qualified_trash
01-02 07:20 PM
Folks,
I know this has been discussed in the past on this and other message boards but I wanted to hear some more opinions about it. What is the value of green card to you?
I know different ppl have different reasons like ability to switch jobs, ability to travel freely, ability to have a job for spouse etc. All said and done how many of you would like to go back to your home countries in the next 5-6 years? I know a lot of people have issues such as aging parents back home or they simply don't see themselves living in a foreign land forever. I guess my question is what percentage of ppl aspiring for a GC view it as a convenience vs percentage of ppl who actually see it as a path to settling down in US for good.
Thanks
you should maybe set it up as a poll. as for me, I am here for good unless asked to leave :-)
I know this has been discussed in the past on this and other message boards but I wanted to hear some more opinions about it. What is the value of green card to you?
I know different ppl have different reasons like ability to switch jobs, ability to travel freely, ability to have a job for spouse etc. All said and done how many of you would like to go back to your home countries in the next 5-6 years? I know a lot of people have issues such as aging parents back home or they simply don't see themselves living in a foreign land forever. I guess my question is what percentage of ppl aspiring for a GC view it as a convenience vs percentage of ppl who actually see it as a path to settling down in US for good.
Thanks
you should maybe set it up as a poll. as for me, I am here for good unless asked to leave :-)
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vaishnavilakshmi
08-07 12:29 PM
I still see it as 7/112007 !!! Am I missing something :o
Hi,
No,it is edited now.go thru the link once again and see.It is edited to 7/1/2007.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/ReceiptingTimes080307.pdf
vaishu
Hi,
No,it is edited now.go thru the link once again and see.It is edited to 7/1/2007.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/ReceiptingTimes080307.pdf
vaishu
Mouns
04-30 02:59 PM
I didnt get this... did he mean GC applications that eventually get denied are getting a free ride because of EAD/AP?
Yes because while the GC is pending the EAD/AP is given as a right not based on the merits. So you get a free ride, even if down the road you are not eligible for a GC...
Yes because while the GC is pending the EAD/AP is given as a right not based on the merits. So you get a free ride, even if down the road you are not eligible for a GC...
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gcformeornot
01-05 08:19 PM
I have been confused by some of the things Professor Wadhwa says -- being opposed to H1 visas and saying there are no shortages of engineers. I saw this video on Youtube which explained everything to me. He is acting like a true American -- like we should once we become citizens. He is advising America on how they can stay competetive -- like all of us want for this great country. But he is also saying that the real solution is for America to welcome immigrants as permanent residents rather than on temporary visas.
Now I understand his message -- if you want to bring in the best from all over the world, bring them here on green cards -- not H1 visas. I also read one of his interviews where he said he was concerned about how H1 workers were taken advantage of and how they lived in immigration limbo. He really does care about doing what is right for all of us.
I totally totally agree with Professor Sahib! I wish the government listens to him. What he is saying is good for everyone. As Indians we want America to succeed and prosper and we want to be a big part of the reason they prosper.
Please see this and give it a good review -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvqqYDmLgjY
Gayatri
Its completely conflicting. I think somebody edited it to suit themselves. There are contracdictions everywhere.
Now I understand his message -- if you want to bring in the best from all over the world, bring them here on green cards -- not H1 visas. I also read one of his interviews where he said he was concerned about how H1 workers were taken advantage of and how they lived in immigration limbo. He really does care about doing what is right for all of us.
I totally totally agree with Professor Sahib! I wish the government listens to him. What he is saying is good for everyone. As Indians we want America to succeed and prosper and we want to be a big part of the reason they prosper.
Please see this and give it a good review -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvqqYDmLgjY
Gayatri
Its completely conflicting. I think somebody edited it to suit themselves. There are contracdictions everywhere.
more...
Buran
10-13 11:25 AM
For FY2006 (Oct 1st, 2005 - Sep 30, 2006) a total of 30,512 Schedule "A" visas were used.
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/yearbook/2006/table07d.xls
Schedule "A" was current from June 1, 2005 till October 31, 2006
According to DHS statistics 5,125 schedule "A" visas were used in FY2005 (June 1st, 2005 - Sep 30, 2006).
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/yearbook/2005/table07.xls
So, from June 1, 2005 till September 30, 2006 only 36,367 Schedule "A" visas were used.
Now if 50,000 were available under schedule "A" what happen to 50,000-36,367=14,363 visas? I doubt very much that so many petitions were filed in October 2006 - the last month when this category was current and for new applicants the only option was AOS, even considering the fact that consulates conducted interviews in October, 2006 and November, 2006 they could not use 14,363 visas! Especially considering the fact that not all applications got approved (because of the Visacreen, etc).
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/yearbook/2006/table07d.xls
Schedule "A" was current from June 1, 2005 till October 31, 2006
According to DHS statistics 5,125 schedule "A" visas were used in FY2005 (June 1st, 2005 - Sep 30, 2006).
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/yearbook/2005/table07.xls
So, from June 1, 2005 till September 30, 2006 only 36,367 Schedule "A" visas were used.
Now if 50,000 were available under schedule "A" what happen to 50,000-36,367=14,363 visas? I doubt very much that so many petitions were filed in October 2006 - the last month when this category was current and for new applicants the only option was AOS, even considering the fact that consulates conducted interviews in October, 2006 and November, 2006 they could not use 14,363 visas! Especially considering the fact that not all applications got approved (because of the Visacreen, etc).
Mohit_Malkani
07-28 09:11 AM
Xela,
What did your employers letter say (I'm a little confused about the "employer letter till feb 1st 2010" part)
What did your employers letter say (I'm a little confused about the "employer letter till feb 1st 2010" part)
more...
Lacris
08-17 09:07 PM
Hi,
Did anyone get a SSN with their passport expired?
My passport expired in April and the Romanian embassy doesn't renew passports for people who are not US permanent residents or citizens. What I could do was to make a letter of representation for someone in my country, get it certified at one of the Romanian consulates and send all the ORIGINAL documents thru mail in Romania. Since I'm a full time graduate student, even finding time to go to the nearest consulate was almost impossible. I was also worried that we might be asked to show up for an interview and would not have documents like passport or marriage certificate in hand. I talked to the lawyer and she said that if I don't plan to travel abroad, not having a valid passport is ok.
Yesterday I got the plastic card and today I went to apply for a SSN. The lady I talked to refused to take my application, saying that my Romanian passport is considered an "immigration document" and until I have an unexpired one, I should not try to get a SSN. Call me crazy, but since I am a permanent resident doesn't it mean I don't have to leave USA unless I want to???? And even more, how can a document issued by a foreign country be an immigration document, since I'm not applying for SSN based on a visa stamped in that passport.
If anyone went thru the same situation or has some advice for me, please answer.
Thank you
Did anyone get a SSN with their passport expired?
My passport expired in April and the Romanian embassy doesn't renew passports for people who are not US permanent residents or citizens. What I could do was to make a letter of representation for someone in my country, get it certified at one of the Romanian consulates and send all the ORIGINAL documents thru mail in Romania. Since I'm a full time graduate student, even finding time to go to the nearest consulate was almost impossible. I was also worried that we might be asked to show up for an interview and would not have documents like passport or marriage certificate in hand. I talked to the lawyer and she said that if I don't plan to travel abroad, not having a valid passport is ok.
Yesterday I got the plastic card and today I went to apply for a SSN. The lady I talked to refused to take my application, saying that my Romanian passport is considered an "immigration document" and until I have an unexpired one, I should not try to get a SSN. Call me crazy, but since I am a permanent resident doesn't it mean I don't have to leave USA unless I want to???? And even more, how can a document issued by a foreign country be an immigration document, since I'm not applying for SSN based on a visa stamped in that passport.
If anyone went thru the same situation or has some advice for me, please answer.
Thank you
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Jaime
09-13 12:36 AM
bump
more...
rajeshalex
08-04 05:36 PM
Originally Filed at TSC Jul 07. EB2
XFRD to NSC in Nov 07
No LUD for an year.
XFRD to NSC in Nov 07
No LUD for an year.
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indio0617
03-09 11:28 AM
Guys:
missed the last 5 mins... Work came up.
missed the last 5 mins... Work came up.
more...
snathan
08-24 02:22 PM
One of my points: "loopholes" are NOT what we are here to fight against. Now, is the rest of your reply relevant?
And anyone who irritates you is a troll. So be it. This troll is there to prevent nonsensical ideas
All this will feed the anti's and true trolls. Why don't we focus on our objectives?
Don't we?
I posted long time back to stop this argument. You are the one keep posting the irrelavent informaiton.
Peace...
And anyone who irritates you is a troll. So be it. This troll is there to prevent nonsensical ideas
All this will feed the anti's and true trolls. Why don't we focus on our objectives?
Don't we?
I posted long time back to stop this argument. You are the one keep posting the irrelavent informaiton.
Peace...
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gc9906
01-09 06:00 PM
CA-EB2-RIR
Case Source: Region
Priority Date: 12/02/2003
Case Received Date: 12/08/2004
My attorney received a letter from DOL 11/21/2005 noticed the case closure, replied the next day mentioned this is an error to close this case.
FedEex another letter to DOL to reiniate reopen this case on 11/29/2005.
Still no message from DOL now.
ETA#: P-04324-XXXXX
45DL Sent: 03/10/2005 - Attorney & Company did NOT receive it
Notice of Case Closure: 11/21/2005
Try to reopen now
What should I do for this error cause by DOL or USPS?
Case Source: Region
Priority Date: 12/02/2003
Case Received Date: 12/08/2004
My attorney received a letter from DOL 11/21/2005 noticed the case closure, replied the next day mentioned this is an error to close this case.
FedEex another letter to DOL to reiniate reopen this case on 11/29/2005.
Still no message from DOL now.
ETA#: P-04324-XXXXX
45DL Sent: 03/10/2005 - Attorney & Company did NOT receive it
Notice of Case Closure: 11/21/2005
Try to reopen now
What should I do for this error cause by DOL or USPS?
more...
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saileshdude
05-20 05:14 PM
Thanks to Chanduv23 and others IV members who are trying to address this issue.
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sandiboy
08-02 04:01 PM
This is from my lawyer:
Where is my application for adjustment of status filed?
All employment based adjustment of status applications are filed at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC). The NSC will keep half of the cases it receives and send half to the Texas Service Center . There is no way of indicating which Service Center you want your case adjudicated at. Once the receipt notices are received you will know where your case is pending. All family based adjustment of status applications are filed at the National Benefits Center.
Where is my application for adjustment of status filed?
All employment based adjustment of status applications are filed at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC). The NSC will keep half of the cases it receives and send half to the Texas Service Center . There is no way of indicating which Service Center you want your case adjudicated at. Once the receipt notices are received you will know where your case is pending. All family based adjustment of status applications are filed at the National Benefits Center.
more...
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inskrish
08-17 03:12 AM
Looking at the recent approvals looks like USCIS does the following:
1. Pick up x number of files using a random algorithm.
2. Arrange these files in a random order using the same random algorithm
followed in step 1.
3. Randomly pick any file arranged in step 2.
4. Toss a coin.
5. On odd dates if it is heads,approve the file. On even dates if it is tails
approve it.
6. If file is not approved in step 5 put it on the shelf to be picked up
in step 1 in next cycle.
For Disclaimers: on step (1), x is also a random number, and the coin used on step (4) by USCIS may sometimes have neither tail nor head..:D
1. Pick up x number of files using a random algorithm.
2. Arrange these files in a random order using the same random algorithm
followed in step 1.
3. Randomly pick any file arranged in step 2.
4. Toss a coin.
5. On odd dates if it is heads,approve the file. On even dates if it is tails
approve it.
6. If file is not approved in step 5 put it on the shelf to be picked up
in step 1 in next cycle.
For Disclaimers: on step (1), x is also a random number, and the coin used on step (4) by USCIS may sometimes have neither tail nor head..:D
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Keeme
03-06 04:52 PM
Congrats everyone getting soft LUDs
Don't waste your energy ! You have long way to go !
Don't waste your energy ! You have long way to go !
more...
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cirigadi
09-10 05:37 PM
I just contributed another $100 from Google checkout.
Best of luck..
Best of luck..
girlfriend Finals Boston Bruins 33
rockstart
06-25 02:32 PM
I have no problems working for millionaires and billionaires but because of government apathy most of the big corporations are scared of hiring people on H1B ( to be specific on their own h1b) When I went to school in Kentucky which is not very industrialized state we had Toyota, Lexmark as top companies in our area but both did not want to sponsor H1B. The only way you can work with them is by joining some small time consulting firm and working as contractor. Else these guys just outsource their development to TCS/ Wipro folks. So the billionaire business man gets hsi work done from offshore place and qualified people start to move to IT jobs and code in java or dotnet.
And then you lose your libido :). Agreed�. With the delay you lose the golden period in your career and end up at a lower level. Most of the self made millionaires rockstarted young when they had the drive and desire. I still say America gains more than what they lose by delaying GC process. If they hand out GCs faster then who will work for those millionaires and billionaires?.
And then you lose your libido :). Agreed�. With the delay you lose the golden period in your career and end up at a lower level. Most of the self made millionaires rockstarted young when they had the drive and desire. I still say America gains more than what they lose by delaying GC process. If they hand out GCs faster then who will work for those millionaires and billionaires?.
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Refugee_New
08-26 02:51 PM
Can you substantiate how he is suffering ? I also have a home loan through ICICI Bank and have been very happy so far. They have the best service amongst all banks in the country, and so they charge for it. Ultimately its a trade-off - you can decide whether you want to go cheap or require good service.
As some posters pointed out earlier, its extremely easy to apply for a home loan through ICICI Bank sitting here in the US. I dont know of any other Indian banks that would provide you the same level of convenience.
Check their interest rate and their service fee. I don't have to say anything anymore.
By the way what kind of convenience you received from ICICI bank? Recently i asked for a password change. You know the procedure for changing the password? I don't want to waste a page here. You yourself go and verify.
Apart from that you have to pay close to 400 rupees for every password change. Tell me if i am wrong. I challenge you.
As some posters pointed out earlier, its extremely easy to apply for a home loan through ICICI Bank sitting here in the US. I dont know of any other Indian banks that would provide you the same level of convenience.
Check their interest rate and their service fee. I don't have to say anything anymore.
By the way what kind of convenience you received from ICICI bank? Recently i asked for a password change. You know the procedure for changing the password? I don't want to waste a page here. You yourself go and verify.
Apart from that you have to pay close to 400 rupees for every password change. Tell me if i am wrong. I challenge you.
evalle
05-10 02:57 PM
August 2002. Got the 45 days later but not the approval.:confused:
matreen
10-17 01:58 AM
Guys,
I have already invoked my AC21 6 months before and joined a small consulting company, after four months I had an offer from client to join, I decided to join client as full time employee and working from past two months. Planning to send AC21 document by next month including offer letter etc.,
Now, my question is I have a part time job oppertunity to work from home for couple of hours in the weekend (tech support job - pay is not that great but it helps with current economic crises).
Can I allowed to work on part time job while I am working as a full time employee using AC21? (Remember I am on EAD - No more H1)
Is that going to cause any problem to my 485 process?
Will that be OK to run two payrolls on my social 1. Full Time 2. Part time?
I would appreciate your response as soon as possible, because I need accept the offer and follow the legnthy process - background check etc.,..
Thanks,
M
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
I have already invoked my AC21 6 months before and joined a small consulting company, after four months I had an offer from client to join, I decided to join client as full time employee and working from past two months. Planning to send AC21 document by next month including offer letter etc.,
Now, my question is I have a part time job oppertunity to work from home for couple of hours in the weekend (tech support job - pay is not that great but it helps with current economic crises).
Can I allowed to work on part time job while I am working as a full time employee using AC21? (Remember I am on EAD - No more H1)
Is that going to cause any problem to my 485 process?
Will that be OK to run two payrolls on my social 1. Full Time 2. Part time?
I would appreciate your response as soon as possible, because I need accept the offer and follow the legnthy process - background check etc.,..
Thanks,
M
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.
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