ash0210
02-02 08:55 PM
Last time, strong lobby Schedule A/Nursing forced Congressman's to allot 50,000 non-used visas to "Nursing" Schedule A....
I dont know how WE will protect once again from this Schedule A lobbiest!!
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/alerts/1.23.2007_hcalert.htm
I dont know how WE will protect once again from this Schedule A lobbiest!!
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/alerts/1.23.2007_hcalert.htm
wallpaper 2011 Honda Insight (LX, EX)
gcisadawg
04-13 10:06 PM
This ain't nothing. Wait until the second wave of labor substituted EB3 applicants port their case from EB3 to EB2 or EB1 .Talk about a double whammy. Except a bigger hit in the next year or two when most of the porting succeeds.
Labor substitution may be legal but it is unethical. When everything depends on when you join the queue, how can one cut the line?
Whereas EB3 to EB2 porting is both legal and ethical. When you have a EB3 applicant that is waiting in line for 8 years, he/she had already gathered that much experience based on his long wait. Also, if you look at EB2, it is one of the highly abused category. The EB3 applicant who started in 2001 has joined the line half a decade before the one with 2006 Eb2 PD. One can't really accuse him/her for cutting the line just like one can about substitutes! If the EB3 porting case deserves merit, then I strongly support it!
My intention is not to to start a fight. But we need to see the true picture. Without acknowledging the problem how can we fix it?
Bottom line, GC abuses need to stop and we should fight for it as much as we fight for our rights to get GC!
Labor substitution may be legal but it is unethical. When everything depends on when you join the queue, how can one cut the line?
Whereas EB3 to EB2 porting is both legal and ethical. When you have a EB3 applicant that is waiting in line for 8 years, he/she had already gathered that much experience based on his long wait. Also, if you look at EB2, it is one of the highly abused category. The EB3 applicant who started in 2001 has joined the line half a decade before the one with 2006 Eb2 PD. One can't really accuse him/her for cutting the line just like one can about substitutes! If the EB3 porting case deserves merit, then I strongly support it!
My intention is not to to start a fight. But we need to see the true picture. Without acknowledging the problem how can we fix it?
Bottom line, GC abuses need to stop and we should fight for it as much as we fight for our rights to get GC!
nandakumar
03-09 01:52 PM
I plan to donate via check to avoid paypal commision.
Is there any special instructions for donation thru check?
Is there any special instructions for donation thru check?
2011 2011 Honda Insight EX w/
hopefulgc
11-11 04:15 PM
To all those who are advising Mr. thunderbolt to not do anything and keep looking into their son's eyes for the rest of their lives thinking.... "I let someone beat you up when you were an infant and didn't do jack"... here is another one.
Say, instead you had a daughter who is about 9 yrs old. You hired some Indian dude on tourist visa to mow your lawn & you hire this dude coz he charges way less.One day, you witness this dude violating your daughter physically.
What do you do now? Is this situation different. The baby situation is worse.
I have no kids yet, but it pisses me off that people here would let a child abuser get away coz it might interfere with their american dream.
Say, instead you had a daughter who is about 9 yrs old. You hired some Indian dude on tourist visa to mow your lawn & you hire this dude coz he charges way less.One day, you witness this dude violating your daughter physically.
What do you do now? Is this situation different. The baby situation is worse.
I have no kids yet, but it pisses me off that people here would let a child abuser get away coz it might interfere with their american dream.
more...
pappu
11-27 10:27 PM
Just sent in $50 to donations@immigrationvoice.org thru paypal.
Thanks
Thanks
BECsufferer
08-13 07:10 AM
I agree farming is fun! I did farming when I was young back in INDIA!
Recently I toured entire US except a few states by road. I saw people doing farming in huge lands like other professions. I saw one community from india owning lots of motels/hotels! To my surprise 20/25 motels we stayed were owned by people of indian origin and most were immigrants.
To all who claim to be stuck in GC queue I strongly suggest a US road trip. It will show you parts of USA which you have not seen as well as relax ur mind.
Agree... and this will also increase your awarness. It's a beautifull country and you will enjoy the diversity and resourcefulness. Go mid-west!
Recently I toured entire US except a few states by road. I saw people doing farming in huge lands like other professions. I saw one community from india owning lots of motels/hotels! To my surprise 20/25 motels we stayed were owned by people of indian origin and most were immigrants.
To all who claim to be stuck in GC queue I strongly suggest a US road trip. It will show you parts of USA which you have not seen as well as relax ur mind.
Agree... and this will also increase your awarness. It's a beautifull country and you will enjoy the diversity and resourcefulness. Go mid-west!
more...
chanduy9
07-05 01:16 PM
Are you guys sure that Emilio Gonzalez is not on vacation or taking a day off that day ??
The main moto is to get the media and public atten. Do you think if he is there, he will change the VB asap because of your flowers......:D
Common guys...this is on way telling them our feelings and how much pain we have taken....
Think +ve.
Just my idea.
The main moto is to get the media and public atten. Do you think if he is there, he will change the VB asap because of your flowers......:D
Common guys...this is on way telling them our feelings and how much pain we have taken....
Think +ve.
Just my idea.
2010 2011 Honda Insight Taffeta
bkarnik
03-09 05:33 PM
$25 sent in.
more...
eldrick
07-20 05:22 PM
I was confused because of this statement which is stating 60 days only -
For a new H1B, a grace period of up to 60 days is allowed before you can start work after entering the country.
One more thing I'm sorry. Last April(last entry date) when I came back after vacation, I transferred to a new company, after I got the receipt number they asked me to start working (that was around April too). Until now, I haven't received any approval yet. What should I enter in my present employer details, my old company or new company (wherein my transfer is still in process)?
Thanks again.
For a new H1B, a grace period of up to 60 days is allowed before you can start work after entering the country.
One more thing I'm sorry. Last April(last entry date) when I came back after vacation, I transferred to a new company, after I got the receipt number they asked me to start working (that was around April too). Until now, I haven't received any approval yet. What should I enter in my present employer details, my old company or new company (wherein my transfer is still in process)?
Thanks again.
hair 2011 Honda Insight EX in Newton, New Jersey. Internet Price; Call for Price
bigboy007
04-12 11:25 AM
Great discussions!! we are all going in different directions... How many Labor petitions few handful? There might be ppl who are stuck legitimately and ppl who did it , it was legal. Rather we should concentrate on Retrogression of VISA numbers. Then what after July 07 , think also about 140's there were pending there are a handful with earlier priority dates. Also many times USCIS issued GC's for ppl with earlier PD's should they return their GC back ? And potato eater has mentioned its not point to argument. I dont think there are those who are blocking the system. It is sheer number of VISA's that are driving nuts. There were also proposals that VISA numbers be applied only to principal applicants. Actions like these will have impact on final numbers.
And above all this idea is not new , It was even discussed by many members (in ~2006) when Substitution was abolished. But we are already here. We will campaign like Rajiv Khanna had said and then what discuss new proposal ? I feel its not that easy to do a change for existing ones in pipeline and USCIS has completely abolished this idea altogether.
Main action agenda: Legislation to get back unused numbers. I dont want IV to waste energy or resources anything beyond this and we shouldnt keep on discussions of new proposals. Our only point of discussion should be How to get legislative fix done.
Come to think of it, this idea has potential to fly. We can ask CIS to make the date of I-140 filing as the PD for substituted labor case. This will ensure that PD will move forward smoothly till July 07 at least. That will cover most of the long standing ( and long suffering) GC applicants and bring them relief. This will not have any other impact on the number of outstanding apps or available visa numbers etc. I guess this change in PD assignment logic can be done by CIS without the need of any new legislation.
The idea inherently appeals to those who believe in fair play. How do we take this forward.
And above all this idea is not new , It was even discussed by many members (in ~2006) when Substitution was abolished. But we are already here. We will campaign like Rajiv Khanna had said and then what discuss new proposal ? I feel its not that easy to do a change for existing ones in pipeline and USCIS has completely abolished this idea altogether.
Main action agenda: Legislation to get back unused numbers. I dont want IV to waste energy or resources anything beyond this and we shouldnt keep on discussions of new proposals. Our only point of discussion should be How to get legislative fix done.
Come to think of it, this idea has potential to fly. We can ask CIS to make the date of I-140 filing as the PD for substituted labor case. This will ensure that PD will move forward smoothly till July 07 at least. That will cover most of the long standing ( and long suffering) GC applicants and bring them relief. This will not have any other impact on the number of outstanding apps or available visa numbers etc. I guess this change in PD assignment logic can be done by CIS without the need of any new legislation.
The idea inherently appeals to those who believe in fair play. How do we take this forward.
more...
shana04
07-17 07:35 PM
KUDOS TO IMMIGRATION VOICE AND ALL ITS MEMBERS FOR MAKING THIS A HUGE SUCCESS !!!
I would certainly contribute to IV this is my promise.
:D :D :D
I would certainly contribute to IV this is my promise.
:D :D :D
hot Places avant, Insight LX
paskal
12-18 04:56 PM
Dear friends,
The next session of congress is almost upon us. Nothing will be achieved without funds, please open your hearts and wallets and contribute now. Remember, we are in the fight of our lives, a half hearted effort will condemn us to more of the same.
Please contribute and post here to encourage others as well.
I have sent my third contribution of $100 a few minutes ago. Please join me.
With enough money and enough effort, not to mention excellent leadership, we will surely succeed.
Thank you all for heeding this appeal :-)
Guys,
The collection so far shows 33.33% of the $60K target as of December 11th.
Friends I pledge a $500 donation as soon as the figures reaches 500 less than halfway ... i.e $29,500 and another again once the figure reaches 500 less of $60,000 i.e $59,500. Pappu or any of the core member please let me know once we touch this figures BY 31ST DECEMBER. Till then keep the marathon going.
LET'S SEE IF YOU GUYS CAN MAKE ME SHELL $1000 IN TOTAL.... :-))
Core members if need be , put my pledge on the main page... would like see if this forum has ba**s to make me shell out the $1000 bucks.....
MEMBERS ..YOU GOT TWO WEEKS TO SHOW SOME SPIRITS...CALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES...LET'S SEE WHAT YOU CAN ACHEIVE .... I PERSONALLY BELEIVE THAT THIS WOULD BE A TESTIMONY OF OUR SPIRIT TO RESOLVE OUR ISSUE NEXT YEAR... IF YOU CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN I AM 110% CERTAIN THAT WE WILL RESOLVE EVERYTHING NEXT YEAR....ELSE FORGET GREEN CARD .... PLEASE SIT AT HOME TILL YOUR HAIRS TURNED WHITE AND YOU NEED THOSE EXTRA SET OF TEETHS..... NO ONE CAN SAVE YOU....
CAN U TAKE THE CHALLENGE ?????
Another member from CA has joined this challange. The member has contacted me and I have spoken to the member. The member wants to stay as an annonymous donor. So far he has contributed $1500 over the past few months. This member has pledged to pitch in with some more money when the total contributions from other members reach the 30,000 & 60,000 dollar mark. Specifically, he will contribute $250 more when we get close to $30,000, and another $250 for the $60,000.
Default all my bonus is for IV
Dear Pappu
I have decided to put in all my bonus for IV
i dont make much as all the big folks but i intend to contribute much more then them
The next session of congress is almost upon us. Nothing will be achieved without funds, please open your hearts and wallets and contribute now. Remember, we are in the fight of our lives, a half hearted effort will condemn us to more of the same.
Please contribute and post here to encourage others as well.
I have sent my third contribution of $100 a few minutes ago. Please join me.
With enough money and enough effort, not to mention excellent leadership, we will surely succeed.
Thank you all for heeding this appeal :-)
Guys,
The collection so far shows 33.33% of the $60K target as of December 11th.
Friends I pledge a $500 donation as soon as the figures reaches 500 less than halfway ... i.e $29,500 and another again once the figure reaches 500 less of $60,000 i.e $59,500. Pappu or any of the core member please let me know once we touch this figures BY 31ST DECEMBER. Till then keep the marathon going.
LET'S SEE IF YOU GUYS CAN MAKE ME SHELL $1000 IN TOTAL.... :-))
Core members if need be , put my pledge on the main page... would like see if this forum has ba**s to make me shell out the $1000 bucks.....
MEMBERS ..YOU GOT TWO WEEKS TO SHOW SOME SPIRITS...CALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES...LET'S SEE WHAT YOU CAN ACHEIVE .... I PERSONALLY BELEIVE THAT THIS WOULD BE A TESTIMONY OF OUR SPIRIT TO RESOLVE OUR ISSUE NEXT YEAR... IF YOU CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN I AM 110% CERTAIN THAT WE WILL RESOLVE EVERYTHING NEXT YEAR....ELSE FORGET GREEN CARD .... PLEASE SIT AT HOME TILL YOUR HAIRS TURNED WHITE AND YOU NEED THOSE EXTRA SET OF TEETHS..... NO ONE CAN SAVE YOU....
CAN U TAKE THE CHALLENGE ?????
Another member from CA has joined this challange. The member has contacted me and I have spoken to the member. The member wants to stay as an annonymous donor. So far he has contributed $1500 over the past few months. This member has pledged to pitch in with some more money when the total contributions from other members reach the 30,000 & 60,000 dollar mark. Specifically, he will contribute $250 more when we get close to $30,000, and another $250 for the $60,000.
Default all my bonus is for IV
Dear Pappu
I have decided to put in all my bonus for IV
i dont make much as all the big folks but i intend to contribute much more then them
more...
house 2011 Honda Insight
+ve
04-26 01:18 AM
Yes, I have applied for H1-B under master's quota PP on the 3rd of April but have not recd any receipt notification...don't panic am sure we will hear something in the next 2 weeks...
tattoo 2011 honda insight 5dr cvt lx,
lccleared
12-19 09:39 PM
Just sent in my contribution $50 through paypal.
more...
pictures 2011 Triumph Tiger
aeroterp
05-04 01:10 PM
Master's cap reached on 4/30. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=138b6138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D&vgnextchannel=91919c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 RCRD
dresses 2011 Honda Insight Taffeta
Macaca
07-17 08:54 PM
Hello Macaca!!!! :D :D :D
Hello Pappu
Did you file in June or are you filable now?
Hello Pappu
Did you file in June or are you filable now?
more...
makeup NEW 2011 Honda Insight EX
msp1976
02-04 01:16 PM
Mr Unitednation takes the advantages of ignorance (in immgration law) of most of the forum members and spreading wrong information in both web sites.
Of course he is very informative, however he is very biased and having wrong openion that EB3 India has stolen EB3_ROW number in previous years as he belongs to ROW. He wrongly assumes that till EB3-ROW becomes current EB2 & EB3-India will not see any movement. He thinks no one knows the rules, laws ect..and he is only one knows everything. The actual fact is most peoples have been doing research on retrogression like him last two years and not having enough time to reply his post. To fuel his openion DOS is violating the section 202 of INA and no one cares about this including IV core team.
If you want to know true color of Unitednation visit this site.
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=225197&page=3&pp=15&highlight=outlook
If you want to know how unused visanumbers suppose to work as per the law, visit this site.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2659&highlight=century
Well...I read through the whole thing....
Let me try to say this nicely..I tend to think that.There is some misinterpretation on your part of his comments...
When he said 'EB3 India has stolen EB3_ROW number in previous years' ...
He was representing another view point...It is not his own view point....
He is just presenting a neutral observers view point....
As much I have understood Mr. Nations is non partisan...He is already out of this mess and he is doing social service .
But we should listen to all view points....if we need to make a viable case....
Of course he is very informative, however he is very biased and having wrong openion that EB3 India has stolen EB3_ROW number in previous years as he belongs to ROW. He wrongly assumes that till EB3-ROW becomes current EB2 & EB3-India will not see any movement. He thinks no one knows the rules, laws ect..and he is only one knows everything. The actual fact is most peoples have been doing research on retrogression like him last two years and not having enough time to reply his post. To fuel his openion DOS is violating the section 202 of INA and no one cares about this including IV core team.
If you want to know true color of Unitednation visit this site.
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=225197&page=3&pp=15&highlight=outlook
If you want to know how unused visanumbers suppose to work as per the law, visit this site.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2659&highlight=century
Well...I read through the whole thing....
Let me try to say this nicely..I tend to think that.There is some misinterpretation on your part of his comments...
When he said 'EB3 India has stolen EB3_ROW number in previous years' ...
He was representing another view point...It is not his own view point....
He is just presenting a neutral observers view point....
As much I have understood Mr. Nations is non partisan...He is already out of this mess and he is doing social service .
But we should listen to all view points....if we need to make a viable case....
girlfriend 2011 Honda Insight EX in
deecha
07-24 08:34 AM
I googled to find any cases similar to the one I have now, by no luck.
My wife was out of status for more than 6 months while she was on H1-b by not working. To put her back on status, my attorney advised to make her go out of the country and come back on H4 visa. Her status now is H4 and has maintained it since the last entry to US. I have maintained my H1-B status since 3 years and got paid for every day.
Is it possible, my I-485 is approved (primary applicant) and her I-485 denied (dependent) due to her prior out-of-status on H1-B? Her current status as mentioned in the I-485 forms is H4.
Please advice.
Thanks.
I would not lose sleep over it. Since, she left and re-entered the country her "clock" gets reset. She should be ok. Just be truthful on the forms so that they can't nail you guys later.
My wife was out of status for more than 6 months while she was on H1-b by not working. To put her back on status, my attorney advised to make her go out of the country and come back on H4 visa. Her status now is H4 and has maintained it since the last entry to US. I have maintained my H1-B status since 3 years and got paid for every day.
Is it possible, my I-485 is approved (primary applicant) and her I-485 denied (dependent) due to her prior out-of-status on H1-B? Her current status as mentioned in the I-485 forms is H4.
Please advice.
Thanks.
I would not lose sleep over it. Since, she left and re-entered the country her "clock" gets reset. She should be ok. Just be truthful on the forms so that they can't nail you guys later.
hairstyles New 2011 Honda CR-Z CVT EX
MahaBharatGC
12-03 05:19 PM
When you get chance, is it possible to post list of documents you produced (indicating original such as employment verification) and copies.
Thanks for sharing info and best of luck!
We had our AOS interview this week at LA USCIS office. We are EB2-I, PD 02/06, Filed 08/07, RD 10/07, I-140 approved 12/06. Reason for interview was a double failure to get clear FPs for spouse. This necessitates a police clearance certificate from the city of residence and upon our lawyer's advise, we went armed with two of these, one from each of the two cities we have lived in during the 5 previous years.
Getting a Police Clearance Certificate entails just going and requesting it at their counter. Their charges are reasonable ($11 and $19.50 for us) and in one case we got it after a few minutes of wait and in the other, had to return the next day to collect it.
We reached a couple of minutes late at the mapped location of the USCIS building, courtesy our unfamiliarity with downtown areas including LA and terrible freeway traffic. I dropped off my spouse and kid at a building which had bold signs saying "Passport", "Immigration" and like (on our right as we went on Los Angeles St from Aliso St to Temple St). I went to find a parking space meanwhile. Just as I was returning from an uncomfortably long circuitous tour of the area, I got a call from my spouse telling me that that building was not the right one. Our GPS had finished guidance just at that particular crossing (Los Angeles St and Temple St) btw. Through some good people there, we got a clue about the long lines in a nearby building (diagonally across), which is where I dropped them off then and again went on a parking hunt. I wish I had also carried a map printout of this area.
I managed to find a parking some 6 blocks away and was walking back with some bags which is when my spouse called to say that this was indeed the right building and gave me further directions.
I sprinted across a narrow side street when it was bereft of traffic even though the pedestrian light was unfavorable. This act of mine earned me a citation from a peace officer obviously watching from a hiding place for people who are more used to pedestrian crossings with buttons. Here I was just not sure as to when to expect the light to turn in my favor, with obvious thoughts of the delay playing on my mind. Thankfully, I still reached upstairs well before our names were called.
The security at the downstairs entrance was airport-like except that they did not ask me to take my shoes off. They allowed me everything I was carrying including my cellphone and laptop.
I duly reached the waiting room upstairs and found my family. By this time, my spouse had already submitted the interview notices to the personnel there. Our lawyer had advised us to stick a note therewith saying that all of us are a family and should therefore be seen together. We forgot this but my spouse mentioned this verbally. This had the desired effect, thankfully.
After a wait of about 2 hours, we were called up and went inside to an IO's office. I do have to mention here that the security officer outside was very nice and friendly.
The IO was courteous and asked us to take an oath of truth before we sat down. She asked us if we had our attorney with us. Since we did not, she made us sign a waiver saying that we did not object to being interviewed sans our attorney. She then proceeded to ask us for our government-issued IDs. We handed her our Indian passports and California DLs. She went through our applications and asked us simple questions like:
..What is your child's name?
..How old is your child? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your child's DOB?
..What is your home address? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your home phone number? (two separate times from each of us)
..What do you do for your employer? Describe.
..Does your job require you to have the educational qualification that you have? Why?
..What is your father's full name?
..What is your mothers full name?
..What is your DOB?
..When does your H1B visa expire?
..When did you last enter the US? (It helped us tremendously that we had a prepared note of our arrival-departure record)
The IO then took out the original I-94s from our passports and stapled them to our files. She then observed that both of us were on H1B and had had I-140s from our respective employers. She said that the other I-140 process (which is pending btw) could not be kept alive while the beneficiary was getting their AOS as a dependent on their spouse's process. She had us write a letter requesting withdrawal of that I-140 process, which she said she will keep on hold till we got our immigrant visas.
Some documents that she asked for copies of from us included paystubs from 3 previous months, letter of employment verification from our employers, university degrees (or diplomas as she called them), our and our kid's birth certificates and our marriage certificate. We voluntarily put our mortgage statements on the table which she did not take more than a cursory glance at.
She did not ask us for our tax returns, joint photographs or university transcripts. However, it is always better to have these around, imho.
We were missing some documents, so she permitted us to go out for a couple of hours to get their copies and grab some lunch. She handed us a signed form which she instructed us to show the security personnel for them to either let us in or to drop off the document copies for her. In this case, she did see us again even though we were delayed by an extra 20 minutes.
The IO then let us know that all processing was done from our side and all that we needed to do was to wait for our priority date to become current, which is when the USCIS would allot us the immigrant visas. We could also, if we so wished, make an inquiry with the USCIS once our date became current, she said.
She then returned us all our originals (I wish I had made a checklist of these for my ease). Courtesy a wonderful post on IV by gimme_GC2006, I remembered to ask the IO for our original I-94s. She asked us if we intended traveling before we got our green cards. I replied that we had no existing plans but that this was probably the only time we were getting to meet her. She smiled at that and gave us back our I-94s after making copies for herself. I requested a copy from her of the letter for I-140 withdrawal and she obliged.
That was it. She wished us good luck and we thanked her. The security officer outside was once again his pleasant self and we walked out feeling elated.
I have some useful information for folks who go to the USCIS office on 300 N Los Angeles St in LA. If you take the Los Angeles St exit from US-101, you will cross Aliso St followed by Temple St. This USCIS building is the one on your left side as you go from Aliso to Temple. There is an underground parking for LA mall bang opposite the USCIS building before you hit Temple St. After you pass Aliso, turn to your right into this parking. You can take the escalator up later and then cross Los Angeles St on foot to reach USCIS. I advise to not disregard the pedestrian lights in this area as police officers aggressively monitor and cite jaywalkers here.
If the LA parking lot is full, continue on Los Angeles St past Temple and turn left on to First St. Keep going for about a quarter mile and you will find parking on your right. This place is $6.00 for the day. Unfortunately I forgot the cross street here but if you hit Alameda St on First St, you would have gone too far. From Google maps, it appears that that cross street is Central Ave. You will see large parking signs as you approach this decrepit unkempt street-level parking yard.
There is another parking option which you would prefer over this however. Go from Aliso toward Temple on Los Angeles St. Turn left on Temple and you will find this $8.00 parking immediately past San Pedro St. If you find this lot full, go on down to Alameda St, turn right and then right again on First St to find the $6.00 parking lot.
If you need help with documents, there is a post office store which even does photographs, in the LA mall across from the USCIS building. If you need internet access, your best bets are Fedex Kinko's and Office Depot on the crossing of Second St and Central Ave. Kinko's is on the NW corner and Office Depot is on the NE corner. This Office Depot has a Starbucks next to it. Parking at Office Depot is decent and free with validation. Office Depot will give you free wifi but they do not broadcast their SSID and I do not feel it ethical to disclose it here. Just go talk to them if you need it. It is slow though, like 11 Mbps. Office Depot will accept emailed docs from you to print right away and also will accept faxes for you. It is a very hospitable place for someone who gets nightmares in downtown areas.
You can find some passable eating joints in the LA mall area across from USCIS building.
Hope this post comes in handy for people. Good luck folks.
Thanks for sharing info and best of luck!
We had our AOS interview this week at LA USCIS office. We are EB2-I, PD 02/06, Filed 08/07, RD 10/07, I-140 approved 12/06. Reason for interview was a double failure to get clear FPs for spouse. This necessitates a police clearance certificate from the city of residence and upon our lawyer's advise, we went armed with two of these, one from each of the two cities we have lived in during the 5 previous years.
Getting a Police Clearance Certificate entails just going and requesting it at their counter. Their charges are reasonable ($11 and $19.50 for us) and in one case we got it after a few minutes of wait and in the other, had to return the next day to collect it.
We reached a couple of minutes late at the mapped location of the USCIS building, courtesy our unfamiliarity with downtown areas including LA and terrible freeway traffic. I dropped off my spouse and kid at a building which had bold signs saying "Passport", "Immigration" and like (on our right as we went on Los Angeles St from Aliso St to Temple St). I went to find a parking space meanwhile. Just as I was returning from an uncomfortably long circuitous tour of the area, I got a call from my spouse telling me that that building was not the right one. Our GPS had finished guidance just at that particular crossing (Los Angeles St and Temple St) btw. Through some good people there, we got a clue about the long lines in a nearby building (diagonally across), which is where I dropped them off then and again went on a parking hunt. I wish I had also carried a map printout of this area.
I managed to find a parking some 6 blocks away and was walking back with some bags which is when my spouse called to say that this was indeed the right building and gave me further directions.
I sprinted across a narrow side street when it was bereft of traffic even though the pedestrian light was unfavorable. This act of mine earned me a citation from a peace officer obviously watching from a hiding place for people who are more used to pedestrian crossings with buttons. Here I was just not sure as to when to expect the light to turn in my favor, with obvious thoughts of the delay playing on my mind. Thankfully, I still reached upstairs well before our names were called.
The security at the downstairs entrance was airport-like except that they did not ask me to take my shoes off. They allowed me everything I was carrying including my cellphone and laptop.
I duly reached the waiting room upstairs and found my family. By this time, my spouse had already submitted the interview notices to the personnel there. Our lawyer had advised us to stick a note therewith saying that all of us are a family and should therefore be seen together. We forgot this but my spouse mentioned this verbally. This had the desired effect, thankfully.
After a wait of about 2 hours, we were called up and went inside to an IO's office. I do have to mention here that the security officer outside was very nice and friendly.
The IO was courteous and asked us to take an oath of truth before we sat down. She asked us if we had our attorney with us. Since we did not, she made us sign a waiver saying that we did not object to being interviewed sans our attorney. She then proceeded to ask us for our government-issued IDs. We handed her our Indian passports and California DLs. She went through our applications and asked us simple questions like:
..What is your child's name?
..How old is your child? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your child's DOB?
..What is your home address? (two separate times from each of us)
..What is your home phone number? (two separate times from each of us)
..What do you do for your employer? Describe.
..Does your job require you to have the educational qualification that you have? Why?
..What is your father's full name?
..What is your mothers full name?
..What is your DOB?
..When does your H1B visa expire?
..When did you last enter the US? (It helped us tremendously that we had a prepared note of our arrival-departure record)
The IO then took out the original I-94s from our passports and stapled them to our files. She then observed that both of us were on H1B and had had I-140s from our respective employers. She said that the other I-140 process (which is pending btw) could not be kept alive while the beneficiary was getting their AOS as a dependent on their spouse's process. She had us write a letter requesting withdrawal of that I-140 process, which she said she will keep on hold till we got our immigrant visas.
Some documents that she asked for copies of from us included paystubs from 3 previous months, letter of employment verification from our employers, university degrees (or diplomas as she called them), our and our kid's birth certificates and our marriage certificate. We voluntarily put our mortgage statements on the table which she did not take more than a cursory glance at.
She did not ask us for our tax returns, joint photographs or university transcripts. However, it is always better to have these around, imho.
We were missing some documents, so she permitted us to go out for a couple of hours to get their copies and grab some lunch. She handed us a signed form which she instructed us to show the security personnel for them to either let us in or to drop off the document copies for her. In this case, she did see us again even though we were delayed by an extra 20 minutes.
The IO then let us know that all processing was done from our side and all that we needed to do was to wait for our priority date to become current, which is when the USCIS would allot us the immigrant visas. We could also, if we so wished, make an inquiry with the USCIS once our date became current, she said.
She then returned us all our originals (I wish I had made a checklist of these for my ease). Courtesy a wonderful post on IV by gimme_GC2006, I remembered to ask the IO for our original I-94s. She asked us if we intended traveling before we got our green cards. I replied that we had no existing plans but that this was probably the only time we were getting to meet her. She smiled at that and gave us back our I-94s after making copies for herself. I requested a copy from her of the letter for I-140 withdrawal and she obliged.
That was it. She wished us good luck and we thanked her. The security officer outside was once again his pleasant self and we walked out feeling elated.
I have some useful information for folks who go to the USCIS office on 300 N Los Angeles St in LA. If you take the Los Angeles St exit from US-101, you will cross Aliso St followed by Temple St. This USCIS building is the one on your left side as you go from Aliso to Temple. There is an underground parking for LA mall bang opposite the USCIS building before you hit Temple St. After you pass Aliso, turn to your right into this parking. You can take the escalator up later and then cross Los Angeles St on foot to reach USCIS. I advise to not disregard the pedestrian lights in this area as police officers aggressively monitor and cite jaywalkers here.
If the LA parking lot is full, continue on Los Angeles St past Temple and turn left on to First St. Keep going for about a quarter mile and you will find parking on your right. This place is $6.00 for the day. Unfortunately I forgot the cross street here but if you hit Alameda St on First St, you would have gone too far. From Google maps, it appears that that cross street is Central Ave. You will see large parking signs as you approach this decrepit unkempt street-level parking yard.
There is another parking option which you would prefer over this however. Go from Aliso toward Temple on Los Angeles St. Turn left on Temple and you will find this $8.00 parking immediately past San Pedro St. If you find this lot full, go on down to Alameda St, turn right and then right again on First St to find the $6.00 parking lot.
If you need help with documents, there is a post office store which even does photographs, in the LA mall across from the USCIS building. If you need internet access, your best bets are Fedex Kinko's and Office Depot on the crossing of Second St and Central Ave. Kinko's is on the NW corner and Office Depot is on the NE corner. This Office Depot has a Starbucks next to it. Parking at Office Depot is decent and free with validation. Office Depot will give you free wifi but they do not broadcast their SSID and I do not feel it ethical to disclose it here. Just go talk to them if you need it. It is slow though, like 11 Mbps. Office Depot will accept emailed docs from you to print right away and also will accept faxes for you. It is a very hospitable place for someone who gets nightmares in downtown areas.
You can find some passable eating joints in the LA mall area across from USCIS building.
Hope this post comes in handy for people. Good luck folks.
man-woman-and-gc
03-07 10:24 AM
i've pledged $25
I'm yet to see IV core response to this....not sure where this will end without their backing
I'm yet to see IV core response to this....not sure where this will end without their backing
bkr
07-17 09:08 PM
I thank the IV core and all members of Immigration Voice for their continuous great efforts!
We have seen this day because of the reslove of the core team and the strength of our fellow members: the flower campaign and the San Jose rally...
Let there be champaigne and then another campaign :D :p ;)
Thanks for keeping us informed all the time ! Great Job IV !!
Thanks again..
We have seen this day because of the reslove of the core team and the strength of our fellow members: the flower campaign and the San Jose rally...
Let there be champaigne and then another campaign :D :p ;)
Thanks for keeping us informed all the time ! Great Job IV !!
Thanks again..