samyjani
01-01 07:16 AM
Hi All,
I am on a business trip to Chennai and I was interviewed for my H1-B renewal on Dec 6th 2007, unaware of the PIMS as it was not mentioned anywhere on the website that it will take this long to receive the passport. I was granted my visa within few minutes but till date (Jan 1st, 08) I have not received my passport. Was interviewed at the Chennai consulate. It has been heights of frustration as I had to spend all my Christmas holidays and New years at Chennai with all my fly being in US. I was supposed to return to US on Dec19th had to postpone my tickets to Dec 24th and then to Dec 29th. Now finally I have cancelled my tickets as it was costing me $200 every time I modify my itinerary.The US consulate, Chennai keeps on extending the processing time from 3 to 7 to 10 and it has been 15 working days already now, but still no passport in hand. Last week on Friday (Dec 28th) got an email that it might take additional 7 working days, huh ! Good thing is my company is in Chennai so atleast I can go to work or else it would have been really painful.
Was anybody else interviewed at Chennai during that black week ??? with similar situation ?
Good luck everybody.
I am on a business trip to Chennai and I was interviewed for my H1-B renewal on Dec 6th 2007, unaware of the PIMS as it was not mentioned anywhere on the website that it will take this long to receive the passport. I was granted my visa within few minutes but till date (Jan 1st, 08) I have not received my passport. Was interviewed at the Chennai consulate. It has been heights of frustration as I had to spend all my Christmas holidays and New years at Chennai with all my fly being in US. I was supposed to return to US on Dec19th had to postpone my tickets to Dec 24th and then to Dec 29th. Now finally I have cancelled my tickets as it was costing me $200 every time I modify my itinerary.The US consulate, Chennai keeps on extending the processing time from 3 to 7 to 10 and it has been 15 working days already now, but still no passport in hand. Last week on Friday (Dec 28th) got an email that it might take additional 7 working days, huh ! Good thing is my company is in Chennai so atleast I can go to work or else it would have been really painful.
Was anybody else interviewed at Chennai during that black week ??? with similar situation ?
Good luck everybody.
wallpaper Patti Blagojevich: Rod
InTheMoment
10-06 01:31 AM
caliguy,
The final option 4 that you press is correct. Sometimes you can get an IIO that is not happy to give status info (and it is a good idea that the status word is not mentioned by the caller...it kind of hurts their ego! for the reason below)
Remember reaching the Service Center directly (thro this "POJ" method) puts you in touch with not a CSR but an actual Immigration Information Officer (these at the Service Centers are positions that are rotated, they usually also do simple cases at other times like I-765, I-131 etc.) They have full access to all databases and systems that a Adjudication Officer handling you file has, unlike the regular contractor non-POJ CSR's.
@ fatjoe
Well, I dont think politeness works with USCIS, but do we really have a choice?
Yes, lets write to Secretary Napolitino. I will also send a copy of the letter to the first lady. I am not sure what else we can do besides that.
Once I get the sequence to call TSC using the POJ method, I will try calling them tomorrow.
The final option 4 that you press is correct. Sometimes you can get an IIO that is not happy to give status info (and it is a good idea that the status word is not mentioned by the caller...it kind of hurts their ego! for the reason below)
Remember reaching the Service Center directly (thro this "POJ" method) puts you in touch with not a CSR but an actual Immigration Information Officer (these at the Service Centers are positions that are rotated, they usually also do simple cases at other times like I-765, I-131 etc.) They have full access to all databases and systems that a Adjudication Officer handling you file has, unlike the regular contractor non-POJ CSR's.
@ fatjoe
Well, I dont think politeness works with USCIS, but do we really have a choice?
Yes, lets write to Secretary Napolitino. I will also send a copy of the letter to the first lady. I am not sure what else we can do besides that.
Once I get the sequence to call TSC using the POJ method, I will try calling them tomorrow.
desitechie
08-20 08:02 PM
[QUOTE=addsf345;726872]I have similar experience. I moved to sunrocket (which is now teleblend) from vonage. I pay half of what I used to pay vonage for same services/usage.
currently teleblend offers $50 unlimited india calling + ofcourse US+canada unlimited. However as now vonage has come up with $25 world plan, I am sure teleblend would come up with something similar soon... may be $20 world plan or so. As they always price it below vonage. Let's hope! competition is good for consumer.[/QUOT
I belive ultimately all the big phone service providers like Reliance, Airtel and Tata will reduce the calling rates to match/beat VOIP providers like Vonage.
This will be the saving grace to keep down the telephone expenses.
currently teleblend offers $50 unlimited india calling + ofcourse US+canada unlimited. However as now vonage has come up with $25 world plan, I am sure teleblend would come up with something similar soon... may be $20 world plan or so. As they always price it below vonage. Let's hope! competition is good for consumer.[/QUOT
I belive ultimately all the big phone service providers like Reliance, Airtel and Tata will reduce the calling rates to match/beat VOIP providers like Vonage.
This will be the saving grace to keep down the telephone expenses.
2011 wife Patti rod lagojevich
optimystic
08-21 08:30 PM
I think the division of Eb2 and EB3 will be over when oct VB comes. Mostly Eb3 will go back 2003 or 2004 and Eb3 date may be 2002. At that time there will be unity.
The current visa bulletin says EB3 PDs may go back to the level that was in June 08 visa bulletin or worser. So it is very likely that EB3 will be anywhere between Apr 2001 to Nov 2001. Personally I would be happy if it remained at least beyond May 2001.
I dont see EB3 moving to 2002 unless USCIS wants to agressively move it forward, so that they can continue their unfair trend of procesing some out of order low hanging fruit cases in EB3 category, just because they are sitting on the top of their applications pile, even if they had much later PDs. Just like they are doing with EB2
What will unite people is to fight against the common pain point... *Unfair advantage given to out of order applicants* , whether it be EB2 or EB3, who are much later in the queue, but some how are on the top of application piles, and easily accessible to IOs- who are making DOS move the PDs, just so that they can clear of their tables by approving these cases, rather than trying to access applications in FIFO and follow a fair process.
The whole EB2-EB3 divide arose out of this unfair practice of USCIS. Which just on their whim move PDs forward , be it EB3 or EB2. It just happened, that EB2 date has been moved more aggressively, probably because there is less backlog there. But looking at all the EB2 people still waiting with 2003, 2004 PDs while 2006 are getting approvals, indicates that the real problem is USCIS not doing due diligence to identify the right cases to be processed next and get the exact count of such cases.
Just asking them to recapture visa numbers or cyring foul against wasted numbers etc will still not solve the problem unless we also FORCE them to follow FIFO and process cases FAIRLY. And do their due diligence to spend some time and put their application piles in proper order. Otherwise USCIS will continue to use these recaptured visas and use them to approve FU***&G Out of Order cases and manipulate & play the system to achieve that by jumping around the PD up/down/'U' and what not, just so because it is *convenient* for them to do so.
The current visa bulletin says EB3 PDs may go back to the level that was in June 08 visa bulletin or worser. So it is very likely that EB3 will be anywhere between Apr 2001 to Nov 2001. Personally I would be happy if it remained at least beyond May 2001.
I dont see EB3 moving to 2002 unless USCIS wants to agressively move it forward, so that they can continue their unfair trend of procesing some out of order low hanging fruit cases in EB3 category, just because they are sitting on the top of their applications pile, even if they had much later PDs. Just like they are doing with EB2
What will unite people is to fight against the common pain point... *Unfair advantage given to out of order applicants* , whether it be EB2 or EB3, who are much later in the queue, but some how are on the top of application piles, and easily accessible to IOs- who are making DOS move the PDs, just so that they can clear of their tables by approving these cases, rather than trying to access applications in FIFO and follow a fair process.
The whole EB2-EB3 divide arose out of this unfair practice of USCIS. Which just on their whim move PDs forward , be it EB3 or EB2. It just happened, that EB2 date has been moved more aggressively, probably because there is less backlog there. But looking at all the EB2 people still waiting with 2003, 2004 PDs while 2006 are getting approvals, indicates that the real problem is USCIS not doing due diligence to identify the right cases to be processed next and get the exact count of such cases.
Just asking them to recapture visa numbers or cyring foul against wasted numbers etc will still not solve the problem unless we also FORCE them to follow FIFO and process cases FAIRLY. And do their due diligence to spend some time and put their application piles in proper order. Otherwise USCIS will continue to use these recaptured visas and use them to approve FU***&G Out of Order cases and manipulate & play the system to achieve that by jumping around the PD up/down/'U' and what not, just so because it is *convenient* for them to do so.
more...
chanduv23
01-09 12:01 PM
Over the past couple of days I have had 10 of my friends/colleagues who have signed the letter and they have been mailed out to the president. I also have copies of them to mail out to IV once I have all that I can get..
I plan to call my Senators & Congressman's office's today too. I believe we need to get through to our friends and colleagues and talk about the issues in this letter. I have yet to come across one person who does not agree that our situation needs the attention of the administration.
I know I can get a few more of these letters signed by the end of this week.
Anyone out there who has more letters going out??:D
Lets have some healthy competition!
Your first post is outstanding. Welcome to IV. Please join your state chapter so that you can help in a more organized manner.
Thanks for all the help and support.
I plan to call my Senators & Congressman's office's today too. I believe we need to get through to our friends and colleagues and talk about the issues in this letter. I have yet to come across one person who does not agree that our situation needs the attention of the administration.
I know I can get a few more of these letters signed by the end of this week.
Anyone out there who has more letters going out??:D
Lets have some healthy competition!
Your first post is outstanding. Welcome to IV. Please join your state chapter so that you can help in a more organized manner.
Thanks for all the help and support.
neverbefore
08-17 12:11 AM
For senator and congres(wo)man it is really simple call your local senator or congres(wo)man or got to their website and fill out a privacy form and send it to the person handling immigration service at their office. As a part of that form explain them your situation and what you want their office to do for you. They will promptly follow up with USCIS on your behalf and will provide you with regular update as and when they get it from USCIS. You can easily find your local senator or congres(wo)man on google search.
Thanks very much for your help and congratulations on getting your approval.
Best.
Thanks very much for your help and congratulations on getting your approval.
Best.
more...
calabor2001
02-27 03:05 PM
Yes, this is just one account and am happy for you that you got lucky. I too went to New Delhi Embassy and have been stuck since Jan 7th.
I have been in the US for almost 10 years and with the same employer for the last 7+ years. This was 11+ year H1B extension and I am stuck since Jan. 7th. I was told Additional Administrative Processing - and have not heard zilch back from the embassy yet. Law-firm has written to the embassy and reaching out to the DoS. I have been calling DoS every week religiously only to hear that "AAP is in progress and you will have to wait it out". Separated from family, living out here on my own - thankfully I work for a global company but working all-nighters will eventually get to me.
Having said that, it is a matter of chance for everyone. Just be careful and plan accordingly. If you can avoid it, travel using an AP.
Good Luck to everyone!
I had my H1/4 (wife) stamping 2 days ago at Mumbai. No issues what so ever at Stamping. My discussion with the officer was cordial and friendly.
Went in at 9:00 and out by 10:00. Received stamped PP next day.
All docs OK. No job change after H1 transfer 3 years ago
All those going for H1 stamp do NOT worry. Not sure how one gets PIMS but this is just my account
I have been in the US for almost 10 years and with the same employer for the last 7+ years. This was 11+ year H1B extension and I am stuck since Jan. 7th. I was told Additional Administrative Processing - and have not heard zilch back from the embassy yet. Law-firm has written to the embassy and reaching out to the DoS. I have been calling DoS every week religiously only to hear that "AAP is in progress and you will have to wait it out". Separated from family, living out here on my own - thankfully I work for a global company but working all-nighters will eventually get to me.
Having said that, it is a matter of chance for everyone. Just be careful and plan accordingly. If you can avoid it, travel using an AP.
Good Luck to everyone!
I had my H1/4 (wife) stamping 2 days ago at Mumbai. No issues what so ever at Stamping. My discussion with the officer was cordial and friendly.
Went in at 9:00 and out by 10:00. Received stamped PP next day.
All docs OK. No job change after H1 transfer 3 years ago
All those going for H1 stamp do NOT worry. Not sure how one gets PIMS but this is just my account
2010 lagojevich wife. patricia
desi3933
08-08 10:42 AM
Check your PM.
Thanks for your support.
I can't believe this! Some people have give me red dots for this post.
Great going! Another example of your "high thinking". :D Such people are cowards. They can't put anything in post reply and they put "brave comments" along with red dots.
____________________________
N-400 Oath Date on Aug 19th
Thanks for your support.
I can't believe this! Some people have give me red dots for this post.
Great going! Another example of your "high thinking". :D Such people are cowards. They can't put anything in post reply and they put "brave comments" along with red dots.
____________________________
N-400 Oath Date on Aug 19th
more...
SunnySurya
08-07 06:17 AM
Notes:
If you already have applied in EB2 you won't be affected.
If you have a Masters you won't be affected.
SunnySurya, Flood,
I see that you guys didnt join IV until 2008. So, you know very less about this org. The people who only can think for their own wont come to join you at any stage, it was proven many times. They will just keep writing messages here and use valuable information on the forum.
I am EB2/Masters/PD Nov 2004. I do not not support your idea. I loose patience at times, but not to the extent of effecting other peoples chances. I know quite a few of my freinds who had masters, their corporate employers applied in EB3, none of them are trying to do conversion. But, i feel their pain.
If you already have applied in EB2 you won't be affected.
If you have a Masters you won't be affected.
SunnySurya, Flood,
I see that you guys didnt join IV until 2008. So, you know very less about this org. The people who only can think for their own wont come to join you at any stage, it was proven many times. They will just keep writing messages here and use valuable information on the forum.
I am EB2/Masters/PD Nov 2004. I do not not support your idea. I loose patience at times, but not to the extent of effecting other peoples chances. I know quite a few of my freinds who had masters, their corporate employers applied in EB3, none of them are trying to do conversion. But, i feel their pain.
hair Rod Blagojevich, left, and his wife Patti, right, arrive at the federal
SunnySurya
08-07 10:16 AM
Thank you , you are the first one to understand my message.
Thousands of people are paying thousands of dollars to port to EB2 but they can't spare even a shameful 5 bucks to support a truly great initiative.
By the way , I am serious about lawsuit. As it will block an easy way out for most people.
I guess everybody should support Rolling and Sunny because this initative will create an opening for all other immigration issues.
Everyone waiting for years to get their GC has a real reason to think why USCIS didn't do their job right.
I would say if Sunny and Rolling stone really file a lawsuit, it is like they turning the spotlight on USCIS and from there the rest us can work to bring more light to the bigger issues with USCIS
Thousands of people are paying thousands of dollars to port to EB2 but they can't spare even a shameful 5 bucks to support a truly great initiative.
By the way , I am serious about lawsuit. As it will block an easy way out for most people.
I guess everybody should support Rolling and Sunny because this initative will create an opening for all other immigration issues.
Everyone waiting for years to get their GC has a real reason to think why USCIS didn't do their job right.
I would say if Sunny and Rolling stone really file a lawsuit, it is like they turning the spotlight on USCIS and from there the rest us can work to bring more light to the bigger issues with USCIS
more...
chanukya
07-01 11:28 AM
http://www.immigration-law.com/
http://www.murthy.com/nflash/nf_062907.html
Guys this is a revision to the July Visa Bulletin. Meaning, even if the revision happens on July 29th to the July Visa Bulletin, it holds good for entire july.
This is not August bulletin.
Looks like people have misconception, that if their file goes to USCIS on July 2nd and visa bulletin is revised on July 3rd or later date, then they are safe. It is not so.
If at all if there is a change to the August bulletin it holds good for August and not to July bulletin.
Pls let me know if my understanding is wrong
http://www.murthy.com/nflash/nf_062907.html
Guys this is a revision to the July Visa Bulletin. Meaning, even if the revision happens on July 29th to the July Visa Bulletin, it holds good for entire july.
This is not August bulletin.
Looks like people have misconception, that if their file goes to USCIS on July 2nd and visa bulletin is revised on July 3rd or later date, then they are safe. It is not so.
If at all if there is a change to the August bulletin it holds good for August and not to July bulletin.
Pls let me know if my understanding is wrong
hot 2010 Rod Blagojevich and his
kutra
07-17 03:36 PM
Hi Ron,
My Priority date is Jan 2004, EB3-India category and i have an approved I-140 and have applied my 485 during July 07. I have sent my EAD and AP for renewal which expire in last week of September. My spouse is in EB2-India having pd Dec 2005, also applied I-485 (140 is approved) during July 07 and has applied for EAD and AP renewal, which expire in last week of October. We both applied independently and are using our H1bs and not EAds.
Since my spouse's PD is going to be current in August 2008, I was planning on applying for a second 485 as a dependent on my spouse's application.
I know that two 485 applications causes issues. I want your recommendation and also will my application affect my wife's processing time or create issues for her.
Thanks,
Kaushik
Ron's reply -
You don't need to file a new I-485. Make the CIS aware of your spouse's case and your eligibility under it as a dependent. Ask them to cross reference to the two cases.
You can follow this thread in the following link - http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5689
Also has anyone tried this approach and Also does anyone has expeirence being Ron's client?
I just don't get Ron. He's very vocal about how incompetent CIS is with regular applications......not sure why he would advise you to complicate matters with CIS.
My advice: Do research this thoroughly before you go for it. Good luck!
My Priority date is Jan 2004, EB3-India category and i have an approved I-140 and have applied my 485 during July 07. I have sent my EAD and AP for renewal which expire in last week of September. My spouse is in EB2-India having pd Dec 2005, also applied I-485 (140 is approved) during July 07 and has applied for EAD and AP renewal, which expire in last week of October. We both applied independently and are using our H1bs and not EAds.
Since my spouse's PD is going to be current in August 2008, I was planning on applying for a second 485 as a dependent on my spouse's application.
I know that two 485 applications causes issues. I want your recommendation and also will my application affect my wife's processing time or create issues for her.
Thanks,
Kaushik
Ron's reply -
You don't need to file a new I-485. Make the CIS aware of your spouse's case and your eligibility under it as a dependent. Ask them to cross reference to the two cases.
You can follow this thread in the following link - http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5689
Also has anyone tried this approach and Also does anyone has expeirence being Ron's client?
I just don't get Ron. He's very vocal about how incompetent CIS is with regular applications......not sure why he would advise you to complicate matters with CIS.
My advice: Do research this thoroughly before you go for it. Good luck!
more...
house He testifies that Blagojevich
letstalklc
09-04 02:49 PM
I hate to play "who winks first" game with teleblend. They told that they would come up with similar india plan but not providing any details.
May be now I should switch to vonage or Lingo. One factor in favor of vonage is: I get two months free with referral and one year contract rather than 2 years with Lingo.
As per one my close friend, lingo CS is not very good. Vonage is still better than Lingo.
However here is my question.
The acutal cost of Vonage with unlimited india calling is $31 - $32 per month due to taxes, misc charges etc.
WHAT would be ACTUAL COST OF LINGO per month? any approximation?
Any one who uses lingo? Please advice... How much money do Lingo charges over & above regular monthly charges?
I used to be a vonage user and Vonage was horrible as they were trying as much hard to charge the MAX to the customer in extra MISC charges.
So far they havent provided any link from LINGO.COM home page, even the link what I posted got it from my friend........we didnt know at this moment how much taxes gonna be...
It's 2 years agreement and it's killing part....
I have no idea about customer service or call quality....
If any body has exp...please share for other customers who are willing to sign will be healpfull...
May be now I should switch to vonage or Lingo. One factor in favor of vonage is: I get two months free with referral and one year contract rather than 2 years with Lingo.
As per one my close friend, lingo CS is not very good. Vonage is still better than Lingo.
However here is my question.
The acutal cost of Vonage with unlimited india calling is $31 - $32 per month due to taxes, misc charges etc.
WHAT would be ACTUAL COST OF LINGO per month? any approximation?
Any one who uses lingo? Please advice... How much money do Lingo charges over & above regular monthly charges?
I used to be a vonage user and Vonage was horrible as they were trying as much hard to charge the MAX to the customer in extra MISC charges.
So far they havent provided any link from LINGO.COM home page, even the link what I posted got it from my friend........we didnt know at this moment how much taxes gonna be...
It's 2 years agreement and it's killing part....
I have no idea about customer service or call quality....
If any body has exp...please share for other customers who are willing to sign will be healpfull...
tattoo Rod Blagojevich#39;s wife, Patti,
svkrishna
01-31 08:58 AM
Dear Prashantc.
Congrats.. You are right. Never do the visa validation in Chennai again. Hopefully we will get GCs soon. ( which is one more ordeal)
Vamsi
Congrats.. You are right. Never do the visa validation in Chennai again. Hopefully we will get GCs soon. ( which is one more ordeal)
Vamsi
more...
pictures Patti Blagojevich arrive
arkrish68
09-10 07:34 PM
Send email to: cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov
You will have to fill this form and attach to the email:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/cisomb_dhsform7001.pdf
Thank you very much for your update. Went to the Infopass today and as per the IO came to know that my case is in adjudication review and will get the interview. I don't know how much ombudsman will be helpful, but will try all options. My labour was approved in 2 months and I-140 in 18 days but it seems I485 is sturck for ever :mad:
You will have to fill this form and attach to the email:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/cisomb_dhsform7001.pdf
Thank you very much for your update. Went to the Infopass today and as per the IO came to know that my case is in adjudication review and will get the interview. I don't know how much ombudsman will be helpful, but will try all options. My labour was approved in 2 months and I-140 in 18 days but it seems I485 is sturck for ever :mad:
dresses Rod Blagojevich pauses as he talks with reporters at the federal courthouse
CADude
10-04 12:49 PM
No one want to waits anymore (it's already 93 days :mad: ) AND no one want to participate in any action to speed-up the process or put more pressure on USCIS to correct their behavior (USCIS will come back and screw your case :) ). Please tell me what you wants. :confused: Either please don't complain and wait till your Check Cashed :D OR organise and do your part, take some action to put pressure on USCIS. Choice is yours. :D
more...
makeup Blagojevich Trial - Patti
Nil
03-11 04:51 PM
Thanks a Ton Sri,
pls compile and i'll follow up.
Also doing the homework to contact local congressmen & journalists.
pls compile and i'll follow up.
Also doing the homework to contact local congressmen & journalists.
girlfriend Rod Blagojevich participates
vivekm1309
07-15 01:13 AM
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/NEWS09/707130379/1001/NEWS
Here is a speech from Tancerdo ...It was good see the comments for the newsclip from the native folks ..
Here is a speech from Tancerdo ...It was good see the comments for the newsclip from the native folks ..
hairstyles Rod Blagojevich, Patti
swamy
01-09 11:17 PM
i know there are plenty of temples in the dc metro area so someone please let them know abt it. same holds for other big metros. some of them have web sites too so email them if you cant make it there -
SunnySurya
08-21 01:55 PM
Totally agree with you! This would be a fair deal. That how it should be done so let us do that. So when are going to implement this fair deal?
I think it would be fair to split the leftover numbers the same way they split whole year quota.
50% of leftover should be given to EB2 (based on PD) and 50% of leftover should be given to EB3. Does it sound fair?
I think it would be fair to split the leftover numbers the same way they split whole year quota.
50% of leftover should be given to EB2 (based on PD) and 50% of leftover should be given to EB3. Does it sound fair?
drona
07-11 02:33 AM
Posted by the Journal News
Visa mix-up brings flood of flowers in protest
By LEAH RAE
Hundreds of legal immigrants are resorting to a new tactic this week in their pursuit of green cards: sending flowers to the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The publicity stunt follows lobbying efforts and lawsuits protesting a sudden change in the rules that govern employer-sponsored immigrants. After rushing to submit green-card applications by July 2, the immigrants were told at the last minute to keep waiting.
Notes being delivered to Emilio Gonzalez, head of USCIS, along with the bouquets skip over the pleasantries and speak directly to the bureaucracy.
"Kindly do not return our I-485 petitions in July," the messages say, "and honor the original DOS visa bulletin."
The dispute concerns a U.S. Department of State bulletin from mid-June, dictating who could apply for an immigrant visa. The application is the final hurdle in getting a green card, or permanent residency. Because of a backlog, immigrants spend years waiting their turn, but the unusual June bulletin gave most job-based immigrants the go-ahead to apply.
Jakub Gorecki, who lives in Spring Valley, hurried to get his paperwork together in time. The thick packet of documents - medical exams, vaccination records, a birth certificate from Poland, a $325 application fee - was to arrive July 2 at USCIS, he said.
But that morning, a new bulletin came out, canceling the offer. No applications would be accepted until the new fiscal year in October.
The reversal sent Gorecki and others back to a limbo state.
Continued at..
http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070711/NEWS02/707110350/1026/NEWS10
Visa mix-up brings flood of flowers in protest
By LEAH RAE
Hundreds of legal immigrants are resorting to a new tactic this week in their pursuit of green cards: sending flowers to the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The publicity stunt follows lobbying efforts and lawsuits protesting a sudden change in the rules that govern employer-sponsored immigrants. After rushing to submit green-card applications by July 2, the immigrants were told at the last minute to keep waiting.
Notes being delivered to Emilio Gonzalez, head of USCIS, along with the bouquets skip over the pleasantries and speak directly to the bureaucracy.
"Kindly do not return our I-485 petitions in July," the messages say, "and honor the original DOS visa bulletin."
The dispute concerns a U.S. Department of State bulletin from mid-June, dictating who could apply for an immigrant visa. The application is the final hurdle in getting a green card, or permanent residency. Because of a backlog, immigrants spend years waiting their turn, but the unusual June bulletin gave most job-based immigrants the go-ahead to apply.
Jakub Gorecki, who lives in Spring Valley, hurried to get his paperwork together in time. The thick packet of documents - medical exams, vaccination records, a birth certificate from Poland, a $325 application fee - was to arrive July 2 at USCIS, he said.
But that morning, a new bulletin came out, canceling the offer. No applications would be accepted until the new fiscal year in October.
The reversal sent Gorecki and others back to a limbo state.
Continued at..
http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070711/NEWS02/707110350/1026/NEWS10