sobers
06-07 06:13 PM
About a week back (see my first post in this thread), I said if FAIR lobbyist Brian Bilbray wins the special election in Calif. it will galvanize the anti-immigration sources. This really was a bellweather election and the folks in the 50th district made their choice: a restrictionist lobbyist over a liberal non-lobbyist who favored the Senate immig plan. Whatever the dynamics of the race or the constituency, this is what it boils down to.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/06/07/midterm.california/index.html
Plus, now Tancredo adds another House member to his immigration "reform" (read Restrictionist) caucus, making the Comprhensive Reform even more difficult to achieve this year.
http://tancredo.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1200
Well, sure enough, you saw Dobbs touting Bilbray today. All the Restrictionist media also made a big deal out of this (Fox, Wash Times, etc). Rep Duncan Hunter, another house restrictionist, also hardened his position on a compromise, saying it reflected the position of the House Leadership. Soemtimes I think this is a deliberate attempt on part of the Republican Party to mobilize their core voters- Repub House candidates who show they can oppose their President on Immigration will be rewarded with votes from the republican base. This is how Repubs will use immigration as a wedge issue this year, mobilize their base, and try to retain control of the house when almost every other issue (Iraq war, ethics, deficits) is against them. Bush will probably continue to promote immig compromise till the July 2 election in Mexico, and let it go after a Calderon win. Meanwhile, the conference committtee will be appointed, but there will be no compromise this year as House Repubs use this as a wedge issue to get their voters out.
What this means for us is that IV should now start looking for an alternative legislative vehicle for Immigration Relief (which they probably are already). I know nothing can be moved until CIR officially dies, but we should do the groundwork on future efforts so no time is wasted when CIR does die in late july. I wish I am proven wrong, but I suspect there is a less than 5% chance of passing an Immigration Bll similar to the Senate version this year. I'm not usually downbeat, but frankly this is what I see happening.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/06/07/midterm.california/index.html
Plus, now Tancredo adds another House member to his immigration "reform" (read Restrictionist) caucus, making the Comprhensive Reform even more difficult to achieve this year.
http://tancredo.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1200
Well, sure enough, you saw Dobbs touting Bilbray today. All the Restrictionist media also made a big deal out of this (Fox, Wash Times, etc). Rep Duncan Hunter, another house restrictionist, also hardened his position on a compromise, saying it reflected the position of the House Leadership. Soemtimes I think this is a deliberate attempt on part of the Republican Party to mobilize their core voters- Repub House candidates who show they can oppose their President on Immigration will be rewarded with votes from the republican base. This is how Repubs will use immigration as a wedge issue this year, mobilize their base, and try to retain control of the house when almost every other issue (Iraq war, ethics, deficits) is against them. Bush will probably continue to promote immig compromise till the July 2 election in Mexico, and let it go after a Calderon win. Meanwhile, the conference committtee will be appointed, but there will be no compromise this year as House Repubs use this as a wedge issue to get their voters out.
What this means for us is that IV should now start looking for an alternative legislative vehicle for Immigration Relief (which they probably are already). I know nothing can be moved until CIR officially dies, but we should do the groundwork on future efforts so no time is wasted when CIR does die in late july. I wish I am proven wrong, but I suspect there is a less than 5% chance of passing an Immigration Bll similar to the Senate version this year. I'm not usually downbeat, but frankly this is what I see happening.
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needhelp!
08-31 12:14 AM
OK so we're 1 million in the backlog. That could be a small country.
Instead of spending hundreds of thousands on lobbying, we can just buy a piece of land somewhere (big enough to have a passport office building), get immediate citizenship in our new country and then USCIS will be able to process our GC applications within a year.
Someone from Taiwan (and smaller neighboring countries) can get GC in 1 year but if you're from China you will wait 6-10 years. I am not sure of how much cultural differences exist between these two countries, all I know is that my Taiwanese friend speaks Chinese, goes to Chinese church. So much for diversity.
So.. if anyone has the info on how to register a new country, I'd like to know.
Sorry, its the wee hours and I just felt like posting this. Please close thread as and when desired.
Sidenote: Hear IV Rally announcement on Dallas Radio www.funasia.net (http://www.funasia.net) in the following slots (Central Time)
8/31:7.45am & 6pm;
9/3: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/4: 7.45am & 6pm;
9/5: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/6: 7.45am & 6pm;
9/7: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/10: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/11: 7.45am & 6pm;
Also live discussion for few minutes about IV Rally on Saturday during immigration show at 3pm central
Sponsored by members of TX chapter of IV (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/texasiv) &
the Law offices of Sherin Thawer http://www.thawerlaw.com and TX chapter of IV
Instead of spending hundreds of thousands on lobbying, we can just buy a piece of land somewhere (big enough to have a passport office building), get immediate citizenship in our new country and then USCIS will be able to process our GC applications within a year.
Someone from Taiwan (and smaller neighboring countries) can get GC in 1 year but if you're from China you will wait 6-10 years. I am not sure of how much cultural differences exist between these two countries, all I know is that my Taiwanese friend speaks Chinese, goes to Chinese church. So much for diversity.
So.. if anyone has the info on how to register a new country, I'd like to know.
Sorry, its the wee hours and I just felt like posting this. Please close thread as and when desired.
Sidenote: Hear IV Rally announcement on Dallas Radio www.funasia.net (http://www.funasia.net) in the following slots (Central Time)
8/31:7.45am & 6pm;
9/3: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/4: 7.45am & 6pm;
9/5: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/6: 7.45am & 6pm;
9/7: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/10: 9.25am & 6pm;
9/11: 7.45am & 6pm;
Also live discussion for few minutes about IV Rally on Saturday during immigration show at 3pm central
Sponsored by members of TX chapter of IV (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/texasiv) &
the Law offices of Sherin Thawer http://www.thawerlaw.com and TX chapter of IV
docwa
04-12 06:50 PM
Thanks all. I called my lawyer, and she mentioned that there have been specific cases of the Neb Service Center rejecting I485 applications for internists while they are doing fellowships. I guess my plan would be to find a 'full time' position working a couple of nights a week in the same city where I am working as a fellow, and use that as proof of ongoing full time internist work.
I am not sure if they need just a letter, or a w2s also. I guess 'full time' is a very arbitrary word, and can be applied to more than 28-32 hrs a week, which is very easily doable.
I am not sure if they need just a letter, or a w2s also. I guess 'full time' is a very arbitrary word, and can be applied to more than 28-32 hrs a week, which is very easily doable.
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karl65
11-17 12:37 AM
yes thats true .... but I guess only pig is not enough ... we need the whole animal kingdon fly before ....:D
Well...at least most of the Animal kingdom can fly.....the problem is if USCIS knows it!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D
Well...at least most of the Animal kingdom can fly.....the problem is if USCIS knows it!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D
more...
maine_gc
02-01 07:32 AM
Finally after nine years in US my Green Card is approved.
On this very day in 2001 i was in flight to USA
1) Came to US on Feb 1st 2001
2) Changed employer in 2002 and GC applied in 2003 in EB3
3) After 2 years, changed the employer in 2004 and applied GC in EB2 at the end of 2004
4) Application with the DOL sent to the BEC
5) DOL approved the petition in Jan 2007
6) Applied I140 in April 2007
7) Applied I485 in July 2007
8) FP completed and EAD received in September 2007
9) I140 RFE Aug 2008
10) I140 denied in March 2009 - Reason is Too may petitions from the employer
11) Appeal sent in April 2009
12) Once the dates are current in Sep 2009, i talked to the attorney and decided to file a new I140 with the same labor
13) New I140 filed in Sep 2009
14) Received a notice from USCIS to withdraw the appeal inorder to process the new I140
15) Appeal withdrawn in October 2009
16) New I140 approved in Nov 2009
17) FP notices received in November for I485
18) FP done in December 2009
19) Infopass appointment in Jan 2010. Background check is completed
20) Received CPO emails for both the cases on Jan 21st 2010
21) Welcome notice mailed on Jan 22nd 2010
22) Welcome Notice and Cards received on Jan 30th.
22) I485 approval notices sent on Jan 26th 2010 - Did not received yet.
For me it is a bumpy ride. I went through most of the steps in the immigration (RFE's, Denials, MTR's, Appeals ..)
I wish all the best for all IV memebers waiting in GC queue or waiting to apply for I485.
Thanks
On this very day in 2001 i was in flight to USA
1) Came to US on Feb 1st 2001
2) Changed employer in 2002 and GC applied in 2003 in EB3
3) After 2 years, changed the employer in 2004 and applied GC in EB2 at the end of 2004
4) Application with the DOL sent to the BEC
5) DOL approved the petition in Jan 2007
6) Applied I140 in April 2007
7) Applied I485 in July 2007
8) FP completed and EAD received in September 2007
9) I140 RFE Aug 2008
10) I140 denied in March 2009 - Reason is Too may petitions from the employer
11) Appeal sent in April 2009
12) Once the dates are current in Sep 2009, i talked to the attorney and decided to file a new I140 with the same labor
13) New I140 filed in Sep 2009
14) Received a notice from USCIS to withdraw the appeal inorder to process the new I140
15) Appeal withdrawn in October 2009
16) New I140 approved in Nov 2009
17) FP notices received in November for I485
18) FP done in December 2009
19) Infopass appointment in Jan 2010. Background check is completed
20) Received CPO emails for both the cases on Jan 21st 2010
21) Welcome notice mailed on Jan 22nd 2010
22) Welcome Notice and Cards received on Jan 30th.
22) I485 approval notices sent on Jan 26th 2010 - Did not received yet.
For me it is a bumpy ride. I went through most of the steps in the immigration (RFE's, Denials, MTR's, Appeals ..)
I wish all the best for all IV memebers waiting in GC queue or waiting to apply for I485.
Thanks
YesGC_NoGC
01-09 04:35 PM
I know atleast 2 in my close group.
What are you trying to get to?
talking about only personal friends or co-workers. Please do not vote yes if its some body you don't know but heard of.
What are you trying to get to?
talking about only personal friends or co-workers. Please do not vote yes if its some body you don't know but heard of.
more...
yabadaba
11-06 02:13 PM
dude...ur i-140 is also not approved..sit tight
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glen
08-05 11:53 AM
I got my passport renewed last year by mail. It took 7 - 8 weeks to get the old and new passports.
I am sorry for posting in here, but I was wondering if someone actually went in person to the Houston Consulate to get their passport renewed. Also, do we need to have any reason to attend in person at the Consulate such as emergency, etc.
I am from India and my passport is expiring on Aug 17. I read before in the forum that it is better to go in person to renew the passport. Any experiences please let me know.
Thanks a bunch
I am sorry for posting in here, but I was wondering if someone actually went in person to the Houston Consulate to get their passport renewed. Also, do we need to have any reason to attend in person at the Consulate such as emergency, etc.
I am from India and my passport is expiring on Aug 17. I read before in the forum that it is better to go in person to renew the passport. Any experiences please let me know.
Thanks a bunch
more...
sirinme
12-02 02:38 PM
Not sure if I can make it in person, but I will contribute $100. This is on top of my monthly contribution.
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Steven-T
March 15th, 2004, 08:54 AM
Obviously we all love cameras, how many of you have or are considering getting a camera phone?
No, I am using a company cheap phone . . . No intension to buy my own phone. But a lot of my friends and relatives got one. This is just like the PDA. It's the fashion.
When I was in Philips Island watching pengiums in nature, no cameras are allowed. But the guy next to me are using a cell phone pretending talking to his friend, and snapping pictures . . .
Steven
No, I am using a company cheap phone . . . No intension to buy my own phone. But a lot of my friends and relatives got one. This is just like the PDA. It's the fashion.
When I was in Philips Island watching pengiums in nature, no cameras are allowed. But the guy next to me are using a cell phone pretending talking to his friend, and snapping pictures . . .
Steven
more...
IV2007
05-11 10:13 AM
Guys,
I found this site where in we can send letters to our senate members or house representatives regarding the issues we face.
http://capwiz.com/aila2/issues/alert/?alertid=9589591
Letter content pre-exists if needed you can change.
Let's inundate senate & other members with what we are facing..
-IV2007
EB2 Labor Pending
I found this site where in we can send letters to our senate members or house representatives regarding the issues we face.
http://capwiz.com/aila2/issues/alert/?alertid=9589591
Letter content pre-exists if needed you can change.
Let's inundate senate & other members with what we are facing..
-IV2007
EB2 Labor Pending
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desi3933
01-31 06:39 PM
hi beuhler....if i understand your reply correctly, you meant that as long as there is proof that your marraige date(marraige certificate) is prior to gc approval notice...there is 6 months to file for the i485 for the wife even though she may be in india at the time of marraige?
There is no 6 months requirement. PERIOD.
As long as dependent relationship existed at the time of I-485 approval, she can either file I-485 (if in USA) or can file in home country for immigrant visa (follow to join).
____________________
Not a legal advice.
US Citizen of Indian Origin
There is no 6 months requirement. PERIOD.
As long as dependent relationship existed at the time of I-485 approval, she can either file I-485 (if in USA) or can file in home country for immigrant visa (follow to join).
____________________
Not a legal advice.
US Citizen of Indian Origin
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Ramba
05-30 04:09 PM
Hi gurus, Please advise
I have an approved I-140 and july 485 filer, also have valid h1 till 2010.
I work for company X and have an offer from company Y.
What are my best options now
1. Transfer H1 to Y - if yes what impact would this have on my GC processing?
should the new H1-B Job code match with my Labor Certification?
2. Use EAD - the complication here is my desi employer filed my labor
as an IT Manager which i am not and i am not sure the new employer would
give me the matching offer letter.
Thanks,
Krishna:confused:
You can join Y either on H1 or EAD. It does not matter. In order you to get GC using AC21, the job offer from Y should be the similar occupation of what X sponsered you. That means it should be a managerial occupation. If Y offers you "not similar" occupation of X, your 485 may get denied, irrsepective of how you joined y (EADorH1). The bottomline is the new job should be similar to the LC job.
I have an approved I-140 and july 485 filer, also have valid h1 till 2010.
I work for company X and have an offer from company Y.
What are my best options now
1. Transfer H1 to Y - if yes what impact would this have on my GC processing?
should the new H1-B Job code match with my Labor Certification?
2. Use EAD - the complication here is my desi employer filed my labor
as an IT Manager which i am not and i am not sure the new employer would
give me the matching offer letter.
Thanks,
Krishna:confused:
You can join Y either on H1 or EAD. It does not matter. In order you to get GC using AC21, the job offer from Y should be the similar occupation of what X sponsered you. That means it should be a managerial occupation. If Y offers you "not similar" occupation of X, your 485 may get denied, irrsepective of how you joined y (EADorH1). The bottomline is the new job should be similar to the LC job.
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kumarc123
02-11 10:52 AM
Looks like the news is out on this in media.
Immigration Voice has been aware of this and actively working on it for last 3 weeks. This had been also posted on the donor forums. Core members and several key IV volunteers/ donors already have been working on it and analyzing it. We also had been asked for our recommendations and had send our recommendations. We should see this bill introduced soon in a few days.
Thank you for your input Pappu and we appreciate your diligence in the efforts to IV. However the question is: will this bill have the potential to move forward?
As I last recall, Zoe Lofgreen had tried a similar bill 3 years ago (2008) that would have eliminated visa backlog, but we all know that bill went no where.
At this point in time, does this bill have the potential to bring aboard the change we all are seeking for so long? I hope it does. As this journey has been quiet long and tedious.
Thank you
Immigration Voice has been aware of this and actively working on it for last 3 weeks. This had been also posted on the donor forums. Core members and several key IV volunteers/ donors already have been working on it and analyzing it. We also had been asked for our recommendations and had send our recommendations. We should see this bill introduced soon in a few days.
Thank you for your input Pappu and we appreciate your diligence in the efforts to IV. However the question is: will this bill have the potential to move forward?
As I last recall, Zoe Lofgreen had tried a similar bill 3 years ago (2008) that would have eliminated visa backlog, but we all know that bill went no where.
At this point in time, does this bill have the potential to bring aboard the change we all are seeking for so long? I hope it does. As this journey has been quiet long and tedious.
Thank you
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paskal
12-26 04:24 PM
please mark your pocket pc's or whatever your choice of poison...
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kirupa
06-07 01:42 AM
Never heard of this contest??
You mean, you missed out on the Get out the Stamp and Rock the Stamp campaigns? It was ALL over cable TV :P
faster - in one week.
You mean, you missed out on the Get out the Stamp and Rock the Stamp campaigns? It was ALL over cable TV :P
faster - in one week.
more...
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arsh007
01-31 08:52 AM
I agree. UnitedNations has been tirelessly providing inputs to a lot of GC cases especially the 3 year degree issues on http://www.immigration.com. His vast knowledge in these areas can surely serve as a valuable knowledge base for potential and current GC applicants. I have been following his posts on http://www.immigratio.com for around 2 years now and his inputs has benefited me in take proactive measures for my employment based GC appliction. Hope we can continue giving his valuable advice on this forum too.
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mailmy_gc
10-15 05:49 PM
We had 4-5 continueous LUD's after couple of weeks they recieved response (June 2009) but still status is showing response reeived.
Recently even changed job to local government but not yet submitted AC 21, I am in the process of preparing documentation. I appreciate if any one help me on this.
Thanks,
Recently even changed job to local government but not yet submitted AC 21, I am in the process of preparing documentation. I appreciate if any one help me on this.
Thanks,
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VMH_GC
07-13 11:13 AM
:) Have every one wear white as the color of peace/silent protest/sadness.
As he says, Wear a white kurtha/Shirt.
Suit is also not a bad idea, but whatever be the dress, guys going to rally, pls. ensure your unity in dress code as well.
As he says, Wear a white kurtha/Shirt.
Suit is also not a bad idea, but whatever be the dress, guys going to rally, pls. ensure your unity in dress code as well.
pappu
03-17 03:55 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1294871282792.shtm
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
yagw
09-27 01:34 AM
Folks,
Am on H1B and have already applied for 485 (EB2 I May 2006). I am not sure if I am allowed to day trade in the current status. By day trading I mean not just investing in stocks and not just buying and selling stocks in a single day -- I am asking about making perhaps 10 trades in a day (5 rounds of buy, sell)? I understand IRS can call you out to be a full-time trader but the rules for this are not laid out clearly, as far as I can understand. Anyone out there with relevant links/personal experience on this one? Would really appreciate your feedback.
Thanks!
Shishya
AFAIK, your visa status will not affect day-trading. You just need to specify the gain/loss when you file taxes (like anyone).
That said, I believe you are aware of the requirement that you need to have a minimum of $25K in your account to do day-trading. And also the risks involved in it.
My 2c as some one who tried it, play only with money you can afford to loose (as you WILL most of the time) and get out if you have to, without emotional attachment.
Have fun and BE SAFE!!!
Am on H1B and have already applied for 485 (EB2 I May 2006). I am not sure if I am allowed to day trade in the current status. By day trading I mean not just investing in stocks and not just buying and selling stocks in a single day -- I am asking about making perhaps 10 trades in a day (5 rounds of buy, sell)? I understand IRS can call you out to be a full-time trader but the rules for this are not laid out clearly, as far as I can understand. Anyone out there with relevant links/personal experience on this one? Would really appreciate your feedback.
Thanks!
Shishya
AFAIK, your visa status will not affect day-trading. You just need to specify the gain/loss when you file taxes (like anyone).
That said, I believe you are aware of the requirement that you need to have a minimum of $25K in your account to do day-trading. And also the risks involved in it.
My 2c as some one who tried it, play only with money you can afford to loose (as you WILL most of the time) and get out if you have to, without emotional attachment.
Have fun and BE SAFE!!!
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