Legal immigrants to U.S. face green card logjam

[rebeccajo 14]

I can understand your frustration. For the past year, I've had no id in my married name, can't get a driver's license, can't work, can't register my own car and can't drive it...I can go on and on. Luckily the bank did allow me to open an account (I told them I hadn't applied for a SSN card yet so they let me use my TIN). I was tired of having to pay about $3.00 in cross border fees everytime I used my card anywhere but at the bank of america ATM. But it's been weird, like being in limbo. I am lucky though in that most places accept my passport as id.

I think that's the type of thing the writers of Gary's article were trying to bring to light. Although the 'players' in that article were employment-based immigrants, their difficulties with immigration reflect what happens to an entire family when paperwork doesn't move along to keep pace with life.

One of the most interesting things I've observed during my two years in this community is how things change with couples once their 'visajourney' ends and their 'real lives' begin. I think that's part of what makes us 'family' here. There IS a contingent of us who have stuck around and shared the joys, laughter, trials, tribulations, tears and triumphs of our international couplehood with one another. I think it's absolutely great and I've hoped that those of us who are together now give hope to those like Gary and Luz who are still separated.

Hell no I wouldn't want to go back to being separated from my sweet Irishman. Would I maybe have changed a few steps of our journey? Maybe. But that's all armchair quarterbacking at this point. What we have now is our future - I'm sure it will be brilliant, but I just want to be able to begin it. I think it's really difficult for those still separated to realize how that stupid greencard helps make the mechanics of 'real life' happen.

Edited November 30, 2006 by rebeccajo

[Nikita2Charles 32]

I also would like to emphasize a Myth regarding the immigration Policy they are complaining about. I can feel the pain for that family but is it a major Disaster compare to what's happening to US engineers. Are we (US engineers) All dumbo who lost the edge, don't know anything about sciences, and now all the asian countries are considered the Top notch.

1) Where did all the technology comes from

2) Who Facilitate or Developped most of these high tech technologies

3) Most of them came from Incubators RIGHT HERE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

But if you were to beleive you would think we(US engineers don't know anything)

8 friends of mine lost their Jobs in Texas as programmer, All AMERICAN JOBS, They brought 8 software engineers from ASIA, Get you to train them, then after 5-6 months, Your whole Department is moved overseas to save cost. The Salary of 2 software engineers there in Houston Texas is paying for those 8 engineers there. So from one financial quater to the next

The company make a nefty $480,000 without lifting a finger, but at what cost,

8 People lost their Jobs, they have children, they have family, they have mortgage to Pay.

SINGAPORE GOVT PAY their citizen Salary when they go overseas for training.

The Singapore govt is giving Major Tax Brake to attract foreign corporation to move there, and when the company have the office in SIngapore, they send their singapore based employees to the US headquater for training, the Company don't even have to pay those folks salary while they are here, They do get paid, but that money is reimbursed by the Singapore Govt.

Now can you call that FAIR PRACTICE.

You spend years developing products to make the company successful, now they are asking you to train other engineers from overseas to take over your JOB.

INSULT TO INJURY

YOU guys are so great, So Efficient therefore your division is being chosen as the Super star to make the transition to Singapore.

In the High tech sector you don't have UNION, not that it would make much of a difference but it woud cause a Major HEADACHE

IF all those US ENGINEERS WALK OUT and Let those Foreign engineer whose coming here, Go to the Lab, do their own research, their own R&D, and Develop a new product, It's like your have your baby product and now somebody else is going to Reap the fruit of your sucesss.

TALKING DISCRIMINATION

US ENGINEER applied for a JOB that He's well qualified for, Even HR and Manager Agree that person is the perfect fit for the position. 2 weeks later no phone call, no feedback, finally when you get to the bottom of it.

I AM SORRY (SLIP UP BY HR LADY)

THIS JOB (REQ is RESERVED FOR AN HB1 VISA PERSON FROM INDIA)

Meaning IF you go to India and applied for the position you WOULD HAVE GOT HIRED>

I am sure it's not the 1st time and the only place that has taken place

US ENGINEERS BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST in favor of FOREIGN NATIONAL

SO I GET REALLY TIRED AT TIME WHEN I HEAR ABOUT ALL OF THESE CRAPS!!!

The problem is that the U.S. education system is not producing enough people with a math, science or engineering background to fill these vacancies, so we are having to look outside," said Jack Krumholtz, Microsoft's chief lobbyist in Washington.

"The problem is that the U.S. education system is not producing enough people with a math, science or engineering background to fill these vacancies, so we are having to look outside,"

Is it just me, but wouldn't it be a good idea to encourage/facilitate/educate the native US citizen to take on these high tech jobs.

That will never happen because we don't have CHEAP LABOR

Edited November 30, 2006 by Nikita2Charles

[Girona40 0]

"difficulties with immigration reflect what happens to an entire family when paperwork doesn't move along to keep pace with life".

No sh*t! 4 years my family has been going through hell and I am just sick of it.

It's not just couples that are affected by difficulties in immigration, it is sometimes their children and that hurts me more than anything they could have done to just me and my husband.

I know that waiting for a year, maybe two, isn't any fun. But can you imagine what it is like to be dealing with the USCIS for as long as we have and still no Green Card for my son?

I appreciate that having to apply for that second EAD is annoying, but can you imagine how you feel when it is the FOURTH?

Being told you are a "threat to security" when you have done nothing wrong, having to go on anti-depressent medication because you just can't get your head around the way you are being treated. When you see people coming in on visas that were only ever intended to offer temporary stay in the US, but being able to adjust status without any real issues - while you fight something that is just so wrong. Unable to move forward with your life, better yourself or your earning potential, when you are supposedly in the "prime" of your life.

Yup! It is sometimes better to have your loved ones with you, but when the USCIS puts you though this you question whether you'd all have been better off staying in the UK.

Had a real bad day - just had to get that off my chest.

[rebeccajo 14]

"difficulties with immigration reflect what happens to an entire family when paperwork doesn't move along to keep pace with life".

No sh*t! 4 years my family has been going through hell and I am just sick of it.

It's not just couples that are affected by difficulties in immigration, it is sometimes their children and that hurts me more than anything they could have done to just me and my husband.

I know that waiting for a year, maybe two, isn't any fun. But can you imagine what it is like to be dealing with the USCIS for as long as we have and still no Green Card for my son?

I appreciate that having to apply for that second EAD is annoying, but can you imagine how you feel when it is the FOURTH?

Being told you are a "threat to security" when you have done nothing wrong, having to go on anti-depressent medication because you just can't get your head around the way you are being treated. When you see people coming in on visas that were only ever intended to offer temporary stay in the US, but being able to adjust status without any real issues - while you fight something that is just so wrong. Unable to move forward with your life, better yourself or your earning potential, when you are supposedly in the "prime" of your life.

Yup! It is sometimes better to have your loved ones with you, but when the USCIS puts you though this you question whether you'd all have been better off staying in the UK.

Had a real bad day - just had to get that off my chest.

Your story was certainly in my mind when I said 'entire family'.

Gary is bringing Luz's son over as a K2. I hope he never experiences what your family has.

Edited November 30, 2006 by rebeccajo

[LuzyC 0]

"difficulties with immigration reflect what happens to an entire family when paperwork doesn't move along to keep pace with life".

No sh*t! 4 years my family has been going through hell and I am just sick of it.

It's not just couples that are affected by difficulties in immigration, it is sometimes their children and that hurts me more than anything they could have done to just me and my husband.

I know that waiting for a year, maybe two, isn't any fun. But can you imagine what it is like to be dealing with the USCIS for as long as we have and still no Green Card for my son?

I appreciate that having to apply for that second EAD is annoying, but can you imagine how you feel when it is the FOURTH?

Being told you are a "threat to security" when you have done nothing wrong, having to go on anti-depressent medication because you just can't get your head around the way you are being treated. When you see people coming in on visas that were only ever intended to offer temporary stay in the US, but being able to adjust status without any real issues - while you fight something that is just so wrong. Unable to move forward with your life, better yourself or your earning potential, when you are supposedly in the "prime" of your life.

Yup! It is sometimes better to have your loved ones with you, but when the USCIS puts you though this you question whether you'd all have been better off staying in the UK.

Had a real bad day - just had to get that off my chest.

Your story was certainly in my mind when I said 'entire family'.

Gary is bringing Luz's son over as a K2. I hope he never experiences what your family has.

Thanks for your thoughts Becca,,I do hope we never meet those difficulties but if we did I pray that God gives us blessing and strenght to pass all that with flying colors..

[MichelleandCraig 1]

Wow, I guess I haven't been paying attention. I do wander to other forums, but when I come on nowdays, it's usually just to check in here and see what's going on if I'm bored, curious, or looking for a bit of fun. I didn't realize you STILL didn't have Wes' green card, Becca. SHEESH!!! I hope you get it done, *really* soon, and Girona40..goes without saying. I remember your story from a long time ago, and for your son to still not have it is just ridiculous. Good luck to all of you. M.

Edited to say: meant, hope *THEY* get it done really soon!

Edited November 30, 2006 by MichelleandCraig

[rebeccajo 14]

I hope you don't either Luz. And I hope you get your interview real soon. You two sure have waited long enough for it.

Honestly you and your son probably wont have any namecheck issues. Your names probably aren't all that common in the US. Girona's son has a problem based on a government technicality and boneheaded interpretations of it, just like you've had to deal with IMBRA.

It'd be nice if all our journeys could be smooth. Like you said, the Good Lord helps us all get through it. Oh...and VJ too!

[Girona40 0]

I hope you don't either Luz. And I hope you get your interview real soon. You two sure have waited long enough for it.

Honestly you and your son probably wont have any namecheck issues. Your names probably aren't all that common in the US. Girona's son has a problem based on a government technicality and boneheaded interpretations of it, just like you've had to deal with IMBRA.

It'd be nice if all our journeys could be smooth. Like you said, the Good Lord helps us all get through it. Oh...and VJ too!

The sad thing about our case is that NOW it is a matter of iterpretation of the law, but the entire problem was caused by the USCIS processing delays, way back. They took 10 months to get my son to interview. If they had processed his AOS application as quickly as some of these other guys are getting their's processed now, this would never have happened.

The problem with K-2's applying for AOS is that they have to be PROCESSED by the time they turn 21, according to the USCIS interpretation of the law - we are still not in agreement here and our attorney is fighting like hell with them on this. If the delays get any longer, kids coming in well before their 21st birthday's are going to get caught in this trap too.

We know of several others now that are in the same situation as us and, believe me, it doesn't just cause upset, it is downright distressing! I have days when truly ask myself "how much more of this can we take?"

[rebeccajo 14]

I hope you don't either Luz. And I hope you get your interview real soon. You two sure have waited long enough for it.

Honestly you and your son probably wont have any namecheck issues. Your names probably aren't all that common in the US. Girona's son has a problem based on a government technicality and boneheaded interpretations of it, just like you've had to deal with IMBRA.

It'd be nice if all our journeys could be smooth. Like you said, the Good Lord helps us all get through it. Oh...and VJ too!

The sad thing about our case is that NOW it is a matter of iterpretation of the law, but the entire problem was caused by the USCIS processing delays, way back. They took 10 months to get my son to interview. If they had processed his AOS application as quickly as some of these other guys are getting their's processed now, this would never have happened.

The problem with K-2's applying for AOS is that they have to be PROCESSED by the time they turn 21, according to the USCIS interpretation of the law - we are still not in agreement here and our attorney is fighting like hell with them on this. If the delays get any longer, kids coming in well before their 21st birthday's are going to get caught in this trap too.

We know of several others now that are in the same situation as us and, believe me, it doesn't just cause upset, it is downright distressing! I have days when truly ask myself "how much more of this can we take?"

Yup. If I were you I'd probably have been long gone.

As the article illustrates, processing glitches and differing interpretations of laws can cause trouble beyond the visa.

I know I'm not trying to scare anybody with this kind of conversation and I don't think Girona is either. Gary, you posted this article to show what's happening with illegals vs. legals (paraphrasing).

You've been frustrated with Luz's visa process because you did everything correctly and it's still taken ages. That's mine and Girona's frustration now. We've followed all the rules. At this point, all it's caused Wes and me is some extra money for another EAD. It could cost us much more if this is protracted. Girona's son actually faces deportation.

It just stinks because we've done everything by the book and legally and still have this trouble. I know Girona and I wouldn't wish these unequal situations on anybody.

I know that the delays can cause an ongoing problem for those stuck in name check hell. I guess I am being selfish with it because it really does not matter to me as long as Luz in here while we wait. She isn't going to be working. As long as we are together that is really all that matters.

Oh and Gary I don't think you are being selfish one bit.

My situation - Girona's - these are just other VJ stories. There's just LOADS to immigration beyond the visa. Personally I just think it's helpful to be mindful of the fact that Luz, her son, my husband, Girona's son - they aren't entitled to all the protections you and I have. Loving them means looking ahead and trying to prevent pitfalls.

[Girona40 0]

I hope you don't either Luz. And I hope you get your interview real soon. You two sure have waited long enough for it.

Honestly you and your son probably wont have any namecheck issues. Your names probably aren't all that common in the US. Girona's son has a problem based on a government technicality and boneheaded interpretations of it, just like you've had to deal with IMBRA.

It'd be nice if all our journeys could be smooth. Like you said, the Good Lord helps us all get through it. Oh...and VJ too!

The sad thing about our case is that NOW it is a matter of iterpretation of the law, but the entire problem was caused by the USCIS processing delays, way back. They took 10 months to get my son to interview. If they had processed his AOS application as quickly as some of these other guys are getting their's processed now, this would never have happened.

The problem with K-2's applying for AOS is that they have to be PROCESSED by the time they turn 21, according to the USCIS interpretation of the law - we are still not in agreement here and our attorney is fighting like hell with them on this. If the delays get any longer, kids coming in well before their 21st birthday's are going to get caught in this trap too.

We know of several others now that are in the same situation as us and, believe me, it doesn't just cause upset, it is downright distressing! I have days when truly ask myself "how much more of this can we take?"

Yup. If I were you I'd probably have been long gone.

As the article illustrates, processing glitches and differing interpretations of laws can cause trouble beyond the visa.

I know I'm not trying to scare anybody with this kind of conversation and I don't think Girona is either. Gary, you posted this article to show what's happening with illegals vs. legals (paraphrasing).

You've been frustrated with Luz's visa process because you did everything correctly and it's still taken ages. That's mine and Girona's frustration now. We've followed all the rules. At this point, all it's caused Wes and me is some extra money for another EAD. It could cost us much more if this is protracted. Girona's son actually faces deportation.

It just stinks because we've done everything by the book and legally and still have this trouble. I know Girona and I wouldn't wish these unequal situations on anybody.

I know that the delays can cause an ongoing problem for those stuck in name check hell. I guess I am being selfish with it because it really does not matter to me as long as Luz in here while we wait. She isn't going to be working. As long as we are together that is really all that matters.

Oh and Gary I don't think you are being selfish one bit.

My situation - Girona's - these are just other VJ stories. There's just LOADS to immigration beyond the visa. Personally I just think it's helpful to be mindful of the fact that Luz, her son, my husband, Girona's son - they aren't entitled to all the protections you and I have. Loving them means looking ahead and trying to prevent pitfalls.

Loving them is what makes it so hard, when injustice befalls them.

Believe me, Rebecca, I do know that it's not only the additional cost of an EAD, you should never have had to apply for, that causes problems. As a person without a Green Card here, you cannot do so many things. I can remember my son applying for a Target store card and being so embarrassed when they refused him. Being unable to further his career because his status is not considered that of an LPR. He cannot get a mortgage and he and his girlfriend, who love one another dearly, well..................I could go on and on, but there's no point.

I just wish that someone, somewhere, will see how bloody unfair this whole mess is........and, hopefully, sort it out.

God Bless!

G.

[pedroh 21]

yea.. i help my wife to grade either spanish and english tests.. zomg.. i can't believe how easy they fail english.. they don't wanna read, they don't wanna write, they just want to be arseholes

My daughter is attending university at the moment, to gain her degree in Education. She is currently in a local school, observing, as part of her studies. The kids were failing basic grammar tests!! Then she realised why - the teachers test these kids, not having taught them the basics first! When she asked the teacher "You are testing these kids on things they have never been taught? How do you expect them to pass the tests?" The teacher replied "You think you can do better? You teach the class yourself next week!" She did. Every kid in that class passed the test that week - some had not passed one test in that class up to that day.

It isn't always because the kids don't want to learn.

i disagree, high school kids arent kids, they know whats up, if they dont wanna learn and be indifferent is not because of the teacher, is their own damn fault..

[Girona40 0]

yea.. i help my wife to grade either spanish and english tests.. zomg.. i can't believe how easy they fail english.. they don't wanna read, they don't wanna write, they just want to be arseholes

My daughter is attending university at the moment, to gain her degree in Education. She is currently in a local school, observing, as part of her studies. The kids were failing basic grammar tests!! Then she realised why - the teachers test these kids, not having taught them the basics first! When she asked the teacher "You are testing these kids on things they have never been taught? How do you expect them to pass the tests?" The teacher replied "You think you can do better? You teach the class yourself next week!" She did. Every kid in that class passed the test that week - some had not passed one test in that class up to that day.

It isn't always because the kids don't want to learn.

i disagree, high school kids arent kids, they know whats up, if they dont wanna learn and be indifferent is not because of the teacher, is their own damn fault..

yea.. i help my wife to grade either spanish and english tests.. zomg.. i can't believe how easy they fail english.. they don't wanna read, they don't wanna write, they just want to be arseholes

My daughter is attending university at the moment, to gain her degree in Education. She is currently in a local school, observing, as part of her studies. The kids were failing basic grammar tests!! Then she realised why - the teachers test these kids, not having taught them the basics first! When she asked the teacher "You are testing these kids on things they have never been taught? How do you expect them to pass the tests?" The teacher replied "You think you can do better? You teach the class yourself next week!" She did. Every kid in that class passed the test that week - some had not passed one test in that class up to that day.

It isn't always because the kids don't want to learn.

i disagree, high school kids arent kids, they know whats up, if they dont wanna learn and be indifferent is not because of the teacher, is their own damn fault..

If they don't want to learn and are indifferent, then you are correct - it's their own fault. But, believe me, there are plenty of people out there that call themselves teachers and have no right to. They don't want to teach. its just a way of earning a salary. In my daughter's HS, which we got her out of quickly because the teachers were so pathetic, there were teachers who made no bones about the fact that they didn't care whether the kids learned anything.

I will say, however, that there are some wonderful teachers out there. Some teachers are truly dedicated to providing children with an education. But it is not ALWAYS because kid's don't want to learn that they don't.

High School students vary so much in age here - my daughter was 15 when she graduated from HS, and believe me, she was still a "kid".

Oh, and from the grammar and spelling used in your posts, I am guessing that you were one of those you consider to be "arseholes"?

[pedroh 21]

ah.. no.. I'm one of the 'english is not my native language' and 'I don't care for forum grammar and or spelling'.. and there's nothing wrong with arseholes either.. learn some different words yo

[zyggy 9]

WOuld be a good idea, but I guess expensive college tuition is a problem!!!

Uhh.. more like the low pay that these types of workers receive due to allowing what I term "indentured servants" to comeinto the country to take them. Not enough workers.. indeed.. there isn't enough because it's doesn't pay worth a damn...

My neighbor is a cell phone account representative with no college degree and the same age. She makes more than I do as a project manager at an engineering company managing engineering work worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for multi-million dollar projects...

THe equation is easy, when college age people are out looking for a job, with the high cost of tuition, do they want to go into a profession where the jobs are being outsourced every day and the starting salary and continuing salary is low compared to other jobs they can go into...

Back in the 50's, 60's and 70's it was understood that having a ready supply of manufacturing and engineering was vital for our national security and we valued the people that did it by paying them a salary that was in line with other professions like law and medicine... now we're shipping all of our manufacturing and engineering overseas.... and in a decade or two when China becomes the center of scientific knowledge, technology, and manufacturing we'll all wonder how it happened...

It's very easy, students aren't going into math, science and engineering because it plain doesn't pay... and it doesn't pay becuase there's a ready supply of cheap indentured labor to do the job...

Edited November 30, 2006 by zyggy

[Girona40 0]

ah.. no.. I'm one of the 'english is not my native language' and 'I don't care for forum grammar and or spelling'.. and there's nothing wrong with arseholes either.. learn some different words yo

What the hell are you doing GRADING English papers!! This is a prime example of a teacher (your wife) not doing the job that she is paid for! No wonder the kids are not willing to put in any effort, when their teacer isn't!