leoindiano
01-23 10:08 AM
Lot of these posts are generalized.....Only common case is "House with No GC".
The place where i live, rent is 200$ less than a mortgagepayment for a single family 2500 sq ft, 0.25 acre home. If one can live in a house for same payment why would they live in 1000 sq. ft apartment by obeying stupid rules put up by apartments managements, Like Lease Clauses, No Dish Antennas etc.,. Where i live, the prices didnt go down heavily...The places hit hard are where vacation homes built heavily. Or big cities with uncontrolled crime and prices.
May be you should also look into how many houses owned by legal immigrants were foreclosed? Please write responsibly, thank you
The place where i live, rent is 200$ less than a mortgagepayment for a single family 2500 sq ft, 0.25 acre home. If one can live in a house for same payment why would they live in 1000 sq. ft apartment by obeying stupid rules put up by apartments managements, Like Lease Clauses, No Dish Antennas etc.,. Where i live, the prices didnt go down heavily...The places hit hard are where vacation homes built heavily. Or big cities with uncontrolled crime and prices.
May be you should also look into how many houses owned by legal immigrants were foreclosed? Please write responsibly, thank you
wallpaper Wakulla Springs State Park
belmontboy
09-25 06:08 PM
Even if you succeed in changing the law and change interpretation of spillover, you won't see much difference in wait for GC.
Only EB3 folks who have PD in 2002, 2003 may greatly benefit by this. Rest of EB3-I will have to wait for atleast 5-6 years.
We should instead concentrate on Visa recapture.
I am not trying to hijack this thread or dampen your efforts. Just trying to infuse some sanity here.
Only EB3 folks who have PD in 2002, 2003 may greatly benefit by this. Rest of EB3-I will have to wait for atleast 5-6 years.
We should instead concentrate on Visa recapture.
I am not trying to hijack this thread or dampen your efforts. Just trying to infuse some sanity here.
Prashant
01-17 02:35 PM
Total Contribution so far: $225
I will sign up for $50/month today by 9PM central..
I have pursuaded people ("friends") to join and contribute but all they say is I will .. never seen one do it .. ashamed of 'em ...I dont really understand why people are so hesitant to contribute. We need a group effort my 50 dollars a month will achieve nothing unless lot of people do the same.
I contribute for my benifit you do it for yours.
I will sign up for $50/month today by 9PM central..
I have pursuaded people ("friends") to join and contribute but all they say is I will .. never seen one do it .. ashamed of 'em ...I dont really understand why people are so hesitant to contribute. We need a group effort my 50 dollars a month will achieve nothing unless lot of people do the same.
I contribute for my benifit you do it for yours.
2011 Wakulla Springs State Park
sanju
04-07 10:24 AM
Letting all this Indian Consulting Firms taking ALMOST all the H-1B visas is very unfair for everyone of us that we are working hard to get a job in the US. In my opinion, they are trying to monopolize all the H-1B so no other company can be able to hire foreign professionals by themself. In this way their only way to get professionals is thru them.
It is very UNFAIR that this consulting companies takes a large number, getting almost everything, of H-1B visas without having a real job for them. This companies will offer this H-1Bs to other companies, making it a big business. Additionally, I believe that indians also pays to this consulting companies for the H-1B.
Even if the congress raise the cap without making changes in the system, it will never be enough. It will just increase the profit of this consulting companies. I only hope that the changes going to be introduced to fix the system will not screw us and complicate more the immigration process. But realistics and effectives changes are needed.
Good luck for everyone who are in the H-1B lottery and really need it.
How do you know that this year quota finished on first day because of “Indian Companies”? Do you have any proof to support your blame? And what is ‘Indian consulting firms”? Why is it ok for one group of companies to file for H1 and not ok for another group of companies to file H1? Why is it “UNFAIR” for consulting companies to take large number of H1 quota? Isn’t H1 considered to be for the “best and the brightest”? Wouldn’t it make more useful for the “best and the brightest” to provide solutions to many companies at the same time by working for consulting companies? Why discriminate against consulting industry?
Here is some information that may help you gauge the reality. There is lot of companies in US that would not fit into your definition of ‘Indian Companies”. These companies have filed for large number of H1s that too would have finished the H1 quota. If it is ok for an H1 employee to work for a shoe making company, then why is it “UNFAIR” for H1 employee to work for a consulting company?
Bottom line is:
1.) There is green card backlog for 6-10 yr. Any company would love to get an insurance policy that an employee will work for them for that long period. So one reason for this quest for H1 is due to delays in green card processing. If someone gets their greencard in 1-2 yrs., H1 visa approval will not get the employers any insurance policy for long term employee. And the demand for H1 due to this factor would subside.
2.) More importantly, even if demand for H1 would subside due to green card processing in 1-2 yr, the fact that unemployment rate is very low will still exist. Unemployment rate is making it hard for companies to find the right people at the right time at the right place. So companies are looking for ways to recruit the necessary talent, wherever that talent is available. IEEE wants all foreign engineers out of the country so that their membership base of engineers here, who do not want to learn new technology, could get the taste of late 90s. So for you to first attack a set of consulting companies and then cheer around the bill hoping that “the changes going to be introduced to fix the system will not screw us and complicate more the immigration process.” is exactly how it is going to play out. Infact, anti-immigrants will come to this site and cut-paste comments like yours into their report to strengthen their argument when they would go out to lobby in favor of this bill. So Best of Luck for your ranting.
For the sake of clarity, I do not work for a consulting company. But I realize that this bill could potentially effect everybody on this forum. Also, I see a racist attitude in this bill against the huge consulting industry. And this negative attitude against consulting industry will have a snow ball effect into rest of the economy and society. I don't think IEEE took that into consideration.
It is very UNFAIR that this consulting companies takes a large number, getting almost everything, of H-1B visas without having a real job for them. This companies will offer this H-1Bs to other companies, making it a big business. Additionally, I believe that indians also pays to this consulting companies for the H-1B.
Even if the congress raise the cap without making changes in the system, it will never be enough. It will just increase the profit of this consulting companies. I only hope that the changes going to be introduced to fix the system will not screw us and complicate more the immigration process. But realistics and effectives changes are needed.
Good luck for everyone who are in the H-1B lottery and really need it.
How do you know that this year quota finished on first day because of “Indian Companies”? Do you have any proof to support your blame? And what is ‘Indian consulting firms”? Why is it ok for one group of companies to file for H1 and not ok for another group of companies to file H1? Why is it “UNFAIR” for consulting companies to take large number of H1 quota? Isn’t H1 considered to be for the “best and the brightest”? Wouldn’t it make more useful for the “best and the brightest” to provide solutions to many companies at the same time by working for consulting companies? Why discriminate against consulting industry?
Here is some information that may help you gauge the reality. There is lot of companies in US that would not fit into your definition of ‘Indian Companies”. These companies have filed for large number of H1s that too would have finished the H1 quota. If it is ok for an H1 employee to work for a shoe making company, then why is it “UNFAIR” for H1 employee to work for a consulting company?
Bottom line is:
1.) There is green card backlog for 6-10 yr. Any company would love to get an insurance policy that an employee will work for them for that long period. So one reason for this quest for H1 is due to delays in green card processing. If someone gets their greencard in 1-2 yrs., H1 visa approval will not get the employers any insurance policy for long term employee. And the demand for H1 due to this factor would subside.
2.) More importantly, even if demand for H1 would subside due to green card processing in 1-2 yr, the fact that unemployment rate is very low will still exist. Unemployment rate is making it hard for companies to find the right people at the right time at the right place. So companies are looking for ways to recruit the necessary talent, wherever that talent is available. IEEE wants all foreign engineers out of the country so that their membership base of engineers here, who do not want to learn new technology, could get the taste of late 90s. So for you to first attack a set of consulting companies and then cheer around the bill hoping that “the changes going to be introduced to fix the system will not screw us and complicate more the immigration process.” is exactly how it is going to play out. Infact, anti-immigrants will come to this site and cut-paste comments like yours into their report to strengthen their argument when they would go out to lobby in favor of this bill. So Best of Luck for your ranting.
For the sake of clarity, I do not work for a consulting company. But I realize that this bill could potentially effect everybody on this forum. Also, I see a racist attitude in this bill against the huge consulting industry. And this negative attitude against consulting industry will have a snow ball effect into rest of the economy and society. I don't think IEEE took that into consideration.
more...
sr123
12-18 04:04 PM
Today's count: 7,606 members.
No contributions at all by members in the last 4 days.
sent in my contribution for december.
No contributions at all by members in the last 4 days.
sent in my contribution for december.
Jai_MH
05-11 06:32 PM
I live in Los Angeles and sent my paper-based application to Nebraska. it reached on May 01 but no reciept or check cashed yet.
I know After reading this forum that I should have mailed to Phoenix lockbox instead on Nebraska service center.
Anyone in the same boat?. Do i need to file again or wait for USCIS to forward it to Phoenix lockbox.
__________________
PD - Jan 2006
I-140 - Approved
I-485 - Application reached NSC July, 2007
I know After reading this forum that I should have mailed to Phoenix lockbox instead on Nebraska service center.
Anyone in the same boat?. Do i need to file again or wait for USCIS to forward it to Phoenix lockbox.
__________________
PD - Jan 2006
I-140 - Approved
I-485 - Application reached NSC July, 2007
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12samanta
05-23 02:47 PM
I talked with my lawyer yesterday, was informed that American immigration lawyers association (AILA) is filing for a class action lawsuit against DOL. There has been about 40% cases that are getting audited in Atlanta center. But after replying to queries, the center is not responding on a timely basis. There is light at the end of the tunnel.:)
# 5/15/2008 Atlanta National Processing Center Audit Survey
The AILA DOL Liaison Committee is gathering information about the increasing backlog of audited cases at the Atlanta National Processing Center (NPC). Please complete the brief survey of PERM audit processing and share your experiences with any audited case you have which is still pending at the Atlanta NPC. AILA Doc. No. 08051560.
http://www.aila.org/RecentPosting/RecentPostingList.aspx
The above link is asking to become a member inorder to read the document. Do we need to become a member of AILA to read the doc?
# 5/15/2008 Atlanta National Processing Center Audit Survey
The AILA DOL Liaison Committee is gathering information about the increasing backlog of audited cases at the Atlanta National Processing Center (NPC). Please complete the brief survey of PERM audit processing and share your experiences with any audited case you have which is still pending at the Atlanta NPC. AILA Doc. No. 08051560.
http://www.aila.org/RecentPosting/RecentPostingList.aspx
The above link is asking to become a member inorder to read the document. Do we need to become a member of AILA to read the doc?
2010 Wakulla Springs State Park
actaccord
02-24 03:16 PM
that already what you had suggested...I am asking this just to find the reason so that we can resend the message if the count is big (only to people who haven't got it like me).
I got it yesterday noon. Anyways, we can just paste the text from Pappu's message. The links have to be manually copied though for the 3 options
I got it yesterday noon. Anyways, we can just paste the text from Pappu's message. The links have to be manually copied though for the 3 options
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sanan
05-16 01:18 PM
I just got my wife's medical done ...from the same place where I got mine.
There is not need of the xray. If you have proof of vaccination good else they will take some of your blood and do your immunization test and return the SEALED envelope after 3 days. cost $190
Thanks sravani,
So will the doctor still give me a report even if I don't complete all medical exams?
Also on a side note, Do you know how long does it take to get the report once the tests are done?
Thanks
There is not need of the xray. If you have proof of vaccination good else they will take some of your blood and do your immunization test and return the SEALED envelope after 3 days. cost $190
Thanks sravani,
So will the doctor still give me a report even if I don't complete all medical exams?
Also on a side note, Do you know how long does it take to get the report once the tests are done?
Thanks
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FUNTIMES
09-03 04:28 PM
Status changed to "Approval Notice Sent" today for my wife's Application. My GC was approved in August 2008. Did not receive any emails from the system.
PD: OCT 2004
RD: July 2 2007
TSC
PD: OCT 2004
RD: July 2 2007
TSC
more...
Chris Rock
09-24 04:53 PM
If you are waiting for X years or more you are excempted from country cap.
hot Lodge at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.
a_yaja
04-26 03:57 PM
Will my application selected if I get my ITIN number? I clearly understand that it is for Tax purpose, but as it also comes from the same department I am bit curious to know about it.
ITIN number is issued by IRS (Internal Revenue Service). H1B is issued by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). IRS comes under Treasury Dept., USCIS comes under the Homeland Security. Don't see how the two are the same - other than being different branches of the govt.
Having an ITIN number will not qualify you for a H1B automatically. You can get an ITIN number even if you are not in this country legally. As of today, IRS cannot share it's information with anyone - not even the police. As per IRS, even a thief must file income tax and the thief can take deductions for the tools he buys to carry out his trade :)
ITIN number is issued by IRS (Internal Revenue Service). H1B is issued by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). IRS comes under Treasury Dept., USCIS comes under the Homeland Security. Don't see how the two are the same - other than being different branches of the govt.
Having an ITIN number will not qualify you for a H1B automatically. You can get an ITIN number even if you are not in this country legally. As of today, IRS cannot share it's information with anyone - not even the police. As per IRS, even a thief must file income tax and the thief can take deductions for the tools he buys to carry out his trade :)
more...
house Wakulla Springs State Park
senthil1
04-09 05:33 PM
If this kind of restriction is not done what will be best way to resolve H1b issue? If H1b increase is done and similar increase is not done on GC then also problem to all IV members(retrogession will continue). If there is cap then certainly it will be reached every year within April.
If they restrict consulting then Most of the H1b persons will get permanent job. Because of less number of H1 most of them will get gc within 2 or 3 years. GC holders and US citizens will do consulting. System will adjust iteself within a few months
There are people who have done Masters in computer science in USA, graduated in 2002 and 2003 from top 50 universities and ended up getting training from desi bodyshops who we all love to hate. That training made them capable of gettting H1 and paycheck, not the books they read in US masters courses.
If US universities were up to the job of teaching people what was demanded by market, these folks wouldnt have had to go to desi bodyshops do get training.
I dont have US masters. I had enrolled in US masters degree in fall 2000. I left after 1 semester. During my brief stint as a student of Masters in Computer Science, I did get an opportunity to see what the courses are and what they really teach.
The reason I am lashing at some folks here is that some people are thinking that the Durbin-Grassley bill will benefit them because it will end consulting. Some people dont realize that most US masters degree holders, both MBA and MS (Computer science) find out that in order to get an H1, consulting is THE ONLY OPTION, especially when INTEL, Oracle and Cisco arent recruiting, they do go and stand in queue in front of consutling companies (Desi or otherwise). Also, people doing full-time jobs in silicon valley (what some people call "real jobs") also do fall back to consulting when they are laid off.
When employees of chipmaking and software development companies are laid off en masse, (and many of whom have masters degree from USA) where do they do to fall back and file H1 before the grace period expires?
CONSULTING.
To say that US masters degree holders dont need "Consulting" is the most stupid comment I have ever heard. Also, how important you are to this country or tech industry is to be decided by your boss and your employer. Not by what degrees you have in your resume. So by saying that "We have masters, we deserve better" isnt really going to jive with reality. People get masters degree mostly because its a stepping stone to H1B, just like H1B is the stepping stone to GC. Very few people do masters because they want to learn hi-tech stuff or to get better education.
My comment that you are criticizing was response to such post that said "Durbin Grassley bill is good for US degree holders because we really dont need consulting". Well, you very much do need consulting.
Also, I am seeing lots of grad students and masters degree holders happy about Durbin-Grassley bill. Some of them are under the impression that since they dont do consulting, its good for them since people doing consulting will be out of the queue and that loss will be their gain.
Its really pathetic. This elitist attitude gets organizations in trouble.
This whole attitude of "I dont care as long as its the other guy taking the hit" will cause failure.
If they restrict consulting then Most of the H1b persons will get permanent job. Because of less number of H1 most of them will get gc within 2 or 3 years. GC holders and US citizens will do consulting. System will adjust iteself within a few months
There are people who have done Masters in computer science in USA, graduated in 2002 and 2003 from top 50 universities and ended up getting training from desi bodyshops who we all love to hate. That training made them capable of gettting H1 and paycheck, not the books they read in US masters courses.
If US universities were up to the job of teaching people what was demanded by market, these folks wouldnt have had to go to desi bodyshops do get training.
I dont have US masters. I had enrolled in US masters degree in fall 2000. I left after 1 semester. During my brief stint as a student of Masters in Computer Science, I did get an opportunity to see what the courses are and what they really teach.
The reason I am lashing at some folks here is that some people are thinking that the Durbin-Grassley bill will benefit them because it will end consulting. Some people dont realize that most US masters degree holders, both MBA and MS (Computer science) find out that in order to get an H1, consulting is THE ONLY OPTION, especially when INTEL, Oracle and Cisco arent recruiting, they do go and stand in queue in front of consutling companies (Desi or otherwise). Also, people doing full-time jobs in silicon valley (what some people call "real jobs") also do fall back to consulting when they are laid off.
When employees of chipmaking and software development companies are laid off en masse, (and many of whom have masters degree from USA) where do they do to fall back and file H1 before the grace period expires?
CONSULTING.
To say that US masters degree holders dont need "Consulting" is the most stupid comment I have ever heard. Also, how important you are to this country or tech industry is to be decided by your boss and your employer. Not by what degrees you have in your resume. So by saying that "We have masters, we deserve better" isnt really going to jive with reality. People get masters degree mostly because its a stepping stone to H1B, just like H1B is the stepping stone to GC. Very few people do masters because they want to learn hi-tech stuff or to get better education.
My comment that you are criticizing was response to such post that said "Durbin Grassley bill is good for US degree holders because we really dont need consulting". Well, you very much do need consulting.
Also, I am seeing lots of grad students and masters degree holders happy about Durbin-Grassley bill. Some of them are under the impression that since they dont do consulting, its good for them since people doing consulting will be out of the queue and that loss will be their gain.
Its really pathetic. This elitist attitude gets organizations in trouble.
This whole attitude of "I dont care as long as its the other guy taking the hit" will cause failure.
tattoo Read Wakulla Springs State
pappu
05-13 07:12 PM
Congratulations.Hi Everyone
Finally i got the email saying card production ordered on May 10th. My priority date is Ju26th 2006 , EB2. Thank You IV , Aman , Anu, Himanshu, Gopal and all other IVans for the help and most importently Aman for forming IV and giving us a forum to congregate and fight for our cause.
I am donor member since 1.5 yrs, was a member of advocacy day event last year. This april i could not take part because of a family emergency back home. IV has helped me immencely both informationwise and also psychologically during days of regression.
I will continue to be DONOR member in the future as well. I hope that will help other IVans.
I wish you all best of luck in your wait.
Thanks
Redds
Finally i got the email saying card production ordered on May 10th. My priority date is Ju26th 2006 , EB2. Thank You IV , Aman , Anu, Himanshu, Gopal and all other IVans for the help and most importently Aman for forming IV and giving us a forum to congregate and fight for our cause.
I am donor member since 1.5 yrs, was a member of advocacy day event last year. This april i could not take part because of a family emergency back home. IV has helped me immencely both informationwise and also psychologically during days of regression.
I will continue to be DONOR member in the future as well. I hope that will help other IVans.
I wish you all best of luck in your wait.
Thanks
Redds
more...
pictures Station 652 - Wakulla Springs
indigokiwi
03-24 11:43 AM
Hundreds of members visit this website every day. I am just really surprised that we are having trouble getting people to participate in Advocacy Days and raising $50,000. It seems like a no-brainer to me to participate in whatever way possible.
There have been around 250 contributions so far. Some members have contributed a few hundred dollars each, with a couple of members contributing $500+ each, and some have pledged $100 for every $2500 or $5000 raised, just to help try and reach the target. They wouldn't have had to put in so much if everyone else chipped in.
I am really curious to know why you are not getting more involved and at least contributing financially to this effort if you cannot attend the Advocacy days. You are the beneficiary. What is holding you back from trying to do something tangible to help yourself, your family and your friends? Are you seriously going to tell me that it's not even worth $50 to you?
This is the best shot we are going to have in the next two years.
I am not doing this for IV. I'm doing this for myself, my brother and my friends stuck in the green card mess.
There have been around 250 contributions so far. Some members have contributed a few hundred dollars each, with a couple of members contributing $500+ each, and some have pledged $100 for every $2500 or $5000 raised, just to help try and reach the target. They wouldn't have had to put in so much if everyone else chipped in.
I am really curious to know why you are not getting more involved and at least contributing financially to this effort if you cannot attend the Advocacy days. You are the beneficiary. What is holding you back from trying to do something tangible to help yourself, your family and your friends? Are you seriously going to tell me that it's not even worth $50 to you?
This is the best shot we are going to have in the next two years.
I am not doing this for IV. I'm doing this for myself, my brother and my friends stuck in the green card mess.
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chaukas
09-03 01:51 PM
PD : 30 Apr 2004 .........
Created SR yesterday ...
Created SR yesterday ...
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makeup wakulla springs state park
ssd213
05-08 04:16 PM
After 9 years, mine got approved but no update yet for my wife. Anyone in the same boat
girlfriend This is a type sign you will
usdreams
05-19 03:46 PM
Is there a Phone # to make a service request if your case is transferred to Local Office, in my case, its transferred to Newark, NJ office since Oct. 2009.
hairstyles Wakulla Springs State Park
pappu
01-31 03:02 PM
(1) How do I arrive at my hotel / place of stay in the DC metro area (VA/MD/DC)?
If you are flying into DC area (IAD/DCA/BWI) and are being hosted by a DC area member, please call your host and arrange for transportation. Most likely who ever is hosting you may be willing to pick you up from the airport. If that's not the case, please refer to instructions below.
Please refer to transportation instructions below for each airport
BWI:
Option 1: Amtrak has daily service to Union station starting at $12. Keep in mind that Acela Express may have a higher charge than other trains. Go to the schedules tab on the home page linked above and chose BWI (Baltimore –Thurgood Marshall Airport) to Union Station, Washington (WAS) for schedules on the day and time of your arrival.
Option 2: Bus-Metro There is bus service from BWI to Greenbelt Metro Station and from there to downtown Washington DC. Cost of this Bus-Metro trip is about $7.
If you are staying in a hotel in the DC area, Call your hotel and find out what the closest metro station is to your hotel and what line it is on to and then refer to the metro map.
IAD: At the arrivals door 4, Wash flyer bus leaves to West Falls Church metro station (orange line) as per the attached schedule. Fare is 10$ each way and 18$ round trip.
If you are staying in a hotel in the DC area, Call your hotel and find out what the closest metro station is to your hotel and what line it is on to and then refer to the metro map.
DCA: Regan National Airport has a metro station that is on both Blue and Orange lines.
If you are staying in a hotel in the DC area, Call your hotel and find out what the closest metro station is to your hotel and what line it is on to and then refer to the metro map.
(2) What is the best mode of transportation in the DC area and why?
Metro. I-495, also known as the Capital Beltway is one of the worst traffic hot spots or infamously known as the biggest parking lot in the DC area. I-66 connecting VA and DC is completely HOV (2 or more per vehicle). Finally Parking spots are tough to find are limited to maximum of 1 or 2 hours. One day parking spots are tough to find nearby and costs about 25$ a day.
(3) What is the fare on the metro and how should I pay?
Fare on the metro varies with the on boarding and off boarding stations. Metro has pre paid fare cards (DO NOT BUY SMART TRIP CARDS) vended by the automated systems and can be paid using Credit card or cash. One-way fare during time peak time from the suburbs to Union Station (Senate) or Capital South (House) is 5$.
You can get the exact fare from the wmata trip planner on Metro’s website. Charge your fare card with the money needed on the first time during the weekend to avoid standing in line during the weekday. On the three days, you will use the Metro at least 6 times. So please charge your fare card to 6 times the one-way fare between your stations.
(4) How early should I start every day?
Please do NOT underestimate the time it takes to get to the hill by Metro, then to the Situation room (if needed) and then your actual meeting. You will need to start 2 hours ahead of your meeting time from your hotel in the suburbs.
(5) Is there a hot line number where I can call for help?
Yes, IV will set up a hotline. 202-386-6250.
(6) What to say to the lawmakers in the meetings? How to put our point across?
A lot of this will be provided during brain storming sessions on Sunday. Please refer to the attached “How to Have a Successful Congressional Visit”
(7) Please tell me plans for the Sunday session?
Please Make sure you be there for the Sunday session. Sunday session will begin from 9:00 AM and will last till 9:00 PM. There will be several rounds of sessions lasting a couple of hours with breaks in between. You can attend any of these depending on your availability and arrival time. Use this day to also read the materials we would be providing you for meetings and ask us any questions you may have. You can meet others who would accompany you and brush up on talking points and plans for each meeting. We will also help you with some research on each lawmaker office. For example- position of the lawmaker office, voting record on past bills, issues championed in the past and present etc. Sunday sessions will be very helpful for getting fully prepared for next days of meetings.
(8) Please tell me plans for Monday and Tuesday? What are the agenda items other than meetings.
Monday, meeting with the legislative offices (9 am - 5pm)
Tuesday, meeting with legislative offices and a congressional reception in the evening (5:30 pm). So please book your flights back home on red eye flights Tuesday night or early morning flights on Wednesday.
(9) Where is the Congressional Reception?
Info will be provided in the situation room on Sunday.
(10) Can I invite my Lawmaker office staff/Lawmaker for the Congressional Reception?
Absolutely. We encourage members to invite the staffers and Lawmakers. If you already have good rapport with the office it would be very helpful. Please contact us and we will provide you with a formal invitation for the office.
(11) Can I ask my lawyer to contribute for this event? Can I ask my lawyer to post about this event on his/her website? Can I ask my Lawyer to inform his/other clients about this event?
Absolutely. Please go ahead and inform your lawyers about this event and request them to support this effort.
(12) Security Screenings
Entry to each of the buildings require standard security screening.
If you are flying into DC area (IAD/DCA/BWI) and are being hosted by a DC area member, please call your host and arrange for transportation. Most likely who ever is hosting you may be willing to pick you up from the airport. If that's not the case, please refer to instructions below.
Please refer to transportation instructions below for each airport
BWI:
Option 1: Amtrak has daily service to Union station starting at $12. Keep in mind that Acela Express may have a higher charge than other trains. Go to the schedules tab on the home page linked above and chose BWI (Baltimore –Thurgood Marshall Airport) to Union Station, Washington (WAS) for schedules on the day and time of your arrival.
Option 2: Bus-Metro There is bus service from BWI to Greenbelt Metro Station and from there to downtown Washington DC. Cost of this Bus-Metro trip is about $7.
If you are staying in a hotel in the DC area, Call your hotel and find out what the closest metro station is to your hotel and what line it is on to and then refer to the metro map.
IAD: At the arrivals door 4, Wash flyer bus leaves to West Falls Church metro station (orange line) as per the attached schedule. Fare is 10$ each way and 18$ round trip.
If you are staying in a hotel in the DC area, Call your hotel and find out what the closest metro station is to your hotel and what line it is on to and then refer to the metro map.
DCA: Regan National Airport has a metro station that is on both Blue and Orange lines.
If you are staying in a hotel in the DC area, Call your hotel and find out what the closest metro station is to your hotel and what line it is on to and then refer to the metro map.
(2) What is the best mode of transportation in the DC area and why?
Metro. I-495, also known as the Capital Beltway is one of the worst traffic hot spots or infamously known as the biggest parking lot in the DC area. I-66 connecting VA and DC is completely HOV (2 or more per vehicle). Finally Parking spots are tough to find are limited to maximum of 1 or 2 hours. One day parking spots are tough to find nearby and costs about 25$ a day.
(3) What is the fare on the metro and how should I pay?
Fare on the metro varies with the on boarding and off boarding stations. Metro has pre paid fare cards (DO NOT BUY SMART TRIP CARDS) vended by the automated systems and can be paid using Credit card or cash. One-way fare during time peak time from the suburbs to Union Station (Senate) or Capital South (House) is 5$.
You can get the exact fare from the wmata trip planner on Metro’s website. Charge your fare card with the money needed on the first time during the weekend to avoid standing in line during the weekday. On the three days, you will use the Metro at least 6 times. So please charge your fare card to 6 times the one-way fare between your stations.
(4) How early should I start every day?
Please do NOT underestimate the time it takes to get to the hill by Metro, then to the Situation room (if needed) and then your actual meeting. You will need to start 2 hours ahead of your meeting time from your hotel in the suburbs.
(5) Is there a hot line number where I can call for help?
Yes, IV will set up a hotline. 202-386-6250.
(6) What to say to the lawmakers in the meetings? How to put our point across?
A lot of this will be provided during brain storming sessions on Sunday. Please refer to the attached “How to Have a Successful Congressional Visit”
(7) Please tell me plans for the Sunday session?
Please Make sure you be there for the Sunday session. Sunday session will begin from 9:00 AM and will last till 9:00 PM. There will be several rounds of sessions lasting a couple of hours with breaks in between. You can attend any of these depending on your availability and arrival time. Use this day to also read the materials we would be providing you for meetings and ask us any questions you may have. You can meet others who would accompany you and brush up on talking points and plans for each meeting. We will also help you with some research on each lawmaker office. For example- position of the lawmaker office, voting record on past bills, issues championed in the past and present etc. Sunday sessions will be very helpful for getting fully prepared for next days of meetings.
(8) Please tell me plans for Monday and Tuesday? What are the agenda items other than meetings.
Monday, meeting with the legislative offices (9 am - 5pm)
Tuesday, meeting with legislative offices and a congressional reception in the evening (5:30 pm). So please book your flights back home on red eye flights Tuesday night or early morning flights on Wednesday.
(9) Where is the Congressional Reception?
Info will be provided in the situation room on Sunday.
(10) Can I invite my Lawmaker office staff/Lawmaker for the Congressional Reception?
Absolutely. We encourage members to invite the staffers and Lawmakers. If you already have good rapport with the office it would be very helpful. Please contact us and we will provide you with a formal invitation for the office.
(11) Can I ask my lawyer to contribute for this event? Can I ask my lawyer to post about this event on his/her website? Can I ask my Lawyer to inform his/other clients about this event?
Absolutely. Please go ahead and inform your lawyers about this event and request them to support this effort.
(12) Security Screenings
Entry to each of the buildings require standard security screening.
saggita
05-15 09:11 AM
I agree with the idea that we need to send letters individually. It's really a time to do action.
ngopalak
06-29 01:03 PM
You have a nice attorney
Here is what my attorney has sent regarding the AILA release, i dont know whether to believe him or other attorneys, i think i have no choice but to go with what my attorney says.He has been really good in these kinds ofnotices for the past 3 plus years, hope he is correct even with this.
1)There is no way that USCIS would get away with shutting down filing of EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Adjustment filings without a massive class action lawsuit against the agency;
2)The power to determine the availability or non-availability of permanent residence visa numbers rests solely with the Department of State. USCIS rejected the �Other Worker� Adjustments based upon a notice from the Department of State that there were no longer any visa numbers for the category. I recently attended our annual AILA immigration conference and there were members in attendance who had interviewed the Department of State official who sets the priority dates. The understanding was unequivocal that the Department of State office felt the numbers would remain available throughout July, and perhaps, as late as September;
3)At this time, there are 40,000 immigrant visa numbers available for the rest of the fiscal year. This means that in order for the Department of State to issue any kind of notice to USCIS, 40,000 permanent residence petitions would have to be APPROVED prior to the end of July. I am highlighting the word approved, because I need for all of my clients to understand that between June and July, there will a lot more than 40,000 Adjustments filed. However, what determines an immigrant visa number usage is the approval of a permanent residence.
Now let�s go back to simple math: there are 140,000 immigrant visas available per fiscal year. 40,000 visa numbers are available at this time. The fiscal year runs from October 1st through September 30th. That means that in the first 9 months of the fiscal year, the Department of State and USCIS have managed to approve 100,000, which turns out to be 11,111 petitions per month. There is no possible way that USCIS and the Department of State are going to approve almost 4 times the number of permanent residencies in the month of July. The agencies do not have the time, nor do they have the manpower to approve 40,000 petitions within the next 30 days or so. That is the very reason why the Department of State official solely responsible for the priority dates felt pretty good about the availability of visa numbers throughout the month of July when he spoke to my colleagues from AILA.
To be honest with all of you, I was really disappointed in the message from AILA. In the rush to �inform,� they forgot to pause, analyze and really discuss the true possibility that USCIS would be directed by the Department of State to halt receipt of Adjustment of Status petitions. I want my clients to know this: at this point, I am not worried that the visa numbers will not be available throughout July. If I were worried, I would let you know. My responsibility is to guide you through this process and if there is any genuine worry on my part, I will let you know IMMEDIATELY.
Here is what my attorney has sent regarding the AILA release, i dont know whether to believe him or other attorneys, i think i have no choice but to go with what my attorney says.He has been really good in these kinds ofnotices for the past 3 plus years, hope he is correct even with this.
1)There is no way that USCIS would get away with shutting down filing of EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Adjustment filings without a massive class action lawsuit against the agency;
2)The power to determine the availability or non-availability of permanent residence visa numbers rests solely with the Department of State. USCIS rejected the �Other Worker� Adjustments based upon a notice from the Department of State that there were no longer any visa numbers for the category. I recently attended our annual AILA immigration conference and there were members in attendance who had interviewed the Department of State official who sets the priority dates. The understanding was unequivocal that the Department of State office felt the numbers would remain available throughout July, and perhaps, as late as September;
3)At this time, there are 40,000 immigrant visa numbers available for the rest of the fiscal year. This means that in order for the Department of State to issue any kind of notice to USCIS, 40,000 permanent residence petitions would have to be APPROVED prior to the end of July. I am highlighting the word approved, because I need for all of my clients to understand that between June and July, there will a lot more than 40,000 Adjustments filed. However, what determines an immigrant visa number usage is the approval of a permanent residence.
Now let�s go back to simple math: there are 140,000 immigrant visas available per fiscal year. 40,000 visa numbers are available at this time. The fiscal year runs from October 1st through September 30th. That means that in the first 9 months of the fiscal year, the Department of State and USCIS have managed to approve 100,000, which turns out to be 11,111 petitions per month. There is no possible way that USCIS and the Department of State are going to approve almost 4 times the number of permanent residencies in the month of July. The agencies do not have the time, nor do they have the manpower to approve 40,000 petitions within the next 30 days or so. That is the very reason why the Department of State official solely responsible for the priority dates felt pretty good about the availability of visa numbers throughout the month of July when he spoke to my colleagues from AILA.
To be honest with all of you, I was really disappointed in the message from AILA. In the rush to �inform,� they forgot to pause, analyze and really discuss the true possibility that USCIS would be directed by the Department of State to halt receipt of Adjustment of Status petitions. I want my clients to know this: at this point, I am not worried that the visa numbers will not be available throughout July. If I were worried, I would let you know. My responsibility is to guide you through this process and if there is any genuine worry on my part, I will let you know IMMEDIATELY.