mihird
05-26 01:47 AM
I spent 5 full years in Canada from 1995 2 of which I did my MS (in Montreal - Quebec) and 3, I worked for one of Canada's largest software companies in Ottawa - Ontario. Over the course of these 5 years, I acquired both my Canadian green card and Canadian Citizenship..
From 2000 onwards, I have been in the US languishing in this stupid EB Green Card queue...
I originally hail from India, so can give some clear opinons on how life is comparatively in all three places.
I will firstly agree with someone who mentioned that rather than considering Canada as an option 2 after the US, one should consider our home country..honestly, I believe our home country should be the no. 1 priority on our list. The real solution to all immigration problems lies in the balancing of economies on a global scale...and we as the H1-B skilled workforce are the best people for making the Indian/Chinese economies move forward....reduce unemployment there and improve the wage standards...
As for Canada, except for the cold, almost everything about Canada is better than the US in my opinion - better quality of life, better social security, better health care, safer neighborhoods, better education, better immigration system etc. etc..if you hail from a tropical place like India, the cold WILL bother you, though....
Montreal is 50% English/50% French, and I had no problems living in Montreal although, I know nothing about French at all..
From a pure money stand point of view, it is true, that you will somewhat make more money in US, but most of that will be offset by the higher healthcare costs and higher housing costs...
Frankly, if this 6+ year wait on the US Green Card doesn't go anywhere, I will definitely consider moving back to India, rather than Canada...in 2007 or so...because, I feel, I have spent enough years away from India, accrued enough wealth and owe my time and energy to building the Indian economy....rather than giving my years to any of the western countries....that already are well developed...
My .02 cents..
From 2000 onwards, I have been in the US languishing in this stupid EB Green Card queue...
I originally hail from India, so can give some clear opinons on how life is comparatively in all three places.
I will firstly agree with someone who mentioned that rather than considering Canada as an option 2 after the US, one should consider our home country..honestly, I believe our home country should be the no. 1 priority on our list. The real solution to all immigration problems lies in the balancing of economies on a global scale...and we as the H1-B skilled workforce are the best people for making the Indian/Chinese economies move forward....reduce unemployment there and improve the wage standards...
As for Canada, except for the cold, almost everything about Canada is better than the US in my opinion - better quality of life, better social security, better health care, safer neighborhoods, better education, better immigration system etc. etc..if you hail from a tropical place like India, the cold WILL bother you, though....
Montreal is 50% English/50% French, and I had no problems living in Montreal although, I know nothing about French at all..
From a pure money stand point of view, it is true, that you will somewhat make more money in US, but most of that will be offset by the higher healthcare costs and higher housing costs...
Frankly, if this 6+ year wait on the US Green Card doesn't go anywhere, I will definitely consider moving back to India, rather than Canada...in 2007 or so...because, I feel, I have spent enough years away from India, accrued enough wealth and owe my time and energy to building the Indian economy....rather than giving my years to any of the western countries....that already are well developed...
My .02 cents..
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smaram1
09-04 09:49 AM
E filed : July 1 2008
FP : Aug 28 2008
CPO : Sep 3 2008
FP : Aug 28 2008
CPO : Sep 3 2008
meg_z
11-17 12:57 PM
Thats interesting to know that we even pay higher life insurances due to not having a greencard. can someone else second this from their experience. I am not aware of these hardships so if we have to say this in any media interview, we need correct information substantiated by facts.
Forgot to mention. Check those online quote sites. Each one of the companies has a disclaimer that you have to be either a citizen and a PR to qualify. Thanks.
Forgot to mention. Check those online quote sites. Each one of the companies has a disclaimer that you have to be either a citizen and a PR to qualify. Thanks.
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RandyK
02-20 04:43 PM
Can anybody estimate out of the 47000 identified cases that is affected by Name Check...
How many are real old PD's like
Prior to 2003
Between 2003 and 2005
Between 2005 and 2007
India / China / Mexico / ROW
How many are real old PD's like
Prior to 2003
Between 2003 and 2005
Between 2005 and 2007
India / China / Mexico / ROW
more...
rolrblade
07-19 10:23 AM
Dude: Ask your attroney if you can do this. But in any case she needs to get an emergency appointment. As someone rightly poitned out, slight delay in flight......... years of waiting.
nixstor
12-13 09:13 PM
IMHO "legally" exploiting the system is illegal. I don't blame the system because any system will have some flaws in them. I would rather blame people who take advantage of situations esp in scenarios like this. We all know how much time some people has waited here. We heard a story on Monday right? Have we already forgot that? IV's goals and objectives are clear on its home page. Here comes the OP, registers himself and comes up with his first post of Labor substitution and how to better himself. I don't see any thing wrong in pete getting fired up. This exact attitude is the result of 6500 members and not 25,000 or what ever.
>>it appears that you support labor substitution as long as both the employer and employee can hush up the money involved and leave no proof.<<
If I was judging you I would have concluded that you support what the OP is doing and wouldn't asked you what your stand is. It depends on how you understand what I said. Those NASDAQ listed companies you were referring to might have substituted labors but I am sure they wouldn't charge X dollars for giving a better PD or deduct from payroll under some other miscellaneous stuff. I am aware of what you are talking and what OP is talking and they are not the same. I don't need to explicitly tell how desi shops work with
pre-approved labor, esp in the current situation.
>>it appears that you support labor substitution as long as both the employer and employee can hush up the money involved and leave no proof.<<
If I was judging you I would have concluded that you support what the OP is doing and wouldn't asked you what your stand is. It depends on how you understand what I said. Those NASDAQ listed companies you were referring to might have substituted labors but I am sure they wouldn't charge X dollars for giving a better PD or deduct from payroll under some other miscellaneous stuff. I am aware of what you are talking and what OP is talking and they are not the same. I don't need to explicitly tell how desi shops work with
pre-approved labor, esp in the current situation.
more...
gunabcd
07-17 10:55 AM
I have heard from one of the forums here that an estimated 500K people will file this month since all PDs are current. EB-3 mexico + phillipines togther alone will be close to 300K. God help the Job market.
Also minimum wait time will be 500K/140K ~ 4 yrs before they get to process your GC. Add to that the time for namecheck backlog 2+ yrs. So total 6+ yrs before getting GC........
lotr
6 years for everyone? is everyone's PD 2007? Are they going to issue GC only after 6 years? use a little common sense and you will find that GCs are given based on PD, Older the PD sooner you will get GC. for example a person with PD 2003 will get GC within 6 months.
If you know you are a pessimist, then sit down in a corner and keep crying, don't scrare others with your illogical, baseless arguments.
Also minimum wait time will be 500K/140K ~ 4 yrs before they get to process your GC. Add to that the time for namecheck backlog 2+ yrs. So total 6+ yrs before getting GC........
lotr
6 years for everyone? is everyone's PD 2007? Are they going to issue GC only after 6 years? use a little common sense and you will find that GCs are given based on PD, Older the PD sooner you will get GC. for example a person with PD 2003 will get GC within 6 months.
If you know you are a pessimist, then sit down in a corner and keep crying, don't scrare others with your illogical, baseless arguments.
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Soul
02-07 08:58 AM
*shrug* Don't ask me
How fast did I get 6?
You're still winning :P
- Soul :goatee:
How fast did I get 6?
You're still winning :P
- Soul :goatee:
more...
pkv
08-31 07:00 PM
How was the response? I have contacted the following " The Hindu, Deccan chronicle and some telugu and kannada newspapers and TV news channels" so far no responses, I am planning to speak to my dad and his friends (they retired from the news media recently) to get some responses, but whats the point. The July 2nd fiasco was very well publicized in India, rural India too, even a small village or mandal office issuing birth certificates knew abt the visa bulletin and its reversal!!! and what do we have now...non committal friends who are not interested to come to the rally and some even make fun of it!!
Anyways lets keep trying...
Its useless... How many senators, their voters or other decision makers watch those kannada, telugu or even rediff???
Try to contact FOX, CNN, ABC etc.. that will be helpfull.
Anyways lets keep trying...
Its useless... How many senators, their voters or other decision makers watch those kannada, telugu or even rediff???
Try to contact FOX, CNN, ABC etc.. that will be helpfull.
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BharatPremi
11-08 04:16 PM
I had an infopass appointment in NY to get information on my case (specifically concerning the FP/Name check status, have received my EAD, AP). Although the officer was very courteous and seemed patient, he thought I had come there too soon for the inquiry. I got very sketchy information. He said one should wait at least 6 months after the 485 RD (mine is June 2007) before beginning inquiry (shoot me, I went a month too soon), and that it usually it takes a year (or more) after FP to get the GC, so I should not worry too much about my case for at least one more year.
He said there is nothing to worry about and that there are �many small small things� that have to be taken care of after FP and FBI name check clearance before one gets the GC. I asked him what are the other �things� that need to be taken care of following the clearance on name check, but didn�t get an answer (�just small small things� is what he said again). I had to repeat my question about the status of FBI name check on my case three times during the conversation before I got an answer which was vague anyways (nothing�s been done yet). I was hoping to get some kind of information with regards to the status in terms of the search results (no record/hit etc.) but I didn�t get any information at all, so it was a disappointing meeting for me.
Some pointers:
*Have your print out of the appointment confirmation ready before you enter the building-the security officer outside the building checks it to verify that you indeed have an appointment there.
*The queue at the entrance for security check was long, so make sure you reach there well ahead of the scheduled appointment.
*There is one more counter in the lobby (and one more queue) where you get your token number for the infopass room. They asked to see the appointment confirmation receipt here as well.
*The infopass interviews are held on the third floor. I waited for 30-35 mts. before my number was called.
P.S. Received EAD card at home address and AP documents at the law firm address.
When did you get your First LUD on AP and When did you get physical AP?
He said there is nothing to worry about and that there are �many small small things� that have to be taken care of after FP and FBI name check clearance before one gets the GC. I asked him what are the other �things� that need to be taken care of following the clearance on name check, but didn�t get an answer (�just small small things� is what he said again). I had to repeat my question about the status of FBI name check on my case three times during the conversation before I got an answer which was vague anyways (nothing�s been done yet). I was hoping to get some kind of information with regards to the status in terms of the search results (no record/hit etc.) but I didn�t get any information at all, so it was a disappointing meeting for me.
Some pointers:
*Have your print out of the appointment confirmation ready before you enter the building-the security officer outside the building checks it to verify that you indeed have an appointment there.
*The queue at the entrance for security check was long, so make sure you reach there well ahead of the scheduled appointment.
*There is one more counter in the lobby (and one more queue) where you get your token number for the infopass room. They asked to see the appointment confirmation receipt here as well.
*The infopass interviews are held on the third floor. I waited for 30-35 mts. before my number was called.
P.S. Received EAD card at home address and AP documents at the law firm address.
When did you get your First LUD on AP and When did you get physical AP?
more...
whitecollarslave
02-12 06:41 PM
He sent me an email to pay $3500, do you think he will go legal for this, I did not sign any contract with him.
If he goes to court will i loose(he may create documents) or will i be in trouble if he wins the case.
Please suggest.
All this for $3500? Its going to cost him a lot more if he wants to file a lawsuit.
I don't think anybody will tell you for sure what the court will rule. Even if you pay a lawyer he will not tell you that - not in writing. Chances are that this will not even go to court and based the discussion on this thread its very unlikely if this will hold in any court.
BTW, how did he come up with the figure 3500? Is that the salary that was paid to you while you were working for another company? As somebody pointed out earlier if this was the money paid to you as compensation when you did not work for him then he might be reasonable in asking you to re-pay.
Let us know if you any information on what the 3500 figure is for.
An email does not mean anything. You can just ignore it. Unless you have a certified notice from court you have nothing to worry about.
If he goes to court will i loose(he may create documents) or will i be in trouble if he wins the case.
Please suggest.
All this for $3500? Its going to cost him a lot more if he wants to file a lawsuit.
I don't think anybody will tell you for sure what the court will rule. Even if you pay a lawyer he will not tell you that - not in writing. Chances are that this will not even go to court and based the discussion on this thread its very unlikely if this will hold in any court.
BTW, how did he come up with the figure 3500? Is that the salary that was paid to you while you were working for another company? As somebody pointed out earlier if this was the money paid to you as compensation when you did not work for him then he might be reasonable in asking you to re-pay.
Let us know if you any information on what the 3500 figure is for.
An email does not mean anything. You can just ignore it. Unless you have a certified notice from court you have nothing to worry about.
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Ramba
04-13 05:21 PM
So after more than a month of sleepless nights, thanks to Immigration Voice looks like my I 485 application is back on track.
A recap of my situation:
Last month I got an email from USCIS-CRIS stating that my I 485 was withdrawn. After being in this country for close to 10 years and in the immigration queue for more than 7 years why would I withdraw the application ??? I did not withdraw my application !!!
It took me more than a month to find out the reason behind the withdrawal..trust me it was not easy..and guess what ....It was my Attorney who had withdrawn the application in Error. Now what ... I call USCIS multiple times.. talk to many different IO's .. some of them patient and try to help.. some extremely rude.. but all of them had only one thing to say... they cannot help!!..... I get an Info Pass... no help there either.. I set up an emergency meeting with my attorney (one of the large Immigration Law Firms) .. nothing...they accept their mistake tell me that they will do all they can .. but no assurance that they will reinstate the case .. limited forward movement.... things look gloomy and bleak..no one can help me.
Then I called Immigration Voice on the number that is listed on the site and left a voice mail. Promptly got a call back I spoke to a Core member who understood the gravity and urgency of the situation and swiflty moved forward and got in touch with their contacts in the government. The Core member also put me in a conference call with the person who was going to look into my case, I was so relieved that I could explain the situation first hand.
I got a call today and I was told that after evaluating my case my file has been reopened and they have mailed an offical notice regarding the same and I should get it in a few days. *Fingers crossed until I get this notice in hand ;)*
The IV core was extremely sensitive to my situation and were very responsive and extremly helpful. I cant thank Immigration Voice enough for helping me resolve this issue in a quick manner.
I have registered to be a recurring contributing member and I intend to be an active member of this group.
My lessons from this crazy experience are:
- Never trust your attorney, always ask for a copy of any letter/document they send to USCIS on your behalf
- There is no organization besides IV out there that is looking out for the interests of the Immigrant Community.
- We need to strengthen IV in all ways we can, we need to be active.
- And as so many members have already said "We are IV." If we want things to be better "WE" need to do something about it.
I urge members who are still contemplating becoming active members to evaluate their options and to become active and contributing members of IV.
- Peace
ps:
Another point I would like to add is that no other organization has the kind of reach and the credibility with USCIS as IV has as far as representing the true interests of the Immigrant Community goes. IV is a huge asset we have and we should work towards strenthening it.
Happy to hear that. You should have sued the law firm for million dollor for the damage they did and the mental torure/sleepless night that you experience, and split that money with IV. :)
Few more lessons are..
1. You should control over immigration papers. Some of the applications you must to do by your self like EAD, AP and infact 485 too.
2. If you want to terminate the lawyer representation of your application, you should write the withdrawl of representation letter to USCIS; not to the attorney. You may send a courtasy copy to the lawyer, to redirect any mail they recive from USCIS to you.
A recap of my situation:
Last month I got an email from USCIS-CRIS stating that my I 485 was withdrawn. After being in this country for close to 10 years and in the immigration queue for more than 7 years why would I withdraw the application ??? I did not withdraw my application !!!
It took me more than a month to find out the reason behind the withdrawal..trust me it was not easy..and guess what ....It was my Attorney who had withdrawn the application in Error. Now what ... I call USCIS multiple times.. talk to many different IO's .. some of them patient and try to help.. some extremely rude.. but all of them had only one thing to say... they cannot help!!..... I get an Info Pass... no help there either.. I set up an emergency meeting with my attorney (one of the large Immigration Law Firms) .. nothing...they accept their mistake tell me that they will do all they can .. but no assurance that they will reinstate the case .. limited forward movement.... things look gloomy and bleak..no one can help me.
Then I called Immigration Voice on the number that is listed on the site and left a voice mail. Promptly got a call back I spoke to a Core member who understood the gravity and urgency of the situation and swiflty moved forward and got in touch with their contacts in the government. The Core member also put me in a conference call with the person who was going to look into my case, I was so relieved that I could explain the situation first hand.
I got a call today and I was told that after evaluating my case my file has been reopened and they have mailed an offical notice regarding the same and I should get it in a few days. *Fingers crossed until I get this notice in hand ;)*
The IV core was extremely sensitive to my situation and were very responsive and extremly helpful. I cant thank Immigration Voice enough for helping me resolve this issue in a quick manner.
I have registered to be a recurring contributing member and I intend to be an active member of this group.
My lessons from this crazy experience are:
- Never trust your attorney, always ask for a copy of any letter/document they send to USCIS on your behalf
- There is no organization besides IV out there that is looking out for the interests of the Immigrant Community.
- We need to strengthen IV in all ways we can, we need to be active.
- And as so many members have already said "We are IV." If we want things to be better "WE" need to do something about it.
I urge members who are still contemplating becoming active members to evaluate their options and to become active and contributing members of IV.
- Peace
ps:
Another point I would like to add is that no other organization has the kind of reach and the credibility with USCIS as IV has as far as representing the true interests of the Immigrant Community goes. IV is a huge asset we have and we should work towards strenthening it.
Happy to hear that. You should have sued the law firm for million dollor for the damage they did and the mental torure/sleepless night that you experience, and split that money with IV. :)
Few more lessons are..
1. You should control over immigration papers. Some of the applications you must to do by your self like EAD, AP and infact 485 too.
2. If you want to terminate the lawyer representation of your application, you should write the withdrawl of representation letter to USCIS; not to the attorney. You may send a courtasy copy to the lawyer, to redirect any mail they recive from USCIS to you.
more...
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langagadu
02-21 04:45 PM
Based on what Sheela wrote looks like it is related with lot of money transfer. I am thinking that is true because of the name 'Immigration and Customs Enforcement'. If it is related with just immigration then I don't think Customs Enforcement will come into picture. bujjigade123, did you do lot money movement from US-India-US? Why did they visit your employer 2 months back? Do you know what they asked your employer?
Hi
Today I got a call from an officer in "immigration and customs enforcement" asking for an appointment to visit my residence for checing my immigration status.
I am on H1B visa.
I would appreciate if someone could give any sort of information related to calling for a home visit.
Thanks
Hi
Today I got a call from an officer in "immigration and customs enforcement" asking for an appointment to visit my residence for checing my immigration status.
I am on H1B visa.
I would appreciate if someone could give any sort of information related to calling for a home visit.
Thanks
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RandyK
10-10 10:38 PM
I agree, on trackkit there were only a few for the 10 days in Oct, strange.
more...
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milestogo
07-22 04:27 PM
-What is the minimum period that one need to work with the employer who has sponsered the GC after receiving the GC?
-Can the leave of absence be counted in this period?
-If you leave immediately (with a month) after GC, can the employer fill for revoking or mistrust for I485?
-Can the leave of absence be counted in this period?
-If you leave immediately (with a month) after GC, can the employer fill for revoking or mistrust for I485?
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vicky007
12-15 01:01 PM
Hi Vicky,
Here's a thread that discusses this:
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=219339
Regards,
Gravity
Thanks Gravtation.
Here's a thread that discusses this:
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=219339
Regards,
Gravity
Thanks Gravtation.
more...
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lotus26
05-30 07:09 PM
Done
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satishku_2000
07-13 03:18 PM
As far as I know dream act does not offer anything for legal kids. Its all about kids of undocumented workers.
I am not quite sure why should I support this bill. Unless this bill includes age out protections for legal kids or legal kids get the same benefits as kids of undocumented workers, I don't think many people would support this.
Please let me know if you know any provisions that help us or hurt us . I am open to change the mind ...
I am not quite sure why should I support this bill. Unless this bill includes age out protections for legal kids or legal kids get the same benefits as kids of undocumented workers, I don't think many people would support this.
Please let me know if you know any provisions that help us or hurt us . I am open to change the mind ...
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snathan
08-18 04:41 PM
Sorry - for some reason the post showed up as new on my PC and I did not notice the date. This is evaluation advice and certainly not an ad. It is important that everyone understand what they need as many attorneys make mistakes. It was free advice. That is my only reason to be here. The vast majority of my business comes from attorneys and firms. If you can tell me how I can help and not have you think it is an ad each time, then I will do so. I see so many bad situations that could have been avoided if everyone were just a bit more informed. That is all I seek to do here.
Thanks for your advice. But no thanks for your so called community service. I am just wondering how come a eight months old thread showed in your PC suddenly and automatically. Basically you are ruining your reputation by your cheap tricks. In fact I had a good respect for you before you started posting here and recommended some of friends to you. But no longer. I will write to admins to ban you...you also proved not interested to pay for ad here and want a free meal. The reason everyone thinks you are looking for business here...you never give any elobrative answer. All the time you are asking people to contact you privately. But no thanks.
Thanks for your advice. But no thanks for your so called community service. I am just wondering how come a eight months old thread showed in your PC suddenly and automatically. Basically you are ruining your reputation by your cheap tricks. In fact I had a good respect for you before you started posting here and recommended some of friends to you. But no longer. I will write to admins to ban you...you also proved not interested to pay for ad here and want a free meal. The reason everyone thinks you are looking for business here...you never give any elobrative answer. All the time you are asking people to contact you privately. But no thanks.
EndlessWait
07-31 12:04 PM
How long is the USCIS taking to issue just receipt notices!!??
This makes you wonder if Anything in the USCIS is actually FIFO
There was time like that and people used to expect that. Now USCIS is like a black hole. Wait Wait and Wait.
This makes you wonder if Anything in the USCIS is actually FIFO
There was time like that and people used to expect that. Now USCIS is like a black hole. Wait Wait and Wait.
stuckinmuck
05-15 11:41 AM
May 14, 2007
Mr. Nanden M. Nilekani
Chief Executive Officer
Infosys Technologies Limited
6607 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, California 94555
Dear Mr. Nilekani:
As members of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Refugees, we have a responsibility to oversee and evaluate our country's visa policies. We have been concerned about reported fraud and abuse of the H-1B and L visa programs, and their impact on American workers. We are also concerned that the program is not being used as Congress intended.
While some Members of Congress have focused on increasing the annual cap of the H-1B program, we believe it is important to understand how H-1B visas are being used by companies in the United States. We have received helpful data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service with regard to H-1B visa approvals in 2006 for the top 200 participating companies. Your company was one of the top companies on the list. Therefore, we are requesting your cooperation in providing additional statistics and information on your use of H-1B visa workers.
First, some groups, such as the Programmers Guild, have analyzed the wages paid to H-1B visa holders. They have found that the average annual salary of foreign workers is significantly lower than that of new U.S. graduates.
Second, a number of consulting firms reportedly recruit foreign workers and then outsource the individuals to other job sites or companies. Many of the top 20 companies that used H-1B visas in 2006 are firms, such as yours, that specialize in offshore outsourcing.
Third, a number of firms have allegedly laid off American workers while continuing to employ H-1B visa holders. The American people are concerned about such lay offs at a time when the demand for visa issuances and the recruitment of foreign workers appear to be increasing.
Because of these concerns, we seek your cooperation in answering the following questions:
NUMBERS
How many United States citizens do you employ in the United States?
Is your company an H-1B dependent employer?
How many visa petitions did you submit to the Citizenship and Immigration Service for Fiscal Year 2007?
Of the total number of petitions requested, how many have been approved for Fiscal Year 2007, if known?
How many H-1B visa holders is your company currently employing? What percentage of your total workforce are H-1B visa holders?
What is the average age of the H-1B visa holders that your company currently employs?
What is the average number of years of experience of your employed H-1B visa holders?
Please describe your efforts to recruit Americans for the positions for which you employ H-1B workers.
WAGES
What is the average wage of your company's H-1B visa holders? What is the median wage? What is the highest and the lowest salaries for those H-1B visa holders currently employed by your company?
What is the average wage of your company's workers who are United States citizens in the same occupations?
OUTSOURCING
Of the 4,908 visas your company received in 2006, how many of those workers are currently employed and paid by Infosys Technologies Limited?
Of the 4,908 visas your company received in 2006, how many were outsourced to other companies and how many employees' salaries were paid for by a firm other than Infosys Technologies Limited?
LAY OFFS
Has your company experienced any layoffs in the United States in the past year? Any lay offs in 2005? If so, how many people lost their jobs?
If your company has laid off workers in the United States, what job positions were part of that lay off?
If your company has laid off workers in the United States, how many of those workers were H-1B visa holders?
If your company has laid off workers in the United States, did any H-1B visa holders replace those dislocated workers, or take over any of the laid off employee's job responsibilities?
We appreciate your cooperation, and respectfully request that you respond to our questions no later than May 29, 2007.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
Mr. Nanden M. Nilekani
Chief Executive Officer
Infosys Technologies Limited
6607 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, California 94555
Dear Mr. Nilekani:
As members of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Refugees, we have a responsibility to oversee and evaluate our country's visa policies. We have been concerned about reported fraud and abuse of the H-1B and L visa programs, and their impact on American workers. We are also concerned that the program is not being used as Congress intended.
While some Members of Congress have focused on increasing the annual cap of the H-1B program, we believe it is important to understand how H-1B visas are being used by companies in the United States. We have received helpful data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service with regard to H-1B visa approvals in 2006 for the top 200 participating companies. Your company was one of the top companies on the list. Therefore, we are requesting your cooperation in providing additional statistics and information on your use of H-1B visa workers.
First, some groups, such as the Programmers Guild, have analyzed the wages paid to H-1B visa holders. They have found that the average annual salary of foreign workers is significantly lower than that of new U.S. graduates.
Second, a number of consulting firms reportedly recruit foreign workers and then outsource the individuals to other job sites or companies. Many of the top 20 companies that used H-1B visas in 2006 are firms, such as yours, that specialize in offshore outsourcing.
Third, a number of firms have allegedly laid off American workers while continuing to employ H-1B visa holders. The American people are concerned about such lay offs at a time when the demand for visa issuances and the recruitment of foreign workers appear to be increasing.
Because of these concerns, we seek your cooperation in answering the following questions:
NUMBERS
How many United States citizens do you employ in the United States?
Is your company an H-1B dependent employer?
How many visa petitions did you submit to the Citizenship and Immigration Service for Fiscal Year 2007?
Of the total number of petitions requested, how many have been approved for Fiscal Year 2007, if known?
How many H-1B visa holders is your company currently employing? What percentage of your total workforce are H-1B visa holders?
What is the average age of the H-1B visa holders that your company currently employs?
What is the average number of years of experience of your employed H-1B visa holders?
Please describe your efforts to recruit Americans for the positions for which you employ H-1B workers.
WAGES
What is the average wage of your company's H-1B visa holders? What is the median wage? What is the highest and the lowest salaries for those H-1B visa holders currently employed by your company?
What is the average wage of your company's workers who are United States citizens in the same occupations?
OUTSOURCING
Of the 4,908 visas your company received in 2006, how many of those workers are currently employed and paid by Infosys Technologies Limited?
Of the 4,908 visas your company received in 2006, how many were outsourced to other companies and how many employees' salaries were paid for by a firm other than Infosys Technologies Limited?
LAY OFFS
Has your company experienced any layoffs in the United States in the past year? Any lay offs in 2005? If so, how many people lost their jobs?
If your company has laid off workers in the United States, what job positions were part of that lay off?
If your company has laid off workers in the United States, how many of those workers were H-1B visa holders?
If your company has laid off workers in the United States, did any H-1B visa holders replace those dislocated workers, or take over any of the laid off employee's job responsibilities?
We appreciate your cooperation, and respectfully request that you respond to our questions no later than May 29, 2007.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
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