Construction Jobs and How They Work...

[AlHayatZween 2]

Hi Everybody,

Hope this post finds you well...

So, my husband made it! And now he's here! Alhamdulilah...

But now, finding a job is becoming a considerable challenge. Does anyone have any information about construction jobs...? i see general laborer positions posted and usually they seem to pay $$$ per day... Does this mean that it is off the books? Or that they are not taking taxes out?

Also, it's going to take my fiance/husband longer than normal to get his SSN because of some mix-up at JFK. SSA says he can still work without the card... but how will that influence any construction work opportunities he might get if he is working per day?

Any insight?

Thanks a million,

hz

[Nanusia & Lukaszek 0]

Most contracting jobs (like more than 1 day gigs) pay cash, and then when it comes tax time, they file you as a "subcontractor". This is not a cool thing, because you have to pay your own social security, medicare, and the normal state & fed taxes too. So if you make $10/hr as a subcontractor, in the end you are closer to $6.

Not worth it, unless its big bucks, or you have some big deductions you can take to offset the income.

[AlHayatZween 2]

Hmmm... good to know...

Thanks!

At this point, he is just looking to start working anywhere! And i can't say i blame him, he's been working his whole life and now he is stuck in the house. He goes to English class, but the unemployment is really lowering his morale... poor thing!

i guess i'm just trying to understand these classified ads, looking for "general laborers" paid per day... i guess i don't know what that means really...

Edited August 4, 2008 by AlHayatZween

[Sylvia_n_Joseph 3]

Looking at your time line you have not yet gotten AOS and EAD which means he CAN NOT work . If he gets caught working then you can have some serious issues. You need either the 90 day stamp and you have to stop on day 91 ) or EAD or greencard to work legally. They raid construction sites all the time to look for illegal workers . You don't want hubby getting caught up in that

[aidan80 9]

Hi Everybody,

Hope this post finds you well...

So, my husband made it! And now he's here! Alhamdulilah...

But now, finding a job is becoming a considerable challenge. Does anyone have any information about construction jobs...? i see general laborer positions posted and usually they seem to pay $$$ per day... Does this mean that it is off the books? Or that they are not taking taxes out?

Also, it's going to take my fiance/husband longer than normal to get his SSN because of some mix-up at JFK. SSA says he can still work without the card... but how will that influence any construction work opportunities he might get if he is working per day?

Any insight?

Thanks a million,

hz

It's not easy to start out finding work as a new immigrant even when there was more jobs about. I don't really have any information on construction jobs but as the other poster said and as I too have seen from your timeline. If your husband doesn't have a EAD, GC or SSN he can't really work. If caught I'm sure it'll cause more problems than being stuck at home during the day. I mean I can understand if cash is tight and chances have to be taken but if not, I'd sit tight. We did and cash was very, very tight.. ehhh.. no more noodles for me

I was stuck through one reason and another at home after arriving here for almost a whole fcuking year!.. It isn't fun, can't drive.. can't work.. can't go anywhere... can't walk anywhere, too hot/no footpaths (sidewalks).. etc. I'd get him a computer game, some DVD's.. decent selection in the $5 bin at Zoo-Mart! magazines, books, Internet.. volunteer somewhere.. go out meet some people, make contacts/friends, or have your friends take him some places.. etc Just don't let him watch Dr Phil all day.. it'll do more damage than good

Good Luck!!

[Longbranch 2]

Hi Everybody,

Hope this post finds you well...

So, my husband made it! And now he's here! Alhamdulilah...

But now, finding a job is becoming a considerable challenge. Does anyone have any information about construction jobs...? i see general laborer positions posted and usually they seem to pay $$$ per day... Does this mean that it is off the books? Or that they are not taking taxes out?

Also, it's going to take my fiance/husband longer than normal to get his SSN because of some mix-up at JFK. SSA says he can still work without the card... but how will that influence any construction work opportunities he might get if he is working per day?

Any insight?

Thanks a million,

hz

The company I work for has operations from Vermont down to Jersey, all states in between. However, at a minimum a green card is required. Pre-employment physical, UA, drug screen, etc. Unless salaried, all positions pay per hour and inch and a half after 40. If he is an operator I'm sure that he will find a job soon. Any skills as far as finishing, rolling, form-setting is very beneficial. Also any previous quarry experience will definately get a second look.

Not building trade related if that makes a difference.

If you need additional info contact me and I do what I can.

Edited August 5, 2008 by Longbranch

[AlHayatZween 2]

I was stuck through one reason and another at home after arriving here for almost a whole fcuking year!.. It isn't fun, can't drive.. can't work.. can't go anywhere... can't walk anywhere, too hot/no footpaths (sidewalks).. etc. I'd get him a computer game, some DVD's.. decent selection in the $5 bin at Zoo-Mart! magazines, books, Internet.. volunteer somewhere.. go out meet some people, make contacts/friends, or have your friends take him some places.. etc Just don't let him watch Dr Phil all day.. it'll do more damage than good

Good Luck!!

Oooooooo... sorry to hear it was such a tough time!!

i just wanted to clarify that he does have Work Authorization stamp as issued at JFK, and his SSN is processing as of a week ago... and we are starting AOS... but for the time being he does have permission to work.

Thank you though for the input!

[AlHayatZween 2]

The company I work for has operations from Vermont down to Jersey, all states in between. However, at a minimum a green card is required. Pre-employment physical, UA, drug screen, etc. Unless salaried, all positions pay per hour and inch and a half after 40. If he is an operator I'm sure that he will find a job soon. Any skills as far as finishing, rolling, form-setting is very beneficial. Also any previous quarry experience will definately get a second look.

Not building trade related if that makes a difference.

If you need additional info contact me and I do what I can.

Thank you so much!

Hopefully he will be able to find something in between before he gets his green card! The agencies he is looking at now just require "work authorization" not a green card... so... i will have to report back as i learn more.