March Visa Bulletin. (See AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 9021063.)
* There could be approximately 50,000 employment-based applicants on the waiting lists for consular processing.
* Currently almost 90% of all employment-based visa numbers are used by USCIS and 75% of all family-based visa numbers are used by consular posts.
more...
house uk graffiti artist banksy. uk
ramus
07-18 02:19 PM
Lets keep working on this thread... We had 5000 new members joined IV.. Now we know what IV can do and is capable of doing.
Now IV has delivered and its our time to deliver.
Lets keep this thread alive...
Everybody do 2 important things.
1) Make recurring contributiong.
2) Ask other to do it now.
Thank you all.
Now IV has delivered and its our time to deliver.
Lets keep this thread alive...
Everybody do 2 important things.
1) Make recurring contributiong.
2) Ask other to do it now.
Thank you all.
tattoo The latest Banksy in Gillett
nojoke
09-05 04:50 PM
The prices in Hyderabad are pretty high right now. But I do not think any bubble will burst and they will come down. If anything they will maintain their current value. This is what I noticed during a recent trip to Hyderabad:
1. The people who are buying at USD$200K or USD$300K are already rich. I think they are just using this as a conduit to convert their black money into white.
2. People who are buying are not looking for a quick turn around. They are in it for the long haul.
3. The outer ring road construction is going on in full swing. It is a pretty wide road. Once done, travelling from one corner to the other would not take hours as it is taking now.
4. The metro rail project recently got awarded to Maytas consortium. They expect to have it working by 2012 and will help travel from the outlying areas.
5. The development of the city is not being limited to just one corner. Different industries (and SEZs) are being planned in different corners to help growth across the city.
What once used to be city outskirts with scant houses spread around are bustling with construction activity. And city is expanding tremendously. I can give one example that people who are familiar with Hyd can picture in their mind:
The road that goes from Lunger Haus to Gandipet via the military area.
As it was in 1996: Once you crossed Lunger Haus, there were very few civilian houses. There was a small village near the Vasavi Engg College. And then a small village (Narsingi). And then the Gandipet village. There was nothing but open land elsewhere thru the route.
As it was in August 2008: The military area remains the same. But there are developed houses all the way from Lunger Haus to Gandipet and beyond. And there are still quite a few projects going on to build educational institutions, residential bungalows/condos etc.
The outer ring road happens to go thru the Narsingi village. And this made the property values in that area to sky rocket.
Considering all these, if you can afford it, get a piece of action now. But do not expect the value to double in just a couple of years. It will be atleast 4 or 5 years before you can expect your property value to go up significantly.
if you take gapala's reasoning and your observation, it means there are more rich men in India(or cities in India) than here in USA. It is hard to believe that. Be patient, the prices will come down.
http://www.indianrealtynews.com/property-prices/capital-cities-witnessing-price-correction.html
1. The people who are buying at USD$200K or USD$300K are already rich. I think they are just using this as a conduit to convert their black money into white.
2. People who are buying are not looking for a quick turn around. They are in it for the long haul.
3. The outer ring road construction is going on in full swing. It is a pretty wide road. Once done, travelling from one corner to the other would not take hours as it is taking now.
4. The metro rail project recently got awarded to Maytas consortium. They expect to have it working by 2012 and will help travel from the outlying areas.
5. The development of the city is not being limited to just one corner. Different industries (and SEZs) are being planned in different corners to help growth across the city.
What once used to be city outskirts with scant houses spread around are bustling with construction activity. And city is expanding tremendously. I can give one example that people who are familiar with Hyd can picture in their mind:
The road that goes from Lunger Haus to Gandipet via the military area.
As it was in 1996: Once you crossed Lunger Haus, there were very few civilian houses. There was a small village near the Vasavi Engg College. And then a small village (Narsingi). And then the Gandipet village. There was nothing but open land elsewhere thru the route.
As it was in August 2008: The military area remains the same. But there are developed houses all the way from Lunger Haus to Gandipet and beyond. And there are still quite a few projects going on to build educational institutions, residential bungalows/condos etc.
The outer ring road happens to go thru the Narsingi village. And this made the property values in that area to sky rocket.
Considering all these, if you can afford it, get a piece of action now. But do not expect the value to double in just a couple of years. It will be atleast 4 or 5 years before you can expect your property value to go up significantly.
if you take gapala's reasoning and your observation, it means there are more rich men in India(or cities in India) than here in USA. It is hard to believe that. Be patient, the prices will come down.
http://www.indianrealtynews.com/property-prices/capital-cities-witnessing-price-correction.html
more...
pictures graffiti artist Banksy
insbaby
07-06 12:16 PM
.
>> Although 30,000 people are IV members
Update:
18,344 members have zero post.
21,807 members have zero or 1 post.
27,370 members have zero to 10 posts.
That should give an idea how many members are really "active" on IV.
30000 - 27370 = 2630 (more than 10 posts)
At the end,
1. Let us assume 1500 people using it actively every week,
1500 * $25 = $37500 / month
1500 * $20 = $30000 / month
1500 * $15 = $22500 / month
1500 * $10 = $15000 / month
1500 * $5 = Why do you need GC? A McDonald's lunch cost > $5
2. Let us assume 1000 people using it actively every week,
1000 * $25 = $25000 / month
1000 * $20 = $20000 / month
1000 * $15 = $15000 / month
1000 * $10 = $10000 / month
1000 * $5 = Why do you need GC? A Subway lunch cost > $5
3. Let us assume 500 people using it actively every week,
500 * $25 = $12500 / month
500 * $20 = $10000 / month
500 * $15 = $ 7500 / month
500 * $10 = $ 5000 / month
500 * $5 = Why do you need GC? A Jack-In-Box lunch cost > $5
>> Although 30,000 people are IV members
Update:
18,344 members have zero post.
21,807 members have zero or 1 post.
27,370 members have zero to 10 posts.
That should give an idea how many members are really "active" on IV.
30000 - 27370 = 2630 (more than 10 posts)
At the end,
1. Let us assume 1500 people using it actively every week,
1500 * $25 = $37500 / month
1500 * $20 = $30000 / month
1500 * $15 = $22500 / month
1500 * $10 = $15000 / month
1500 * $5 = Why do you need GC? A McDonald's lunch cost > $5
2. Let us assume 1000 people using it actively every week,
1000 * $25 = $25000 / month
1000 * $20 = $20000 / month
1000 * $15 = $15000 / month
1000 * $10 = $10000 / month
1000 * $5 = Why do you need GC? A Subway lunch cost > $5
3. Let us assume 500 people using it actively every week,
500 * $25 = $12500 / month
500 * $20 = $10000 / month
500 * $15 = $ 7500 / month
500 * $10 = $ 5000 / month
500 * $5 = Why do you need GC? A Jack-In-Box lunch cost > $5
dresses Bristol, UK graffiti artist,
belmontboy
07-20 01:19 PM
http://www.immigration.com/newsletter1/dolsta1207.pdf
there were 144,000 PERM's done between oct 2006- march 2007
india, china have retro for both EB2 and EB3
mexico, philippines and bunch of other countries have retro for EB3
PERM is only for the Primary applicant. For I-485 every dependent of Primary applicant needs one separate application
Considering all these 750,000 I-485 filings in next 1 month sounds a reasonable estimate.
there were 144,000 PERM's done between oct 2006- march 2007
india, china have retro for both EB2 and EB3
mexico, philippines and bunch of other countries have retro for EB3
PERM is only for the Primary applicant. For I-485 every dependent of Primary applicant needs one separate application
Considering all these 750,000 I-485 filings in next 1 month sounds a reasonable estimate.
more...
makeup Banksy, the graffiti artist,
GCOP
08-13 03:52 PM
Thank you Conchshell , willwin for your active participation to resolve EB3 visa problem.
I agree to go to DC and meet congress members , which would probably help to win support for Visa Recapture Bill.
Whichever date you decide, just PM to me.
IV help will be appreciated to arrange the meetings.
I don't think we can do 'anything' about EB3 I. We are 100% at the mercy of USA (politicians, USCIS, DOS or whoever).
some 50-100 EB3 I applicants should go to DC and meet high officials, CHC folks and every department that is influential to EB immigrant VISA and make them understand our plight. No guarantee that this would work. But, we will get a first hand response that may help atleast help us to chose from one of 3 options listed above.
I agree to go to DC and meet congress members , which would probably help to win support for Visa Recapture Bill.
Whichever date you decide, just PM to me.
IV help will be appreciated to arrange the meetings.
I don't think we can do 'anything' about EB3 I. We are 100% at the mercy of USA (politicians, USCIS, DOS or whoever).
some 50-100 EB3 I applicants should go to DC and meet high officials, CHC folks and every department that is influential to EB immigrant VISA and make them understand our plight. No guarantee that this would work. But, we will get a first hand response that may help atleast help us to chose from one of 3 options listed above.
girlfriend British graffiti artist Banksy
aadimanav
07-15 10:11 AM
Check Sent.
Thanks,
Thanks,
hairstyles Uk+graffiti+artist+anksy
needhelp!
09-10 03:32 PM
rajtester, immivjj, missourian, loudobbs, venkata555, iqube00, texcan, glen
More thank yous coming
More thank yous coming
cjain
07-06 04:03 PM
AILA has reported a very interesting or confusing DOS LegalNet Office letter which one of the members received towards the fact that the consular posts had already been allocated their numbers for the month of July prior to EB visa numbers becoming unavailable on July 2 and that the posts may continue to use their July allocations of EB numbers, and continue to issue Immigrant Visas for the rest of this month, July, for those applicants who were scheduled for IV interviews in July. Hm.....................................
ronhira
08-12 12:37 PM
Just looking at the employment based inventory statistics, if every applicant were charged $2000 for visa recapture, it is close to $400M for uncle sam. All EB backlogs would be eliminated, new immigrants would continue contributing to Social security, pay taxes, buy new homes, invest etc... Cant they see the potential upside to this?
here comes another one..... keep it coming....
we are just too far off from the reality..... arent' we
here comes another one..... keep it coming....
we are just too far off from the reality..... arent' we
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