SGP
04-08 09:09 PM
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$GOOD EVENING GC$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Deadline = April 30th, 2011
Goal = 5000 votes on survey (see I-485 filing w/o current PD thread) and momentum to continue with this campaign.The survey is a platform to gather and push for launching action items. Based on response by 04/30/2011 - IV will decide whether to even proceed with initiative or not.
Actions - 1) Vote on survey.
2)Email ivcoordinator@gmail.com with PD, ph#,email & subject "I485 filing impacted�,
3)Print/Circulate Fliers and spread FB, wiki link (see "support thread")
This is a supporting thread to the "Want to File I-485 without Current Priority Date? Gather here" thread started by pappu.
As suggested by pappu/starsun, this supporting thread provides impacted members with additional information and tools to help the initiative.
Visit Immigration Voice Wiki (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/index.php/Employment_Based_Green_Card#Process_.28EB1.2C_EB2. 2C_and_EB3.29) - for overview of Employment Based - Green Card process
Visit I485 Filing w/o current PD Wiki (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/index.php/Current_Grass-Roots_Initiative_-_I-485_Filing_without_Current_Priority_Date) - for overview of this initiative
As pappu stated in the first post of the above referenced thread - some of the ongoing efforts include finding how many IV members would get benefit from such a provision and get basic details such as username/Priority Date of impacted members. Future action items might include drafting documents and letters to support this provision. There maybe actions such as sending emails etc. However we would not be able to open a public action item unless we can have thousands of our members willing to participate in a grassroots action item. This survey intends to understand the needs of our membership for this provision and collect grassroots information.
The fact is we have a dedicated group of volunteers (and we need more) who have been trying their best to spread the message about this initiative so that a strong grass-roots support can be created leading up to launch of the public action items. So far we have around 1100 people who have responded. Based on quick calculations carried out using PERM data, it is estimated that there are at least 60K-70K EB applicants waiting to file I-485/EAD/AP (this is a very conservative estimate..the actual number could be much more). Grass-roots initiatives require time and patience and we request maximum number of impacted folks to participate actively.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What can you do to participate?
1) Vote on the poll/survey created by Pappu.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/forum14-members-forum/1599353-want-to-file-485-when-pd-is-not-current-gather-here.html
Then please send an email to ivcoordinator@gmail.com (starsun) with subject - "I485 filing without current PD - Impacted Member". Include your a) IV username b) Email address c) Phone #, d) State of Residence e) Priority Date - so that grassroot efforts can be coordinated
2) Print out below Flier and circulate at all asian/indian malls/groceries/theaters. Forward the flier to your friends/co-workers and ask them to do the same.
I485 Filing Initiative Flier (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/images/a/a8/Flier_I485_latest2.pdf)
3) Volunteers have created a facebook community and an Immigration Voice WIKI page to spread the message about this initiative. Please circulate these links among your friends/co-workers who will be helped.
Please "Share" and "Link" and "send to friend" the facebook community via your Facebook account. Also include these two links when you post on the IV forum.
Facebook - IV I485 filing w/o current PD initiative community (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Immigration-Voice-Grass-roots-Campaigns/150562351660693?v=info)
(Just FYI that you might have to be logged in for the above link to direct to the facebook community. Alternately, search for "Immigration Voice Grass-roots Campaigns" to find the community after logging in. Search "Immigration Voice" to go to the IV's main facebook page)
Immigration Wiki -
I485 Filing Initiative - IV Wiki (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/index.php/Current_Grass-Roots_Initiative_-_I-485_Filing_without_Current_Priority_Date)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PM these members for additional info:
nmdial ; geevikram ; vbkris77 ; ashwin_27 ; snathan
Dedicated members can also join the leaders group: http://groups.google.com/group/485-filing-iv-initiative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadline = April 30th, 2011
Goal = 5000 votes on survey (see I-485 filing w/o current PD thread) and momentum to continue with this campaign.The survey is a platform to gather and push for launching action items. Based on response by 04/30/2011 - IV will decide whether to even proceed with initiative or not.
Actions - 1) Vote on survey.
2)Email ivcoordinator@gmail.com with PD, ph#,email & subject "I485 filing impacted�,
3)Print/Circulate Fliers and spread FB, wiki link (see "support thread")
This is a supporting thread to the "Want to File I-485 without Current Priority Date? Gather here" thread started by pappu.
As suggested by pappu/starsun, this supporting thread provides impacted members with additional information and tools to help the initiative.
Visit Immigration Voice Wiki (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/index.php/Employment_Based_Green_Card#Process_.28EB1.2C_EB2. 2C_and_EB3.29) - for overview of Employment Based - Green Card process
Visit I485 Filing w/o current PD Wiki (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/index.php/Current_Grass-Roots_Initiative_-_I-485_Filing_without_Current_Priority_Date) - for overview of this initiative
As pappu stated in the first post of the above referenced thread - some of the ongoing efforts include finding how many IV members would get benefit from such a provision and get basic details such as username/Priority Date of impacted members. Future action items might include drafting documents and letters to support this provision. There maybe actions such as sending emails etc. However we would not be able to open a public action item unless we can have thousands of our members willing to participate in a grassroots action item. This survey intends to understand the needs of our membership for this provision and collect grassroots information.
The fact is we have a dedicated group of volunteers (and we need more) who have been trying their best to spread the message about this initiative so that a strong grass-roots support can be created leading up to launch of the public action items. So far we have around 1100 people who have responded. Based on quick calculations carried out using PERM data, it is estimated that there are at least 60K-70K EB applicants waiting to file I-485/EAD/AP (this is a very conservative estimate..the actual number could be much more). Grass-roots initiatives require time and patience and we request maximum number of impacted folks to participate actively.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What can you do to participate?
1) Vote on the poll/survey created by Pappu.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/forum14-members-forum/1599353-want-to-file-485-when-pd-is-not-current-gather-here.html
Then please send an email to ivcoordinator@gmail.com (starsun) with subject - "I485 filing without current PD - Impacted Member". Include your a) IV username b) Email address c) Phone #, d) State of Residence e) Priority Date - so that grassroot efforts can be coordinated
2) Print out below Flier and circulate at all asian/indian malls/groceries/theaters. Forward the flier to your friends/co-workers and ask them to do the same.
I485 Filing Initiative Flier (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/images/a/a8/Flier_I485_latest2.pdf)
3) Volunteers have created a facebook community and an Immigration Voice WIKI page to spread the message about this initiative. Please circulate these links among your friends/co-workers who will be helped.
Please "Share" and "Link" and "send to friend" the facebook community via your Facebook account. Also include these two links when you post on the IV forum.
Facebook - IV I485 filing w/o current PD initiative community (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Immigration-Voice-Grass-roots-Campaigns/150562351660693?v=info)
(Just FYI that you might have to be logged in for the above link to direct to the facebook community. Alternately, search for "Immigration Voice Grass-roots Campaigns" to find the community after logging in. Search "Immigration Voice" to go to the IV's main facebook page)
Immigration Wiki -
I485 Filing Initiative - IV Wiki (http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/index.php/Current_Grass-Roots_Initiative_-_I-485_Filing_without_Current_Priority_Date)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PM these members for additional info:
nmdial ; geevikram ; vbkris77 ; ashwin_27 ; snathan
Dedicated members can also join the leaders group: http://groups.google.com/group/485-filing-iv-initiative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
wallpaper funny birthday quotes for mom.
NolaIndian32
09-01 11:47 AM
Congratulations !!!
Would you mind sharing the RD, ND. My PD is just a week later from your PD so was wondering what is stock for me :)
Also did you have any RFEs, 2nd FP etc.
Hi sdrblr,
Most of my info is updated in my tracker, but i am providing it below for ease of review....
Case approved at TSC
RD - 7/2/07
ND - 8/28/07
PD - 4/30/04
FP completed 9/28/07
Maintained H1b with same employer, same job throughout this time.
No EAD obtained
Got AP 1/23/09 but was too scared to use it (lol).
No RFEs
No dependents - i married a US Citizen, haven't adopted yet.
Best of luck to you.
Nola
Would you mind sharing the RD, ND. My PD is just a week later from your PD so was wondering what is stock for me :)
Also did you have any RFEs, 2nd FP etc.
Hi sdrblr,
Most of my info is updated in my tracker, but i am providing it below for ease of review....
Case approved at TSC
RD - 7/2/07
ND - 8/28/07
PD - 4/30/04
FP completed 9/28/07
Maintained H1b with same employer, same job throughout this time.
No EAD obtained
Got AP 1/23/09 but was too scared to use it (lol).
No RFEs
No dependents - i married a US Citizen, haven't adopted yet.
Best of luck to you.
Nola
senthilask
09-01 10:07 PM
Alright guys, I cannot tell you how excited I am to report that i got a call this morning from my attorney and my online case status also states that Card Production was ordered for my case!!!
After 8 long years.....i finally have been approved for permanent residency. After 7 years, i will finally, with peace of mind, go back to India to visit my family. Thanks to IV, everyone's help on these forums for helping me keep my sanity over the past 2 years....
After 15 years in the US, I will finally have my green card in hand soon.
-Nola.
That's really a long wait and Congratulations
After 8 long years.....i finally have been approved for permanent residency. After 7 years, i will finally, with peace of mind, go back to India to visit my family. Thanks to IV, everyone's help on these forums for helping me keep my sanity over the past 2 years....
After 15 years in the US, I will finally have my green card in hand soon.
-Nola.
That's really a long wait and Congratulations
2011 funny birthday quotes for mom
belmontboy
09-25 06:21 PM
you cannot take one guy's response and generalize.
Majority of EB2 members understand the problems faced by EB3. They are willing to work together. However it must be something better than the status quo.
The strategies and solution presented must benefit vast majority of people rather than one specific group.
I am totally against any effort that undermines one group and favor's other.
Visa recapture is the only permanent solution to our problems.
Majority of EB2 members understand the problems faced by EB3. They are willing to work together. However it must be something better than the status quo.
The strategies and solution presented must benefit vast majority of people rather than one specific group.
I am totally against any effort that undermines one group and favor's other.
Visa recapture is the only permanent solution to our problems.
more...
indigokiwi
03-03 09:34 PM
^^^^^^^^^
fcres
01-17 04:52 PM
Is it possible that some members are not getting the email? I did not get any and even checked my junk folder. I have set up to receive email from admins and other members. I came to know about this recurring contribution only when i came to this thread. Will do mine shortly.
more...
neelu
12-13 05:59 PM
I was able to introduce ONE member to IV.
Welcome 'Tangerine'.
I have sent emails to four others.
Please spread the word.
Everyone please contribute ONE member by December 31st.
Welcome 'Tangerine'.
I have sent emails to four others.
Please spread the word.
Everyone please contribute ONE member by December 31st.
2010 wallpaper Funny Happy Birthday
jasmin45
07-12 07:22 PM
URGENT ACTION ITEM : We need stories from people who suffered damages due to the July Visa bulletin fiasco. This request is coming straight from the office of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. Please respond - ESPECIALLY if you live in San Jose, CA (Congresswomans' district).
DO SEND YOUR STORIES ASAP to facilitate Hon. Rep who stood with us during this difficult time.:)
DO SEND YOUR STORIES ASAP to facilitate Hon. Rep who stood with us during this difficult time.:)
more...
gcinnyc
05-16 05:35 PM
snathan, your selflessness is inspiring! You followed through and went to the lawyer even though your labor got approved. Good things will come your way.
I have been stuck in audit since December. I am willing to participate/help out although I do belive not much will come out of it. Our cases will take the time they need since it's very hard to rush govt agencies. Especially since immigration is considered a "benefit" (albeit privilege).
I have been stuck in audit since December. I am willing to participate/help out although I do belive not much will come out of it. Our cases will take the time they need since it's very hard to rush govt agencies. Especially since immigration is considered a "benefit" (albeit privilege).
hair funny birthday quotes for mom.
Macaca
06-26 07:49 PM
DOS allocates GC numbers to USCIS adjustment cases only as the point of approval is reached. DOS can set/move/retrogress PD based on info provided by USCIS about number of cases at point of approval.
USCIS is not able to provide a good estimate of this number because
it can not calculate this number based on USCISs workload, and
it does not know the number of cases DOL will send to them. DOL again can not calculate the number of cases (it will send to USCIS) based on DOLs worload.
The following are from page 35 and beginning of page 36
The key to addressing this management issue at USCIS is to understand the dynamic interplay of priority dates and shifting workloads of three departments, and to know with greater precision and accuracy the size and details of USCIS� workloads.
The tri-agency meetings seek to expand inter-agency communication regarding expected new demands and surges, workflows, and priority dates. During the meetings, there is an examination of the case management systems and data collection processes used to assess workflows through each entity, particularly USCIS.
Although USCIS stated in its 2006 Annual Report Response (at p. 8) that it provides detailed data to DOS, the tri-agency group identified gaps in USCIS� data.
USCIS is not able to provide a good estimate of this number because
it can not calculate this number based on USCISs workload, and
it does not know the number of cases DOL will send to them. DOL again can not calculate the number of cases (it will send to USCIS) based on DOLs worload.
The following are from page 35 and beginning of page 36
The key to addressing this management issue at USCIS is to understand the dynamic interplay of priority dates and shifting workloads of three departments, and to know with greater precision and accuracy the size and details of USCIS� workloads.
The tri-agency meetings seek to expand inter-agency communication regarding expected new demands and surges, workflows, and priority dates. During the meetings, there is an examination of the case management systems and data collection processes used to assess workflows through each entity, particularly USCIS.
Although USCIS stated in its 2006 Annual Report Response (at p. 8) that it provides detailed data to DOS, the tri-agency group identified gaps in USCIS� data.
more...
chintainfogc
08-06 09:51 AM
Hello,
I opened an SR on 08/03/2010 and i see a Soft LUD on my case today but no status change.
Is this something normal or i am about to be greened?
Please share your experience.
Thanks
chintainfogc
Guys,
If your PD is current, I would suggest to go ahead and create a SR, give it shot.
I have opened a SR on 8/3/2010 and my case (including my wife) approved today i.e 8/6/2010.
Thank you so much all of you for your valuable inputs/comments.
I will donate to IV and send a receipt/confirmation# soon.
Thanks & Regards
Chintainfogc
I opened an SR on 08/03/2010 and i see a Soft LUD on my case today but no status change.
Is this something normal or i am about to be greened?
Please share your experience.
Thanks
chintainfogc
Guys,
If your PD is current, I would suggest to go ahead and create a SR, give it shot.
I have opened a SR on 8/3/2010 and my case (including my wife) approved today i.e 8/6/2010.
Thank you so much all of you for your valuable inputs/comments.
I will donate to IV and send a receipt/confirmation# soon.
Thanks & Regards
Chintainfogc
hot funny birthday quotes for mom.
das0
05-17 11:32 AM
Question: After Green card, how long do i MUST live in the same state where Labor was originally issued?
- i cant find information on this at this forum search tool
- i cant find information on this at this forum search tool
more...
house mom. funny birthday quotes
dpuranik
01-17 05:14 PM
Signed up for $20 monthly contribution....
tattoo funny birthday quotes for mom.
snathan
05-16 01:10 PM
I had discussion with Mr.Gotcher about this issue. He said, AILA is collecting information on this matter and they are pursuing with Altanta center. But he does not believe or expect any positive outcome. As said earlier he insist to send a formal complaint with OIG and offered his time/help. As its affecting large group of people he refused to accept any fee. I offered we are ready to cover any expense which he might incurr, but seems like it would be very less and he offered free service. Mr.Gotcher will draft a letter in a week time. What we need now - lot support and signature. We do not need to provide any case number. so I dont believe there would be any consequence. So guys please come forward. Spread this news as much as possible and get enough support. Help yourself and get out of this mess.
Thanks.
Thanks.
more...
pictures tattoo Happy Birthday Mom
santb1975
04-13 01:36 AM
I dont know if a pepper spray and a cell phone would help if a Cayote or a Mountain Lion stand in front of someone while walking/running alone..knock on wood...that is not unusaul in So.Cal. The best way to address security concerns is to walk in groups or walk in a slightly busier area.
I have been swimming and strength training for quite some time now and have started kettle bells and Taek Won Do this year. I do see a lot of women working out. All I am saying is that these forums have a lower proportion of females.......pure statistics.
And yes; there are a lot of females working out and the ones who do take up martial arts are more serious than the guys. However the most common excuse cited by the ones who hesitate to take up running/walking, is security. I am trying to get the ones who are not working out to get out; the ones who are; have a lot of tenacity.
.............BTW, be nice to me. By the time you come to DC to run the race, I might have my brown belt :)
I have been swimming and strength training for quite some time now and have started kettle bells and Taek Won Do this year. I do see a lot of women working out. All I am saying is that these forums have a lower proportion of females.......pure statistics.
And yes; there are a lot of females working out and the ones who do take up martial arts are more serious than the guys. However the most common excuse cited by the ones who hesitate to take up running/walking, is security. I am trying to get the ones who are not working out to get out; the ones who are; have a lot of tenacity.
.............BTW, be nice to me. By the time you come to DC to run the race, I might have my brown belt :)
dresses Birthday Surprise
jonty_11
06-29 05:59 PM
lets continue discussion on thread called - "Is teh door shut..."
more...
makeup mom. funny birthday quotes
Macaca
01-18 01:09 PM
We need about 000 members signing up for the monthly contributions in a month. I am sure we can do that. We have 8000 members and it should be easy. Till now we have only 100 signups
Simple arithmetic shows that 1000 * 20 = 500 * 40 = 400 * 50 = 200 * 100 = 100 * 200.
Pleeeeeeeeease think very carefully about the need of the moment.
Simple arithmetic shows that 1000 * 20 = 500 * 40 = 400 * 50 = 200 * 100 = 100 * 200.
Pleeeeeeeeease think very carefully about the need of the moment.
girlfriend funny birthday quotes for mom.
ars01
05-15 10:06 AM
Hi
Can I file for I-485 while I am waiting for I-140 approval. My PD is current under eb2 and my I-140 was filed on Jan-2007. I am going to upgrade to PP for I-140 but since lots of people will start going to file for PP, it is very much likely that NSC will issue RFE to reduce there workload. So my question is while I wait for I-140 approval, can I file I-485?
Yes, my attorney just confirmed that we do not need to get I-140 approved and directly file I-485. YES!!!
Can I file for I-485 while I am waiting for I-140 approval. My PD is current under eb2 and my I-140 was filed on Jan-2007. I am going to upgrade to PP for I-140 but since lots of people will start going to file for PP, it is very much likely that NSC will issue RFE to reduce there workload. So my question is while I wait for I-140 approval, can I file I-485?
Yes, my attorney just confirmed that we do not need to get I-140 approved and directly file I-485. YES!!!
hairstyles funny birthday quotes for mom
pappu
05-09 10:49 AM
I am seeing several people contacting Congressman and opening service requests. These guys seem to have become current just this month and they do not have any patience. It is crazy in my opinion. As pointed out earlier there is lot of herd mentality on the forums and if one person posts, everyone else does the same. Some people I have seen on the forum call customer service every day to get case status. I urge people to read and try to understand the process than blindly following what others are doing. Secondly as posted earlier, tracking is also useless and a waste of time. It will not help you get your green card any faster. Have some patience and follow the process. Starting a service request as soon as your date gets current, cannot help you.
rsayed
08-11 02:13 PM
CNAG, i hope the renewals also get processed faster.
Folks, any updates on anyone's case.
GO IV GO.
No "Good News" from the USCIS - It's been 33 days, and counting...
What's the average time it's taking these days? I've paper-filed through my Lawyer, though.
Also, what's surprising is that my AP got approved in 3 weeks flat - and I also got copies of the same. But, no EAD yet - both for myself and my wife.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Folks, any updates on anyone's case.
GO IV GO.
No "Good News" from the USCIS - It's been 33 days, and counting...
What's the average time it's taking these days? I've paper-filed through my Lawyer, though.
Also, what's surprising is that my AP got approved in 3 weeks flat - and I also got copies of the same. But, no EAD yet - both for myself and my wife.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
amitjoey
09-29 03:55 PM
We are spinning in circles here and it is like reinventing the wheel. This is THE grassroots org �THAT you want to set-up. already set up to achieve exactly that � YES, YES �We want Congress to introduce a bill to reduce backlogs. The core goal of IV is to have a bill that has our provisions. That is exactly what this organization was set up to achieve. You seem to be a newcomer to this struggle. Have you followed IV from 2005 Dec when a buch of members got together on some other forums and watched helplessly as good provisions (that were meant to allievate our troubles) were taken out at the last minute from a bill during debate.
Since then we have tried and tried and frankly have matured enough to understand that the politics of the immigration issue is complex and any standalone bill �just for us- has no chance.
Our provisions have to be clubbed with all the rest of the minor and major groups � that want reform. There is the nurses lobby, the doctors, the illegal lobby, the dream activists, and many other fringe groups, they all want their issues to be addressed. The anti-immigrants are a big opposition to any small relief that comes up in debate. NOW- We have learnt that we need to work with all these groups, form alliances and lobby hard to get a bill that has more support.
If you go meet with your lawmakers you will understand that our issue is a miniscule little piece of a bigger issue of Immigration. And different varying and sometimes opposing groups have to be accommodated. The politics of immigration is convulted with different factions of the society wanting different things � Our little issue is straightforward and we enjoy a lot more support for our provisions, unfortunately we were clearly told that we have to be clubbed with these other groups when it comes to seeking a bill for reform. We are being held hostage also by the Hispanic lobbyists, that feel that if smaller bills come up and are passed, there will be no apetite for their bigger issue of legalizing a big core of mostly Hispanic illegal immigrants.
FOR A RECAP- after this administration came into office �Jan 09- We had hopes and were promised that CIR (Comprehensive Immigration Reform) will be taken up, if that fails then smaller bills will be allowed to be taken up. If you have watched the developments carefully �There was never a time and a lot of groups including IV lobbied and lobbied hard to be heard and to get a bill but- the legislative calendar with so much other priorities had no space for any immigration bill this year. After the healthcare bill, Nobody has had any energy for a big controversial bill.
Long story-short is YES, we want a bill (either clubbed with others) or amendments inserted into a bill- But have not been able to get it done.
The reason for this failure is us- IV Members. We have not met our lawmakers in the numbers that are important to make an impact. We have to do it every month- building pressure to get a positive sympathetic response. Now some members (including yours truly) have gone and met our respective lawmakers more than 6-8 times in the last year, but that is again not enough, that is just 20-25 odd members compared to total IV Strength of 40,000members. It has to be an ongoing effort, just like the dream activisits have done, they meet with lawmakers regularly, highlight their frustrations and are open to media �giving interviews and keeping their issue alive in the limelight.
IV has come up with specific recommendations for what we would like to see in a bill/s for our community. IV actively analyses any bill that comes up or has a chance to come up for debate. If you want to get your hands on that document, contact Anu or Pappu and ask for the IV_Advocacy package.
We do have a paid lobbying firm that represent our interests and educates lawmakers. This is not enough, because during debates lawmakers behave as if they do not have highly skilled immigrants in their constituency and so do not have to pay attention. This is mainly IV members fault, since we have not been able to visit lawmakers offices in the numbers that we should. Our members need to show up at lawmakers offices and educate them. Tell them you live in their constituency and represent IV so that when the lobbying firm does their work, they are paying attention and our voices are not ignored or drowned.
Individual members need to be open, honest, and courageous enough to talk to their lawmakers and media about issues we face. Just crying and debating on IV's website does not help. Talk about introducing a bill for us to your lawmakers � not here on IV.
We do not get any attention, because we do not raise our issues and we are not vocal about the problems we face. Now granted, we are a small minority compared to the huge lobby and muscle power the undocumented have. But we need to educate the lawmakers about us. We face real issues and our lives have been held in limbo. We have done everything right, played by the rules, stood in the line, pay taxes, contribute to the society. To get this message across, we need to visit lawmakers offices,and educate them.
This advocacy and raising awareness is an ongoing effort, it cannot be a one day or one month thing. We will not get anywhere overnight, perceptions have to change, there is a whole lot of dynamics at play. The timing, legislative calender and politics in general. But we as a group need to stand up, talk about the issues we face and have our voices heard.
Since then we have tried and tried and frankly have matured enough to understand that the politics of the immigration issue is complex and any standalone bill �just for us- has no chance.
Our provisions have to be clubbed with all the rest of the minor and major groups � that want reform. There is the nurses lobby, the doctors, the illegal lobby, the dream activists, and many other fringe groups, they all want their issues to be addressed. The anti-immigrants are a big opposition to any small relief that comes up in debate. NOW- We have learnt that we need to work with all these groups, form alliances and lobby hard to get a bill that has more support.
If you go meet with your lawmakers you will understand that our issue is a miniscule little piece of a bigger issue of Immigration. And different varying and sometimes opposing groups have to be accommodated. The politics of immigration is convulted with different factions of the society wanting different things � Our little issue is straightforward and we enjoy a lot more support for our provisions, unfortunately we were clearly told that we have to be clubbed with these other groups when it comes to seeking a bill for reform. We are being held hostage also by the Hispanic lobbyists, that feel that if smaller bills come up and are passed, there will be no apetite for their bigger issue of legalizing a big core of mostly Hispanic illegal immigrants.
FOR A RECAP- after this administration came into office �Jan 09- We had hopes and were promised that CIR (Comprehensive Immigration Reform) will be taken up, if that fails then smaller bills will be allowed to be taken up. If you have watched the developments carefully �There was never a time and a lot of groups including IV lobbied and lobbied hard to be heard and to get a bill but- the legislative calendar with so much other priorities had no space for any immigration bill this year. After the healthcare bill, Nobody has had any energy for a big controversial bill.
Long story-short is YES, we want a bill (either clubbed with others) or amendments inserted into a bill- But have not been able to get it done.
The reason for this failure is us- IV Members. We have not met our lawmakers in the numbers that are important to make an impact. We have to do it every month- building pressure to get a positive sympathetic response. Now some members (including yours truly) have gone and met our respective lawmakers more than 6-8 times in the last year, but that is again not enough, that is just 20-25 odd members compared to total IV Strength of 40,000members. It has to be an ongoing effort, just like the dream activisits have done, they meet with lawmakers regularly, highlight their frustrations and are open to media �giving interviews and keeping their issue alive in the limelight.
IV has come up with specific recommendations for what we would like to see in a bill/s for our community. IV actively analyses any bill that comes up or has a chance to come up for debate. If you want to get your hands on that document, contact Anu or Pappu and ask for the IV_Advocacy package.
We do have a paid lobbying firm that represent our interests and educates lawmakers. This is not enough, because during debates lawmakers behave as if they do not have highly skilled immigrants in their constituency and so do not have to pay attention. This is mainly IV members fault, since we have not been able to visit lawmakers offices in the numbers that we should. Our members need to show up at lawmakers offices and educate them. Tell them you live in their constituency and represent IV so that when the lobbying firm does their work, they are paying attention and our voices are not ignored or drowned.
Individual members need to be open, honest, and courageous enough to talk to their lawmakers and media about issues we face. Just crying and debating on IV's website does not help. Talk about introducing a bill for us to your lawmakers � not here on IV.
We do not get any attention, because we do not raise our issues and we are not vocal about the problems we face. Now granted, we are a small minority compared to the huge lobby and muscle power the undocumented have. But we need to educate the lawmakers about us. We face real issues and our lives have been held in limbo. We have done everything right, played by the rules, stood in the line, pay taxes, contribute to the society. To get this message across, we need to visit lawmakers offices,and educate them.
This advocacy and raising awareness is an ongoing effort, it cannot be a one day or one month thing. We will not get anywhere overnight, perceptions have to change, there is a whole lot of dynamics at play. The timing, legislative calender and politics in general. But we as a group need to stand up, talk about the issues we face and have our voices heard.
No comments:
Post a Comment