Legal
11-07 02:09 PM
1.Audit the companies that are suspected to abuse the H1B program i.e. enforce the laws that are already in existence.
2.Impose heavy fines on these companies.
3.Use this money to cover the costs of auditing and enforcing the laws.
How will raising the H1B fees for everyone in a blanket fashion address the current "abuses"?
2.Impose heavy fines on these companies.
3.Use this money to cover the costs of auditing and enforcing the laws.
How will raising the H1B fees for everyone in a blanket fashion address the current "abuses"?
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jambapamba
07-10 10:11 PM
1. to keep a log
2. To report the number of cases worked upon
3. To keep track of the applicants as when its refiled, it should have yes for "Did you ever apply adjustment of status before". If its "No", its a lie and its rejected again.
why would they spend time in entering the data in the system if any way they going to reject it...
2. To report the number of cases worked upon
3. To keep track of the applicants as when its refiled, it should have yes for "Did you ever apply adjustment of status before". If its "No", its a lie and its rejected again.
why would they spend time in entering the data in the system if any way they going to reject it...
walking_dude
11-14 12:27 PM
"Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting." - Napoleon Hill
I would say ignore. If the hosts dont even use 'controversial' to describe him it's pointless trying to call in - its going to be an 'immigrant hate-fest' whether you call in or not and you are not going to win hearts or change minds. I remember 4 or 5 years ago he was raging against the H1 on air as usual and turned around to his staff and asked if CNN too was using the H1program - and the answer unsurprisingly was 'yes'. He has no sense of shame or a modicum of decency - none of his staff members either. And IV is ill-positioned and too narrowly focussed to take him on in any meaningful way given how a core member spoke against the z-visa (for illegals) to some n.carolina newspaper. But again I could be wrong so someone could give it a shot
I would say ignore. If the hosts dont even use 'controversial' to describe him it's pointless trying to call in - its going to be an 'immigrant hate-fest' whether you call in or not and you are not going to win hearts or change minds. I remember 4 or 5 years ago he was raging against the H1 on air as usual and turned around to his staff and asked if CNN too was using the H1program - and the answer unsurprisingly was 'yes'. He has no sense of shame or a modicum of decency - none of his staff members either. And IV is ill-positioned and too narrowly focussed to take him on in any meaningful way given how a core member spoke against the z-visa (for illegals) to some n.carolina newspaper. But again I could be wrong so someone could give it a shot
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senthil1
05-24 10:42 PM
I am not working in permanent job. I am also in consulting job. I am not supporting the restrictions. I am giving comments. Some comments were not liked by some IV members and they are suspecting that I am anti immigrant from alipac or numbersusa. But I strongly suspect Indian bodyshoppers and consulting companies used big portion of H1bs, and that might be reason for those restrictions. Till 3 months before everything was going well and all of IV provisions were there in the skil bill and strive. But suddenly Durbin bill was introduced and just a few weeks back they sent a notice to Top most Indian companies about H1b. Whatever reply Indian companies give may create more trouble.So something went terriably wrong in past 3 months. Not even one pro legal immigrant amendment in Senate. I am not seeing anyone working seriously except IV. Immigration lawyers are more bothered about point system and family based immigration system.
that you have this marvelous full time job with an american company and are so very holier than thou...
btw i have a job like the one i described above, but preaching does not come naturally to all of us i guess.
i'd like to know if you care a crap about anyone whose life is likely to be severely shaken up by the things you propound here. remember they are simply innocent bystanders, they neither made laws, nor bent them. just tool jobs offered and did their work...
that you have this marvelous full time job with an american company and are so very holier than thou...
btw i have a job like the one i described above, but preaching does not come naturally to all of us i guess.
i'd like to know if you care a crap about anyone whose life is likely to be severely shaken up by the things you propound here. remember they are simply innocent bystanders, they neither made laws, nor bent them. just tool jobs offered and did their work...
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catchupvijay
07-16 10:09 AM
Petition signed.
addsf345
08-20 12:58 PM
Here are the answers -
You have H1-B I-797, You may have H1-B Stamp, Your I-94 says H1-B, Therefore Your Status is H-1B, Your Work Authorization Document is H1-B.
You file 485, You file for AP and EAD, You get AP and EAD, You haven't used either yet.
You exit USA, You return to USA using AP.
Your I-94 now says "Parolee", Your status now in USA is "Parolee/Pending AOS"
Your Work Authorization for SAME (continuing) employer is H1-B
A.K.A. NO NEED to use EAD.
There is NO SUCH THING as H1-B Transfer
Every H1-B filing is a new one, USCIS checks if
1) You have valid remaining 6 year period at the time this new H1-B that they have received AND
2) You have been counted against the H1-B before in the last 6 years or not.
So now after I-94 says "Parolee/Pending AOS", You CAN
A) Extend your H1-B with the SAME EMPLOYER provided you have time left in your 6 year window
OR
B) File a new H1-B with a DIFFERENT EMPLOYER provided you have time left in your 6 year window AND you are counted in the cap
OR
C) Move to this DIFFERENT EMPLOYER WITHOUT filing H1-B by using your EAD.
in scenario A) your status CHANGES from "Parolee/WaitingAOS" to H1-B with SAME EMPLOYER once you receive your new I-797 that has I-94 at the bottom, you keep working on current H1-B that is being extended
in scenario B) your status CHANGES from "Parolee/WaitingAOS" to H1-B with DIFFERENT EMPLOYER once you receive your new I-797 that has I-94 at the bottom, you start working on new H1-B receipt notice until that gets approved and then on the new approved H1-B
in scenario C) your status STAYS "Parolee/WaitingAOS", you start working on your EAD which is NOT tied to any employer.
Many people FEAR that they should CLING ON TO H1-B "just in case" 485 is denied. Well that fear is not well placed since if your 485 is denied at any point in either scenario A) or B) even though you may remain "IN STATUS" you probably have run out of 6 year clock by then. Conversely, in scenario C) in case of 485 denial, even though you may temporarily become "OUT OF STATUS" you can immediately file H1-B with the working or a different employer to get back "IN STATUS" if your clock has not expired by then.
between scenarios B) and C), scenario C) is simpler and easier as long as the job is same/similar if you are using AC-21.
Hope This Helps.
very good information. Thanks add78.
Small query. If I am in my sixth year of H1B today, and if I file for H1 extension,
1. with same employer, I actually got 3 years extension. (being 140 approved)
2. with diff. employer, would I get 3 years or just six months, or not at all?
You have H1-B I-797, You may have H1-B Stamp, Your I-94 says H1-B, Therefore Your Status is H-1B, Your Work Authorization Document is H1-B.
You file 485, You file for AP and EAD, You get AP and EAD, You haven't used either yet.
You exit USA, You return to USA using AP.
Your I-94 now says "Parolee", Your status now in USA is "Parolee/Pending AOS"
Your Work Authorization for SAME (continuing) employer is H1-B
A.K.A. NO NEED to use EAD.
There is NO SUCH THING as H1-B Transfer
Every H1-B filing is a new one, USCIS checks if
1) You have valid remaining 6 year period at the time this new H1-B that they have received AND
2) You have been counted against the H1-B before in the last 6 years or not.
So now after I-94 says "Parolee/Pending AOS", You CAN
A) Extend your H1-B with the SAME EMPLOYER provided you have time left in your 6 year window
OR
B) File a new H1-B with a DIFFERENT EMPLOYER provided you have time left in your 6 year window AND you are counted in the cap
OR
C) Move to this DIFFERENT EMPLOYER WITHOUT filing H1-B by using your EAD.
in scenario A) your status CHANGES from "Parolee/WaitingAOS" to H1-B with SAME EMPLOYER once you receive your new I-797 that has I-94 at the bottom, you keep working on current H1-B that is being extended
in scenario B) your status CHANGES from "Parolee/WaitingAOS" to H1-B with DIFFERENT EMPLOYER once you receive your new I-797 that has I-94 at the bottom, you start working on new H1-B receipt notice until that gets approved and then on the new approved H1-B
in scenario C) your status STAYS "Parolee/WaitingAOS", you start working on your EAD which is NOT tied to any employer.
Many people FEAR that they should CLING ON TO H1-B "just in case" 485 is denied. Well that fear is not well placed since if your 485 is denied at any point in either scenario A) or B) even though you may remain "IN STATUS" you probably have run out of 6 year clock by then. Conversely, in scenario C) in case of 485 denial, even though you may temporarily become "OUT OF STATUS" you can immediately file H1-B with the working or a different employer to get back "IN STATUS" if your clock has not expired by then.
between scenarios B) and C), scenario C) is simpler and easier as long as the job is same/similar if you are using AC-21.
Hope This Helps.
very good information. Thanks add78.
Small query. If I am in my sixth year of H1B today, and if I file for H1 extension,
1. with same employer, I actually got 3 years extension. (being 140 approved)
2. with diff. employer, would I get 3 years or just six months, or not at all?
more...
ilikekilo
03-03 11:32 AM
After reading through all the posts at IV, I've decided to get the Atlas America Medical insurance for my parents. This is the only comprehensive insurance I could find and most others have limited coverage. The cost is around $900 for 3 months for a $500000 policy with $2500 deductible.
Could members who had this insurance post their experience?
Also, is there any other comprehensive plan available for visitors?
we used IMG international's/sirius international patriot america with a $250 decutible 90/10, for 50K...
one thing I noticed is this company takes a long time ( most other visitor insurance companies too I suspect) for settling cliams..we still have a claim not settled since for a one in december and most of these dont cover pre existing conditions and they are very very restrictive.. however there are some insuranc companies who provide a rider for pre existing conditions for an extra dough..
just make sure to call them for any major visit (hopefdully not needed but in any case) , the one above we got was a comprehensive NOT a limited one..still I think these insurance carriers in my opinion do their best to delay the claim and do whatever they can to sneak up on you with a surprise
I would love to hear from members who had a great CLAIMS experience (not price) with any visitor ins carrier..
Could members who had this insurance post their experience?
Also, is there any other comprehensive plan available for visitors?
we used IMG international's/sirius international patriot america with a $250 decutible 90/10, for 50K...
one thing I noticed is this company takes a long time ( most other visitor insurance companies too I suspect) for settling cliams..we still have a claim not settled since for a one in december and most of these dont cover pre existing conditions and they are very very restrictive.. however there are some insuranc companies who provide a rider for pre existing conditions for an extra dough..
just make sure to call them for any major visit (hopefdully not needed but in any case) , the one above we got was a comprehensive NOT a limited one..still I think these insurance carriers in my opinion do their best to delay the claim and do whatever they can to sneak up on you with a surprise
I would love to hear from members who had a great CLAIMS experience (not price) with any visitor ins carrier..
2010 sending you warm wishes from
h1b_professional
07-12 03:59 PM
Donot expect the cases to be current anytime soon. Also, they are expecting to catch up with the backlog by Aug 1, 2007, Let us hope they do.
more...
eb3India
03-08 06:45 PM
So I am assuming we have a way to track who they are. Why don't we tag them - on the colored button on the top right, saying something like "xxx doesnot want to contribute but has posted 239 messages" and let people decide whether to read or ignore his message.
I like the idea but we should tag members who are contributing
I like the idea but we should tag members who are contributing
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foobar2001
01-03 12:38 AM
hi,
my parents will be travelling to the US in a couple of months, and I was looking for health insurance for them. Based on various forums, looks like US companies are preferable to insurance bought from india (and as per forums, ICICI lombard seems to have the most negative reviews among the indian firms).
Anyways - has anyone used insu buy .com to buy medical insurance for their parents, and had to make a claim? They seem to be an insurance broker -- so the insurance company will be a third party, but they (insu_buy) seems to claim that they will also help out with claims in case of any issues.
Anyone have any experience buying + claiming insurance via ? (and if so, what was the insurance company that sold the claim via ?)
I searched immigration voice forums for "insu buy" but though there are many threads about medical insurance for parents, there doesnt seem to be any mention of -- so any experiences shared will be helpful.
Thanks in advance!
PS: Looks like the IV forum is automatically filtering out [insu buy] and [buy american insurance] if i remove spaces from the words -- probably an anti spam measure. Hence i've put spaces between the "insu" and "buy" & between "buy" and "american insurance" -- without it, when i preview my message before posting, the words seem to get auto filtered out of the message!! (anyone seen anything like this before?!!)
my parents will be travelling to the US in a couple of months, and I was looking for health insurance for them. Based on various forums, looks like US companies are preferable to insurance bought from india (and as per forums, ICICI lombard seems to have the most negative reviews among the indian firms).
Anyways - has anyone used insu buy .com to buy medical insurance for their parents, and had to make a claim? They seem to be an insurance broker -- so the insurance company will be a third party, but they (insu_buy) seems to claim that they will also help out with claims in case of any issues.
Anyone have any experience buying + claiming insurance via ? (and if so, what was the insurance company that sold the claim via ?)
I searched immigration voice forums for "insu buy" but though there are many threads about medical insurance for parents, there doesnt seem to be any mention of -- so any experiences shared will be helpful.
Thanks in advance!
PS: Looks like the IV forum is automatically filtering out [insu buy] and [buy american insurance] if i remove spaces from the words -- probably an anti spam measure. Hence i've put spaces between the "insu" and "buy" & between "buy" and "american insurance" -- without it, when i preview my message before posting, the words seem to get auto filtered out of the message!! (anyone seen anything like this before?!!)
more...
uumapathi
05-26 03:05 PM
This bill is only for FB. IV has to give some direction on this bill so that we can push to include EB too in the bill.
(b) Worldwide Level of Employment-Based Immigrants- Section 201(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(d)) is amended to read as follows:
`(d) Worldwide Level of Employment-Based Immigrants-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The worldwide level of employment-based immigrants under this subsection for a fiscal year is equal to the sum of--
`(A) 140,000;
`(B) the number computed under paragraph (2); and
`(C) the number computed under paragraph (3).
`(2) UNUSED VISA NUMBERS FROM PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR- The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the difference, if any, between--
`(A) the worldwide level of employment-based immigrant visas established for the previous fiscal year; and
`(B) the number of visas issued under section 203(b), subject to this subsection, during the previous fiscal year.
`(3) UNUSED VISA NUMBERS FROM FISCAL YEARS 1992 THROUGH 2007- The number computed under this paragraph is the difference, if any, between--
`(A) the difference, if any, between--
`(i) the sum of the worldwide levels of employment-based immigrant visas established for each of fiscal years 1992 through 2007; and
`(ii) the number of visas issued under section 203(b), subject to this subsection, during such fiscal years; and
`(B) the number of unused visas from fiscal years 1992 through 2007 that were issued after fiscal year 2007 under section 203(b), subject to this subsection.'.
(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date which is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Looks like EB visas are recaptured and fed into EB pool.
(b) Worldwide Level of Employment-Based Immigrants- Section 201(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(d)) is amended to read as follows:
`(d) Worldwide Level of Employment-Based Immigrants-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The worldwide level of employment-based immigrants under this subsection for a fiscal year is equal to the sum of--
`(A) 140,000;
`(B) the number computed under paragraph (2); and
`(C) the number computed under paragraph (3).
`(2) UNUSED VISA NUMBERS FROM PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR- The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the difference, if any, between--
`(A) the worldwide level of employment-based immigrant visas established for the previous fiscal year; and
`(B) the number of visas issued under section 203(b), subject to this subsection, during the previous fiscal year.
`(3) UNUSED VISA NUMBERS FROM FISCAL YEARS 1992 THROUGH 2007- The number computed under this paragraph is the difference, if any, between--
`(A) the difference, if any, between--
`(i) the sum of the worldwide levels of employment-based immigrant visas established for each of fiscal years 1992 through 2007; and
`(ii) the number of visas issued under section 203(b), subject to this subsection, during such fiscal years; and
`(B) the number of unused visas from fiscal years 1992 through 2007 that were issued after fiscal year 2007 under section 203(b), subject to this subsection.'.
(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date which is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Looks like EB visas are recaptured and fed into EB pool.
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marlon2006
08-02 10:57 AM
I am 50% done with an MBA from a top 18 school. Unless you are planning to start a career in financing or economics, *I seriously* doubt that rankings would make a lot of difference. For people in IT wanting to move to a CTO/CIO position, I cannot see how rankings would make a significant difference. Instead of spending the money and resources to go to a top school, I'd prefer to invest in certifications such as CISSP, management certifications, etc and then take a degree in a less known school would be totally OK. I agree that by going to a reputable school, you may meet people there that can help you get positions in the future. So far I've got an invitation to work for classmate's team, thanks to the connection I've made at the MBA.
For those of with you without true passion for management and soft skills, you might want to consider a MSIS or MSIM instead. Those degrees usually are less expensive and less time consuming to achieve. I started the MBA planning that I would be a great CIO. After taking many courses at my MBA, I decided that the last thing I want is to be a CIO; CIO's are about people, executive management and I learned that's not where my passion is.
Can anyone provide some useful insight based on personal experienceas to how valuable is Part Time MBA for oppurtunities in India?
I am IT professional with lot of experience and currently pursuing Part time MBA from a business school which is ranked in top 25 and not in top 10.
The way I see it that it will take me around 4 years to complete it and I have to invest atleast $30,000 even if I get employer to pay a part of it.
In the end if it fetches me a top notch management position it will be well worth it. However I see limited chances of getting into management positions in US just based on MBA degree however I am not sure about India.
Any thoughts?
For those of with you without true passion for management and soft skills, you might want to consider a MSIS or MSIM instead. Those degrees usually are less expensive and less time consuming to achieve. I started the MBA planning that I would be a great CIO. After taking many courses at my MBA, I decided that the last thing I want is to be a CIO; CIO's are about people, executive management and I learned that's not where my passion is.
Can anyone provide some useful insight based on personal experienceas to how valuable is Part Time MBA for oppurtunities in India?
I am IT professional with lot of experience and currently pursuing Part time MBA from a business school which is ranked in top 25 and not in top 10.
The way I see it that it will take me around 4 years to complete it and I have to invest atleast $30,000 even if I get employer to pay a part of it.
In the end if it fetches me a top notch management position it will be well worth it. However I see limited chances of getting into management positions in US just based on MBA degree however I am not sure about India.
Any thoughts?
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raj1998
04-17 05:16 PM
The fact that he's asking whether he qualifies for one, on an online forum,shows his level of skill and education. Enough said :)
though hesitant, but, i agree to that
though hesitant, but, i agree to that
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pmb76
07-15 01:36 PM
:( Can the figure $40000 be changed to something appropriate, like " at least the prevailing wage specified by DOL for the job occupation"?
Signed, in fact do we have any lawyers member here, let's sue them as well for spreading the false statements and hurting sentiments of millions.:(
I figured out a way to add an addendum to the petition since I couldn't modify the original. Please review and tell me if it looks ok.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
Signed, in fact do we have any lawyers member here, let's sue them as well for spreading the false statements and hurting sentiments of millions.:(
I figured out a way to add an addendum to the petition since I couldn't modify the original. Please review and tell me if it looks ok.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
more...
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Oli-G
06-13 12:42 AM
Nice work here.... might try and whip one up the next few days
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NKR
03-13 02:13 PM
Yes! on IV you are supposed to say only good things about IV (though IV is "grass-root" non-profit) but no free speech here :confused:
You are only supposed to smell and sense good things about IV and hence write only good ... but god-forbid if you write truth then IV-watchers will try to ruin your "image" by giving RED dots (IV-mileage points) and make you feel bad-guy :rolleyes:
Dude, it's not red dots, it's red squares.
You are only supposed to smell and sense good things about IV and hence write only good ... but god-forbid if you write truth then IV-watchers will try to ruin your "image" by giving RED dots (IV-mileage points) and make you feel bad-guy :rolleyes:
Dude, it's not red dots, it's red squares.
more...
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willigetagc
08-26 03:50 PM
Yes, we are not a third world country. Thats why we still see people like Harshad Mehta and Abdul karim Telgi. Both stock market and stamp paper, backbone of indian economy could be easily exploited by two individuals.
We are still manipulating the stock market. From 3000 to 21,000. Every sadhus, saint, soothsayers, magician, poojari's, astrologers predicting sensex to touch 35,000 by this year end. Even one guy predicted, 50,000 points in 2010.
I am just telling the fact. Look at TOI and other online newpapers economic section. Read the past year news.
Side note: stable oil(price) is the backbone of world economy. We know who manipulates this oil market and who gains out of it? Is it not a few corporations? But tell me honestly how many countries are affected by this inflated oil price.
One wallstreet analyst said. If you have Iran and Isreal in one statement, that is more than enough to shoot up the oil price. Why do we see calm and storm in the market every now and then?
wow!! harshad mehta? You think the first world is all utopian and there are no scandals, no exploitation?
While you are at it, could you please elaborate on your "oil price" theory. That sure sounds juicy.... :D
We are still manipulating the stock market. From 3000 to 21,000. Every sadhus, saint, soothsayers, magician, poojari's, astrologers predicting sensex to touch 35,000 by this year end. Even one guy predicted, 50,000 points in 2010.
I am just telling the fact. Look at TOI and other online newpapers economic section. Read the past year news.
Side note: stable oil(price) is the backbone of world economy. We know who manipulates this oil market and who gains out of it? Is it not a few corporations? But tell me honestly how many countries are affected by this inflated oil price.
One wallstreet analyst said. If you have Iran and Isreal in one statement, that is more than enough to shoot up the oil price. Why do we see calm and storm in the market every now and then?
wow!! harshad mehta? You think the first world is all utopian and there are no scandals, no exploitation?
While you are at it, could you please elaborate on your "oil price" theory. That sure sounds juicy.... :D
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Archana
04-26 10:02 PM
Our contributions on the way. Keep Spirits High and all of ours hard work will succeed...
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hrushi_j
09-17 10:40 AM
I don't see the schedule for HR 5882 on their website.
Can someone please confirm if this is going to be held today?
did you check it on this page?
http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html
It says "Continued Committee Markup of: H.R. 6598, H.R. 6020, H.R. 5882, H.R. 5924, H.R. 5950, and"
The web cast link is also there...looks like people are still settling down
Can someone please confirm if this is going to be held today?
did you check it on this page?
http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html
It says "Continued Committee Markup of: H.R. 6598, H.R. 6020, H.R. 5882, H.R. 5924, H.R. 5950, and"
The web cast link is also there...looks like people are still settling down
wikipedia_fan
06-01 10:21 PM
Congratulations. I wish you never had to go through all these.
I wished the same - but as long as our petitions are sill pendng anything can happen :)
I wished the same - but as long as our petitions are sill pendng anything can happen :)
sobers
02-24 09:52 AM
Another rallly by illegals...this one by Latin Americans in Miami.
-----------------------
The Miami Herald, Posted on Fri, Feb. 24, 2006 - IMMIGRATION
McCAIN TOUTS IMMIGRATION REFORM PLAN IN MIAMI: In a Miami rally, Sen. John McCain pushes for reform that would legalize up to 11 million migrants
BY ALFONSO CHARDY - achardy@MiamiHerald.com
Pushing for immigration reform that would legalize as many as 11 million undocumented immigrants, Sen. John McCain was preaching to the converted Thursday night at a packed town hall meeting that at times seemed part stump speech for the Arizona Republican who's eyeing a run for the White House.
''Our legislation will be taken up in the United States Senate within the next weeks and you've got to go to work,'' McCain told the more than 1,000 cheering and chanting supporters at a cavernous auditorium at Miami Dade College's Wolfson campus downtown, urging all to garner grass-roots support for the bill he and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, have co-sponsored. ``You've got to work not only here in Miami-Dade and around Florida but around the country.''
The town hall meeting, which had the feel of a campaign rally, brought together disparate groups -- Cuban and Haitian immigrants, business and labor union leaders, Mexican farm workers and South American illegal immigrants -- all united behind the common agenda of helping the McCain-Kennedy bill prevail in the coming congressional debate.
McCain's Miami visit, which included get-togethers with Cuban-American business leaders and young immigrant students, came on the same day that the Bush administration extended for a year a controversial temporary worker program for 304,000 Central American illegal immigrants living in the United States.
MOST GENEROUS BILL
The McCain-Kennedy bill would grant temporary work permits to illegal immigrants and then after waiting six years and paying a $2,000 fine, it would enable them to apply for green cards.
It is the most generous of the bills now before Congress. A bill passed by the House in December seeks to criminalize illegal immigrants, impose stiff penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and target for prosecution anyone, even religious or advocacy groups, if they help undocumented migrants.
SALVADORAN AID
Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca, meanwhile, teamed up with South Florida's three Cuban-American U.S. representatives in Miami Thursday to thank President Bush for ordering the continuation of TPS.
Emilio Gonzalez, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, told The Miami Herald that TPS extension reflected an administration policy to "help our neighbors and do the right thing in their time of need."
The Miami Herald reported last month that Homeland Security officials were debating ending TPS for Central Americans. That spread alarm in the immigrant community, triggering intense lobbying of the White House by Miami's Cuban- American representatives and Central American community leaders.
Gonzalez said the program was extended for a year instead of the regular 18 months because that was the ''consensus'' decision.
Saca said that when he meets with Bush in Washington today he will also urge the president to push for broader immigration reform.
Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and his brother Mario Diaz-Balart gave Saca credit for helping to keep the program alive by lobbying hard on the issue.
''He is the hero of the moment,'' said Lincoln Diaz-Balart.
Critics of the TPS program believe it has become an entitlement for certain illegal migrants -- while proponents argue it represents income and stability for poor Central American countries.
The extension covers about 225,000 Salvadorans, 75,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans. Extensions will expire Sept. 9, 2007, for Salvadorans and July 5, 2007, for Hondurans and Nicaraguans.
Among the TPS immigrants attending the Saca press conference was Yesi Gonz�lez, 23, of Honduras, who grew up in Miami since she was 7 years old. She now works at Padr�n Cigars.
''I'm very happy because I was very worried that I would have to leave my job, and maybe the country,'' she commented.
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The Miami Herald, Posted on Fri, Feb. 24, 2006 - IMMIGRATION
McCAIN TOUTS IMMIGRATION REFORM PLAN IN MIAMI: In a Miami rally, Sen. John McCain pushes for reform that would legalize up to 11 million migrants
BY ALFONSO CHARDY - achardy@MiamiHerald.com
Pushing for immigration reform that would legalize as many as 11 million undocumented immigrants, Sen. John McCain was preaching to the converted Thursday night at a packed town hall meeting that at times seemed part stump speech for the Arizona Republican who's eyeing a run for the White House.
''Our legislation will be taken up in the United States Senate within the next weeks and you've got to go to work,'' McCain told the more than 1,000 cheering and chanting supporters at a cavernous auditorium at Miami Dade College's Wolfson campus downtown, urging all to garner grass-roots support for the bill he and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, have co-sponsored. ``You've got to work not only here in Miami-Dade and around Florida but around the country.''
The town hall meeting, which had the feel of a campaign rally, brought together disparate groups -- Cuban and Haitian immigrants, business and labor union leaders, Mexican farm workers and South American illegal immigrants -- all united behind the common agenda of helping the McCain-Kennedy bill prevail in the coming congressional debate.
McCain's Miami visit, which included get-togethers with Cuban-American business leaders and young immigrant students, came on the same day that the Bush administration extended for a year a controversial temporary worker program for 304,000 Central American illegal immigrants living in the United States.
MOST GENEROUS BILL
The McCain-Kennedy bill would grant temporary work permits to illegal immigrants and then after waiting six years and paying a $2,000 fine, it would enable them to apply for green cards.
It is the most generous of the bills now before Congress. A bill passed by the House in December seeks to criminalize illegal immigrants, impose stiff penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and target for prosecution anyone, even religious or advocacy groups, if they help undocumented migrants.
SALVADORAN AID
Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca, meanwhile, teamed up with South Florida's three Cuban-American U.S. representatives in Miami Thursday to thank President Bush for ordering the continuation of TPS.
Emilio Gonzalez, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, told The Miami Herald that TPS extension reflected an administration policy to "help our neighbors and do the right thing in their time of need."
The Miami Herald reported last month that Homeland Security officials were debating ending TPS for Central Americans. That spread alarm in the immigrant community, triggering intense lobbying of the White House by Miami's Cuban- American representatives and Central American community leaders.
Gonzalez said the program was extended for a year instead of the regular 18 months because that was the ''consensus'' decision.
Saca said that when he meets with Bush in Washington today he will also urge the president to push for broader immigration reform.
Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and his brother Mario Diaz-Balart gave Saca credit for helping to keep the program alive by lobbying hard on the issue.
''He is the hero of the moment,'' said Lincoln Diaz-Balart.
Critics of the TPS program believe it has become an entitlement for certain illegal migrants -- while proponents argue it represents income and stability for poor Central American countries.
The extension covers about 225,000 Salvadorans, 75,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans. Extensions will expire Sept. 9, 2007, for Salvadorans and July 5, 2007, for Hondurans and Nicaraguans.
Among the TPS immigrants attending the Saca press conference was Yesi Gonz�lez, 23, of Honduras, who grew up in Miami since she was 7 years old. She now works at Padr�n Cigars.
''I'm very happy because I was very worried that I would have to leave my job, and maybe the country,'' she commented.
