Imm_Exploited
07-25 12:26 AM
cal_dood & meekdesi
Which country do you guys belong to and why are you here?
Appreciate your honest and decent response. Thanks
Which country do you guys belong to and why are you here?
Appreciate your honest and decent response. Thanks
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ChainReaction
10-19 11:37 AM
You are right. You are allowed to stay 3 years out of last 5 years outside of Canada. Your PR should still be good.
one exception is if your spouse is a Canadian citizen or if you are working for a Canadian subsidiary (I am not sure if it has to be a governmental ).
one exception is if your spouse is a Canadian citizen or if you are working for a Canadian subsidiary (I am not sure if it has to be a governmental ).
shx
08-02 03:52 AM
Guys! This is getting interesting. Guess what I found!! Now you can find out the names of your local friendly Amway Independent Business owners!!!
Go to https://www.amway.com/Shop/Registration/CustomerRegistration.aspx?Country=US
Scroll down to the section titled "Benefits of Being Affiliated with an Independent Business Owner", select "Show me a list of IBOs in my area that I can select from".... put your zip code and voila!!!!
I put my own zipcode 94536, and most of the names are desi. Confirms my suspicion that there are more desi's sucked into this than........
Now post what you find in your area!
Go to https://www.amway.com/Shop/Registration/CustomerRegistration.aspx?Country=US
Scroll down to the section titled "Benefits of Being Affiliated with an Independent Business Owner", select "Show me a list of IBOs in my area that I can select from".... put your zip code and voila!!!!
I put my own zipcode 94536, and most of the names are desi. Confirms my suspicion that there are more desi's sucked into this than........
Now post what you find in your area!
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snram4
01-24 02:24 PM
Just because one guy is pointing out fraud in H1b he is not anti immigrant. Can you call entire congress is anti immigrant just for passing TARP restriction unanimously? But still we are optimistic of getting support from congress for EB reform. 99% of H1bs will not be impacted by this memo if that is implemented properly. For example even if USCIS does not approve h1b because he is having multiple layers of H1b still that position will be open and that can be filled by H1b person who is placed directly. The person who impacted by this memo will suffer a few weeks and he will find another job. Basically it will not impact H1b program or H1b persons. Even after the memo many H1bs were approved with third party consulting. Can you tell any denial based on the memo? But I am seeing many RFEs for H1b applications without client letter. That is normal and no one complaints about that
If you see JoeF in that thread, he is more of an anti-immigrant. There are many in our community who are happy at the plight of their fellow countrymen. That is no reason that people should support this non-sense memo.
In IV, members are more knowledgeable than those on that particular thread from Murthy forum. People are so ignorant that they are agreeing to whatever that JoeF( anti ) is saying. IV members are much smarter than that.
If you see JoeF in that thread, he is more of an anti-immigrant. There are many in our community who are happy at the plight of their fellow countrymen. That is no reason that people should support this non-sense memo.
In IV, members are more knowledgeable than those on that particular thread from Murthy forum. People are so ignorant that they are agreeing to whatever that JoeF( anti ) is saying. IV members are much smarter than that.
more...
praveenuppaluri
04-01 03:18 PM
Azhar visited your post and joined congress.. he is contesting from Hyderabad...
what have you done gcdreamer05 :D
can you wish all of us quick GCs too.. looks like your dreams are powerful !!!
If Imran khan has come in to politics why not Azharuddin ?
what have you done gcdreamer05 :D
can you wish all of us quick GCs too.. looks like your dreams are powerful !!!
If Imran khan has come in to politics why not Azharuddin ?
Macaca
06-28 09:28 AM
My take on this is that if 40,000 visa numbers remain for July, August and September, then USCIS by itself cannot use 40,000 visa numbers in one month alone (i.e. in july), because the DOS just supplies them monthly quotas. So, if you take approx.
18,000 per month, you are looking at 18,000 for July and 18,000 for August. Then, USCIS have to use them. Which means USCIS has to approve 18,000 petitions in July.
As, I have heard that USCIS just started out sending finger print notices this month, because Priority Dates moved a lot in June 2007. Now, the fingerprints, will come in and forwarded to FBI for security clearance. That will take atleast a month. And, all petitions activated for clearance in June 2007 won't get adjudicated till August 31, 2007, because it takes atleast three months, for a case to approve and the visa number to be used. (Remember Visa numbers are allocated on visas used and not how amny people applied). Please share your thoughts. Thats my 2 pennies.
Ombudsman report mentioned that 40K GCs would be wasted at the end 2007. This means that there should be more then 40K GCs at the beggining of June.
The applications submitted starting this month will take some time (whatever that is) for processing. GC # is assigned after 485 processing is complete.
USCIS had approved 485s before June. They have started getting GCs and are decrementing the 40K+ count. That is, applications being submitted now are not decrementing the 40K+ count.
I don't think there is a monthly GC quota.
18,000 per month, you are looking at 18,000 for July and 18,000 for August. Then, USCIS have to use them. Which means USCIS has to approve 18,000 petitions in July.
As, I have heard that USCIS just started out sending finger print notices this month, because Priority Dates moved a lot in June 2007. Now, the fingerprints, will come in and forwarded to FBI for security clearance. That will take atleast a month. And, all petitions activated for clearance in June 2007 won't get adjudicated till August 31, 2007, because it takes atleast three months, for a case to approve and the visa number to be used. (Remember Visa numbers are allocated on visas used and not how amny people applied). Please share your thoughts. Thats my 2 pennies.
Ombudsman report mentioned that 40K GCs would be wasted at the end 2007. This means that there should be more then 40K GCs at the beggining of June.
The applications submitted starting this month will take some time (whatever that is) for processing. GC # is assigned after 485 processing is complete.
USCIS had approved 485s before June. They have started getting GCs and are decrementing the 40K+ count. That is, applications being submitted now are not decrementing the 40K+ count.
I don't think there is a monthly GC quota.
more...
ramus
06-28 08:48 PM
There is difference... We didn't spend any money after June VB but everybody spent minimum $500 after July VB...
If they don't accept application then USCIS made govt = 500* 100,00= $ 5000000.
Sure!!!
Nothing will come out of it.
Whats the difference between God and USCIS?
Atleast God doesn't think that He is USCIS.
So, relax.
In the worst case scenario, we will be no better off in July than we are in June.
If they don't accept application then USCIS made govt = 500* 100,00= $ 5000000.
Sure!!!
Nothing will come out of it.
Whats the difference between God and USCIS?
Atleast God doesn't think that He is USCIS.
So, relax.
In the worst case scenario, we will be no better off in July than we are in June.
2010 red ottle covering londe
BharatPremi
12-14 02:38 PM
Nope. UK and Pakistan would then join the club of India & China. ROW is an artificial construct. The reason USCIS posts priority dates for India, China, Mexico and Philippines separately is that applicants from these countries are typically, and especially over subscribed. ROW countries are just countries which are not typically over subscribed in the EB category.
So what you are saying, in other words, is 7% limit is for every country in the world (Except USA:)) correct?
So what you are saying, in other words, is 7% limit is for every country in the world (Except USA:)) correct?
more...
apb
12-14 02:13 PM
OK, let's assume the SC invalidates country-based quotas. All EB-based immigration has to stop at that point until new law is written and passed......
Isn't this we want. New Law. I am pretty sure when new law is being written and debated and passed, we could lobby for the changes we want. I believe, the EB process will not stop during this process because the govt machinery cannot say let the new law comes into force and then we process. They have to process the GC as per the existing law.
First we go the judiciary route. If we win that would be awesome. If we loose that will give us more visibility. More visibility could attract more sympathetic support than what we have right now. Also there will be clear distinction in senators mind between Illegal and Legal immigration. The hearings will expose the lies behind Lou D talk shows.
I believe that this process will act as a catalyst, to the entire process. We are already facing retrogression. Maybe another couple of years of extra wait would be worthwhile if this can bring in the reforms.:)
Isn't this we want. New Law. I am pretty sure when new law is being written and debated and passed, we could lobby for the changes we want. I believe, the EB process will not stop during this process because the govt machinery cannot say let the new law comes into force and then we process. They have to process the GC as per the existing law.
First we go the judiciary route. If we win that would be awesome. If we loose that will give us more visibility. More visibility could attract more sympathetic support than what we have right now. Also there will be clear distinction in senators mind between Illegal and Legal immigration. The hearings will expose the lies behind Lou D talk shows.
I believe that this process will act as a catalyst, to the entire process. We are already facing retrogression. Maybe another couple of years of extra wait would be worthwhile if this can bring in the reforms.:)
hair Box contains 1 ottle of hair
breddy2000
09-04 12:45 PM
so now you are a free loader and got a reason for that. Nice try. Try something else..it didnt work out. :cool:
No point in agruing with fools like you.....
No point in agruing with fools like you.....
more...
poorslumdog
09-04 12:40 PM
Your handle name POORslumDOG shows your charactor.
1. Why you are here. (poor)
2. It shows where you are coming from.(slum)
3. Your real charactor (animal).
You are also here Mr.dealsnet...again I am telling you, use your peanut size brain if you have one. I heard Keral people good only for tea shop or Gulf. what are you doing here. You started your tea shop here. Do you sell medu vada also?
1. Why you are here. (poor)
2. It shows where you are coming from.(slum)
3. Your real charactor (animal).
You are also here Mr.dealsnet...again I am telling you, use your peanut size brain if you have one. I heard Keral people good only for tea shop or Gulf. what are you doing here. You started your tea shop here. Do you sell medu vada also?
hot Bottle blondes are brainless.
sanju
09-23 06:28 PM
i cant believe ppl think this is a brilliant idea..
economy is screwed for a while..citizens are on life support..and you want immigrants to be welcomed with open arms..
did i wake up in a fools paradise...:eek:
You are right, in times like these immigrants should not be welcomed with open arms so its time for you to pack-up and leave. Visit this website when you reach home and let us know you reached safely... safe travels.
economy is screwed for a while..citizens are on life support..and you want immigrants to be welcomed with open arms..
did i wake up in a fools paradise...:eek:
You are right, in times like these immigrants should not be welcomed with open arms so its time for you to pack-up and leave. Visit this website when you reach home and let us know you reached safely... safe travels.
more...
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colors
09-06 04:16 PM
Immigrstion attorney,
What is the procedure to update USCIS on any missing documents once we filed our I-485 instead of getting RFE.
Thanks
What is the procedure to update USCIS on any missing documents once we filed our I-485 instead of getting RFE.
Thanks
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mallu
02-16 05:09 PM
....I am riveted by this because I spoke to Oppenheim just the day before this meeting (he referred to it). This was the conversation in which he told me that at present EB-2 India would only get numbers leftover from EB-1 India -- the problem is he doesn't know either exactly how many EB-2 India adjudicated applications there are in any specific PD range -- so every month he makes wild guesses, with the intent of using up visas. ...
I sent an email to Attorney Greg ( http://www.visalaw.com/gsiskind.html ), may be he knows something about it.
I sent an email to Attorney Greg ( http://www.visalaw.com/gsiskind.html ), may be he knows something about it.
more...
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a2006
05-29 09:57 AM
It is major contributing factor to Eb2 and eventually EB3 retrogression. And something needs to be done to make sure that so called project managers from these IT firms from India are not able to apply in this category.
I am not sure if EB1 India cap of 3000 visas has been met already. If it was met, then they would have set a priority date for EB1 India too. Assuming that it is not being met, these project managers along with their spouses should be taking only a very small number and that shouldn't contribute much to EB2-3 retrogression numbers. So our real problem is lack of numbers for EB2 and EB3.
I am not sure if EB1 India cap of 3000 visas has been met already. If it was met, then they would have set a priority date for EB1 India too. Assuming that it is not being met, these project managers along with their spouses should be taking only a very small number and that shouldn't contribute much to EB2-3 retrogression numbers. So our real problem is lack of numbers for EB2 and EB3.
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bajrangbali
05-01 06:56 PM
It looks like my post which was meant to bring some awareness to the innocent civilians being killed in SL has lost its purpose. Here are some clarification which will respond to atleast some posts:
1) There is no support for LTTE, not by Indian govt, not by USA, UN or any other country and neither by me
2) Post is not to gather support for LTTE, post is to gather support for INNOCENT CIVILIANS being killed. Now both sides killed civilians, recent report by UN (third party which is neutral - if neutral or UN still carries any value) shows SL army bombing the civilian safe-zone which is an outrage.
3) SL tamils are not Indian citizens. If we get US citizenship do you think anyone in USA will treat you as american, you are Indian American. My reference to Indians in SL is the same, thought you guys are smart enough to understand that.
4) Our Indian government with all its might..should not keep quiet and let the ethnic cleansing happen..kill all the LTTE no one cares..but killing all tamilians or most of them to keep others quiet is outageous. Bringing out this atrocity is the point of my post.
And guys..I am not a tamilian..I am an Indian..if this happens to any other group in India I will stand up and shout with the same ferocity with which I posted this. Standing up for good cause and protecting human values anywhere in the world need not require us belonging to a particular community. Being human is enough!
Show some understanding to the suffering and above all...stay in peace
1) There is no support for LTTE, not by Indian govt, not by USA, UN or any other country and neither by me
2) Post is not to gather support for LTTE, post is to gather support for INNOCENT CIVILIANS being killed. Now both sides killed civilians, recent report by UN (third party which is neutral - if neutral or UN still carries any value) shows SL army bombing the civilian safe-zone which is an outrage.
3) SL tamils are not Indian citizens. If we get US citizenship do you think anyone in USA will treat you as american, you are Indian American. My reference to Indians in SL is the same, thought you guys are smart enough to understand that.
4) Our Indian government with all its might..should not keep quiet and let the ethnic cleansing happen..kill all the LTTE no one cares..but killing all tamilians or most of them to keep others quiet is outageous. Bringing out this atrocity is the point of my post.
And guys..I am not a tamilian..I am an Indian..if this happens to any other group in India I will stand up and shout with the same ferocity with which I posted this. Standing up for good cause and protecting human values anywhere in the world need not require us belonging to a particular community. Being human is enough!
Show some understanding to the suffering and above all...stay in peace
more...
makeup Most women think of hair
sledge_hammer
01-14 02:29 PM
They are implying that those who are currently working for body shops are to find an employer that would offer their definition of employer-employee relationship. But you are still with the body shop, then your extnesion will be denied!
Q: What happens if I am filing a petition requesting a �Continuation of previously approved employment without change� or �Change in previously approved employment� and an extension of stay for the beneficiary in H-1B classification, but I did not maintain a valid employer-employee relationship with the beneficiary during the validity of the previous petition?
A: Your extension petition will be denied if USCIS determines that you did not maintain a valid employer-employee relationship with the beneficiary throughout the validity period of the previous petition. The only exception is if there is a compelling reason to approve the new petition (e.g. you are able to demonstrate that you did not meet all of the terms and conditions through no fault of your own). Such exceptions would be limited and made on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What if I am filing a petition requesting a �Change of Employer� and an extension of stay for the beneficiary�s H-1B classification? Would my petition be adjudicated under the section of the memorandum that deals with extension petitions?
A: No. The section of the memorandum that covers extension petitions applies solely to petitions filed by the same employer to extend H-1B status without a material change in the original terms of employment. All other petitions will be adjudicated in accordance with the section of the memorandum that covers initial petitions.
USCIS - Questions & Answers: USCIS Issues Guidance Memorandum on Establishing the "Employee-Employer Relationship" in H-1B Petitions (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3d015869c9326210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCR D&vgnextchannel=6abe6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190a RCRD)
Q: What happens if I am filing a petition requesting a �Continuation of previously approved employment without change� or �Change in previously approved employment� and an extension of stay for the beneficiary in H-1B classification, but I did not maintain a valid employer-employee relationship with the beneficiary during the validity of the previous petition?
A: Your extension petition will be denied if USCIS determines that you did not maintain a valid employer-employee relationship with the beneficiary throughout the validity period of the previous petition. The only exception is if there is a compelling reason to approve the new petition (e.g. you are able to demonstrate that you did not meet all of the terms and conditions through no fault of your own). Such exceptions would be limited and made on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What if I am filing a petition requesting a �Change of Employer� and an extension of stay for the beneficiary�s H-1B classification? Would my petition be adjudicated under the section of the memorandum that deals with extension petitions?
A: No. The section of the memorandum that covers extension petitions applies solely to petitions filed by the same employer to extend H-1B status without a material change in the original terms of employment. All other petitions will be adjudicated in accordance with the section of the memorandum that covers initial petitions.
USCIS - Questions & Answers: USCIS Issues Guidance Memorandum on Establishing the "Employee-Employer Relationship" in H-1B Petitions (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3d015869c9326210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCR D&vgnextchannel=6abe6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190a RCRD)
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dagabaaj
07-07 11:59 AM
My wife applied for her EAD in Dec 2007. We recd the EAD in May 2008 but with incorrect A#. Our Corp lawyer advised us to return the EAD card to USCIS with a new I-765 Application and correct information on it.
1) Was this the correct course of action. Could she have used the EAD card and then sent it for correction?
2) What is the time frame for a correction on the card? Also it has been a month since we sent it back and we have not yet recd rect# or notice in response?
3) What should be our further course of action?
1) Was this the correct course of action. Could she have used the EAD card and then sent it for correction?
2) What is the time frame for a correction on the card? Also it has been a month since we sent it back and we have not yet recd rect# or notice in response?
3) What should be our further course of action?
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meridiani.planum
06-16 06:22 AM
In summary, this retrogression is good in a way. The truly best and the brightest would still be employed until their turn for adjournment comes in.
Easy for you to say when you are applying for your citizenship. You sir, are an idiot. And if you were really on H1 for as long as you claim, you are a mean idiot, no less.
Retrogression is a scar on the face of EB immigration.
Thats the reason every immigration bill so far related to EB has tried to resolve this issue. Anyone who says retrogression is good is either misinformed or a pychopathic specimen that needs instant mental evaluation, followed by treatment and observation in an asylum. The observation should continue for as long as it takes a typical EB3-India case to get approved. To paraphrase your quote: "The truly cured would still be observed until their turn for release comes"
Easy for you to say when you are applying for your citizenship. You sir, are an idiot. And if you were really on H1 for as long as you claim, you are a mean idiot, no less.
Retrogression is a scar on the face of EB immigration.
Thats the reason every immigration bill so far related to EB has tried to resolve this issue. Anyone who says retrogression is good is either misinformed or a pychopathic specimen that needs instant mental evaluation, followed by treatment and observation in an asylum. The observation should continue for as long as it takes a typical EB3-India case to get approved. To paraphrase your quote: "The truly cured would still be observed until their turn for release comes"
Macaca
07-04 12:30 PM
$170 - Fees for I-131 / Application for Advance Parole / Travel Document.
$180 - Fees for I-765 / Application for Employment Authorization.
$ 325 - Fees for I-485 / Application for Adjustment of Status to register as Permanent Resident. ($225 for applicaiton below 14 and over 80 (Should check on this))
$70 - Biometric Recording Fees. (Finger Printing, etc)
Which of the above are not needed for dependents?
$180 - Fees for I-765 / Application for Employment Authorization.
$ 325 - Fees for I-485 / Application for Adjustment of Status to register as Permanent Resident. ($225 for applicaiton below 14 and over 80 (Should check on this))
$70 - Biometric Recording Fees. (Finger Printing, etc)
Which of the above are not needed for dependents?
bayarea07
09-24 07:27 PM
Interesting Analysis from Greg Siskind
http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/
COULD ELECTION YEAR POLITICS HELP RECAPTURE BILL'S CHANCES?
Yesterday, I wrote about a great bill that was introduced by Senator Menendez that would recapture hundreds of thousands of unused green card numbers, ease the strict per country limits that cause long lines for nationals of some countries and also make it easier to get a waiver when someone is subject to an unlawful presence bar.It also changes the definition of an "immediate relative" to include spouses and children of permanent residents, a provision which would be wildly popular in the Hispanic community since it would cut out the multiyear waits typical in the Family 2A category.
And, oh yeah, there's another bill that people are talking about. The E-Verify program (DHS' much discussed electronic employment verification system) expires in November.
E-Verify is the heart of the entire enforcement agenda for the antis and with Congress set to adjourn in the next week or so and with the distinct possibility that this will put off all legislation until next February or so when the new Congress comes in, getting E-Verify extended in the next few days is a huge deal. A five year extension has passed the House already. The Senate has done nothing yet.
So it was with great interest that I read in yesterday's CQ Today print edition that Senator Menendez is blocking the E-Verify reauthorization bill in order to force consideration of the recapture bill. The article describes Republicans as being infuriated and saying that the recapture bill is a nonstarter and demanding Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid bring up a clean E-Verify extension bill.
On the House side, interestingly, the recapture bill was set for a markup in the Judiciary Committee yesterday and Congressman Conyers abruptly adjourned the hearing after a bill barring horse slaughtering was finished yesterday. According to my sources, several members of the Committee were shocked that the markup on the recapture bill didn't happen even though Conyers is a strong backer of the measure. Strange.
So that has me speculating. Is something cooking with the Democratic leadership and the Obama campaign? I think the Democrats smell blood. They know John McCain is in trouble with Hispanic voters based on recent polling data. He's polling anywhere from 10 to 20 points worse than Bush did in 2004 and the Hispanic vote partially explains why Obama finds himself ahead in places like New Mexico and Colorado, states Bush won in 2004. Erosion of support in the Hispanic community could also cost McCain Florida, a state McCain cannot lose if he has any chance of winning the election.
As I reported earlier this week, the McCain campaign and congressional leaders have been clamping down on the anti-immigrant wing of the party. You didn't really think these folks suddenly decided they no longer care about this issue, did you?
What I don't think is a coincidence is the sudden reemergence of immigration in the presidential debate. Suddenly, Obama is blasting McCain on immigration and looking for more and more forums to make his claim that he's pro-immigration and his party's solidly behind him. And he's quick to remind Latinos that John McCain turned his back on them and denounced his own comprehensive immigration reform bill, something that Latino voters are now saying is one their top priorities.
McCain is asking Latino voters for a do-over and claiming that he was only pandering to his base. He was always pro-immigration. It's just politics, you understand.
As you might expect, this message is not selling particularly well. And Democrats know it. They also know that with the economy in free fall, most Americans are not thinking that much about immigration anymore and the issue has dropped back to its historically low rank on issues of concern to the typical voter. So Democrats can be more visibly pro-immigration without having to fear negative consequences.
You probably see where this is going. Provoking a confrontation over immigration with Republicans in the month of October can only have good results. Democrats might actually pass a bill they really want. And they score politically as well.
There's no time to bring up a massive comprehensive immigration reform bill between now and the election. Something smaller and simpler, but what? Oh wait, there's that recapture bill! And there's that must pass E-Verify bill. Now there's a great way to put immigration back on the front pages. Link the two and force Republicans to vote no on a pro-immigration bill likely to have a hugely positive impact in the Hispanic community if they want the E-Verify program to survive. If the Democrats can keep the two bills linked, Republicans who can't stomach more immigration will have to vote no on E-Verify, something they'll have trouble explaining to their constituents. And Republicans who think E-Verify is too important to die, will help deliver a win on the recapture bill.
And in the mean time, McCain will have to openly confront the angry antis in his party. Some of the hardliners in his party will call the provisions easing the unlawful presence waivers to be a "back door amnesty." If McCain goes against them, he'll be seen as a liar by the people in his party who he promised that he would not support an "amnesty" without enforcement first. And if he votes with the antis, it will be all the Hispanic community needs to hear to confirm they're right to support Obama.
October could be interesting.
http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/
COULD ELECTION YEAR POLITICS HELP RECAPTURE BILL'S CHANCES?
Yesterday, I wrote about a great bill that was introduced by Senator Menendez that would recapture hundreds of thousands of unused green card numbers, ease the strict per country limits that cause long lines for nationals of some countries and also make it easier to get a waiver when someone is subject to an unlawful presence bar.It also changes the definition of an "immediate relative" to include spouses and children of permanent residents, a provision which would be wildly popular in the Hispanic community since it would cut out the multiyear waits typical in the Family 2A category.
And, oh yeah, there's another bill that people are talking about. The E-Verify program (DHS' much discussed electronic employment verification system) expires in November.
E-Verify is the heart of the entire enforcement agenda for the antis and with Congress set to adjourn in the next week or so and with the distinct possibility that this will put off all legislation until next February or so when the new Congress comes in, getting E-Verify extended in the next few days is a huge deal. A five year extension has passed the House already. The Senate has done nothing yet.
So it was with great interest that I read in yesterday's CQ Today print edition that Senator Menendez is blocking the E-Verify reauthorization bill in order to force consideration of the recapture bill. The article describes Republicans as being infuriated and saying that the recapture bill is a nonstarter and demanding Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid bring up a clean E-Verify extension bill.
On the House side, interestingly, the recapture bill was set for a markup in the Judiciary Committee yesterday and Congressman Conyers abruptly adjourned the hearing after a bill barring horse slaughtering was finished yesterday. According to my sources, several members of the Committee were shocked that the markup on the recapture bill didn't happen even though Conyers is a strong backer of the measure. Strange.
So that has me speculating. Is something cooking with the Democratic leadership and the Obama campaign? I think the Democrats smell blood. They know John McCain is in trouble with Hispanic voters based on recent polling data. He's polling anywhere from 10 to 20 points worse than Bush did in 2004 and the Hispanic vote partially explains why Obama finds himself ahead in places like New Mexico and Colorado, states Bush won in 2004. Erosion of support in the Hispanic community could also cost McCain Florida, a state McCain cannot lose if he has any chance of winning the election.
As I reported earlier this week, the McCain campaign and congressional leaders have been clamping down on the anti-immigrant wing of the party. You didn't really think these folks suddenly decided they no longer care about this issue, did you?
What I don't think is a coincidence is the sudden reemergence of immigration in the presidential debate. Suddenly, Obama is blasting McCain on immigration and looking for more and more forums to make his claim that he's pro-immigration and his party's solidly behind him. And he's quick to remind Latinos that John McCain turned his back on them and denounced his own comprehensive immigration reform bill, something that Latino voters are now saying is one their top priorities.
McCain is asking Latino voters for a do-over and claiming that he was only pandering to his base. He was always pro-immigration. It's just politics, you understand.
As you might expect, this message is not selling particularly well. And Democrats know it. They also know that with the economy in free fall, most Americans are not thinking that much about immigration anymore and the issue has dropped back to its historically low rank on issues of concern to the typical voter. So Democrats can be more visibly pro-immigration without having to fear negative consequences.
You probably see where this is going. Provoking a confrontation over immigration with Republicans in the month of October can only have good results. Democrats might actually pass a bill they really want. And they score politically as well.
There's no time to bring up a massive comprehensive immigration reform bill between now and the election. Something smaller and simpler, but what? Oh wait, there's that recapture bill! And there's that must pass E-Verify bill. Now there's a great way to put immigration back on the front pages. Link the two and force Republicans to vote no on a pro-immigration bill likely to have a hugely positive impact in the Hispanic community if they want the E-Verify program to survive. If the Democrats can keep the two bills linked, Republicans who can't stomach more immigration will have to vote no on E-Verify, something they'll have trouble explaining to their constituents. And Republicans who think E-Verify is too important to die, will help deliver a win on the recapture bill.
And in the mean time, McCain will have to openly confront the angry antis in his party. Some of the hardliners in his party will call the provisions easing the unlawful presence waivers to be a "back door amnesty." If McCain goes against them, he'll be seen as a liar by the people in his party who he promised that he would not support an "amnesty" without enforcement first. And if he votes with the antis, it will be all the Hispanic community needs to hear to confirm they're right to support Obama.
October could be interesting.