samnay
04-08 09:14 AM
Just contributed $100 and asked several of my friends to join.
Btw, I do not see anthing in the amendments to address labor backlog reduction problem? Is that not goal of IV any more?
Btw, I do not see anthing in the amendments to address labor backlog reduction problem? Is that not goal of IV any more?
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Saikrishna
07-19 11:25 AM
Thanks to GOD for helping him in order to help us regarding with all our immigration problem...
Sure and will do some contribution (on this website)soon to him and IV core team for their fruitless efforts.
ONE REQUEST FOR EVERYONE - Please contribute some money from your pockets to Aman ASAP and make him happy...
PRAISE THE LORD !!!
Sure and will do some contribution (on this website)soon to him and IV core team for their fruitless efforts.
ONE REQUEST FOR EVERYONE - Please contribute some money from your pockets to Aman ASAP and make him happy...
PRAISE THE LORD !!!
oliTwist
01-15 01:32 PM
Folks,
There are many discussions on immigration (some in favor and some totally misrepresenting the legal immigration).Mind you many of the ordinary citizens are voting on these posts, which indicate the popularity. Obviously this is one way of increasing the popularity of posts highlighting our case (ala Digg)
Only a few of the immigration posts are addressing our pain points. One eg is something like: Please help the Immigration System
Please vote for them and champion the advantages for all by commenting and voting.
I believe at the moment this is achievable by all. Please act!
There are many discussions on immigration (some in favor and some totally misrepresenting the legal immigration).Mind you many of the ordinary citizens are voting on these posts, which indicate the popularity. Obviously this is one way of increasing the popularity of posts highlighting our case (ala Digg)
Only a few of the immigration posts are addressing our pain points. One eg is something like: Please help the Immigration System
Please vote for them and champion the advantages for all by commenting and voting.
I believe at the moment this is achievable by all. Please act!
2011 Justin Bieber - quot;Babyquot; (cover)
gc_check
04-19 11:51 AM
Dear Friends,
Got Green cards and Welcome notices for me and my wife .
Surprisingly no uscis e-mail and online status is still "initial review"
Our journey in short :
How long in US : 10+ years
First Labor in 2002 . Changed job in three years before approval of labor
Second Labor in 2004 . Approved in 2007
Filed I140 and 485 - in July 2007
Since then I was enjoying EAD / AP with no complain .
I donate to IV now and then , but for some reason only once (for few days) got access to IV-Donor Forum . But always had a faith that IV is doing good work .
From non-donor IV forums and other forums I noticed that USCIS are transferring leftover Visas to other EB categories . I waited to see some thing coming to EB3 but ......nothing came .
My Lawyer told me that I can port to EB2 and it is a normal a process.
1. New Perm
a. Filed in Feb and approved in 10 days ( Prep work takes 3 to 4 months before filing )
b. Requirement : 4 years Engineering + 5 years minimum experience
2. EB2 I140 (TSC)
a. Filed in March - Premium Processing
b. My Lawyer sent interfiling letter along with I140 filing
c. Approved in 7 days (A# and Priority Date retained)
d. Same week got Green Cards and Welcome Notices:) - Super-fast Approval
e. No email and no updates on USCIS website
Not sure about the USCIS and Lawyer fees . My company paid for every thing.
Hope every one get the desired freedom asap and don't have to wait like me for 10+ years
Wish you all the best ......to everyone who is waiting for GC.
Thanks,
Jimytomy
Congrats for getting GREEN CARD. Good to see another old PD (EB3) person getting greened. Looks like the upgrade route worked in your case.
Got Green cards and Welcome notices for me and my wife .
Surprisingly no uscis e-mail and online status is still "initial review"
Our journey in short :
How long in US : 10+ years
First Labor in 2002 . Changed job in three years before approval of labor
Second Labor in 2004 . Approved in 2007
Filed I140 and 485 - in July 2007
Since then I was enjoying EAD / AP with no complain .
I donate to IV now and then , but for some reason only once (for few days) got access to IV-Donor Forum . But always had a faith that IV is doing good work .
From non-donor IV forums and other forums I noticed that USCIS are transferring leftover Visas to other EB categories . I waited to see some thing coming to EB3 but ......nothing came .
My Lawyer told me that I can port to EB2 and it is a normal a process.
1. New Perm
a. Filed in Feb and approved in 10 days ( Prep work takes 3 to 4 months before filing )
b. Requirement : 4 years Engineering + 5 years minimum experience
2. EB2 I140 (TSC)
a. Filed in March - Premium Processing
b. My Lawyer sent interfiling letter along with I140 filing
c. Approved in 7 days (A# and Priority Date retained)
d. Same week got Green Cards and Welcome Notices:) - Super-fast Approval
e. No email and no updates on USCIS website
Not sure about the USCIS and Lawyer fees . My company paid for every thing.
Hope every one get the desired freedom asap and don't have to wait like me for 10+ years
Wish you all the best ......to everyone who is waiting for GC.
Thanks,
Jimytomy
Congrats for getting GREEN CARD. Good to see another old PD (EB3) person getting greened. Looks like the upgrade route worked in your case.
more...
caliguy
10-29 11:56 AM
@ leoindiano & others....
I just sent an email 5 minutes back for all emails I got after 11 PM last night. Please check your email, you should have received the sample letter.
For all of you who have sent me a msg to send you the sample letter and not provided me an email address, please send me a message again with your email address.
Good luck!
I just sent an email 5 minutes back for all emails I got after 11 PM last night. Please check your email, you should have received the sample letter.
For all of you who have sent me a msg to send you the sample letter and not provided me an email address, please send me a message again with your email address.
Good luck!
reddymjm
09-24 08:59 AM
The best way to respond this kind of people is to ignore them....
If you are successful, certain people will complain and make up stories how you became successful.
If you fail, the same people will makeup stories how dumb you are etc...
The best way, in my opinion, is to ignore these fools.
Those who are writing negative about IV and their leaders, do not have slightest idea on how much sacrifices they have made (family time, financially, physically, mentally etc) so that most of us could be benefited out of it. If these people think they are not benefited or does not like the idea, please don't read those post or just ignore them and move on, go to the posts that you would be benefited from and logout, I personally would like these people to share their experience and answer questions by others with their best of their knowledge, but if you can’t do that, please don't demoralize others.
And yes, I don't care about RED dots, so bring them on.
GCCOvet
Well said Sanju and gccovet. I liked the vedios too Sanju.
If you are successful, certain people will complain and make up stories how you became successful.
If you fail, the same people will makeup stories how dumb you are etc...
The best way, in my opinion, is to ignore these fools.
Those who are writing negative about IV and their leaders, do not have slightest idea on how much sacrifices they have made (family time, financially, physically, mentally etc) so that most of us could be benefited out of it. If these people think they are not benefited or does not like the idea, please don't read those post or just ignore them and move on, go to the posts that you would be benefited from and logout, I personally would like these people to share their experience and answer questions by others with their best of their knowledge, but if you can’t do that, please don't demoralize others.
And yes, I don't care about RED dots, so bring them on.
GCCOvet
Well said Sanju and gccovet. I liked the vedios too Sanju.
more...
aj_jadeja
02-13 01:49 PM
Contributing to IV $XX
paying for cable $XX
Your posts .... priceless :)
aj
paying for cable $XX
Your posts .... priceless :)
aj
2010 Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
ilikekilo
04-09 01:57 PM
Sameet,
I know it is a weird question. But I'd still go ahead and ask it.
What documents that USCIS expects for a scenario like this?
My situation: My wife still hasn't weaned off nursing completely.
My child is 1 year 3 months old. My wife got an RFE for TB test.
Plus she is in India currently.
Would sending the birth certificate of child be enough to prove the existence of 1 yr 3 month old child? OR would USCIS requires doctors's input also? O do they require anything else to prove baby is still being nursed.?
Thansk for your response,
GCisaDawg
i will go ahead and give my take on this based on my experience
1) some doctors DO NOT give a waiver since they think its OK to take a TB test during pregnancy itself, let alone not taking after child birth. so call the doc b4 you go.
2) I believe as long as the doctor gives you a blanket waiver it should be fine, thats all the proof you probably mifght need..
I dont think USCIS is so crude to go into getting excruciating evidence in these type of situations...good luck;)
I would call the USCIS if first off , they could give you more time..saying that she is traveling....if not get a blanker waiver..
I know it is a weird question. But I'd still go ahead and ask it.
What documents that USCIS expects for a scenario like this?
My situation: My wife still hasn't weaned off nursing completely.
My child is 1 year 3 months old. My wife got an RFE for TB test.
Plus she is in India currently.
Would sending the birth certificate of child be enough to prove the existence of 1 yr 3 month old child? OR would USCIS requires doctors's input also? O do they require anything else to prove baby is still being nursed.?
Thansk for your response,
GCisaDawg
i will go ahead and give my take on this based on my experience
1) some doctors DO NOT give a waiver since they think its OK to take a TB test during pregnancy itself, let alone not taking after child birth. so call the doc b4 you go.
2) I believe as long as the doctor gives you a blanket waiver it should be fine, thats all the proof you probably mifght need..
I dont think USCIS is so crude to go into getting excruciating evidence in these type of situations...good luck;)
I would call the USCIS if first off , they could give you more time..saying that she is traveling....if not get a blanker waiver..
more...
anjs
01-31 12:04 PM
Done
anjs
anjs
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Macaca
03-08 08:28 PM
Can we take the following decision. (this question is for the regular members who reply to peoples queries)
Questions that ask for any help or suggestion will be answered only if the persons signature mentions that they have contributed.
People who dont want to contribute can go to elsewhere and ask questions
It is not fair to expect a member to contribute the moment (s)he joins. It takes some time to understand the impact of GC problems and get a good feeling about IV activities. IV can not post its activities on forums. You will be surprised to know that anti-immigration organizations are well organized.
However, we have numerous members with 50+ posts and 3+ month of membership with no intension to contribute $20 (you will not get 2 Indian Buffet's in Washington DC for $20; it takes $4 (metro up) + $4 (metro down) + $4 (parking) everyday to DC).
I (and other members) have literally begged some of these members. One particular member says (s)he is going back to his/her country but starts posting obnoxious messages after a few weeks.
Questions that ask for any help or suggestion will be answered only if the persons signature mentions that they have contributed.
People who dont want to contribute can go to elsewhere and ask questions
It is not fair to expect a member to contribute the moment (s)he joins. It takes some time to understand the impact of GC problems and get a good feeling about IV activities. IV can not post its activities on forums. You will be surprised to know that anti-immigration organizations are well organized.
However, we have numerous members with 50+ posts and 3+ month of membership with no intension to contribute $20 (you will not get 2 Indian Buffet's in Washington DC for $20; it takes $4 (metro up) + $4 (metro down) + $4 (parking) everyday to DC).
I (and other members) have literally begged some of these members. One particular member says (s)he is going back to his/her country but starts posting obnoxious messages after a few weeks.
more...
indianindian2006
04-16 10:36 AM
On March 30 I had a soft LUD on my 485 and then on Apr9 my attorney recd an RFE.in my case the RFE went only to the attorney.
Hi all,
Due to system glitches, cud a soft LUD mean that it cud still have triggered an RFE to the attorney?
Also, when therez an RFE will the mail just go to the attny or to the applicant as well (if the applicant has signed G-28)?
Bottomline, is it a good idea to check with the attny if there were any RFEs?
Pls lemme know...
Thanx,
Buddy
Hi all,
Due to system glitches, cud a soft LUD mean that it cud still have triggered an RFE to the attorney?
Also, when therez an RFE will the mail just go to the attny or to the applicant as well (if the applicant has signed G-28)?
Bottomline, is it a good idea to check with the attny if there were any RFEs?
Pls lemme know...
Thanx,
Buddy
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ita
08-25 10:59 PM
You do NOT have to go anywhere - what you are saying is "SBI Rapid Remittance" by SBI where the money will reach your Foreign account the very next day ( But you might have to wire the money as well to BOA-NY or SBI-NY ?)
www.onlinesbi.com/rr - This is SBI's response to rapid exchange.
What i'm talking is "SBI Direct Remit" & takes 3-4 business days but just click of computer mouse once you are set up. I actually set it up Monday morning EST and Friday Morning EST i see my money at Foreign account. No need to open a account at SBI-NY or anywhere but its good to have the target account at SBI ( it can be your mom/dad's SBI a/c or yours , doesn't matter really )
www.onlinesbi.com/glsus
Is there anyway that we can open a account with SBI in India from here(US) for ourselves and then use this method to transfer funds into that account.
Has anybody done that..
I would appreciate it if someone can let me know if this is possible ,pros&cons in this if any.
Thank you.
www.onlinesbi.com/rr - This is SBI's response to rapid exchange.
What i'm talking is "SBI Direct Remit" & takes 3-4 business days but just click of computer mouse once you are set up. I actually set it up Monday morning EST and Friday Morning EST i see my money at Foreign account. No need to open a account at SBI-NY or anywhere but its good to have the target account at SBI ( it can be your mom/dad's SBI a/c or yours , doesn't matter really )
www.onlinesbi.com/glsus
Is there anyway that we can open a account with SBI in India from here(US) for ourselves and then use this method to transfer funds into that account.
Has anybody done that..
I would appreciate it if someone can let me know if this is possible ,pros&cons in this if any.
Thank you.
more...
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fundo14
07-16 01:26 PM
I plan to send this petition to all senior executives of Time Warner Inc by Priority Mail and Fax. CNN is a fully owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
Signed!
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
Signed!
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santb1975
06-02 07:17 PM
Keep calling
Called all of them, updated poll:)
Called all of them, updated poll:)
more...
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eager_immi
02-14 07:58 AM
Since you don't have faith in IV and don't want to contribute...what are you doing here? When and If IV acheives result will you then remove money from your wallet? Also, ur goals other than getting ur green card does not match with IV's goal, so stop using "we" say "i".
No problem you can feel exactly how you want...i think the issues you and others have is beacuse u want to know what is happening with the funds. I agree on that point that we all come from india and having faith in any charity org is hard. But, you have to think beyond your myopic view. These people just like you have a full time job,they are equally frustrated with GC process and they have a lot to loose if they are caught in a criminal activities. So, tell me why would they throw away all that they have worked for to get a few thousand dollars from you all.People get shocked saying where did the 200K go? Please give me a break don't most H1B earn really high salary. If you are prudent and a good saver you can easily save that money in a few years time.
So now would you have enough faith to arrange a cultural event. I like your idea but would you step up. Or is that for IV to do to pass your cause ... getting your green card. Man you are some manupalative B.
Ok, if advertising is too far-fetched, then hold some cultural events and make money on those. Brainstorm with members to find other ways to make money. People are not going to contribute. That is the writing on the wall. There is lack of trust and lack of faith in IV. IV will have to figure out ways to generate cash from other things than member contributions. If I remember correctly, people contributed nearly $200K and have got nothing to show for that.
These suggestions are because you think money is the issue. I don't think it is. It's the lack of good leadership. That is my opinion and it was point of my original posting. Lack of money is being blamed wrongly. But may be I am wrong.
Attack my ideas and not me. Then we can have a debate conducive to achieving our goals.
No problem you can feel exactly how you want...i think the issues you and others have is beacuse u want to know what is happening with the funds. I agree on that point that we all come from india and having faith in any charity org is hard. But, you have to think beyond your myopic view. These people just like you have a full time job,they are equally frustrated with GC process and they have a lot to loose if they are caught in a criminal activities. So, tell me why would they throw away all that they have worked for to get a few thousand dollars from you all.People get shocked saying where did the 200K go? Please give me a break don't most H1B earn really high salary. If you are prudent and a good saver you can easily save that money in a few years time.
So now would you have enough faith to arrange a cultural event. I like your idea but would you step up. Or is that for IV to do to pass your cause ... getting your green card. Man you are some manupalative B.
Ok, if advertising is too far-fetched, then hold some cultural events and make money on those. Brainstorm with members to find other ways to make money. People are not going to contribute. That is the writing on the wall. There is lack of trust and lack of faith in IV. IV will have to figure out ways to generate cash from other things than member contributions. If I remember correctly, people contributed nearly $200K and have got nothing to show for that.
These suggestions are because you think money is the issue. I don't think it is. It's the lack of good leadership. That is my opinion and it was point of my original posting. Lack of money is being blamed wrongly. But may be I am wrong.
Attack my ideas and not me. Then we can have a debate conducive to achieving our goals.
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styrum
01-31 02:26 PM
Done. They are 3 and 9 now!
more...
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raghuram
05-08 10:29 AM
have also used IMG/Sirius for my mom.100k with $100 deductiible.
Is this company not recommended? How do they compare with others? Please clarify.
IMG is good plan and recommended. IMG has comprehensive coverage plan that provides much better coverage than the fixed coverage plans.
Even look at the previous post from hope_4_best. They paid everything for a claim, except of course, the deductible and coinsurance. Also, look at the experience from jgs_res, they paid in his case also. Therefore, it seems that they have a good history of paying the eligible claims.
Is this company not recommended? How do they compare with others? Please clarify.
IMG is good plan and recommended. IMG has comprehensive coverage plan that provides much better coverage than the fixed coverage plans.
Even look at the previous post from hope_4_best. They paid everything for a claim, except of course, the deductible and coinsurance. Also, look at the experience from jgs_res, they paid in his case also. Therefore, it seems that they have a good history of paying the eligible claims.
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deepakshah
07-15 09:16 PM
signed today
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arrarrgee
07-17 12:25 PM
As someone mentioned on the other popst..DREAM ACT is for the children of illegal immigrants...not for the legal ones...
Yeah, we have to focus on long term relief. Getting AP and EAD is not a long term solution. I was hoping 'capturing unused numbers' or something better would happen with this July fiasco fix, does not seem to be happening now.
Hopefully this DREAM act will trigger more amendments like 'no limits on STEM EB visas' to get into pending bills...
Yeah, we have to focus on long term relief. Getting AP and EAD is not a long term solution. I was hoping 'capturing unused numbers' or something better would happen with this July fiasco fix, does not seem to be happening now.
Hopefully this DREAM act will trigger more amendments like 'no limits on STEM EB visas' to get into pending bills...
paskal
05-23 03:42 PM
looks like ur sunny side is up and its still raw!..;-) (2 posts)
my point is: citizens matter..not voteless aliens..
we cannot have the same game plan as numbersusa...
all i am saying is..maybe we need a newer and innovative approach to get our voices heard.. One speaking head ..not a herd!
we do the "one speak" too.
but herd speak counts.
this is not my "opinion". this is the direct information we have been passed along by lawmaker offices themselves. and you are wrong. whether you vote or not, if you call an office they do listen. if you visit it they listen more. try it and see, i speak from many personal experiences.
if "non voters" voices were so usless, we would not be even this far along by now. when a lot of people voice and opinion- IT DOES GET HEARD.
please do the needful.
we do adopt other strategies too. each one has its own utility. it's own goal and it's own time. right now we need the calls.
my point is: citizens matter..not voteless aliens..
we cannot have the same game plan as numbersusa...
all i am saying is..maybe we need a newer and innovative approach to get our voices heard.. One speaking head ..not a herd!
we do the "one speak" too.
but herd speak counts.
this is not my "opinion". this is the direct information we have been passed along by lawmaker offices themselves. and you are wrong. whether you vote or not, if you call an office they do listen. if you visit it they listen more. try it and see, i speak from many personal experiences.
if "non voters" voices were so usless, we would not be even this far along by now. when a lot of people voice and opinion- IT DOES GET HEARD.
please do the needful.
we do adopt other strategies too. each one has its own utility. it's own goal and it's own time. right now we need the calls.
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
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