anandrajesh
08-12 11:14 AM
So much for unions to support them for mid term elections.. Come next year, if dems still have same majority, H1B/L1B word will be removed from India's IT dictionary..
All they had to do was to introduce another $2000 fee for every Green Card Re-Captured. Most of us would have been out of this mess and they would have got the money they needed. This Grand posturing is extremely disturbing and i hate the politics behind it.
I wish the Democrats lose big time and lose their hold from Senate and house.
All they had to do was to introduce another $2000 fee for every Green Card Re-Captured. Most of us would have been out of this mess and they would have got the money they needed. This Grand posturing is extremely disturbing and i hate the politics behind it.
I wish the Democrats lose big time and lose their hold from Senate and house.
wallpaper Amy+adams+enchanted+2
austingc
04-28 01:58 PM
Hi
I just applied for a mortgage from BOA. The loan officer did not recognize what AOS was and asked me for an H1B - which has expired.
I explained about AOS and EAD and told her I could give the I-485 receipt, and she took in my application.
But I'm worried that my loan will be denied after underwriting - my closing is on 5/26 and I probably will not hear from the bank until second week of may.
Does anyone know of Banks in MA that give loans to EAD?
Chandana
I am going to close with BOA next week. They do know what is AOS means. I provided them my EAD copy and I-94 thats it.
I just applied for a mortgage from BOA. The loan officer did not recognize what AOS was and asked me for an H1B - which has expired.
I explained about AOS and EAD and told her I could give the I-485 receipt, and she took in my application.
But I'm worried that my loan will be denied after underwriting - my closing is on 5/26 and I probably will not hear from the bank until second week of may.
Does anyone know of Banks in MA that give loans to EAD?
Chandana
I am going to close with BOA next week. They do know what is AOS means. I provided them my EAD copy and I-94 thats it.
EndlessWait
07-06 01:50 PM
Cmon stop the rumour. Just because some of you sent the application on 2nd doesnt mean that they will honour it. If and if they do , there will be much more serious and valid lawsuit, because they've already issued a revision from 2nd July. Under law they have to give everyone a fair and equal chance (including the ones who haven't sent there application but were eligible as per old July bulletin).
So pls stop cooking rumours from your lawyer. He simply doesn't want to pay back your fee and keeping your hope high..
2 cents
So pls stop cooking rumours from your lawyer. He simply doesn't want to pay back your fee and keeping your hope high..
2 cents
2011 Enchanted- True loves kiss
chisinau
07-23 01:26 AM
I am not familiar with legal procedures for US graduates.
Try this one: http://allnurses.com/forums/f75/ - it is the nursing forum, they might have relevant information for you.
Hope you will find an emploier.
Try this one: http://allnurses.com/forums/f75/ - it is the nursing forum, they might have relevant information for you.
Hope you will find an emploier.
more...
ItIsNotFunny
10-21 11:06 AM
Issue/Background:
It seems USCIS is not following AC21 regulations in some cases � especially when underlying I140 is revoked by previous employer � and are incorrectly denying I485 applications. As we know, AC21 regulations and related guidelines, provide some relief and allow job changes without affecting the I485 application. As per these rules if the employee changes employment after 180 days of submitting I485 application, there is no need to redo I140 even-if old employer revokes the old I140.
In recent days USCIS seems to be denying lot of I485 applications � ignoring their own AC21 regulations. A few of IV volunteers (pd_recapturing, gc4me, chanduv et al) have started an effort to address this. You can get more info on this, at this thread: http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21716.
This issue can affect a lot of us and it negates all the flexibility/relief that we acquired by getting EAD�s and advantages we got thru recent admin reform.
What needs to be done:
After some initial discussions and planning (thanks to pd-capturing, chandu, et al) it is decided to write letters to Ombudsman and service center heads to point out this and request them to correct it ASAP. Please participate and send letters. To succeed we need to send it in thousands.
Pasting the letter and the addresses below.
More info: (thanks to gc4me for addresses and letter template):
======================
Everyone please send the letter/email to 3 persons.
1. Ombudsman
2. Director, NSC
3. Director, TSC
======================
Ombudsman:
cisombudsman@dhs.gov
Mailing Address:
Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
ATTN: Recommendations
United States Department of Homeland Security
Mail Stop 1225
Washington, D.C. 20528-1225
=======================
Nebraska Service Center
Director: Gerard Heinauer
General Correspondence (Inquiries) (Sending applications or petitions to this address will delay their processing)
USCIS NSC
P.O. Box 82521
Lincoln, NE 68501-2521
NOTE: If using overnight delivery by any private service provider, send your package to:
USCIS
Nebraska Service Center
850 S Street
P.O. Box (Insert Correct P.O. Box Number)
Lincoln, NE 68508
Be sure to include the appropriate P.O. Box number on the shipping label.
Customer Feedback:
Contact:
Assistant Chief
Internal Security and Investigative Operations
USCIS, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Suite 7000
Washington, DC 20529
or email: USCIS-COMPLAINT@DHS.GOV
=====================
Director: David Roark
General
Correspondence:
USCIS TSC
PO Box 851488
Mesquite, TX 75185-1488
Customer Feedback:
Contact:
Assistant Chief
Internal Security and Investigative Operations
USCIS, 111 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Ste 7000, Washington, DC 20529
============================
Letter
============================
Date: Today()
To
Mr. Michael Timothy Dougherty
The Ombudsman
Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
United States Department of Homeland Security
Mail Stop 1225
Washington, D.C. 20528-1225
Re: Issues caused by USCIS not following AC21 guidelines
Dear Sir,
This is to bring your attention to the issues caused by USCIS not following AC21 guidelines.
The American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21) allows for a change of employer on any I-485 Adjustment of Status Application that has been pending for 180 days or more, without the need to file a new I-140 petition, provided the applicant�s new employment is in a similar/same occupation.
According to the Memo released by William R Yates on August 4th 2003, the original I-140 is valid if it is approvable and form I-485 has been pending for more than 180 days. (Attached for your reference is the memo dated August 4th 2003 from William R Yates and the follow-up memo dated May 12th 2005 with relevant sections highlighted).
Due to unreasonable delays caused by retrogression, many candidates have lawfully changed employers in accordance with the AC21 statute. Even though there is no requirement that USCIS be notified after a job change, some applicants have done so to prove that they are in compliance with this regulation. If the previous employer has withdrawn the previously approved I-140, AC21 guidelines state that if the applicant has not submitted evidence of a new qualifying offer of employment, the applicant be sent an NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) to deny the I-485 application or a RFE (Request for Evidence) . If the response to the NOID/RFE is timely and indicates that the alien has a new offer of employment in the same or similar occupation, USCIS may consider the approved Form I-140 to remain valid with respect to the new offer of employment and may continue regular processing of the Form I-485.
Over the past few months, a disturbing pattern has emerged with cases where the applicant has changed employers. USCIS has started to deny I-485applications where the underlying I-140 has been withdrawn by the previous employer without issuing an NOID or RFE. Even those applicants who have notified USCIS of change in employers have had their I-485 denied.
After the denial of I-485, the applicant has to file a MTR (Motion to reconsider) with USCIS to re-open the case. In addition to the financial burden of filing and legal fees, the applicant has to stop working because of the denial of the I-485 until the case is re-opened. This could be anywhere from a month to a few months. Needless to say, employers are unwilling to keep the job position open for such a long period and the applicant in most cases is looking at potential loss of employment. The applicant who has followed the law to the fullest extent is unfairly punished on account of USCIS not following the AC21 provisions.
This is a request for you to intervene to ensure that the AC21 regulations are followed when adjudicating an I-485 application. If the applicant notifies USCIS of a change in employment under AC21, this should be added the applicant�s physical file and electronic records. If there is no such notification and the previous employer withdraws the I-140, the applicant should be issued a NOID/RFE instead of denying the I-485 application.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact.
Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.
Thanks,
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Guys,
This is one of the most serious issue we are facing in current time. Lay offs are happening left and right and on top of that employers learned that AC21 is giving troubles, they started squeezing more (I myself is partially victim of that).
We need sincere efforts sending emails to ombudsman. This will not take more than 5 minutes as NK2006 put efforts on even giving you the email template.
I sincerely urge everyone to send emails to addresses NK2006 mentioned above and even request your collegues, spouse to do so. We need volume to show our presence.
One more request, please take one more minute and make sure that you post here that you sent emails. This will give us real picture and give others motivation too!
I sent my emails (actually twice ;)).
It seems USCIS is not following AC21 regulations in some cases � especially when underlying I140 is revoked by previous employer � and are incorrectly denying I485 applications. As we know, AC21 regulations and related guidelines, provide some relief and allow job changes without affecting the I485 application. As per these rules if the employee changes employment after 180 days of submitting I485 application, there is no need to redo I140 even-if old employer revokes the old I140.
In recent days USCIS seems to be denying lot of I485 applications � ignoring their own AC21 regulations. A few of IV volunteers (pd_recapturing, gc4me, chanduv et al) have started an effort to address this. You can get more info on this, at this thread: http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21716.
This issue can affect a lot of us and it negates all the flexibility/relief that we acquired by getting EAD�s and advantages we got thru recent admin reform.
What needs to be done:
After some initial discussions and planning (thanks to pd-capturing, chandu, et al) it is decided to write letters to Ombudsman and service center heads to point out this and request them to correct it ASAP. Please participate and send letters. To succeed we need to send it in thousands.
Pasting the letter and the addresses below.
More info: (thanks to gc4me for addresses and letter template):
======================
Everyone please send the letter/email to 3 persons.
1. Ombudsman
2. Director, NSC
3. Director, TSC
======================
Ombudsman:
cisombudsman@dhs.gov
Mailing Address:
Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
ATTN: Recommendations
United States Department of Homeland Security
Mail Stop 1225
Washington, D.C. 20528-1225
=======================
Nebraska Service Center
Director: Gerard Heinauer
General Correspondence (Inquiries) (Sending applications or petitions to this address will delay their processing)
USCIS NSC
P.O. Box 82521
Lincoln, NE 68501-2521
NOTE: If using overnight delivery by any private service provider, send your package to:
USCIS
Nebraska Service Center
850 S Street
P.O. Box (Insert Correct P.O. Box Number)
Lincoln, NE 68508
Be sure to include the appropriate P.O. Box number on the shipping label.
Customer Feedback:
Contact:
Assistant Chief
Internal Security and Investigative Operations
USCIS, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Suite 7000
Washington, DC 20529
or email: USCIS-COMPLAINT@DHS.GOV
=====================
Director: David Roark
General
Correspondence:
USCIS TSC
PO Box 851488
Mesquite, TX 75185-1488
Customer Feedback:
Contact:
Assistant Chief
Internal Security and Investigative Operations
USCIS, 111 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Ste 7000, Washington, DC 20529
============================
Letter
============================
Date: Today()
To
Mr. Michael Timothy Dougherty
The Ombudsman
Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
United States Department of Homeland Security
Mail Stop 1225
Washington, D.C. 20528-1225
Re: Issues caused by USCIS not following AC21 guidelines
Dear Sir,
This is to bring your attention to the issues caused by USCIS not following AC21 guidelines.
The American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21) allows for a change of employer on any I-485 Adjustment of Status Application that has been pending for 180 days or more, without the need to file a new I-140 petition, provided the applicant�s new employment is in a similar/same occupation.
According to the Memo released by William R Yates on August 4th 2003, the original I-140 is valid if it is approvable and form I-485 has been pending for more than 180 days. (Attached for your reference is the memo dated August 4th 2003 from William R Yates and the follow-up memo dated May 12th 2005 with relevant sections highlighted).
Due to unreasonable delays caused by retrogression, many candidates have lawfully changed employers in accordance with the AC21 statute. Even though there is no requirement that USCIS be notified after a job change, some applicants have done so to prove that they are in compliance with this regulation. If the previous employer has withdrawn the previously approved I-140, AC21 guidelines state that if the applicant has not submitted evidence of a new qualifying offer of employment, the applicant be sent an NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) to deny the I-485 application or a RFE (Request for Evidence) . If the response to the NOID/RFE is timely and indicates that the alien has a new offer of employment in the same or similar occupation, USCIS may consider the approved Form I-140 to remain valid with respect to the new offer of employment and may continue regular processing of the Form I-485.
Over the past few months, a disturbing pattern has emerged with cases where the applicant has changed employers. USCIS has started to deny I-485applications where the underlying I-140 has been withdrawn by the previous employer without issuing an NOID or RFE. Even those applicants who have notified USCIS of change in employers have had their I-485 denied.
After the denial of I-485, the applicant has to file a MTR (Motion to reconsider) with USCIS to re-open the case. In addition to the financial burden of filing and legal fees, the applicant has to stop working because of the denial of the I-485 until the case is re-opened. This could be anywhere from a month to a few months. Needless to say, employers are unwilling to keep the job position open for such a long period and the applicant in most cases is looking at potential loss of employment. The applicant who has followed the law to the fullest extent is unfairly punished on account of USCIS not following the AC21 provisions.
This is a request for you to intervene to ensure that the AC21 regulations are followed when adjudicating an I-485 application. If the applicant notifies USCIS of a change in employment under AC21, this should be added the applicant�s physical file and electronic records. If there is no such notification and the previous employer withdraws the I-140, the applicant should be issued a NOID/RFE instead of denying the I-485 application.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact.
Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.
Thanks,
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Guys,
This is one of the most serious issue we are facing in current time. Lay offs are happening left and right and on top of that employers learned that AC21 is giving troubles, they started squeezing more (I myself is partially victim of that).
We need sincere efforts sending emails to ombudsman. This will not take more than 5 minutes as NK2006 put efforts on even giving you the email template.
I sincerely urge everyone to send emails to addresses NK2006 mentioned above and even request your collegues, spouse to do so. We need volume to show our presence.
One more request, please take one more minute and make sure that you post here that you sent emails. This will give us real picture and give others motivation too!
I sent my emails (actually twice ;)).
Mouns
04-30 03:48 PM
The adjucation will always be of the same quality.
Although it is too long now, they won't speed it up :mad:
Although it is too long now, they won't speed it up :mad:
more...
pointlesswait
09-08 12:22 PM
why blame the RE developers..as long there are fools ready to throw away their money...they will always be ppl to gather it..
ppl who invest without proper R&D deserve to lose it....
On my recent visit to Bangalore, i got in touch with a real estate developer(who is also a far relative), here is what he told me. First thing any developer does is to put up a website with some pretty pictures of layout and details like floor plan, location etc. This is the first step in attracting NRI's, he told me when he talks to NRI's, the first question they ask is the URL of the project. No wonder, most of the RE developer in recent times have a website, some of the website are a joke with absolutely no details and the rosy pictures of moon, lakes, birds, parks etc :-))
80% of his customers are NRI's, 10% are local goonda's/politician and rest 10% are common people...I was surprised to hear that some NRI's have bought/booked plots just by looking at the website and remitting money from USA...what happened to old school days of personally visiting, checking paperwork,Vaastu, getting opinions of relatives/friends before buying anything...what is the hurry here is beyond me???
I feel, this whole RE market in INDIA is a scam where RE developers are playing a game and targetting NRI's who are easy a prey...
ppl who invest without proper R&D deserve to lose it....
On my recent visit to Bangalore, i got in touch with a real estate developer(who is also a far relative), here is what he told me. First thing any developer does is to put up a website with some pretty pictures of layout and details like floor plan, location etc. This is the first step in attracting NRI's, he told me when he talks to NRI's, the first question they ask is the URL of the project. No wonder, most of the RE developer in recent times have a website, some of the website are a joke with absolutely no details and the rosy pictures of moon, lakes, birds, parks etc :-))
80% of his customers are NRI's, 10% are local goonda's/politician and rest 10% are common people...I was surprised to hear that some NRI's have bought/booked plots just by looking at the website and remitting money from USA...what happened to old school days of personally visiting, checking paperwork,Vaastu, getting opinions of relatives/friends before buying anything...what is the hurry here is beyond me???
I feel, this whole RE market in INDIA is a scam where RE developers are playing a game and targetting NRI's who are easy a prey...
2010 Other characters in Enchanted
kaisersose
06-10 12:35 PM
As EB1 is Cureent, presume processing applications up date, EB3 is Unavailable, means no work to do for USCIS people as far as EB3 Adjudicate cases, leave EB4, EB5 categories aside which dont have many applications to process. Then the only category left for working with is EB2 and that also having ROW being current, the adjuticate applications left for processing with available visa numbers are EB2 India for time being. So this means for the next few months including this June 2008 there might be many approvals in
EB2 India category, as because theres no considerable work in EB category for USCIS people except EB2 India Adjudication. So presumably all the available visa numbers will be processed effectively in the EB2 category for the fical year.
It is simple. If the number of pending EB2 Apps before April 1st 2004 (India and China combined) is less than the number of spill over visa numbers, then there will be some forward movement in EB2 next month. If not, the dates will remain the same or may even retrogress.
EB2 India category, as because theres no considerable work in EB category for USCIS people except EB2 India Adjudication. So presumably all the available visa numbers will be processed effectively in the EB2 category for the fical year.
It is simple. If the number of pending EB2 Apps before April 1st 2004 (India and China combined) is less than the number of spill over visa numbers, then there will be some forward movement in EB2 next month. If not, the dates will remain the same or may even retrogress.
more...
Edison99
10-21 02:18 PM
Congratulations 9years and celebrate this approval with family and friends!
Hi All,
My EB2 I-140 Approved in 2 days (Premium Processing).
Service Center: Texas
Application Received Date: 10/12/2010
Application Approved Date: 10/14/2010
This is just to share with all of you.
Thank you.
Hi All,
My EB2 I-140 Approved in 2 days (Premium Processing).
Service Center: Texas
Application Received Date: 10/12/2010
Application Approved Date: 10/14/2010
This is just to share with all of you.
Thank you.
hair wallpaper as giselle
Milind123
09-13 03:25 PM
Order Details - Sep 13, 2007 12:40 PM GMT-07:00
Google Order #949176417011663
Thank you for transforming me from :( to :D
I will post my contribution shortly.
Google Order #949176417011663
Thank you for transforming me from :( to :D
I will post my contribution shortly.
more...
gk_2000
08-23 01:09 PM
Not everyone has the luxury to go to home country to work for one year. Its like telling the Eb3 person to port to EB2. Do you accept that. There are so many issues need to be factored in. So lets not get into something which is not fair or not possible for every one. They system is f*&ked up. thats the fact. When the system is not fair, we fight to fix and not finding the loopholes.
There is a difference, my friend. Porting to EB2 means you have to spend LOTS of $$$ and time and effort to get masters degree.
No matter how you look at it, it is not wise to hack away at any door that's open to all. We should look at expanding our vistas, not shrink it. What if I tell you I am thinking of starting up a co in India, so some day I can make it here using the EB1 route? Why do you want to prevent me from availing this opportunity and making my sacrifices -- just because you feel it will help YOU move forward by ONE INCH?
There is a difference, my friend. Porting to EB2 means you have to spend LOTS of $$$ and time and effort to get masters degree.
No matter how you look at it, it is not wise to hack away at any door that's open to all. We should look at expanding our vistas, not shrink it. What if I tell you I am thinking of starting up a co in India, so some day I can make it here using the EB1 route? Why do you want to prevent me from availing this opportunity and making my sacrifices -- just because you feel it will help YOU move forward by ONE INCH?
hot I mean Enchanted, of course.
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).
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house enchanted
anilsal
07-16 07:13 AM
of why IV is an organization of its members and THEY make IV's campaigns successful.
tattoo Enchanted: Robert is
mihird
08-01 10:52 PM
Again, no journalism experience, but good at composing English, in general, and vast knowledge on USA, global economics, the H1 visa program etc.. Have written to US Senators in the past.
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pictures gum fine in cartoonland.
chisinau
08-05 04:17 PM
hi! i am a physical therapist on h1b...all this news abt retrogression is too scary...i had a few qs:
what is the scenario for someone like me who would file I-140 in the next couple of months?
what are the chances of Schedule A being alloted additional visa numbers in the next 2 years?
how much wait time would be expected under EB 3 category for India for someone whose priority date wud b oct or nov'07???
thanks
Hi!
I'm RN outside the US:cool:
I will try to answer on your second question first. Shumer/Hutchinson amendment is the only our chanse for now. Try hammond law group, or shusterman, you will find info about it there. Shortly, it is the second try of Mr.Shumer and Ms. Hutchinson to amend an "Omnibous Bill" with a favorable for nurses and PT amendment. It would provide all schedule "A" with 61000 visas! If it is passed, we will be in chocolate:D , I mean you will get your GC in approximately 6-8 months (or a year). Nobody knows what are the chanses! My opinion that we have 50% that such a bill will be attached, and than we again have 50% that it will be passed and signed by Bush, before the end of the year.:rolleyes: If we are not lucky we would not see any favorable bills till after the elections of president and senate, late 2009(!).:mad:
Under EB3(if no schedule "A", and there is no other favorable changes in immigration law),and you are from India, you will have to wait forewer (10 years or so)! But if you are in the US, and you will be able to file I485, DO IT!
My advise is: file I140 as soon as possible, not sure about the avilability of premium processing, if you can, then use it also, if you can file I140 and I485 concurently - DO IT! I'm not familiar with procedures for PT, maybe you will find information here:
http://hammondlawgroup.blogspot.com/
http://shusterman.com/toc-ahp.html
http://shusterman.com/toc-rn.html
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4817
what is the scenario for someone like me who would file I-140 in the next couple of months?
what are the chances of Schedule A being alloted additional visa numbers in the next 2 years?
how much wait time would be expected under EB 3 category for India for someone whose priority date wud b oct or nov'07???
thanks
Hi!
I'm RN outside the US:cool:
I will try to answer on your second question first. Shumer/Hutchinson amendment is the only our chanse for now. Try hammond law group, or shusterman, you will find info about it there. Shortly, it is the second try of Mr.Shumer and Ms. Hutchinson to amend an "Omnibous Bill" with a favorable for nurses and PT amendment. It would provide all schedule "A" with 61000 visas! If it is passed, we will be in chocolate:D , I mean you will get your GC in approximately 6-8 months (or a year). Nobody knows what are the chanses! My opinion that we have 50% that such a bill will be attached, and than we again have 50% that it will be passed and signed by Bush, before the end of the year.:rolleyes: If we are not lucky we would not see any favorable bills till after the elections of president and senate, late 2009(!).:mad:
Under EB3(if no schedule "A", and there is no other favorable changes in immigration law),and you are from India, you will have to wait forewer (10 years or so)! But if you are in the US, and you will be able to file I485, DO IT!
My advise is: file I140 as soon as possible, not sure about the avilability of premium processing, if you can, then use it also, if you can file I140 and I485 concurently - DO IT! I'm not familiar with procedures for PT, maybe you will find information here:
http://hammondlawgroup.blogspot.com/
http://shusterman.com/toc-ahp.html
http://shusterman.com/toc-rn.html
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4817
dresses Movies:Enchanted, Hercules
Sakthisagar
02-24 11:41 AM
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has successfully blocked consideration of all immigration legislation until amnesty is brought up for a vote. Unless and until the issue of amnesty is resolved, we aren't going to see anything. On the other hand, if amnesty is voted down, then expect to see just about everything else passed.
The good news is that the jobs bill is ready to pass the Senate within the next day or two. On Thursday, they are going to have the health care summit. At that point, they will either decide to push the health care bill through via reconciliation, or go into extended negotiations with the Republicans. Either way, it definitely looks like a window might open up for CIR in the next couple of weeks.
The above is what Ron Gotcher (imminfo.com) says rather gives hope for the future!
The good news is that the jobs bill is ready to pass the Senate within the next day or two. On Thursday, they are going to have the health care summit. At that point, they will either decide to push the health care bill through via reconciliation, or go into extended negotiations with the Republicans. Either way, it definitely looks like a window might open up for CIR in the next couple of weeks.
The above is what Ron Gotcher (imminfo.com) says rather gives hope for the future!
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makeup Wonderfull Giselle by
ind_game
05-15 10:52 AM
When the USCIS is doing mistake, we need to ask for fee waiver. If they are nog giving, we should not hesitate to take them to court and make them pay for it. Even one time if we can succeed it will make all the difference.
snathan,
USCIS is very clever about the fee waiver. One of my friends got the same kind of denial as I got (trust me we compared the notes) on the same day from NSC. When he filed for the MTR, USCIS reopened his case but with an RFE on his case. He had to send some medical reports, birth certificates and some other documents. In that way USCIS is getting away with wrongful denied cases without refunding any fee back. I have donated $2500 to USCIS for my two MTRs (forget about emotional drain which is incomprehensible and unrefundable). I do not think USCIS will ever give me that money back after it finds there is error in my case. it will definitely come up with some kind of RFE. It is very easy for them......
snathan,
USCIS is very clever about the fee waiver. One of my friends got the same kind of denial as I got (trust me we compared the notes) on the same day from NSC. When he filed for the MTR, USCIS reopened his case but with an RFE on his case. He had to send some medical reports, birth certificates and some other documents. In that way USCIS is getting away with wrongful denied cases without refunding any fee back. I have donated $2500 to USCIS for my two MTRs (forget about emotional drain which is incomprehensible and unrefundable). I do not think USCIS will ever give me that money back after it finds there is error in my case. it will definitely come up with some kind of RFE. It is very easy for them......
girlfriend someone saves Giselle,
raysaikat
01-07 12:42 AM
I agree with you. It is important to know if the US data excluded international students or not. You can find the papers here:
http://www.soc.duke.edu/GlobalEngineering/papers.html
The relevant one seems to be the following:
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=991327#PaperDownload
This one is probably more relevant:
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1015843#PaperDownload
Basically go through all the papers to get the complete picture of his position.
http://www.soc.duke.edu/GlobalEngineering/papers.html
The relevant one seems to be the following:
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=991327#PaperDownload
This one is probably more relevant:
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1015843#PaperDownload
Basically go through all the papers to get the complete picture of his position.
hairstyles Enchanted
maverick_joe
05-02 04:23 PM
what king meant was that anyone could apply for 485 and get an EAD which has no work restrictions as a H1 and enjoy the same benifits someone with a GC holds..down the line(after years of wait) even if the 485 gets rejected he/she has njoyed all the privilages or work/travel by getting his/her AP/EAD...
well damn you king, issue GCs faster then!
I read here that King said that everyon on EAD and AP is getting a free ride even thought here green card might get rejected. What does he mean by that. I tahught every process goes thorugha security check. such as I 140, H1b, AP and even EAD.
well damn you king, issue GCs faster then!
I read here that King said that everyon on EAD and AP is getting a free ride even thought here green card might get rejected. What does he mean by that. I tahught every process goes thorugha security check. such as I 140, H1b, AP and even EAD.
neverbefore
09-13 05:57 PM
I want everybody to get their GCs. but now interfiling/porting is hurting out position in the queue.
If you are not aware, a good bunch of EB3s are now trying to interfile & port their PDs which are between 2001 - 2005 to EB2.
This will potentially put tens of thousands of people in the EB2 queue before most people in EB2 who are waiting.
These people were not eligible for EB2 when they filed their own labor.. so they should NOT BE ALLOWED TO PORT THEIR OLD PDs. Sure EB3 can Interfile .. but you will get a new PD ... the date you interfile.
If we just keep looking... there will be a huge retrogression in EB2. And its not like these EB3 people will get through with the interfiling/porting. Most of them will be issued RFEs. Their labor apps will be audited and their primary EB3 apps will be cancelled. Infact, 85% of interfiling will never successfully make it through. And its not like it will help the EB3 brothers. That queue will still be long... because they are not going to withdraw their EB3 apps.
Also, while they will not succeed in interfiling/porting, they still will have their apps with USCIS and USCIS will sit on them before eventually issuing NOID. Sad part is they will count these when giving numbers to DOS for setting visa bulletins.
This PD porting is the last "not so ethical & legal" thing after labor substitution.. that we need to Put a cork on.
If we don't act now... then we can all expect to stay in AOS for the next 5 years. This holds for both EB2 and EB3.
I want everybody to get their GCs. I also am OK with the wait.
But anything that threatens my position in the queue is not acceptable.
Cannot fault your argument mate. Much as I am for unity, I see your point. There have been several mentions of 2006 and later PDs being processed before some of their predecessors. This situation is not too different from that. I also agree with what you said about the illegals jumping queue.
I just don't see why USCIS cannot have a queue number system wherein the latest token number lets you know where they are at in processing of applications. This weird system of cut-off dates, in my humble opinion, only serves to complicate and confound.
If you are not aware, a good bunch of EB3s are now trying to interfile & port their PDs which are between 2001 - 2005 to EB2.
This will potentially put tens of thousands of people in the EB2 queue before most people in EB2 who are waiting.
These people were not eligible for EB2 when they filed their own labor.. so they should NOT BE ALLOWED TO PORT THEIR OLD PDs. Sure EB3 can Interfile .. but you will get a new PD ... the date you interfile.
If we just keep looking... there will be a huge retrogression in EB2. And its not like these EB3 people will get through with the interfiling/porting. Most of them will be issued RFEs. Their labor apps will be audited and their primary EB3 apps will be cancelled. Infact, 85% of interfiling will never successfully make it through. And its not like it will help the EB3 brothers. That queue will still be long... because they are not going to withdraw their EB3 apps.
Also, while they will not succeed in interfiling/porting, they still will have their apps with USCIS and USCIS will sit on them before eventually issuing NOID. Sad part is they will count these when giving numbers to DOS for setting visa bulletins.
This PD porting is the last "not so ethical & legal" thing after labor substitution.. that we need to Put a cork on.
If we don't act now... then we can all expect to stay in AOS for the next 5 years. This holds for both EB2 and EB3.
I want everybody to get their GCs. I also am OK with the wait.
But anything that threatens my position in the queue is not acceptable.
Cannot fault your argument mate. Much as I am for unity, I see your point. There have been several mentions of 2006 and later PDs being processed before some of their predecessors. This situation is not too different from that. I also agree with what you said about the illegals jumping queue.
I just don't see why USCIS cannot have a queue number system wherein the latest token number lets you know where they are at in processing of applications. This weird system of cut-off dates, in my humble opinion, only serves to complicate and confound.
green_world
09-12 07:28 PM
First time contribution of $100...
Good work IV..
Order Details - Sep 12, 2007 19:50 GMT-04:00
Google Order #510095991304725
Good work IV..
Order Details - Sep 12, 2007 19:50 GMT-04:00
Google Order #510095991304725
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