tertip
03-11 07:05 PM
You do sound paranoid.
All Immigraton Officers will not ask the same questions nor react the same way for similar answers.
Hence the reason I was asking for personal experiences. Thanks for your input.
All Immigraton Officers will not ask the same questions nor react the same way for similar answers.
Hence the reason I was asking for personal experiences. Thanks for your input.
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sanojkumar
08-21 11:35 AM
Yes, My checks got cashed as well. We had filed on July 18th to NSC. Now I need one help. I have moved to Chicago area freom Michigan. We had filed from Michigan. So to change address to get FP notice in Chicago area what all I need to do? I had no Alien number on my I140. Please advice. I am looking at LIN number on the back of the checks. But for my wife she has different LIN number on three checks for I-765, I-485 & FP. Which one will be valid. Can I get any handle from these numbers to make a call to USCIS and request them to change my address online? What is the number for USCIS to call?
thomachan72
07-06 11:55 AM
Answers to your questions.
(a) That could be tough, but check with your attorney. Or check if you or your husband's company has any unused LCs. Remember that LC substituion can be done only until July 17th (could be 16 or 18th, please get this confirmed), so you have to act fast.
(b) No.
(c) No. I am almost sure even if you have an approved I-140, it still isn't enough to get an H-1B extension. Your best bet would be to work on an EAD if you were eligible to apply for 485. Talk to your attorney.
Good luck
Thanks,
Jayant
?????????
(a) That could be tough, but check with your attorney. Or check if you or your husband's company has any unused LCs. Remember that LC substituion can be done only until July 17th (could be 16 or 18th, please get this confirmed), so you have to act fast.
(b) No.
(c) No. I am almost sure even if you have an approved I-140, it still isn't enough to get an H-1B extension. Your best bet would be to work on an EAD if you were eligible to apply for 485. Talk to your attorney.
Good luck
Thanks,
Jayant
?????????
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GCDelay
11-30 11:39 AM
xxx
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akred
03-26 12:45 AM
My information is 12 years old, but something you might want to check into. Back then Emirates would put you up in a downtown hotel if you wanted to break your journey. And you didn't have to get a Dubai visa if you were staying less than 24 hours.
dealsnet
09-08 11:22 AM
If you don't have free long distance phone, call to this number will be charged. If you are calling from cell phone, the minutes will be reduced. It is normal for using calling card. But this is free. No toll free number for calling.
On the website it says...
* Calls to Access numbers will be charge by local operator.
Any ideas what these charges are?
On the website it says...
* Calls to Access numbers will be charge by local operator.
Any ideas what these charges are?
more...
ssdtm
12-12 04:06 PM
Refile as what lawyer says, get new H1. That will give you some breathing room. If you see that current financial problem may jeopardize the new GC process as well, then you should switch over.
I assume this lawyer is hired by the company. So he will never advise you to make a move. It is you who have to look at all the options and see if it makes sense.
I assume this lawyer is hired by the company. So he will never advise you to make a move. It is you who have to look at all the options and see if it makes sense.
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sixburgh
08-13 10:46 AM
History:
- My h1 stamp on passport was expired, but my H1 renewal has always been done and was valid at all times.
- Wife had entered USA on H4 (2005)
- In July 2007, we both got a chance to apply for 485, EAD and AP
- Since then I switched to EAD, wife too started working on EAD
- But my company also kept renewing my H1
- During the last H1 renewal, in-house immigration lawyer suggested that I should renew my wife's H4 too and we sent both renewal requests in the same package.
- We both received our h1 and h4 notices.
- Now it was time for me, to go to India for visiting my parents. I recently had applied and received my AP. When I asked my lawyer what should I use to re-enter USA, he suggested that even though I am on EAD, since I already have an H1 approval document, I should go to US consulate in India, get a H1 stamp and re-enter on H1.
- This is what I did, I got a stamp and entered USA now on H1.
- Note that my wife continued to remain in USA and worked on EAD.
- Please also note that our EAD's are expiring soon and I am still waiting for them to arrive from NSC.
- Since I entered on H1 and now using H1 on i9, I wont use my EAD, I will just keep it handy for any possible future use
- But once wife gets EAD, she will continue to use it to work.
Question for fellow IV members :
By merely renewing my wife's H4, while she was still working on EAD, did she automatically get switched to H4?
(My understanding is that, unless one re-enters BACK into the USA on h1 or h4, no automatic switch is possible)
(I am also under this impression that unless I really file for a CHANGE OF STATUS form, specifically stating that my wife wants to change status to H4, she will continue to be under AOS/EAD)
Someone in my office is scaring me that by merely renewing her H4, I have switched her to H4 and that since the renewal arrived, her working has created something called "illegally working on H4".
Can someone shed some light on this: Am I right or wrong?
Does this affect her or mine, pending 485/AOS ?
- My h1 stamp on passport was expired, but my H1 renewal has always been done and was valid at all times.
- Wife had entered USA on H4 (2005)
- In July 2007, we both got a chance to apply for 485, EAD and AP
- Since then I switched to EAD, wife too started working on EAD
- But my company also kept renewing my H1
- During the last H1 renewal, in-house immigration lawyer suggested that I should renew my wife's H4 too and we sent both renewal requests in the same package.
- We both received our h1 and h4 notices.
- Now it was time for me, to go to India for visiting my parents. I recently had applied and received my AP. When I asked my lawyer what should I use to re-enter USA, he suggested that even though I am on EAD, since I already have an H1 approval document, I should go to US consulate in India, get a H1 stamp and re-enter on H1.
- This is what I did, I got a stamp and entered USA now on H1.
- Note that my wife continued to remain in USA and worked on EAD.
- Please also note that our EAD's are expiring soon and I am still waiting for them to arrive from NSC.
- Since I entered on H1 and now using H1 on i9, I wont use my EAD, I will just keep it handy for any possible future use
- But once wife gets EAD, she will continue to use it to work.
Question for fellow IV members :
By merely renewing my wife's H4, while she was still working on EAD, did she automatically get switched to H4?
(My understanding is that, unless one re-enters BACK into the USA on h1 or h4, no automatic switch is possible)
(I am also under this impression that unless I really file for a CHANGE OF STATUS form, specifically stating that my wife wants to change status to H4, she will continue to be under AOS/EAD)
Someone in my office is scaring me that by merely renewing her H4, I have switched her to H4 and that since the renewal arrived, her working has created something called "illegally working on H4".
Can someone shed some light on this: Am I right or wrong?
Does this affect her or mine, pending 485/AOS ?
more...
greencardvow
08-03 07:12 PM
This is a really complicated case. You should consult a good attorney. The people in this forum are not lawyers. They just have some knowledge about immigration process and laws.
If I was in your place I will file for another H1B through Company B. There is a risk in this also as your current H1B extension is denied.
Stay in good terms with your current employer. Tell him once he is able to resolve the issue of H1B denial, you will come back to him. Also tell him once you get your EAD you will come back.
The problem is USCIS denied H1B extension due to non-compliance of rule in paying the employees, they can probably deny the 485 for the same reason.
Reason: Employer didn't follow labor rules in paying for some of the other employees.
If I was in your place I will file for another H1B through Company B. There is a risk in this also as your current H1B extension is denied.
Stay in good terms with your current employer. Tell him once he is able to resolve the issue of H1B denial, you will come back to him. Also tell him once you get your EAD you will come back.
The problem is USCIS denied H1B extension due to non-compliance of rule in paying the employees, they can probably deny the 485 for the same reason.
Reason: Employer didn't follow labor rules in paying for some of the other employees.
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Ann Ruben
07-20 07:33 AM
without seeing your son's complete record and carefully researching the NY criminal code, it is impossible to give correct legal advice.
more...
krustycat
03-11 09:12 AM
Anyone Know How To Start New Thread?
Use New Thread button
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=5
But if you need to change employer you might open your new thread in this forum: AC21 Portability after 180 days of 485 filing.
How does USCIS know about salary ?
They have your previous W-2, taxes or paystubs from your previous applications and extensions (such as H1, Perm, I-140) and they'll ask for your W-2 or tax return if your application is non-concurrent and your I-140 was approved at least one year before. Otherwise they'll ask for your company's tax return or financial statements to check their ability to pay.
485 non-concurrent check list:
1. copy of all of the pages of the Passport (valid for 6 months or longer);
2. Copy of recent I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, front and back side;
3. Copy of all Approval Notices (i.e., H-1, H-4, L-1, L-2 and etc�) from first entry to the U.S. ;
4. Copy of I-20 (s), student visa, if applicable;
5. Copy of Employment Authorization Document (i.e., from practical training while on F-1 status), if applicable;
6. Birth Certificate or One affidavit and School Leaving Certification along with a Non-Availability Certificate or Two Affidavits of Birth along with a Non-Availability Certificate;
7. Petitioner, U.S. Citizen�s Income Tax returns along with W-2�s for the period after I-140 was approved;
8. Alien beneficiary�s Income Tax returns along with W-2�s for the period after I-140 was approved;
9. Medical Examination including immunizations in a sealed envelope;
10. Birth Certificate from each applicant (original language and translated if language is different than english), additional to item 6 for dependents, if applicable;
11. Marriage Certificate (original language and translated if language is different than english), if applicable;
12. Divorce Certificate (original language and translated if language is different than english), if applicable; and
13. Photographs (4) from each applicant
IRS also send the w2 information to USCIS? No.
whats the criteria of judging the salary? Is it w-2 or pay stub ?
Either way that fit best for you should be OK, but usually is W-2 or/and tax return. You can attach a note stating if you used personal leave or sick leave. I don't know if that's useful. I think that in some situations less documents you send, less questions they'll ask. Anyway, they'll issue a RFE if they want something more from you.
The fact is that they don't judge your salary, they just judge your company's ability to pay you in a future employment. They have to prove that ability before approve your GC. If you are currently getting paid as much as the proposed salary, you should be fine.
Use New Thread button
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=5
But if you need to change employer you might open your new thread in this forum: AC21 Portability after 180 days of 485 filing.
How does USCIS know about salary ?
They have your previous W-2, taxes or paystubs from your previous applications and extensions (such as H1, Perm, I-140) and they'll ask for your W-2 or tax return if your application is non-concurrent and your I-140 was approved at least one year before. Otherwise they'll ask for your company's tax return or financial statements to check their ability to pay.
485 non-concurrent check list:
1. copy of all of the pages of the Passport (valid for 6 months or longer);
2. Copy of recent I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, front and back side;
3. Copy of all Approval Notices (i.e., H-1, H-4, L-1, L-2 and etc�) from first entry to the U.S. ;
4. Copy of I-20 (s), student visa, if applicable;
5. Copy of Employment Authorization Document (i.e., from practical training while on F-1 status), if applicable;
6. Birth Certificate or One affidavit and School Leaving Certification along with a Non-Availability Certificate or Two Affidavits of Birth along with a Non-Availability Certificate;
7. Petitioner, U.S. Citizen�s Income Tax returns along with W-2�s for the period after I-140 was approved;
8. Alien beneficiary�s Income Tax returns along with W-2�s for the period after I-140 was approved;
9. Medical Examination including immunizations in a sealed envelope;
10. Birth Certificate from each applicant (original language and translated if language is different than english), additional to item 6 for dependents, if applicable;
11. Marriage Certificate (original language and translated if language is different than english), if applicable;
12. Divorce Certificate (original language and translated if language is different than english), if applicable; and
13. Photographs (4) from each applicant
IRS also send the w2 information to USCIS? No.
whats the criteria of judging the salary? Is it w-2 or pay stub ?
Either way that fit best for you should be OK, but usually is W-2 or/and tax return. You can attach a note stating if you used personal leave or sick leave. I don't know if that's useful. I think that in some situations less documents you send, less questions they'll ask. Anyway, they'll issue a RFE if they want something more from you.
The fact is that they don't judge your salary, they just judge your company's ability to pay you in a future employment. They have to prove that ability before approve your GC. If you are currently getting paid as much as the proposed salary, you should be fine.
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ssingh92
06-11 03:26 PM
I know and understand once receive GC why you want to be here. Just a request. Think about whoever left and forum and Please donate something before you leave this forum and site for good.
:D
Thanks,
:D
Thanks,
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otovarm@hotmail.com
03-03 12:29 PM
Hi everyone, I am seeking some help:
-My wife's Labor Certification was approved on Oct-09-2006
-Priority Date: April-30-2001
We did stay on H1B (wife) and H4 (me) in the US for about 9 years total, we did extend the H1B year by year once the initial 6year period ended (labor was still pending). We left the US on Dec-27-2007 and have been outside the US since. Now we have our new 5year Turist Visa B1/B2.
1st Question:
Can we still apply for next steps towards the GC based on that approved labor cert, even though more than 2 years have passed since it was approved? (I believe next steps are I-140 and 485, right?
If answer is YES, can we go premium processing?
IMPORTANT: One of the partners in the company which filed the labor for her did die about 3 years ago. It seems like a new partner came in but still one of the original partners and the one who was my wife's boss when she was working for the company is still there. We are a little concerned because when we first approached the guy at the company about 2 years ago (when we got the LC approval notice) he told us that they had to restructure the company because of the other partner's death and they decided to change the company's name (slightly) and start all over again. At that time he told us that original company didn't have strong balance sheets, bank balances or tax docs to support the I-140 and that he wasn't sure if the new partner would agreed to sign the petition. He told us to wait 1-2 years and see if he could do it.
When we got that response we decided to leave the country (didn't have other option) and stay outside the country for at least a year to have the option to come again thru H1B with another company. (We also had twin boys - americans - and it has helped us to be in our home country while they were small babies).
Now we want to return to the US but we would like to know if we still have a chance to apply for the I-140 with that company. Anybody has any insights about this? Does it matter that the company changed its original name, even though the person who signed the LC petition would be the same person who signs the I-140 petition?
In the worst case scenario that this guy won't help us signing the I-140, can we apply thru another company under the original approved LC? I guess that if it is possible, then it should be thru a company under similar industry, or located in same region and Job description should match the one in the LC.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and any insights would be greatly appreciated.
-My wife's Labor Certification was approved on Oct-09-2006
-Priority Date: April-30-2001
We did stay on H1B (wife) and H4 (me) in the US for about 9 years total, we did extend the H1B year by year once the initial 6year period ended (labor was still pending). We left the US on Dec-27-2007 and have been outside the US since. Now we have our new 5year Turist Visa B1/B2.
1st Question:
Can we still apply for next steps towards the GC based on that approved labor cert, even though more than 2 years have passed since it was approved? (I believe next steps are I-140 and 485, right?
If answer is YES, can we go premium processing?
IMPORTANT: One of the partners in the company which filed the labor for her did die about 3 years ago. It seems like a new partner came in but still one of the original partners and the one who was my wife's boss when she was working for the company is still there. We are a little concerned because when we first approached the guy at the company about 2 years ago (when we got the LC approval notice) he told us that they had to restructure the company because of the other partner's death and they decided to change the company's name (slightly) and start all over again. At that time he told us that original company didn't have strong balance sheets, bank balances or tax docs to support the I-140 and that he wasn't sure if the new partner would agreed to sign the petition. He told us to wait 1-2 years and see if he could do it.
When we got that response we decided to leave the country (didn't have other option) and stay outside the country for at least a year to have the option to come again thru H1B with another company. (We also had twin boys - americans - and it has helped us to be in our home country while they were small babies).
Now we want to return to the US but we would like to know if we still have a chance to apply for the I-140 with that company. Anybody has any insights about this? Does it matter that the company changed its original name, even though the person who signed the LC petition would be the same person who signs the I-140 petition?
In the worst case scenario that this guy won't help us signing the I-140, can we apply thru another company under the original approved LC? I guess that if it is possible, then it should be thru a company under similar industry, or located in same region and Job description should match the one in the LC.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and any insights would be greatly appreciated.
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GCeffect
01-29 04:16 PM
I'm from Bangladesh and my PD is May 2006....EB3
I applied for my I485, I765 and I131 in July 2, 2007. Then me and my wife received the I765 approval in couple of months then the real drama began.
In October i received the letter about our i131 denial. The reason for the denial was approval of I485 (I485 approval news was mentioned in my i131 denial letter). My lawyer then told me to wait couple of months to receive my cards. I waited but didn't receive anything. The I called the USCIS and they told me that there is no update in the system and they requested me to go to the local immigration office to notify the matter. After visiting the local immigration office they asked me to write a status request letter to USCIS.
Me and lawyer already wrote 4 letters to USCIS requesting the status of my i485 as my i131 got denied. Finally one of the cases status for i131 showing online that you�re RFE has been received and case has been resumed; and the other one is still case denied. On the other hand the i485 for both mine and my wife's case still showing like it was showing six months ago..."received and pending"........
I�m totally confused in this present situation. USCIS never requested for any RFE against my i131, so why they put in the online status that the RFE has been received. All I did was requested for the I485 applications as they mentioned in my i131 denial letter that my i485 got approved��
Some help here will be highly appreciated��.thanks in advance
I applied for my I485, I765 and I131 in July 2, 2007. Then me and my wife received the I765 approval in couple of months then the real drama began.
In October i received the letter about our i131 denial. The reason for the denial was approval of I485 (I485 approval news was mentioned in my i131 denial letter). My lawyer then told me to wait couple of months to receive my cards. I waited but didn't receive anything. The I called the USCIS and they told me that there is no update in the system and they requested me to go to the local immigration office to notify the matter. After visiting the local immigration office they asked me to write a status request letter to USCIS.
Me and lawyer already wrote 4 letters to USCIS requesting the status of my i485 as my i131 got denied. Finally one of the cases status for i131 showing online that you�re RFE has been received and case has been resumed; and the other one is still case denied. On the other hand the i485 for both mine and my wife's case still showing like it was showing six months ago..."received and pending"........
I�m totally confused in this present situation. USCIS never requested for any RFE against my i131, so why they put in the online status that the RFE has been received. All I did was requested for the I485 applications as they mentioned in my i131 denial letter that my i485 got approved��
Some help here will be highly appreciated��.thanks in advance
more...
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synergy
08-15 11:03 AM
Does it apply for people who used AC-21?Do they need to go back to their filing employer after getting green card?
It is mandatory by law. Both side have to have a bona fide intention (for company - to hire, for employee - to work for) for EB GC. Employer proves its intent by filing I-140. Employee proves his/her intent by joining the employer. Each situation is unique, but in OP's situation, there is no bona fide intent to work for company Y. Therefore, it will be a fradulent GC which can be revoked. How OP is going to prove that he was going to join Y after GC is approved? AC21 allows for porting, but porting to company X will look fishy as well. If OP can get a letter from Y that position is no longer available, it may help. This being said, there is a possibility to get a GC without any issues.
It is mandatory by law. Both side have to have a bona fide intention (for company - to hire, for employee - to work for) for EB GC. Employer proves its intent by filing I-140. Employee proves his/her intent by joining the employer. Each situation is unique, but in OP's situation, there is no bona fide intent to work for company Y. Therefore, it will be a fradulent GC which can be revoked. How OP is going to prove that he was going to join Y after GC is approved? AC21 allows for porting, but porting to company X will look fishy as well. If OP can get a letter from Y that position is no longer available, it may help. This being said, there is a possibility to get a GC without any issues.
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sankap
08-20 02:51 PM
I'm getting the same response this week as y'all did. Perhaps they've been instructed to not pay any attention to "seeking-status" calls...:(
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08-09 08:39 AM
Check this out, get inspired
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loveiv
07-01 09:42 PM
We do see such threads on the forum occasionally. There are several instances where members have posted negative comments about consulting companies and how employees are unhappy working for them.
I want to understand the reasons why people are not filing lawsuits against such companies yet? Why are we not reporting them to DOL and USCIS? Especially after filing I485 and expiry of 6 months, people are in a better position to file lawsuits against such employers.
IV can help only if people are willing to be helped and ready to take action.
If this system needs to be cleansed, then why aren't we doing it?
I'm with you. Matter of fact, I'm preparing a lawsuit against my old employer.
Lets see.
I want to understand the reasons why people are not filing lawsuits against such companies yet? Why are we not reporting them to DOL and USCIS? Especially after filing I485 and expiry of 6 months, people are in a better position to file lawsuits against such employers.
IV can help only if people are willing to be helped and ready to take action.
If this system needs to be cleansed, then why aren't we doing it?
I'm with you. Matter of fact, I'm preparing a lawsuit against my old employer.
Lets see.
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bibhudc
08-21 04:39 PM
Thanks for your replies. The additional thread did throw some light.
Is there any statistic (or guess-timates) for how many people are waiting for their green cards ? by nationality, EB category, Priority Month etc.
Is there any statistic (or guess-timates) for how many people are waiting for their green cards ? by nationality, EB category, Priority Month etc.
vxg
10-15 11:25 AM
Thanks. Can someone get me USCIS contact number to get the status on receipts.....
dial 1-800-375-5283
use option 1-2-2-6-2-2-1
BTW i am a AUG 3rd TSC Filer No receipts yet. The EAD Check for my wife cashed on Oct 12th and it says Vermont service center.
dial 1-800-375-5283
use option 1-2-2-6-2-2-1
BTW i am a AUG 3rd TSC Filer No receipts yet. The EAD Check for my wife cashed on Oct 12th and it says Vermont service center.
waitingnwaiting
11-16 01:35 PM
ABC NEWS: Will Congress Vote on DREAM Act for Illegal Immigrants in 2010?
Senate Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Pelosi Weigh Lame-Duck Vote on Immigration
By DEVIN DWYER
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2010�
Senate Vote on DREAM Act, Immigration in Lame-Duck Congress? - ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senate-vote-dream-act-immigration-lame-duck-congress/story?id=12136182)
They came through for him during a tight reelection campaign in Nevada. Now Hispanic voters are looking to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to return the favor.
Reid has promised a Senate vote this year on a small piece of immigration legislation known as the DREAM Act, which would give hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants a conditional path to legal residency.
"The answer is yes," Reid told Univision host Jorge Ramos in October when pressed about whether there will be a vote. "I have the right to bring that up any time I want."
As Congress reconvenes this week for the final session of the year, Reid now has roughly a month to make good on his promise.
Many immigrants and immigrant advocates, particularly Hispanics, have been disappointed by Congress' inaction on legislation to address the situation of millions of the country's undocumented immigrants, particularly those who are young children.
However, Republican opposition to efforts to legalize undocumented immigrants, a packed end-of-year legislative agenda and a bleak track record for controversial bills during lame-duck sessions all cast doubt on chances of the bill's passage this year.
The DREAM Act would grant legal status to immigrants who complete college or at least two years of military service and maintain "good moral character." It would apply to immigrants younger than 36 years old who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children under the supervision of their parents.
"We are very confident this will come up for a vote," said Flavia de la Fuente of the adovacy group DreamActivist.org. "We are confident that the American people and that the moderate GOP will make the right choice when it comes to investing in the future of this country."
Reid attempted to attach the measure as an amendment to the defense authorization bill in September, drawing intense protest from Republicans, who accused the Democrat of playing pre-election politics.
Ultimately, Republicans blocked the effort to bring the defense bill to the floor for debate, precluding a chance of adding the DREAM Act. The bill also included a repeal of the military's "don't ask don't tell" policy.
"We're going to vote on the Dream Act; it's only a question of when," Reid said after the vote. "It's a question of fairness. This is not the end of this."
Many activists on both sides of the issue agree, however, that chances of the bill's passage are only going to grow dimmer with an influx of Republicans set to join the House and Senate in January.
Roy Beck, president of Numbers USA, a group that favors tighter immigration controls and supports Republicans' efforts to block the DREAM Act, said the measure is flawed.
"Some of these [immigrants] are compelling cases, no doubt about it," said Beck. "But you've got to draw some lines a lot narrower than the DREAM Act draws them. This is about giving millions of illegal aliens permanent work permits, and I don't think in this economy that this is a very happy time to be doing that."
President Obama supports the legislation, as does Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who says it would help recruitment, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who says it's "the right thing to do for our country."
But it's unclear whether the administration will push behind the scenes in the weeks ahead to make it a legislative priority. The Congress already faces challenging debates over whether to extend the Bush tax cuts, fund the federal government through 2011, and approve a controversial defense spending bill.
"The president supports the DREAM Act and I support the DREAM Act. The president supports immigration reform, and I support immigration reform. And how Congress takes that up is for the Congress and the leadership to decide," said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in September.
The DREAM Act has received some bipartisan Senate support in the years since it was first introduced in 2001. It was approved as part of immigration reform bill in 2006, but the package later failed in the House. In 2007, the Act was filibustered when it came up for an up-or-down vote.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has decided not to list DREAM Act as a priority for this week, a senior Democratic aide told ABC News. But it could come up after Thanksgiving.
According to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, about 2 million of the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. could be eligible for legalization under the DREAM Act.
The group also estimates, however, that only 825,000 of those immigrants would ultimately take advantage of the law if it were enacted.
ABC News' John Parkinson contributed to this report.
DESERT NEWS: Sign the Utah Compact
Published: Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 12:00 a.m. MST
Sign the Utah Compact | Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700081235/Sign-the-Utah-Compact.html)
Already recognized by Forbes Magazine as the top state in the nation for business, Utah further burnished its reputation for pro-family and pro-growth policies this week as civic, business and religious leaders signed the Utah Compact, a declaration for principled immigration reform.
Historically, during periods of economic recession, business leaders and policy-makers have reverted to what economists call zero-sum thinking � the belief that one person gains only when another loses. When we only have so much pie, it is entirely rational to worry about how the pieces are divvied out. And when the pie is shrinking, the rules for who gets a slice become even more critical.
Fixed-pied concerns are undoubtedly part of what lies behind the complex debate about immigration. There is understandable fear that immigrants might take increasingly scarce jobs and resources from citizens. And any public expenditure on immigrants, whether through social services or law enforcement, draws down a limited public treasury that deserves scrupulous stewardship.
But people also intuitively understand that the best way to ensure more pie over the long term is not to hoard what is being served right now, but instead figure out how to expand the pie. This is what economists call positive-sum thinking � the belief that through exchange we can expand the pie, not simply fret about how it is divided.
The recent recession, followed by a jobless recovery, has served up a fixed-pie economy. But zero-sum or fixed-pie thinking is never the path toward sustained prosperity. And as many of Utah's prominent civic, business, and religious leaders signed a declaration on immigration reform called the Utah Compact, they sent a powerful signal to the world that Utah embraces positive-sum, pie-expanding thought and policies. Instead of creating a hostile environment for immigrants, they have outlined thoughtful principles that embrace the promise afforded through immigration. They have sided with the consensus view of pro-growth free-market economists who recognize that immigration actually creates jobs and revenue. (www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/business/economy/31view.html)
Even more important than the powerful economic growth message inherent in the Utah Compact is its embrace of those core values that support a free, humane and prosperous society: respect for the rule of law, respect for families, respect for individual liberty and respect for the dignity and humanity of each individual. It emphasizes an orderly approach to the critically important concerns of enforcement and security.
The Utah Compact is not itself a policy � it is a thoughtful declaration of principles that lawmakers should use as they work to craft pragmatic legislation that helps our state deal with the problems and promise afforded by immigration. We are impressed by the array of distinguished civic, business, and ecclesiastical leaders who have signed the Utah Compact or endorsed its principles. We encourage our readers to read the Utah Compact (The Utah Compact - Read the Utah Compact (http://www.utahcompact.com)) and sign it.
Senate Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Pelosi Weigh Lame-Duck Vote on Immigration
By DEVIN DWYER
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2010�
Senate Vote on DREAM Act, Immigration in Lame-Duck Congress? - ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senate-vote-dream-act-immigration-lame-duck-congress/story?id=12136182)
They came through for him during a tight reelection campaign in Nevada. Now Hispanic voters are looking to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to return the favor.
Reid has promised a Senate vote this year on a small piece of immigration legislation known as the DREAM Act, which would give hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants a conditional path to legal residency.
"The answer is yes," Reid told Univision host Jorge Ramos in October when pressed about whether there will be a vote. "I have the right to bring that up any time I want."
As Congress reconvenes this week for the final session of the year, Reid now has roughly a month to make good on his promise.
Many immigrants and immigrant advocates, particularly Hispanics, have been disappointed by Congress' inaction on legislation to address the situation of millions of the country's undocumented immigrants, particularly those who are young children.
However, Republican opposition to efforts to legalize undocumented immigrants, a packed end-of-year legislative agenda and a bleak track record for controversial bills during lame-duck sessions all cast doubt on chances of the bill's passage this year.
The DREAM Act would grant legal status to immigrants who complete college or at least two years of military service and maintain "good moral character." It would apply to immigrants younger than 36 years old who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children under the supervision of their parents.
"We are very confident this will come up for a vote," said Flavia de la Fuente of the adovacy group DreamActivist.org. "We are confident that the American people and that the moderate GOP will make the right choice when it comes to investing in the future of this country."
Reid attempted to attach the measure as an amendment to the defense authorization bill in September, drawing intense protest from Republicans, who accused the Democrat of playing pre-election politics.
Ultimately, Republicans blocked the effort to bring the defense bill to the floor for debate, precluding a chance of adding the DREAM Act. The bill also included a repeal of the military's "don't ask don't tell" policy.
"We're going to vote on the Dream Act; it's only a question of when," Reid said after the vote. "It's a question of fairness. This is not the end of this."
Many activists on both sides of the issue agree, however, that chances of the bill's passage are only going to grow dimmer with an influx of Republicans set to join the House and Senate in January.
Roy Beck, president of Numbers USA, a group that favors tighter immigration controls and supports Republicans' efforts to block the DREAM Act, said the measure is flawed.
"Some of these [immigrants] are compelling cases, no doubt about it," said Beck. "But you've got to draw some lines a lot narrower than the DREAM Act draws them. This is about giving millions of illegal aliens permanent work permits, and I don't think in this economy that this is a very happy time to be doing that."
President Obama supports the legislation, as does Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who says it would help recruitment, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who says it's "the right thing to do for our country."
But it's unclear whether the administration will push behind the scenes in the weeks ahead to make it a legislative priority. The Congress already faces challenging debates over whether to extend the Bush tax cuts, fund the federal government through 2011, and approve a controversial defense spending bill.
"The president supports the DREAM Act and I support the DREAM Act. The president supports immigration reform, and I support immigration reform. And how Congress takes that up is for the Congress and the leadership to decide," said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in September.
The DREAM Act has received some bipartisan Senate support in the years since it was first introduced in 2001. It was approved as part of immigration reform bill in 2006, but the package later failed in the House. In 2007, the Act was filibustered when it came up for an up-or-down vote.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has decided not to list DREAM Act as a priority for this week, a senior Democratic aide told ABC News. But it could come up after Thanksgiving.
According to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, about 2 million of the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. could be eligible for legalization under the DREAM Act.
The group also estimates, however, that only 825,000 of those immigrants would ultimately take advantage of the law if it were enacted.
ABC News' John Parkinson contributed to this report.
DESERT NEWS: Sign the Utah Compact
Published: Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 12:00 a.m. MST
Sign the Utah Compact | Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700081235/Sign-the-Utah-Compact.html)
Already recognized by Forbes Magazine as the top state in the nation for business, Utah further burnished its reputation for pro-family and pro-growth policies this week as civic, business and religious leaders signed the Utah Compact, a declaration for principled immigration reform.
Historically, during periods of economic recession, business leaders and policy-makers have reverted to what economists call zero-sum thinking � the belief that one person gains only when another loses. When we only have so much pie, it is entirely rational to worry about how the pieces are divvied out. And when the pie is shrinking, the rules for who gets a slice become even more critical.
Fixed-pied concerns are undoubtedly part of what lies behind the complex debate about immigration. There is understandable fear that immigrants might take increasingly scarce jobs and resources from citizens. And any public expenditure on immigrants, whether through social services or law enforcement, draws down a limited public treasury that deserves scrupulous stewardship.
But people also intuitively understand that the best way to ensure more pie over the long term is not to hoard what is being served right now, but instead figure out how to expand the pie. This is what economists call positive-sum thinking � the belief that through exchange we can expand the pie, not simply fret about how it is divided.
The recent recession, followed by a jobless recovery, has served up a fixed-pie economy. But zero-sum or fixed-pie thinking is never the path toward sustained prosperity. And as many of Utah's prominent civic, business, and religious leaders signed a declaration on immigration reform called the Utah Compact, they sent a powerful signal to the world that Utah embraces positive-sum, pie-expanding thought and policies. Instead of creating a hostile environment for immigrants, they have outlined thoughtful principles that embrace the promise afforded through immigration. They have sided with the consensus view of pro-growth free-market economists who recognize that immigration actually creates jobs and revenue. (www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/business/economy/31view.html)
Even more important than the powerful economic growth message inherent in the Utah Compact is its embrace of those core values that support a free, humane and prosperous society: respect for the rule of law, respect for families, respect for individual liberty and respect for the dignity and humanity of each individual. It emphasizes an orderly approach to the critically important concerns of enforcement and security.
The Utah Compact is not itself a policy � it is a thoughtful declaration of principles that lawmakers should use as they work to craft pragmatic legislation that helps our state deal with the problems and promise afforded by immigration. We are impressed by the array of distinguished civic, business, and ecclesiastical leaders who have signed the Utah Compact or endorsed its principles. We encourage our readers to read the Utah Compact (The Utah Compact - Read the Utah Compact (http://www.utahcompact.com)) and sign it.
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