a1b2c3
07-06 11:17 AM
Does anybody knows when this bill is going to be discussed in the House?
:) No one seems to have any concrete info. There is lot of empty talk and idle speculation by some of the forum members, though. Guess that's what the public forums are for :D
:) No one seems to have any concrete info. There is lot of empty talk and idle speculation by some of the forum members, though. Guess that's what the public forums are for :D
waitingGC
02-11 05:12 PM
This is really a very disappointing news. However, now we all know clearly that our issues are closely related to illegal alliens. We are on the same boat as that of illegals. CIR will probably take forever to happen. Maybe 2 to 3 years if we are lucky. My PD is just 3 months away (China EB2). I guess my PD will become current within 2 to 3 years even without immigration reform. I would not put my hope on this immigration reform now. I will just plan to wait for 2 to 3 years. It's kind of a relief for me.
gconmymind
04-29 04:50 PM
We still have a long way to go. Can we cross 10K by today?? Keep going..
Dhundhun
11-15 03:50 PM
"On thanksgiving day, we (EB immigration people) fast, while America feasts". Idea is good, but how to make is sure that fasting is done, and convey that people are fasting?
A seperate thread is required for this.
A seperate thread is required for this.
more...
njboy
06-29 09:43 PM
God bless him
paskal
09-22 10:30 AM
"Guys like you are not capable of comprehending the whole issue here and even if you are, you cannot articulate."
yup we are poor uneducated illiterate and inarticulate.
thank you to you, our savior. tell us what your grand scheme is please.
we are ready to follow you master...
yup we are poor uneducated illiterate and inarticulate.
thank you to you, our savior. tell us what your grand scheme is please.
we are ready to follow you master...
more...
walking_dude
10-18 02:49 PM
Thanks for actively participating and helping us in this effort. I'm sure we'll make this meet a success with our combined team effort.
More volunteers are welcome to join us in helping the meeting preparations. We also greatly appreciate any other help you can provide.
Members who have signed up for the meet re-confirm (basically RSVP), if you haven't already done so (after cagedcactus requested it). It will help CC in arranging snacks and tea . You can PM him or post here.
Need transportation from Lansing to Troy? Send PM (private message) to Bestin, by clicking on his id (on the messages posted by him) in this thread/forum. He has volunteered to accomodate 4 participants on first-come-first-serve basis. If you aren't based in Lansing, but still located somewhere on the way ( b/n Lansing to Troy), he can pick you up and drop you off ( if the detour is reasonable like a few miles). Don't let the lethargy to driving long distance dampen your enthusiam to particpate in an event that will affect your future.
Guys who cannot participate on 10/20 due to any reasons, but interested in future activities - PM or E-mail me. I will add you to the list of invitees for the future activities.
Thanks
Responded back..BTB i dont have any appointments tomorrow.So i ll be at home.Pls dont hesitate to ask for any help.I can try my best
More volunteers are welcome to join us in helping the meeting preparations. We also greatly appreciate any other help you can provide.
Members who have signed up for the meet re-confirm (basically RSVP), if you haven't already done so (after cagedcactus requested it). It will help CC in arranging snacks and tea . You can PM him or post here.
Need transportation from Lansing to Troy? Send PM (private message) to Bestin, by clicking on his id (on the messages posted by him) in this thread/forum. He has volunteered to accomodate 4 participants on first-come-first-serve basis. If you aren't based in Lansing, but still located somewhere on the way ( b/n Lansing to Troy), he can pick you up and drop you off ( if the detour is reasonable like a few miles). Don't let the lethargy to driving long distance dampen your enthusiam to particpate in an event that will affect your future.
Guys who cannot participate on 10/20 due to any reasons, but interested in future activities - PM or E-mail me. I will add you to the list of invitees for the future activities.
Thanks
Responded back..BTB i dont have any appointments tomorrow.So i ll be at home.Pls dont hesitate to ask for any help.I can try my best
desperatedesi
09-20 02:02 AM
but I did my bit because I could not attend. I was part of the rally that happened in San Jose.
Please try to understand the message I am conveying rather than making fun. Although I did have a hearty laugh :)
Please try to understand the message I am conveying rather than making fun. Although I did have a hearty laugh :)
more...
garybanz
09-21 08:16 AM
Car Rally is a great idea!! Even 50 people can have a huge impact!
I think it will be better is we tour the city then travel too much on the interstate (more eye balls)
My dear brothers and sisters,
First of all I congratulate all the IV members who really worked very hard and contributed $ to make this rally a success. Unfortunately I couldn't attend the rally due to personal reasons which I could not explain here in detail. but I have contributed $ to IV and will be doing more contributions.
I think we need to get the media attention of top new channels like CNN, FoxNews, LA Times, Washington post etc. One way to get their attension is by a car rally from one city to another city with banners on top of our cars / vans in a co-ordinated way. i.e from LA to Sacramento by 100 or more cars/vans at the same time.
The other way is by sending flowers or donuts or pizzas to the news organization people i.e Larry King, Anderson, Lu Dubbs etc., by mentioning "Legal Immigrants did not get well deserved MEDIA ATTENTION and illegals got all the media attention". I am not saying that illegals should not get any media attention. We also deserve same kind of treatment. They are very busy in showing JJ Simpson on all the channels. what a shame.
We can also send flowers to the President office as well as to the parliment in grabing the media attention.
Thanks
I think it will be better is we tour the city then travel too much on the interstate (more eye balls)
My dear brothers and sisters,
First of all I congratulate all the IV members who really worked very hard and contributed $ to make this rally a success. Unfortunately I couldn't attend the rally due to personal reasons which I could not explain here in detail. but I have contributed $ to IV and will be doing more contributions.
I think we need to get the media attention of top new channels like CNN, FoxNews, LA Times, Washington post etc. One way to get their attension is by a car rally from one city to another city with banners on top of our cars / vans in a co-ordinated way. i.e from LA to Sacramento by 100 or more cars/vans at the same time.
The other way is by sending flowers or donuts or pizzas to the news organization people i.e Larry King, Anderson, Lu Dubbs etc., by mentioning "Legal Immigrants did not get well deserved MEDIA ATTENTION and illegals got all the media attention". I am not saying that illegals should not get any media attention. We also deserve same kind of treatment. They are very busy in showing JJ Simpson on all the channels. what a shame.
We can also send flowers to the President office as well as to the parliment in grabing the media attention.
Thanks
gcbeku
06-11 02:46 PM
This is not just "frostrated" but silly socialist thinking too. What has "joining hands" or "new comers with fake experiences" got to do with porting.
If you can port, then just DO IT and spare yourself the pain.... why wait for "en masse transfer to EB2 by porting" or talk about "ethical reasons" and then lament after the fact ???
:confused:
I hate to say this and I hope I am wrong. All of us EB3 folks need to start speaking up or else our fate is sealed. I do not see any hopes of CIR passing. There is always going to be some political backlash due to the AMNESTY factor.
From what I have seen, most employers are now filing only in EB2 category. They know that filing in EB3 will see their applicants backlogged so severly that there is no hope in seeing their applications approved. So, even those with less than 5 years of experience create resumes that show 5 years to qualify for EB2. Imagine the flood of applicants in EB2 that will pour in when the dates move forward beyond July 2007. There will be a new backlog of EB2 numbers that we have to wait behind. When are we going to get our turn?
With nearly 10 years of experience and a master's degree, I am still languishing behind all these new comers who come here with fake experiences to qualify for EB2.
We EB3 folks need to speak up, and have the spill over given to the oldest filed applications IRRESPECTIVE of category. The spillover rules from what I know were defined at a later stage and not as per the original law. If we cannot get CIR passed nor a piecemeal regulation, at least let us get the spillover changed.
Or, let us en masse transfer to EB2 by porting, thereby making us all eligible for GC ahead of those that are coming in through the back door. I see them as no different from the undocumented immigrants. Breaking the ethical law at the expense of those of us who followed the law. Our positions did not require a Master's degree and I dont see why a programming position today still requires such. I also dont see why our experience today should not count towards qualifying for EB2.
I dont care what or how many reds the EB2 folks give, but the fact of the matter is that we EB3 must join hands.
If you can port, then just DO IT and spare yourself the pain.... why wait for "en masse transfer to EB2 by porting" or talk about "ethical reasons" and then lament after the fact ???
:confused:
I hate to say this and I hope I am wrong. All of us EB3 folks need to start speaking up or else our fate is sealed. I do not see any hopes of CIR passing. There is always going to be some political backlash due to the AMNESTY factor.
From what I have seen, most employers are now filing only in EB2 category. They know that filing in EB3 will see their applicants backlogged so severly that there is no hope in seeing their applications approved. So, even those with less than 5 years of experience create resumes that show 5 years to qualify for EB2. Imagine the flood of applicants in EB2 that will pour in when the dates move forward beyond July 2007. There will be a new backlog of EB2 numbers that we have to wait behind. When are we going to get our turn?
With nearly 10 years of experience and a master's degree, I am still languishing behind all these new comers who come here with fake experiences to qualify for EB2.
We EB3 folks need to speak up, and have the spill over given to the oldest filed applications IRRESPECTIVE of category. The spillover rules from what I know were defined at a later stage and not as per the original law. If we cannot get CIR passed nor a piecemeal regulation, at least let us get the spillover changed.
Or, let us en masse transfer to EB2 by porting, thereby making us all eligible for GC ahead of those that are coming in through the back door. I see them as no different from the undocumented immigrants. Breaking the ethical law at the expense of those of us who followed the law. Our positions did not require a Master's degree and I dont see why a programming position today still requires such. I also dont see why our experience today should not count towards qualifying for EB2.
I dont care what or how many reds the EB2 folks give, but the fact of the matter is that we EB3 must join hands.
more...
franklin
09-21 05:01 PM
Ajobha, thank you for starting this thread.
I am actually curious about peoples reasoning behind not attending the rally. I don't think anyone should judge people's decisions, but if we can understand why we didn't succeed in tempting you to come, we can learn for next time.
It sounds like you might be considering going to another county or back home? Ironically, if this is true, it highlights perfectly what one of our key messages was at the rally.
You are a poster child of reverse brain drain. The US needs to keep talent, whether it is home grown or imported. By making the process so grueling, people are starting to leave in droves.
I am actually curious about peoples reasoning behind not attending the rally. I don't think anyone should judge people's decisions, but if we can understand why we didn't succeed in tempting you to come, we can learn for next time.
It sounds like you might be considering going to another county or back home? Ironically, if this is true, it highlights perfectly what one of our key messages was at the rally.
You are a poster child of reverse brain drain. The US needs to keep talent, whether it is home grown or imported. By making the process so grueling, people are starting to leave in droves.
sanju
04-10 08:30 AM
Is this the language 2 civilized people use to discuss or debate. When 2 people debate, both believe other is not right - thats why its called discussion or debate. Doesn't mean we need to use extreme or bad words.
oh ya, so the police for political correctness is out. Gosh, I am toast.
Take it easy. buddysinsfo and I have a history. We go way back together. He is my friend, don't you know. oh and BTW, he is a forum terrorist because he use different ids posing as north indian to attack people from Andra, just to create unrest on the forum. During mumbai attack he was repeatedly sympathising with the terrorist. I don't owe you any explanation, and get a life to deal with tough language instead of trying to act like a moral police of political correctness. What's wrong with my language? Others here use way to harsh language. What's up with that?
.
oh ya, so the police for political correctness is out. Gosh, I am toast.
Take it easy. buddysinsfo and I have a history. We go way back together. He is my friend, don't you know. oh and BTW, he is a forum terrorist because he use different ids posing as north indian to attack people from Andra, just to create unrest on the forum. During mumbai attack he was repeatedly sympathising with the terrorist. I don't owe you any explanation, and get a life to deal with tough language instead of trying to act like a moral police of political correctness. What's wrong with my language? Others here use way to harsh language. What's up with that?
.
more...
grupak
06-25 12:32 PM
I and few of my friends called into Rep. Smith's office. The reply we got was that it would be effective only if more of his constituents called.
So, we need to get more locals from Rep. Smiths district to call ...
We need more calls from the congressman's district.
So, we need to get more locals from Rep. Smiths district to call ...
We need more calls from the congressman's district.
mbartosik
02-10 02:30 PM
let's discuss effective ways forward rather than the pessimistic tone I see here.
Bestin: the core is involved. Some of the core are just very busy on IV stuff. I spoke with Aman last week he called me from the airport -- a trip to DC. Some people are cagey about handing out personal details and while it is frustrating let's have some respect. I'm one of the few who puts their full name in signature, and my user id is my name, and I say I'm from NY, so it only takes a telephone directory search to find my phone number and address. But you won't hear me calling people names for not giving contact details. Some people are more reserved than others, for example, my wife used to live in a communist police state where the state was out to get you, so she is more reserved. Frustrating I know. Enough said, let's look for positive things to do.
SO ON THE POSITIVE SIDE:
I got another 33 letters this week, and expect about same next week, and have 2 US citizens who will likely get me another 20. So I might make 100+.
My total in hand so far: 43
I'd be happy to continue for several weeks or months, but will go with what the core decides for drawing the line.
TIP:
Where you know someone who works at a different place to you ask them to collect some letters from their work place and give them to you or mail them to you. I'm expecting to get at least 20 that way next week alone, maybe more later.
Bestin: the core is involved. Some of the core are just very busy on IV stuff. I spoke with Aman last week he called me from the airport -- a trip to DC. Some people are cagey about handing out personal details and while it is frustrating let's have some respect. I'm one of the few who puts their full name in signature, and my user id is my name, and I say I'm from NY, so it only takes a telephone directory search to find my phone number and address. But you won't hear me calling people names for not giving contact details. Some people are more reserved than others, for example, my wife used to live in a communist police state where the state was out to get you, so she is more reserved. Frustrating I know. Enough said, let's look for positive things to do.
SO ON THE POSITIVE SIDE:
I got another 33 letters this week, and expect about same next week, and have 2 US citizens who will likely get me another 20. So I might make 100+.
My total in hand so far: 43
I'd be happy to continue for several weeks or months, but will go with what the core decides for drawing the line.
TIP:
Where you know someone who works at a different place to you ask them to collect some letters from their work place and give them to you or mail them to you. I'm expecting to get at least 20 that way next week alone, maybe more later.
more...
rajesh_kamisetty
09-21 10:50 PM
First of all - THANK YOU. It's because of IV I am happy today with EAD cards on hand. I will never forget what IV did for me and thousands of GC applications in July. I can't forget the despair and the smiles IV brought back to our lives.
Probable reason - less motivated for couple of reasons which are already spelled out on this forum by others.
However I hoped to be part of rally towards the end. But couldn't. My parents came to USA last Friday. I did plan to combine my parents D.C tour with IV rally. But as such we happened to drop-in to D.C, unexpectedly, from Baltimore on Sunday itself. And on Tuesday 9/18 - all important day, we were busy packing to other attractions....
To Franklin -
Rally agenda - from the start, the D.C rally has not seemed need-based rally. San Jose rally and flower campaign were need-based. They were needed because USCIS ditched all July hopefuls. We were aghast and speech-less. So there was that burning-sensation in our tummies that took us to streets and greet the USCIS chief with bloody flowers!!
D.C rally has been strategic one. Somewhere in the beginning of the game, we pushed wrong buttons in marketing/selling the strategy or signing up people for the D.C rally. I remember very very few messages on the rally forums and tons and 100s of messages on "July 2" forum.
All senior fellows and the 1000+ members who made it to rally - have you surprised why there is NO 5000 - 10000 attendance.
Some more pointers to my thoughts -
> I can't associate all IV handles with real people easily.
> I don't know who is what (like in organizations we have people associated with certain responsibilities).
> Has anyone ever asked whether we should mention our association with IV in 485 application? And the repercussions?
Probable reason - less motivated for couple of reasons which are already spelled out on this forum by others.
However I hoped to be part of rally towards the end. But couldn't. My parents came to USA last Friday. I did plan to combine my parents D.C tour with IV rally. But as such we happened to drop-in to D.C, unexpectedly, from Baltimore on Sunday itself. And on Tuesday 9/18 - all important day, we were busy packing to other attractions....
To Franklin -
Rally agenda - from the start, the D.C rally has not seemed need-based rally. San Jose rally and flower campaign were need-based. They were needed because USCIS ditched all July hopefuls. We were aghast and speech-less. So there was that burning-sensation in our tummies that took us to streets and greet the USCIS chief with bloody flowers!!
D.C rally has been strategic one. Somewhere in the beginning of the game, we pushed wrong buttons in marketing/selling the strategy or signing up people for the D.C rally. I remember very very few messages on the rally forums and tons and 100s of messages on "July 2" forum.
All senior fellows and the 1000+ members who made it to rally - have you surprised why there is NO 5000 - 10000 attendance.
Some more pointers to my thoughts -
> I can't associate all IV handles with real people easily.
> I don't know who is what (like in organizations we have people associated with certain responsibilities).
> Has anyone ever asked whether we should mention our association with IV in 485 application? And the repercussions?
billu
08-08 05:00 PM
To Simple1
What I meant to say, you�ll succeed if you have the capability (with your professional knowledge, experience and skills) in your professional filed but definitely not with USCIS.
I can say, USCIS is a great leveler in this aspect. Everybody from PhD to Programmer is same in front of USCIS. All have to wait 10+ yrs with mental tension and anxiety, no matter what your caliber is and how successful you are in your profession.
Don�t get me wrong here. I also had to suffer for visa stamping, renewals, I-94 issues, PA etc in US Visa processing (nothing sever though). At the 5th yr of H1-B, I just decided.. to hell with that.....
I don't know about you guys, but, I would be heart patient with that kind of anxiety in another 5 yrs of GC process �. Really need a lion's heart to pursue US GC now days
i completely agree with u.......waiting 10-12 years for a plastic card keeping everything on hold and renewing EAD,AP every other year.......h1b stamping........all that paperowork.......working ur a** out for the same employer for xx years........keeping track of excruciatingly slow movement of PDs in monthly bulletin.........feel like i am already in ICU man.........is this a life?????
What I meant to say, you�ll succeed if you have the capability (with your professional knowledge, experience and skills) in your professional filed but definitely not with USCIS.
I can say, USCIS is a great leveler in this aspect. Everybody from PhD to Programmer is same in front of USCIS. All have to wait 10+ yrs with mental tension and anxiety, no matter what your caliber is and how successful you are in your profession.
Don�t get me wrong here. I also had to suffer for visa stamping, renewals, I-94 issues, PA etc in US Visa processing (nothing sever though). At the 5th yr of H1-B, I just decided.. to hell with that.....
I don't know about you guys, but, I would be heart patient with that kind of anxiety in another 5 yrs of GC process �. Really need a lion's heart to pursue US GC now days
i completely agree with u.......waiting 10-12 years for a plastic card keeping everything on hold and renewing EAD,AP every other year.......h1b stamping........all that paperowork.......working ur a** out for the same employer for xx years........keeping track of excruciatingly slow movement of PDs in monthly bulletin.........feel like i am already in ICU man.........is this a life?????
more...
aupadh
01-26 03:27 PM
Well it seems the idea to get a Stimulus for 2008 for people having spouses with ITIN is nearing dead end (no action). Now the government is planning another stimulus. I think we should work on taking the necessary steps to prevent the same happening this year (being dropped out). I think we should raise awareness and write to all people including President Obama.
Ideas / comments?
Ideas / comments?
nag2007
04-16 06:04 PM
Fragomen has been great for me
First of all, they are arrogant and they dont understand the needs of the Client/Candidate. Most of the BIG FIRMS use Fragomen. LSI LOGIC, IBM (to name a few) used but eventually LSI LOGIC stopped services with FRAGOMEN.
Because of FRAGOMEN, I dont have EAD inspite of Earlier PD MAR 2005.
1. My Job requires BS + 5 yrs. They had to file in Eb2 but in March 2005, they told me lets file an EB3(since my 5th year was ending in couple of months) and once they are familiar they can file EB2.
2. When i asked them after an year to file in EB2, they told me that i cannot do because i am on 7th year extension. (all most all companies have done that).
3. After that in OCTOBER 2006, i asked to convert my eb3 from NON-RIR to RIR, they took almost 5 months and finally filed on the last day for RIR conversion and by that time BEC stopped processing RIR and started all NON-RIR cases and my labor was not cleared before AUG 17.
4. After that labor was cleared, they took 2 months to file my I-140. They received my papers and i had to literally bang at them to get my I-140 filed.
After all these, they give ask me to give a feedback. i screwed them up and informed my CEO and CFO about the Attitude of Fragomen.
First of all, they are arrogant and they dont understand the needs of the Client/Candidate. Most of the BIG FIRMS use Fragomen. LSI LOGIC, IBM (to name a few) used but eventually LSI LOGIC stopped services with FRAGOMEN.
Because of FRAGOMEN, I dont have EAD inspite of Earlier PD MAR 2005.
1. My Job requires BS + 5 yrs. They had to file in Eb2 but in March 2005, they told me lets file an EB3(since my 5th year was ending in couple of months) and once they are familiar they can file EB2.
2. When i asked them after an year to file in EB2, they told me that i cannot do because i am on 7th year extension. (all most all companies have done that).
3. After that in OCTOBER 2006, i asked to convert my eb3 from NON-RIR to RIR, they took almost 5 months and finally filed on the last day for RIR conversion and by that time BEC stopped processing RIR and started all NON-RIR cases and my labor was not cleared before AUG 17.
4. After that labor was cleared, they took 2 months to file my I-140. They received my papers and i had to literally bang at them to get my I-140 filed.
After all these, they give ask me to give a feedback. i screwed them up and informed my CEO and CFO about the Attitude of Fragomen.
Legal
06-30 09:39 AM
I'm on a roller coaster....
today I'm going upper..
tomorrow I could be downer
yeah...I'll be a free faller..
I'm a nowhere to go stucker..
or should I say I'm a sucker...:D
today I'm going upper..
tomorrow I could be downer
yeah...I'll be a free faller..
I'm a nowhere to go stucker..
or should I say I'm a sucker...:D
needhelp!
02-13 07:49 PM
bump for the night owls..
harivenkat
05-20 11:36 AM
Thank you for sharing with me your support for comprehensive immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you and share your concerns.
While the United States cannot afford to absorb all those who want to settle here, we are a nation of immigrants. My mother came to the United States from Lithuania with her parents when she was two years old, and our family created a new life in Illinois. It is a testament to the greatness of this nation that the son of an immigrant can rise to represent the state of Illinois in the Senate.
At the same time, our nation faces a host of problems as a result of years of inattention to our immigration policies. The Homeland Security Department estimates that about 11 million people in the United States do not have legal status, including those who enter the country illegally and those who overstay a temporary visa. I have worked to reform our immigration system comprehensively and in a way that is tough, realistic, and consistent with our moral values.
While there currently is no comprehensive immigration reform bill in the Senate, I recently joined a number of Senators in releasing a blueprint outlining the basic principles that a reform measure should include. The plan would improve border security by increasing manpower and deploying new technology. It would strengthen enforcement against employers who hire illegal immigrants. Today, undocumented workers are often exploited by employers who hire them. Strengthening the penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers will ensure that both immigrants and citizens who work here are protected by our wage and labor laws.
If we are serious about reform, we need a realistic approach to the millions of undocumented immigrants who already live and work in our country. We need to offer immigrants who work hard and demonstrate a long-term commitment to be law-abiding, contributing members of our society a chance to pay fines and earn their way to permanent legal status over the course of many years.
If we do not give people who are already a part of our communities the chance to earn their way to legal status, we will not solve the problem of illegal immigration. People who are living here illegally will stay in the shadows instead of coming forward to register with the government.
Immigration is good for America, but an employer's first job offer should go to any American who is willing and able to fill the job. I have been concerned about the potential impact of past proposals for temporary guest worker programs on the American workforce. In many industries, the assured availability of large pools of guest workers will give employers an incentive to pass over American job applicants in favor of foreigners willing to work for less pay and fewer benefits. During the immigration debate, I offered a Hire Americans First amendment to require employers to seek American workers for their open positions before they try to bring in guest workers. I have also introduced legislation to combat abuses in the H-1B visa program.
There is no perfect solution to the problems we face as a result of our broken immigration system. Today, our borders are not secure, our workplace enforcement laws need reform, and our immigration policy fosters a shadow economy for millions of immigrants who simply want to demonstrate that they can be hardworking contributors to the greatness of our country.
I will continue to work for a package of reforms that will protect American workers and that will be tough, enforceable, economically sensible, and morally defensible. I will keep your views in mind as the debate continues. Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/ab
While the United States cannot afford to absorb all those who want to settle here, we are a nation of immigrants. My mother came to the United States from Lithuania with her parents when she was two years old, and our family created a new life in Illinois. It is a testament to the greatness of this nation that the son of an immigrant can rise to represent the state of Illinois in the Senate.
At the same time, our nation faces a host of problems as a result of years of inattention to our immigration policies. The Homeland Security Department estimates that about 11 million people in the United States do not have legal status, including those who enter the country illegally and those who overstay a temporary visa. I have worked to reform our immigration system comprehensively and in a way that is tough, realistic, and consistent with our moral values.
While there currently is no comprehensive immigration reform bill in the Senate, I recently joined a number of Senators in releasing a blueprint outlining the basic principles that a reform measure should include. The plan would improve border security by increasing manpower and deploying new technology. It would strengthen enforcement against employers who hire illegal immigrants. Today, undocumented workers are often exploited by employers who hire them. Strengthening the penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers will ensure that both immigrants and citizens who work here are protected by our wage and labor laws.
If we are serious about reform, we need a realistic approach to the millions of undocumented immigrants who already live and work in our country. We need to offer immigrants who work hard and demonstrate a long-term commitment to be law-abiding, contributing members of our society a chance to pay fines and earn their way to permanent legal status over the course of many years.
If we do not give people who are already a part of our communities the chance to earn their way to legal status, we will not solve the problem of illegal immigration. People who are living here illegally will stay in the shadows instead of coming forward to register with the government.
Immigration is good for America, but an employer's first job offer should go to any American who is willing and able to fill the job. I have been concerned about the potential impact of past proposals for temporary guest worker programs on the American workforce. In many industries, the assured availability of large pools of guest workers will give employers an incentive to pass over American job applicants in favor of foreigners willing to work for less pay and fewer benefits. During the immigration debate, I offered a Hire Americans First amendment to require employers to seek American workers for their open positions before they try to bring in guest workers. I have also introduced legislation to combat abuses in the H-1B visa program.
There is no perfect solution to the problems we face as a result of our broken immigration system. Today, our borders are not secure, our workplace enforcement laws need reform, and our immigration policy fosters a shadow economy for millions of immigrants who simply want to demonstrate that they can be hardworking contributors to the greatness of our country.
I will continue to work for a package of reforms that will protect American workers and that will be tough, enforceable, economically sensible, and morally defensible. I will keep your views in mind as the debate continues. Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/ab
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