chanukya
02-05 05:22 PM
IV has to priorotize before going to a lobbyist, with very very few contributions made, its very difficult to have everything bundled into a single request.
Its also unfair that L1 has to work for specific company but L1 spouces can work for any company any job, its so funny, when you think H1 has to work for specfic company and only for specfic job, but spouces can work for any compnay any job any salary without any labor department intervention
Immmigration awareness has increased a lot among US voters, when it comes to threat of their jobs being lost, and democratic senators are very much aware of it, hence CIR is no longer their priority.
I am not fighting but YES, my reason to join IV was to find justice to the H-4 not being able to work when L-1 spouses and Agjob spouses (I read this a year ago) could. Although no promises were made from IV, I was surpired today since nothing was ever said regarding no interest in the H-4 cause when many discussion were in place. Here people contribute for their own benefits, I was here for the H-4s, that is why I transcribed part of the conference calls too, so I was somehow a contributer to a cause that doesn't represnt my interests, but I know it represents the interests of the unmarried folks, or married to IT spouses folks.
Its also unfair that L1 has to work for specific company but L1 spouces can work for any company any job, its so funny, when you think H1 has to work for specfic company and only for specfic job, but spouces can work for any compnay any job any salary without any labor department intervention
Immmigration awareness has increased a lot among US voters, when it comes to threat of their jobs being lost, and democratic senators are very much aware of it, hence CIR is no longer their priority.
I am not fighting but YES, my reason to join IV was to find justice to the H-4 not being able to work when L-1 spouses and Agjob spouses (I read this a year ago) could. Although no promises were made from IV, I was surpired today since nothing was ever said regarding no interest in the H-4 cause when many discussion were in place. Here people contribute for their own benefits, I was here for the H-4s, that is why I transcribed part of the conference calls too, so I was somehow a contributer to a cause that doesn't represnt my interests, but I know it represents the interests of the unmarried folks, or married to IT spouses folks.
wallpaper map of usa states with cities
vsrinir
09-17 01:00 PM
I Think They Have Gone For Lunch
STAY TUNED
STAY TUNED
bkarnik
09-17 02:13 PM
here how it will be considered:
first human--> followed by illegal immigrants-->next horses-->last and least aliens
you mean LEGAL aliens...:)
first human--> followed by illegal immigrants-->next horses-->last and least aliens
you mean LEGAL aliens...:)
2011 map of united states blank.
storm
08-24 07:06 PM
I'm not sure if there is another memo that superceded this one. I'm no legal savvy but can USCIS override a Writ of Mandamus just like that? Any legal experts around?
more...
priderock
05-24 02:01 PM
Very good times for outsourcing even more !!! The Indian Tech companies must be VERY happy.
Faulty Immigration Policy (FIP) : I am mighty FIP, I am going to decrease the H1 quota.
Industry : Okay , well, what can I do :( , Well !! If worker can't come to work.... How about send the work to the worker ?? :) ...Outsource !!!
Indian IT companies (IIC): We are glad to do the work. We have enough resources to ramp up and ramp down. we can send people on L1
Things are going well for a while ....
FIP : How dare they use L1s, I will make it very difficult to them. From now on L1 is tightened...Hehehehehe:D
IIC: Okay I need people to go to US for knowledge transfer, understand the requirements and implement S/W , let me apply H1s enmasse.... else I may not get a chance..
FIP : Errr , They are using all my H1s , let me tighten H1s even more, How about I charge $10000 for each person coming in. This must teach them (IICs and those out sourcing) a lesson.
Industry : I cant find any body here, and it is expensive even to continue my employees who are on H1. I need to off shore more work. Hey IIC , I need some one here for understanding my requirements.
IIC: Sorry sir, I cant send any one to US because it costs me $10K to begin with , and even if you are willing to pay that , there are no visas to any one. Gates of US are closed.
Industry: Okay I will send Bill, Dave , Frank and Amy who are our business analysts and managers to India for a month, they will walk you through the requirements and come back again for testing.
IIC: Okay , Indian Govt will be glad to give them visas.
India : Good, Instead of my sons going to US and spend all their money there on cars, houses etc, they will earn here and spend here. Other industries are happy too :)
Many years later .....
Bill : Amy, we should get there quickly , there are big lines at Indian consulate. Hope we can get in today.
....................
............
Hey, priderock ...getup ...its time to go to office.
Priderock : Was I dreaming ? Good dream though :)
Faulty Immigration Policy (FIP) : I am mighty FIP, I am going to decrease the H1 quota.
Industry : Okay , well, what can I do :( , Well !! If worker can't come to work.... How about send the work to the worker ?? :) ...Outsource !!!
Indian IT companies (IIC): We are glad to do the work. We have enough resources to ramp up and ramp down. we can send people on L1
Things are going well for a while ....
FIP : How dare they use L1s, I will make it very difficult to them. From now on L1 is tightened...Hehehehehe:D
IIC: Okay I need people to go to US for knowledge transfer, understand the requirements and implement S/W , let me apply H1s enmasse.... else I may not get a chance..
FIP : Errr , They are using all my H1s , let me tighten H1s even more, How about I charge $10000 for each person coming in. This must teach them (IICs and those out sourcing) a lesson.
Industry : I cant find any body here, and it is expensive even to continue my employees who are on H1. I need to off shore more work. Hey IIC , I need some one here for understanding my requirements.
IIC: Sorry sir, I cant send any one to US because it costs me $10K to begin with , and even if you are willing to pay that , there are no visas to any one. Gates of US are closed.
Industry: Okay I will send Bill, Dave , Frank and Amy who are our business analysts and managers to India for a month, they will walk you through the requirements and come back again for testing.
IIC: Okay , Indian Govt will be glad to give them visas.
India : Good, Instead of my sons going to US and spend all their money there on cars, houses etc, they will earn here and spend here. Other industries are happy too :)
Many years later .....
Bill : Amy, we should get there quickly , there are big lines at Indian consulate. Hope we can get in today.
....................
............
Hey, priderock ...getup ...its time to go to office.
Priderock : Was I dreaming ? Good dream though :)
vsrinir
09-17 12:01 PM
Here is the link
http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html
click on todays date.
It will pop up
http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html
click on todays date.
It will pop up
more...
optimist578
01-30 09:04 AM
I see DOL making so many improvements, PERM process in full gear, BECs finishing up most of their backlogs, and then, no labor substitution rule. Hope USCIS takes some inspiration from them.
2010 map of united states blank.
Green.Tech
06-10 05:32 PM
Do not stop!
more...
vsrinir
09-17 10:53 AM
Most of the Member seats are empty
hair time zone map with times.
vine93
09-17 11:59 AM
Which Link you guys following
CSPAN Mr. Hoyer speaking
CSPAN2 Idle
CSPAN3 Mrs. Bair speaking
CSPAN Mr. Hoyer speaking
CSPAN2 Idle
CSPAN3 Mrs. Bair speaking
more...
qasleuth
05-14 12:08 PM
Finally, Thank you for your smart and intelligent attempt to dilute the members' focus. First you start off by saying that we have no allegiance to our home land and finally you deduce that country caps are OK.
Inference: You are some psycho who is concerned that the glass ceiling of country caps in employment based system will be shattered sooner or later.
I strongly disagree. He is no psycho, just a juvenile displaying 4th grade logic to exhort the masses. Comes back and 'moderates' his thread by 'channeling', thanking and asking for more brilliant ideas.
nitinboston, do not brush this off as some kind of personal attack and you have bigger fish to fry...I urge you to read and reflect.
This might come as a surprise to some of you, but someone needs to say it out loud. GET A LIFE FOLKS!!!! there is more to life then EB, GC and all. it seem all we desi's can think of is how to get a green card so we can live here with peace and never have to worry bout getting laid off or anything.
Comes as a surprise to your fellow elementary schoolers ? Who are you to generalize ? That is what your immediate buddies or people YOU associate may be thinking.
Few points:
1) having gc is a privilege not a right.
2) US has every right to choose whom they want to have in their country.
Thanks for the breaking news !
4) Considering the number of fraud's committed by Indian body shoppers and people who use them, i am not surprised USCIS is extra careful when it comes to Indian applications. Anyone who got his wife with no exp with software dev an h1b visa from some cheat in Jersey knows what i am talking bout . My freind got his wife an H1 after showing she knew software testing even though her major was fine arts and all she was good at was web surfing
Does your friend or his wife know what kind of a backstabbing 'best and brightest' you are ? Just because your so called friend's wife got a job cheating (if I take your word for it), it does not give you the right to brush the whole category with the same color. Who are you trying to impress by pissing on everybody ?
5) have a back up. i came here in 2001 as student and have seen it all. I am on h1b since 2004. i knew we have too many people whose sole aim in life is a American GC. to avoid becoming one of those who check processing dates first thing in morning, i applied for Canadian PR, got it in 8 months and i am not even gonna bother applying for labor, i-140 and all those precious life controlling documents.
Wake up friends, you have options. Don't let your life depend on you application status.
Again, thanks for the breaking news and brilliant suggestions. First off, stop generalizing and look beyond your pathetic 'immediate circle'. AND here is some breaking news for you: You have not seen it all, as I can clearly see by the quality of your arguments. Don't come onto a forum, hide behind the curtain of anonymity and shoot your mouth off giving 'plain' 'straight from your heart' BS.
Inference: You are some psycho who is concerned that the glass ceiling of country caps in employment based system will be shattered sooner or later.
I strongly disagree. He is no psycho, just a juvenile displaying 4th grade logic to exhort the masses. Comes back and 'moderates' his thread by 'channeling', thanking and asking for more brilliant ideas.
nitinboston, do not brush this off as some kind of personal attack and you have bigger fish to fry...I urge you to read and reflect.
This might come as a surprise to some of you, but someone needs to say it out loud. GET A LIFE FOLKS!!!! there is more to life then EB, GC and all. it seem all we desi's can think of is how to get a green card so we can live here with peace and never have to worry bout getting laid off or anything.
Comes as a surprise to your fellow elementary schoolers ? Who are you to generalize ? That is what your immediate buddies or people YOU associate may be thinking.
Few points:
1) having gc is a privilege not a right.
2) US has every right to choose whom they want to have in their country.
Thanks for the breaking news !
4) Considering the number of fraud's committed by Indian body shoppers and people who use them, i am not surprised USCIS is extra careful when it comes to Indian applications. Anyone who got his wife with no exp with software dev an h1b visa from some cheat in Jersey knows what i am talking bout . My freind got his wife an H1 after showing she knew software testing even though her major was fine arts and all she was good at was web surfing
Does your friend or his wife know what kind of a backstabbing 'best and brightest' you are ? Just because your so called friend's wife got a job cheating (if I take your word for it), it does not give you the right to brush the whole category with the same color. Who are you trying to impress by pissing on everybody ?
5) have a back up. i came here in 2001 as student and have seen it all. I am on h1b since 2004. i knew we have too many people whose sole aim in life is a American GC. to avoid becoming one of those who check processing dates first thing in morning, i applied for Canadian PR, got it in 8 months and i am not even gonna bother applying for labor, i-140 and all those precious life controlling documents.
Wake up friends, you have options. Don't let your life depend on you application status.
Again, thanks for the breaking news and brilliant suggestions. First off, stop generalizing and look beyond your pathetic 'immediate circle'. AND here is some breaking news for you: You have not seen it all, as I can clearly see by the quality of your arguments. Don't come onto a forum, hide behind the curtain of anonymity and shoot your mouth off giving 'plain' 'straight from your heart' BS.
hot time zone map with times.
gvenkat
05-14 04:07 PM
Well ... I could partially agree to your rant. While I understand your point of view it is not justified on your part to generalize all posters into one category. You should have been more specific about what kind of posts (and even posters if you wish) frustrate you.
In my view your words "Get a life" certainly applies to the following set of people (in that particular order):
Those who say they are awaiting their GC to plan their lives (get married, have kids, buy a house etc.) I am married with a kid and bought a house and all I have is a I-140 approval (Not applied for I-485 yet). So what happens if I loose my job? I will make an honest effort to find one and if I fail I'll sell my house and go back to India. I am prepared both mentally and somewhat financially too. As much as I want to live in the USA it is common sense that I always have a solid back up plan to go back if need be.
Those who come here whining about their I-485 getting rejected and don't have a back up plan. Seriously, how many times must you get jacked before you realize that USCIS is not dependable? How the heck can one plan their life around it? One must realize that GC is just a small part of your life and not your life itself. Get your priorities straight.
Those who say that laws are racist. Hilarious! BTW racism is not one way (like the Whites out here want you to think) so beware of what you say unless you don't mind getting sued.
Those who build up their hopes with predictions on the next visa bulletin and go emotionally crazy when the hopes crash with the release of that bulletin. I mean c'mon ... flower campaigns? hunger strikes? Are you that naive to think it worked the first time? This ain't a factory in India and we aren't a group of union workers.
The above form a very small group of people on this website and that is where the problem lies with your post. You are basically stereotyping all of us into a category formed by a small group of people.
Anyway, good to know of your Canadian PR success ... good luck!
To those who fall in the above 4 categories take the time to realize that its all in your head. Be strong and prepared mentally. You've done all you can in an honest way. If things don't work out then so be it. Sometime in the future you will realize that it was all for your own good. Move on in style to your next adventure ... it's waiting for you.
A very sensible post. You dont need to have ur life around the GC and Priority dates. You need to do what u want to as much as within ur limits.. But one thing is USCIS can be staright forward and say EB-I wont move for such and such time and people can still plan better... :)
In my view your words "Get a life" certainly applies to the following set of people (in that particular order):
Those who say they are awaiting their GC to plan their lives (get married, have kids, buy a house etc.) I am married with a kid and bought a house and all I have is a I-140 approval (Not applied for I-485 yet). So what happens if I loose my job? I will make an honest effort to find one and if I fail I'll sell my house and go back to India. I am prepared both mentally and somewhat financially too. As much as I want to live in the USA it is common sense that I always have a solid back up plan to go back if need be.
Those who come here whining about their I-485 getting rejected and don't have a back up plan. Seriously, how many times must you get jacked before you realize that USCIS is not dependable? How the heck can one plan their life around it? One must realize that GC is just a small part of your life and not your life itself. Get your priorities straight.
Those who say that laws are racist. Hilarious! BTW racism is not one way (like the Whites out here want you to think) so beware of what you say unless you don't mind getting sued.
Those who build up their hopes with predictions on the next visa bulletin and go emotionally crazy when the hopes crash with the release of that bulletin. I mean c'mon ... flower campaigns? hunger strikes? Are you that naive to think it worked the first time? This ain't a factory in India and we aren't a group of union workers.
The above form a very small group of people on this website and that is where the problem lies with your post. You are basically stereotyping all of us into a category formed by a small group of people.
Anyway, good to know of your Canadian PR success ... good luck!
To those who fall in the above 4 categories take the time to realize that its all in your head. Be strong and prepared mentally. You've done all you can in an honest way. If things don't work out then so be it. Sometime in the future you will realize that it was all for your own good. Move on in style to your next adventure ... it's waiting for you.
A very sensible post. You dont need to have ur life around the GC and Priority dates. You need to do what u want to as much as within ur limits.. But one thing is USCIS can be staright forward and say EB-I wont move for such and such time and people can still plan better... :)
more...
house Map Of South American.
Chiser99
06-07 04:47 PM
so does that mean my one isnt allowed either then?
tattoo time zone map with times.
santb1975
01-31 08:02 PM
Keep voting folks. Dont let the question slide down
more...
pictures road maps italy and italian
willwin
09-17 01:48 PM
Not so fast...the bill language clearly indicates that the provisions of this bill will take effect from the first fiscal day of the new fiscal year after this bill becomes an act...so unless this bill is voted by the house and senate and then signed by the President before September 30th, we will not be seeing any benefit until the fiscal year starting October 1st, 2009. After the September session, Congress will convene again in November/December timeframe for a short session. If the bill does not get passed then, then come next January, it will be starting the process all over again as it will be a new year for the Congress. Just like green cards, Congress does not carry over bills from one year to the next.
The effective date could be one of the amendments .... it is changeable.
The effective date could be one of the amendments .... it is changeable.
dresses small formapsblank maps blank
mbawa2574
11-02 11:29 AM
I would like to share my experience and it may help some people here.
My H1 was sponsored by company A when I was working with them on OPT. I paid $3000 for H1 filing and attorney fees and company A gave me the H1 approval notice only after I signed an agreement that I would work for atleast one year with them.
Afetr 1 month of my H1 approval, I got a better job offer from company B and I got the H1 transferred. I notified my client and company A who threatened to revoke my H1, take me to court etc etc. They also withheld 4 weeks of my pay.
After joining company B, I filed a complaint against company A with DOL that they withheld my salary and also they demanded H1 fees from me. After 2 weeks of that complaint, my salary was deposited into my account and DOL was looking into my complaint about H1 fees. This case finally got resolved last week after about 18 months, when DOL finally persuaded company A to pay $3000 back to me.
I would request everyone who is a victim of these blood sucking employers to
take every possible action against them. There's a very little chance that they would go to court because they are themselves involved in gross irregularities.
Hats off to you. We can clean these bodyshops if everyone follows this path.
My H1 was sponsored by company A when I was working with them on OPT. I paid $3000 for H1 filing and attorney fees and company A gave me the H1 approval notice only after I signed an agreement that I would work for atleast one year with them.
Afetr 1 month of my H1 approval, I got a better job offer from company B and I got the H1 transferred. I notified my client and company A who threatened to revoke my H1, take me to court etc etc. They also withheld 4 weeks of my pay.
After joining company B, I filed a complaint against company A with DOL that they withheld my salary and also they demanded H1 fees from me. After 2 weeks of that complaint, my salary was deposited into my account and DOL was looking into my complaint about H1 fees. This case finally got resolved last week after about 18 months, when DOL finally persuaded company A to pay $3000 back to me.
I would request everyone who is a victim of these blood sucking employers to
take every possible action against them. There's a very little chance that they would go to court because they are themselves involved in gross irregularities.
Hats off to you. We can clean these bodyshops if everyone follows this path.
more...
makeup countries of world map. world
chicago60607
09-17 11:14 AM
Finally one member is seated, I guess it is Mr.King
girlfriend east asia map.
ndialani
10-28 07:31 PM
@ vikki76
Where is your case? I am sorry if you have already mentioned it before. If its TSC, please send me a message and I will give you the name of the officer. Please try to call around 4 PM tomrrow.
For all those who have sent me pvt. messages, I will mail you a copy of the letter I sent out to Secretary Napolatino and first lady in the evening today.
Hi Caliguy,
My case is stuck in Texas service center.
Opened SR on 9/8...reply....6 months wait
My spouse SR 9/8....reply....60 days wait
Filled #7001 form
Emailed to Ombudsman...no answer yet.
How can i reach IO .....help me out ....please
Thanks
Where is your case? I am sorry if you have already mentioned it before. If its TSC, please send me a message and I will give you the name of the officer. Please try to call around 4 PM tomrrow.
For all those who have sent me pvt. messages, I will mail you a copy of the letter I sent out to Secretary Napolatino and first lady in the evening today.
Hi Caliguy,
My case is stuck in Texas service center.
Opened SR on 9/8...reply....6 months wait
My spouse SR 9/8....reply....60 days wait
Filled #7001 form
Emailed to Ombudsman...no answer yet.
How can i reach IO .....help me out ....please
Thanks
hairstyles the order of called Map
pappu
03-29 10:06 AM
Thanks. Everyone, please share on your facebook and post on other site. Lets also keep this thred up. All advocacy day threads should be on homepage until advocacy days.
sobers
02-22 12:31 PM
Whether it is logical or not, whether we like it or not, the issues of illegal and legal immigration are intrinsically tied up (to the disadvantage of skilled workers, of course:-()
Anyhow, this appeared in today's Wall Street Journal...it may forbode a taste of things to come..or not come..this one focusses on the DREAM Act which is geared to provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants..
---------------
Should Illegal Immigrants Get Tuition Help?
States' Varying Stances on College-Education Benefit Illustrate Congress's Overhaul Task
By JUNE KRONHOLZ
February 22, 2006; Page A4
WASHINGTON -- An emotional state-level dispute over college tuition shows how tough it will be for Congress to overhaul immigration laws and extend citizenship benefits to the country's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
Four years ago, California passed a law granting in-state tuition to students who were in the U.S. illegally but had graduated from a California high school. Eight other states followed, allowing illegal immigrants to attend public colleges for in-state student fees -- usually less than half what out-of-state students pay.
DiAnna Schimek, a Democrat who heads the Nebraska Senate's education committee, says she has pushed for an in-state tuition bill for illegal immigrants as a matter of compassion and economic calculation. "These children didn't bring themselves" but were brought by their parents, she says. "It's only a good investment on our part to make certain they are productive citizens."
But attitudes have been hardening as an estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants flood in yearly. "That's an alarm to the people here ... it's a drain on the economy," says Rep. Glenn Donnelson, a Utah Republican who heads an education committee in his state.
So while some legislators want to extend tuition benefits to illegal immigrants in their states, others are calling for laws to deny the benefit -- or take it back.
Lawmakers in Utah, Kansas and New Mexico -- which passed in-state tuition benefits only two or three years ago -- now are waging uphill fights to repeal them. Massachusetts legislators last month rejected a bill to offer in-state tuition benefits to illegal immigrants.
Six states are considering measures that would deny in-state tuition, tuition waivers or state scholarships to illegal immigrants. In New York, which offers in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, and Virginia, which recently passed a law offering benefits to some, bills have been introduced to bar illegal immigrants from attending public colleges.
Meanwhile, lawsuits challenging in-state tuition for illegal immigrants have been filed in California and in Kansas. "There's something wrong with giving a benefit to an illegal that we don't even give to citizens of other states," says state Rep. Becky Hutchins, a Kansas Republican leading a repeal effort there.
The tuition laws generally require illegal immigrants to have attended a local high school for three years, to have graduated or earned a high-school equivalency and to sign an affidavit promising to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible.
Promoters expect few students to actually take up the benefit. Dropout rates are high and academic scores generally are low among Hispanics, who account for the majority of illegal aliens. And even in-state tuition, which averages about $5,500 this year, may be out of reach for children whose parents typically hold minimum-wage jobs.
Kris Kobach, a University of Missouri law professor who brought a federal suit against the Kansas program, says 221 illegal immigrants are enrolled in Kansas public colleges this year, and that even when the benefit becomes widely known, the number probably wouldn't exceed 2,700.
Even so, in-state tuition laws have become flashpoint among some voters who feel they haven't any other way to protest illegal immigration. Federal laws allow illegal immigrants to use emergency medical services, and a 1982 Supreme Court decision entitles their children to public education through high school.
Rod Adair, a New Mexico state senator who introduced unsuccessful legislation to repeal his state's immigrant-tuition benefit, says he was acting "in response to my constituents. They're frustrated."
Prof. Kobach's suit contends Kansas's in-state tuition benefit violates a federal law that prohibits states from giving any benefit to an illegal alien that they don't also extend to all U.S. citizens.
Among his plaintiffs, Heidi Hydeman, an Iowa native, says she was charged out-of-state tuition by the University of Kansas, though she lived in Kansas for six years and paid Kansas income tax for three years while attending the school. "I thought it was unfair," says Ms. Hydeman.
Mr. Donnelson, the Utah legislator, says Utah would face a $34 million bill if a similar suit were filed there, and current out-of-state students were refunded the difference between in-state tuition and the nonresident tuition they pay.
But legislators' doubts go beyond that. Although illegal immigrants who get the tuition benefit pledge to legalize their status, there is almost no way they can do that under current laws. And even with a college degree, there is almost no way for illegal immigrants to legally get a job.
For years, congressional supporters have promoted a measure, called the Dream Act, that would clear up those problems. States would be allowed to offer in-state tuition to illegal-immigrant students who, in turn, could become citizens.
In 2003, almost half the Senate cosponsored the Dream Act. But the Dream Act's prospects have faded, and this year its pivotal supporter, Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, withdrew as a sponsor. "Realistically, the Dream Act will not pass" and should be included in an overhaul of immigration laws, he said.
But the tensions fueling opposition to in-state tuition laws are the same ones making it hard for Congress to pass immigration overhaul. A coalition of pro-business Republicans, Democrats, immigrant-rights groups and labor unions wants new federal laws that would let illegal immigrants eventually become citizens.
They are being stymied, however, by social conservatives, who worry about being culturally overwhelmed by immigrants, and by Republican national-security hawks, who are demanding that Washington cut off illegal immigration first. The tension prevented the U.S. House from taking up immigration overhaul last year, and is complicating the Senate's efforts to pass it this year.
Write to June Kronholz at june.kronholz@wsj.com
Anyhow, this appeared in today's Wall Street Journal...it may forbode a taste of things to come..or not come..this one focusses on the DREAM Act which is geared to provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants..
---------------
Should Illegal Immigrants Get Tuition Help?
States' Varying Stances on College-Education Benefit Illustrate Congress's Overhaul Task
By JUNE KRONHOLZ
February 22, 2006; Page A4
WASHINGTON -- An emotional state-level dispute over college tuition shows how tough it will be for Congress to overhaul immigration laws and extend citizenship benefits to the country's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
Four years ago, California passed a law granting in-state tuition to students who were in the U.S. illegally but had graduated from a California high school. Eight other states followed, allowing illegal immigrants to attend public colleges for in-state student fees -- usually less than half what out-of-state students pay.
DiAnna Schimek, a Democrat who heads the Nebraska Senate's education committee, says she has pushed for an in-state tuition bill for illegal immigrants as a matter of compassion and economic calculation. "These children didn't bring themselves" but were brought by their parents, she says. "It's only a good investment on our part to make certain they are productive citizens."
But attitudes have been hardening as an estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants flood in yearly. "That's an alarm to the people here ... it's a drain on the economy," says Rep. Glenn Donnelson, a Utah Republican who heads an education committee in his state.
So while some legislators want to extend tuition benefits to illegal immigrants in their states, others are calling for laws to deny the benefit -- or take it back.
Lawmakers in Utah, Kansas and New Mexico -- which passed in-state tuition benefits only two or three years ago -- now are waging uphill fights to repeal them. Massachusetts legislators last month rejected a bill to offer in-state tuition benefits to illegal immigrants.
Six states are considering measures that would deny in-state tuition, tuition waivers or state scholarships to illegal immigrants. In New York, which offers in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, and Virginia, which recently passed a law offering benefits to some, bills have been introduced to bar illegal immigrants from attending public colleges.
Meanwhile, lawsuits challenging in-state tuition for illegal immigrants have been filed in California and in Kansas. "There's something wrong with giving a benefit to an illegal that we don't even give to citizens of other states," says state Rep. Becky Hutchins, a Kansas Republican leading a repeal effort there.
The tuition laws generally require illegal immigrants to have attended a local high school for three years, to have graduated or earned a high-school equivalency and to sign an affidavit promising to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible.
Promoters expect few students to actually take up the benefit. Dropout rates are high and academic scores generally are low among Hispanics, who account for the majority of illegal aliens. And even in-state tuition, which averages about $5,500 this year, may be out of reach for children whose parents typically hold minimum-wage jobs.
Kris Kobach, a University of Missouri law professor who brought a federal suit against the Kansas program, says 221 illegal immigrants are enrolled in Kansas public colleges this year, and that even when the benefit becomes widely known, the number probably wouldn't exceed 2,700.
Even so, in-state tuition laws have become flashpoint among some voters who feel they haven't any other way to protest illegal immigration. Federal laws allow illegal immigrants to use emergency medical services, and a 1982 Supreme Court decision entitles their children to public education through high school.
Rod Adair, a New Mexico state senator who introduced unsuccessful legislation to repeal his state's immigrant-tuition benefit, says he was acting "in response to my constituents. They're frustrated."
Prof. Kobach's suit contends Kansas's in-state tuition benefit violates a federal law that prohibits states from giving any benefit to an illegal alien that they don't also extend to all U.S. citizens.
Among his plaintiffs, Heidi Hydeman, an Iowa native, says she was charged out-of-state tuition by the University of Kansas, though she lived in Kansas for six years and paid Kansas income tax for three years while attending the school. "I thought it was unfair," says Ms. Hydeman.
Mr. Donnelson, the Utah legislator, says Utah would face a $34 million bill if a similar suit were filed there, and current out-of-state students were refunded the difference between in-state tuition and the nonresident tuition they pay.
But legislators' doubts go beyond that. Although illegal immigrants who get the tuition benefit pledge to legalize their status, there is almost no way they can do that under current laws. And even with a college degree, there is almost no way for illegal immigrants to legally get a job.
For years, congressional supporters have promoted a measure, called the Dream Act, that would clear up those problems. States would be allowed to offer in-state tuition to illegal-immigrant students who, in turn, could become citizens.
In 2003, almost half the Senate cosponsored the Dream Act. But the Dream Act's prospects have faded, and this year its pivotal supporter, Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, withdrew as a sponsor. "Realistically, the Dream Act will not pass" and should be included in an overhaul of immigration laws, he said.
But the tensions fueling opposition to in-state tuition laws are the same ones making it hard for Congress to pass immigration overhaul. A coalition of pro-business Republicans, Democrats, immigrant-rights groups and labor unions wants new federal laws that would let illegal immigrants eventually become citizens.
They are being stymied, however, by social conservatives, who worry about being culturally overwhelmed by immigrants, and by Republican national-security hawks, who are demanding that Washington cut off illegal immigration first. The tension prevented the U.S. House from taking up immigration overhaul last year, and is complicating the Senate's efforts to pass it this year.
Write to June Kronholz at june.kronholz@wsj.com
DesiGuy
09-17 11:02 AM
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install 'real alternative' (during setup, include wmc) and it will play fine.
install 'real alternative' (during setup, include wmc) and it will play fine.
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