drirshad
10-08 02:33 AM
It may not look as bad but this is a time to step back and take a better look on every step moving forward. This is a very testing time for the economic outcome in the next few months. A very sad episode to have come upon an Indian family my heartfelt condolence to them.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Death_of_American_Dream_Indian_kills_family_self_i n_LA/rssarticleshow/3568703.cms
WASHINGTON: Multiple gunshots echoed in the upscale home of an Indian family in a quiet, gated, suburban Los Angeles community last weekend, echoing the troubled times in America.
When police turned up on Monday morning after calls from a concerned neighbor waiting for a carpool ride, they found the body of 45-year old Karthik Rajaram, an unemployed financial adviser, lying in one room with a handgun he had used to shoot himself dead.
With him lay his two youngest sons Arjuna (7) and Ganesha (12), both shot dead. In different rooms across the house they found the bodies of Karthik’s wife Subasri (39), his mother-in-law Indra Ramasesham (69), and his eldest son Krishna (19). They all appeared to have been shot to death by Karthik Rajaram.
Police also found two suicide notes – one for the cops and one for extended family and friends -- and a will. In them, Rajaram he spoke of his financial difficulties and took responsibility for killing his family members, police said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Death_of_American_Dream_Indian_kills_family_self_i n_LA/rssarticleshow/3568703.cms
WASHINGTON: Multiple gunshots echoed in the upscale home of an Indian family in a quiet, gated, suburban Los Angeles community last weekend, echoing the troubled times in America.
When police turned up on Monday morning after calls from a concerned neighbor waiting for a carpool ride, they found the body of 45-year old Karthik Rajaram, an unemployed financial adviser, lying in one room with a handgun he had used to shoot himself dead.
With him lay his two youngest sons Arjuna (7) and Ganesha (12), both shot dead. In different rooms across the house they found the bodies of Karthik’s wife Subasri (39), his mother-in-law Indra Ramasesham (69), and his eldest son Krishna (19). They all appeared to have been shot to death by Karthik Rajaram.
Police also found two suicide notes – one for the cops and one for extended family and friends -- and a will. In them, Rajaram he spoke of his financial difficulties and took responsibility for killing his family members, police said.
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Humhongekamyab
07-02 03:22 PM
It works:
Just in FY 2007 they collected $220 million
http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/statistics/200712.htm
Just in FY 2007 they collected $220 million
http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/statistics/200712.htm
nlssubbu
11-09 07:24 PM
Pros of using H1B:
1. If I-485 denied or having issues in getting approved, then you can still continue with your H1B and have peace of mind.
2. You can bring your spouse / dependents using H4
3. Getting Driving License renewal up to the duration of H1 is not a problem.
4. Can renew in 3 years time period after I-140 approval and can avoid frequent renewal of EAD hassle.
5. EAD renewal every year is expensive and can save money!
Pros of using EAD:
1. Can get a job where the company is not willing to sponsor.
2. Can save H1B time and can be used in future, if needed. [I read about this some time back and users need to check regarding it's validity]
3. Can change companies without any documentation using AC21. [USCIS don’t ask don’t tell policy?]
Please add in appropriate category, if I missed any information.
My 2 cents!
1. If I-485 denied or having issues in getting approved, then you can still continue with your H1B and have peace of mind.
2. You can bring your spouse / dependents using H4
3. Getting Driving License renewal up to the duration of H1 is not a problem.
4. Can renew in 3 years time period after I-140 approval and can avoid frequent renewal of EAD hassle.
5. EAD renewal every year is expensive and can save money!
Pros of using EAD:
1. Can get a job where the company is not willing to sponsor.
2. Can save H1B time and can be used in future, if needed. [I read about this some time back and users need to check regarding it's validity]
3. Can change companies without any documentation using AC21. [USCIS don’t ask don’t tell policy?]
Please add in appropriate category, if I missed any information.
My 2 cents!
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rockstart
06-11 08:56 AM
You should be fine this will not affect your GC as long as you appear in court on time. Make sure your lawyer defends the case well.
more...
addsf345
08-20 01:11 PM
With different employer, you can get 3 years as well, if the new employer has filed for a new PERM and you have received an approved I-140.
that is logical, but I am asking if I transfer now, which will be a simple H1B transfer - would I get only 6 months.
I actually received 3 years extension 2 weeks back with same employer, but considering another offer.
From what you said, it looks like the new employer can not get 3 years extension.:(
that is logical, but I am asking if I transfer now, which will be a simple H1B transfer - would I get only 6 months.
I actually received 3 years extension 2 weeks back with same employer, but considering another offer.
From what you said, it looks like the new employer can not get 3 years extension.:(
dallasdude
10-07 10:45 AM
It's not a wise decision to invest in India for another few years. If a controlled market like the US experiences such short comings, you cant even imagine how things will get in India. It's going to be extremely volatile and the armageddon is just about to begin. Stay away from there.
more...
cpolisetti
04-26 01:51 PM
Anything you could contribute is great, but yeah passing on the message and encouraging others to contribute will be most helpful and that will generate more contributions.
I haven't seen any other movement as big as this and as productive and valuable as IV core team is doing for immigration community.
I hope other members will recognize this and donate generously.
Accept my $50 contribution now. More on the way...
My other contribution is forwarding the message to all my friends.
Best of Luck for your work.
I haven't seen any other movement as big as this and as productive and valuable as IV core team is doing for immigration community.
I hope other members will recognize this and donate generously.
Accept my $50 contribution now. More on the way...
My other contribution is forwarding the message to all my friends.
Best of Luck for your work.
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sdrk
07-19 06:47 PM
Writing the cheques to individuals might be a bad idea, might get into income tax hassles.
If they can create a separte account, within the immigration voice realm.
I will do my bit
If they can create a separte account, within the immigration voice realm.
I will do my bit
more...
DSLStart
09-17 02:01 PM
How much do these ppl eat? and Bush says food scarcity crisis is because of India ;)
Is 25 mins not up yet.... this is worse than the so called Indian Standard Time.
Is 25 mins not up yet.... this is worse than the so called Indian Standard Time.
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tampacoolie
09-29 01:13 PM
Was your previous approval based on an extension ? [Pending LC/Approved I-140 etc] ?
Yes. It was pending LC and they approved my I-140 last week. The status update happened immediately after my I-140 approval.Does your current transfer require documents from the previous employer ? [LC/Approved I-140] ? Yes. It was LC that was pending with my previous employer. Were you paid the prevailing wages mentioned in the LCA of previous H1B ?
Yes. I was getting paid little more.
Can this be supported by the W2 of last financial year [Not the paycheck].
Yes.
Did you have I-94 attached in the previously approved H1B ?
Yes.
Please answer these questions it might be helpful in finding what might have raised the red flag.
See the answers
Yes. It was pending LC and they approved my I-140 last week. The status update happened immediately after my I-140 approval.Does your current transfer require documents from the previous employer ? [LC/Approved I-140] ? Yes. It was LC that was pending with my previous employer. Were you paid the prevailing wages mentioned in the LCA of previous H1B ?
Yes. I was getting paid little more.
Can this be supported by the W2 of last financial year [Not the paycheck].
Yes.
Did you have I-94 attached in the previously approved H1B ?
Yes.
Please answer these questions it might be helpful in finding what might have raised the red flag.
See the answers
more...
SGP
04-15 05:03 AM
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$GOOD MORNING GC$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Deadline = April 30th, 2011
Goal = 5000 votes on survey (see I-485 filing w/o current PD thread) and momentum to continue with this campaign.The survey is a platform to gather and push for launching action items. Based on response by 04/30/2011 - IV will decide whether to even proceed with initiative or not.
Actions - 1) Vote on survey.
2)Email ivcoordinator@gmail.com with PD, ph#,email & subject "I485 filing impacted�,
3)Print/Circulate Fliers and spread FB, wiki link (see "support thread")
Dear IV Members,
If you believe that your success depends on your immigration process - whether it's the ability to file I-485 earlier or to get green-card and citizenship sooner or whether it's the ability of your spouse to work - then you have to believe that your success somehow depends on the success of Immigration voice and these 170 volunteers in DC next week.
As you may know, we are just one more week away from hosting Advocacy day in Washington DC where about 170 members of Immigration Voice will conduct nearly 250 meetings with offices of Senators and Congressmen. Such events cost money. If we have enough contributions, we can spend as per our budget of nearly $ 50,000. If not, we will have to cut back on the event spending and reduce the magnitude and size of the event.
If you are not coming to DC next week, please do your part and contribute funds to Immigration Voice. It not only finances the event properly, it instills pride and confidence in the members who will be there in DC that there are thousands of willing supporters behind them who could not be there physically but are 100% with them in their determination and resolve.
For background click here -> Announcement about April 2011 Advocacy Days (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/forum85-action-items-for-everyone/1901186-action-item-advocacy-days-in-washington-dc-in-april-2011-a.html#post2301599)
Contribute to Advocacy Event on the Capitol Hill (http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=44#onetimepaypal) (All one-time contributions will go towards organizing the Advocacy Days event)
Deadline = April 30th, 2011
Goal = 5000 votes on survey (see I-485 filing w/o current PD thread) and momentum to continue with this campaign.The survey is a platform to gather and push for launching action items. Based on response by 04/30/2011 - IV will decide whether to even proceed with initiative or not.
Actions - 1) Vote on survey.
2)Email ivcoordinator@gmail.com with PD, ph#,email & subject "I485 filing impacted�,
3)Print/Circulate Fliers and spread FB, wiki link (see "support thread")
Dear IV Members,
If you believe that your success depends on your immigration process - whether it's the ability to file I-485 earlier or to get green-card and citizenship sooner or whether it's the ability of your spouse to work - then you have to believe that your success somehow depends on the success of Immigration voice and these 170 volunteers in DC next week.
As you may know, we are just one more week away from hosting Advocacy day in Washington DC where about 170 members of Immigration Voice will conduct nearly 250 meetings with offices of Senators and Congressmen. Such events cost money. If we have enough contributions, we can spend as per our budget of nearly $ 50,000. If not, we will have to cut back on the event spending and reduce the magnitude and size of the event.
If you are not coming to DC next week, please do your part and contribute funds to Immigration Voice. It not only finances the event properly, it instills pride and confidence in the members who will be there in DC that there are thousands of willing supporters behind them who could not be there physically but are 100% with them in their determination and resolve.
For background click here -> Announcement about April 2011 Advocacy Days (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/forum85-action-items-for-everyone/1901186-action-item-advocacy-days-in-washington-dc-in-april-2011-a.html#post2301599)
Contribute to Advocacy Event on the Capitol Hill (http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=44#onetimepaypal) (All one-time contributions will go towards organizing the Advocacy Days event)
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Macaca
02-15 01:54 PM
As soon as some one expresses his frustration, person is automatically labeled as a bad guy.
A short digression to an answer.
Most CS undergraduate curriculums have a 4 course sequence CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4. This means that CS-3 is pre-requisite for CS-4, .... In CS-4 it is not possible to answer CS-1 questions. The instructor gets irritated if you do that.
Your following concerns are covered in Retrogression 101.
1. Things change in DC. Core had some info in Dec/Jan that changed.
2. No one can promise anything. Bush is the most ardent supporter of CIR but can (will) not get it done.
Nothing happening as some core members wrote in very optimistic tone about Feb 15. No congressman is even talking about it lately.
Are core members trying to just enroll more by giving hollow promises?
It is very irritating for someone in Retrogression 401 to answer Retrogression 101 questions at the rate of 1 per day with no desire to be educated.
I have tried to answer a Retrogression 101 question in Issues surrounding Immigration Voice's disclosure of Funds (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3236&page=5). My answer was from a URL without my opinions. This thread was devoted to this one person. The answers had no effect on the person. We wasted a day on it.
Forget contributions - find other ways to survive......
A lot of people, including me have lost faith in IV. They are not going to pay. We don't know what IV is working on and we don't believe it can do anything. The sooner IV accepts it, the better. I have seen this personally in talking to people and you can see the evidence with less than 300 people contributing. IV needs to produce results first.
A short digression to an answer.
Most CS undergraduate curriculums have a 4 course sequence CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4. This means that CS-3 is pre-requisite for CS-4, .... In CS-4 it is not possible to answer CS-1 questions. The instructor gets irritated if you do that.
Your following concerns are covered in Retrogression 101.
1. Things change in DC. Core had some info in Dec/Jan that changed.
2. No one can promise anything. Bush is the most ardent supporter of CIR but can (will) not get it done.
Nothing happening as some core members wrote in very optimistic tone about Feb 15. No congressman is even talking about it lately.
Are core members trying to just enroll more by giving hollow promises?
It is very irritating for someone in Retrogression 401 to answer Retrogression 101 questions at the rate of 1 per day with no desire to be educated.
I have tried to answer a Retrogression 101 question in Issues surrounding Immigration Voice's disclosure of Funds (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3236&page=5). My answer was from a URL without my opinions. This thread was devoted to this one person. The answers had no effect on the person. We wasted a day on it.
Forget contributions - find other ways to survive......
A lot of people, including me have lost faith in IV. They are not going to pay. We don't know what IV is working on and we don't believe it can do anything. The sooner IV accepts it, the better. I have seen this personally in talking to people and you can see the evidence with less than 300 people contributing. IV needs to produce results first.
more...
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helens_64
07-15 03:50 PM
Lou is talking about H1 badly. Does he know how schools are facing problems without H1. Thousands of schools have no math and science teachers in rural areas. Why cant he make the americans to work in that area. Most of the schools are using teachers over 75 to 80 years old. Most of them didnt know how to use computers. Then how they teach good to students. Principals are struggling to run the schools with out teachers. Parents are disappointed without proper teachers. With this level, how can America make best future.My kids are struggling without proper teachers. When we ask the schools, they are saying they couldnt get proper teachers. If Lou's grand kids face this trouble, then he wont talk. With this situation, how schools can make AYP(adequate Yearly Progress) according to No Child Left Behind Law. First the Govenment must take necessary steps to solve this issue
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franklin
07-12 01:41 PM
We need to get a rough idea of attendee numbers
Thanks!
For those that are out of the area, please remember that we will consider any "no" vote as really a "I'd really love to support the rally, but I live far to far away, our thoughts will be with you and we hope it is a success":D
Thanks!
For those that are out of the area, please remember that we will consider any "no" vote as really a "I'd really love to support the rally, but I live far to far away, our thoughts will be with you and we hope it is a success":D
more...
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mhathi
09-17 10:35 AM
Not started yet.. People slowly trickling in... no body is talking
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nixstor
03-14 01:00 PM
D. INDIA EMPLOYMENT SECOND PREFERENCE VISA AVAILABILITY
Section 202(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides that if total demand will be insufficient to use all available numbers in a particular Employment preference category in a calendar quarter, then the unused numbers may be made available without regard to the annual �per-country� limit. It has been determined that based on the current level of demand being received, primarily by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices, there would be otherwise unused numbers in the Employment Second preference category. As a result, numbers have once again become available to the India Employment Second preference category. The rate of number use in the Employment Second preference category will continue to be monitored, and it may be necessary to make adjustments should the level of demand increase substantially.
May be EB2 India and China can see some movement in July VB published in June.
This piece in VB is telling that the unused numbers in EB2 will be given to the retrogressed countries in EB2. The VB when it defines the categories, also defines EB2 as 27.6% of 140K and what ever is left over from EB1. EB1 is current for some time now and EB1 also circularly gets unused numbers from EB-4 and 5 which account for around 20K. My thoughts are here (http://nixstor.blogspot.com/2008/03/thoughts-on-april08-visa-bulletin-and.html). I have been under the assumption that EB-3 ROW must become current for EB-2 retrogressed countries to move significantly forward because of spill over and not by the quota they get every quarter. It does not sound like that. Am I just hallucinating or Am I just reading too much or Is it just the VB as usual unpredictable and capricious?
Section 202(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides that if total demand will be insufficient to use all available numbers in a particular Employment preference category in a calendar quarter, then the unused numbers may be made available without regard to the annual �per-country� limit. It has been determined that based on the current level of demand being received, primarily by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices, there would be otherwise unused numbers in the Employment Second preference category. As a result, numbers have once again become available to the India Employment Second preference category. The rate of number use in the Employment Second preference category will continue to be monitored, and it may be necessary to make adjustments should the level of demand increase substantially.
May be EB2 India and China can see some movement in July VB published in June.
This piece in VB is telling that the unused numbers in EB2 will be given to the retrogressed countries in EB2. The VB when it defines the categories, also defines EB2 as 27.6% of 140K and what ever is left over from EB1. EB1 is current for some time now and EB1 also circularly gets unused numbers from EB-4 and 5 which account for around 20K. My thoughts are here (http://nixstor.blogspot.com/2008/03/thoughts-on-april08-visa-bulletin-and.html). I have been under the assumption that EB-3 ROW must become current for EB-2 retrogressed countries to move significantly forward because of spill over and not by the quota they get every quarter. It does not sound like that. Am I just hallucinating or Am I just reading too much or Is it just the VB as usual unpredictable and capricious?
more...
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eb3India
03-08 11:45 AM
Like I said, you have to give some credit to the Irish. They have the chutzpah of going to lawmaker's offices in DC and say "I am an illegal...I broke the laws and overstayed my visa...please change to law to make everything ok again for me please...". And our community thinks that someone is listening to their phone conversation about how to raise money and lobby for the legal immigrants?????
I think it all boils down to how desparate we are for GCs, many people here on H1 just want to count their valid H1 visa and multiply them by thier montly savings,
but Irish and many illegals itz a do or die situation they are smart people to knock on law makers door, before law-enforcing people knock on thier doors
I think it all boils down to how desparate we are for GCs, many people here on H1 just want to count their valid H1 visa and multiply them by thier montly savings,
but Irish and many illegals itz a do or die situation they are smart people to knock on law makers door, before law-enforcing people knock on thier doors
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darslee
07-14 07:58 PM
Some of us can do more than one thing at a time...:)
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sobers
02-22 12:31 PM
Whether it is logical or not, whether we like it or not, the issues of illegal and legal immigration are intrinsically tied up (to the disadvantage of skilled workers, of course:-()
Anyhow, this appeared in today's Wall Street Journal...it may forbode a taste of things to come..or not come..this one focusses on the DREAM Act which is geared to provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants..
---------------
Should Illegal Immigrants Get Tuition Help?
States' Varying Stances on College-Education Benefit Illustrate Congress's Overhaul Task
By JUNE KRONHOLZ
February 22, 2006; Page A4
WASHINGTON -- An emotional state-level dispute over college tuition shows how tough it will be for Congress to overhaul immigration laws and extend citizenship benefits to the country's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
Four years ago, California passed a law granting in-state tuition to students who were in the U.S. illegally but had graduated from a California high school. Eight other states followed, allowing illegal immigrants to attend public colleges for in-state student fees -- usually less than half what out-of-state students pay.
DiAnna Schimek, a Democrat who heads the Nebraska Senate's education committee, says she has pushed for an in-state tuition bill for illegal immigrants as a matter of compassion and economic calculation. "These children didn't bring themselves" but were brought by their parents, she says. "It's only a good investment on our part to make certain they are productive citizens."
But attitudes have been hardening as an estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants flood in yearly. "That's an alarm to the people here ... it's a drain on the economy," says Rep. Glenn Donnelson, a Utah Republican who heads an education committee in his state.
So while some legislators want to extend tuition benefits to illegal immigrants in their states, others are calling for laws to deny the benefit -- or take it back.
Lawmakers in Utah, Kansas and New Mexico -- which passed in-state tuition benefits only two or three years ago -- now are waging uphill fights to repeal them. Massachusetts legislators last month rejected a bill to offer in-state tuition benefits to illegal immigrants.
Six states are considering measures that would deny in-state tuition, tuition waivers or state scholarships to illegal immigrants. In New York, which offers in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, and Virginia, which recently passed a law offering benefits to some, bills have been introduced to bar illegal immigrants from attending public colleges.
Meanwhile, lawsuits challenging in-state tuition for illegal immigrants have been filed in California and in Kansas. "There's something wrong with giving a benefit to an illegal that we don't even give to citizens of other states," says state Rep. Becky Hutchins, a Kansas Republican leading a repeal effort there.
The tuition laws generally require illegal immigrants to have attended a local high school for three years, to have graduated or earned a high-school equivalency and to sign an affidavit promising to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible.
Promoters expect few students to actually take up the benefit. Dropout rates are high and academic scores generally are low among Hispanics, who account for the majority of illegal aliens. And even in-state tuition, which averages about $5,500 this year, may be out of reach for children whose parents typically hold minimum-wage jobs.
Kris Kobach, a University of Missouri law professor who brought a federal suit against the Kansas program, says 221 illegal immigrants are enrolled in Kansas public colleges this year, and that even when the benefit becomes widely known, the number probably wouldn't exceed 2,700.
Even so, in-state tuition laws have become flashpoint among some voters who feel they haven't any other way to protest illegal immigration. Federal laws allow illegal immigrants to use emergency medical services, and a 1982 Supreme Court decision entitles their children to public education through high school.
Rod Adair, a New Mexico state senator who introduced unsuccessful legislation to repeal his state's immigrant-tuition benefit, says he was acting "in response to my constituents. They're frustrated."
Prof. Kobach's suit contends Kansas's in-state tuition benefit violates a federal law that prohibits states from giving any benefit to an illegal alien that they don't also extend to all U.S. citizens.
Among his plaintiffs, Heidi Hydeman, an Iowa native, says she was charged out-of-state tuition by the University of Kansas, though she lived in Kansas for six years and paid Kansas income tax for three years while attending the school. "I thought it was unfair," says Ms. Hydeman.
Mr. Donnelson, the Utah legislator, says Utah would face a $34 million bill if a similar suit were filed there, and current out-of-state students were refunded the difference between in-state tuition and the nonresident tuition they pay.
But legislators' doubts go beyond that. Although illegal immigrants who get the tuition benefit pledge to legalize their status, there is almost no way they can do that under current laws. And even with a college degree, there is almost no way for illegal immigrants to legally get a job.
For years, congressional supporters have promoted a measure, called the Dream Act, that would clear up those problems. States would be allowed to offer in-state tuition to illegal-immigrant students who, in turn, could become citizens.
In 2003, almost half the Senate cosponsored the Dream Act. But the Dream Act's prospects have faded, and this year its pivotal supporter, Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, withdrew as a sponsor. "Realistically, the Dream Act will not pass" and should be included in an overhaul of immigration laws, he said.
But the tensions fueling opposition to in-state tuition laws are the same ones making it hard for Congress to pass immigration overhaul. A coalition of pro-business Republicans, Democrats, immigrant-rights groups and labor unions wants new federal laws that would let illegal immigrants eventually become citizens.
They are being stymied, however, by social conservatives, who worry about being culturally overwhelmed by immigrants, and by Republican national-security hawks, who are demanding that Washington cut off illegal immigration first. The tension prevented the U.S. House from taking up immigration overhaul last year, and is complicating the Senate's efforts to pass it this year.
Write to June Kronholz at june.kronholz@wsj.com
Anyhow, this appeared in today's Wall Street Journal...it may forbode a taste of things to come..or not come..this one focusses on the DREAM Act which is geared to provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants..
---------------
Should Illegal Immigrants Get Tuition Help?
States' Varying Stances on College-Education Benefit Illustrate Congress's Overhaul Task
By JUNE KRONHOLZ
February 22, 2006; Page A4
WASHINGTON -- An emotional state-level dispute over college tuition shows how tough it will be for Congress to overhaul immigration laws and extend citizenship benefits to the country's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
Four years ago, California passed a law granting in-state tuition to students who were in the U.S. illegally but had graduated from a California high school. Eight other states followed, allowing illegal immigrants to attend public colleges for in-state student fees -- usually less than half what out-of-state students pay.
DiAnna Schimek, a Democrat who heads the Nebraska Senate's education committee, says she has pushed for an in-state tuition bill for illegal immigrants as a matter of compassion and economic calculation. "These children didn't bring themselves" but were brought by their parents, she says. "It's only a good investment on our part to make certain they are productive citizens."
But attitudes have been hardening as an estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants flood in yearly. "That's an alarm to the people here ... it's a drain on the economy," says Rep. Glenn Donnelson, a Utah Republican who heads an education committee in his state.
So while some legislators want to extend tuition benefits to illegal immigrants in their states, others are calling for laws to deny the benefit -- or take it back.
Lawmakers in Utah, Kansas and New Mexico -- which passed in-state tuition benefits only two or three years ago -- now are waging uphill fights to repeal them. Massachusetts legislators last month rejected a bill to offer in-state tuition benefits to illegal immigrants.
Six states are considering measures that would deny in-state tuition, tuition waivers or state scholarships to illegal immigrants. In New York, which offers in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, and Virginia, which recently passed a law offering benefits to some, bills have been introduced to bar illegal immigrants from attending public colleges.
Meanwhile, lawsuits challenging in-state tuition for illegal immigrants have been filed in California and in Kansas. "There's something wrong with giving a benefit to an illegal that we don't even give to citizens of other states," says state Rep. Becky Hutchins, a Kansas Republican leading a repeal effort there.
The tuition laws generally require illegal immigrants to have attended a local high school for three years, to have graduated or earned a high-school equivalency and to sign an affidavit promising to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible.
Promoters expect few students to actually take up the benefit. Dropout rates are high and academic scores generally are low among Hispanics, who account for the majority of illegal aliens. And even in-state tuition, which averages about $5,500 this year, may be out of reach for children whose parents typically hold minimum-wage jobs.
Kris Kobach, a University of Missouri law professor who brought a federal suit against the Kansas program, says 221 illegal immigrants are enrolled in Kansas public colleges this year, and that even when the benefit becomes widely known, the number probably wouldn't exceed 2,700.
Even so, in-state tuition laws have become flashpoint among some voters who feel they haven't any other way to protest illegal immigration. Federal laws allow illegal immigrants to use emergency medical services, and a 1982 Supreme Court decision entitles their children to public education through high school.
Rod Adair, a New Mexico state senator who introduced unsuccessful legislation to repeal his state's immigrant-tuition benefit, says he was acting "in response to my constituents. They're frustrated."
Prof. Kobach's suit contends Kansas's in-state tuition benefit violates a federal law that prohibits states from giving any benefit to an illegal alien that they don't also extend to all U.S. citizens.
Among his plaintiffs, Heidi Hydeman, an Iowa native, says she was charged out-of-state tuition by the University of Kansas, though she lived in Kansas for six years and paid Kansas income tax for three years while attending the school. "I thought it was unfair," says Ms. Hydeman.
Mr. Donnelson, the Utah legislator, says Utah would face a $34 million bill if a similar suit were filed there, and current out-of-state students were refunded the difference between in-state tuition and the nonresident tuition they pay.
But legislators' doubts go beyond that. Although illegal immigrants who get the tuition benefit pledge to legalize their status, there is almost no way they can do that under current laws. And even with a college degree, there is almost no way for illegal immigrants to legally get a job.
For years, congressional supporters have promoted a measure, called the Dream Act, that would clear up those problems. States would be allowed to offer in-state tuition to illegal-immigrant students who, in turn, could become citizens.
In 2003, almost half the Senate cosponsored the Dream Act. But the Dream Act's prospects have faded, and this year its pivotal supporter, Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, withdrew as a sponsor. "Realistically, the Dream Act will not pass" and should be included in an overhaul of immigration laws, he said.
But the tensions fueling opposition to in-state tuition laws are the same ones making it hard for Congress to pass immigration overhaul. A coalition of pro-business Republicans, Democrats, immigrant-rights groups and labor unions wants new federal laws that would let illegal immigrants eventually become citizens.
They are being stymied, however, by social conservatives, who worry about being culturally overwhelmed by immigrants, and by Republican national-security hawks, who are demanding that Washington cut off illegal immigration first. The tension prevented the U.S. House from taking up immigration overhaul last year, and is complicating the Senate's efforts to pass it this year.
Write to June Kronholz at june.kronholz@wsj.com
absaarkhan
08-20 11:37 AM
All,
It is time to Re-Visit this Issue.
I am sure lot of People used Advance Parole to enter US.
I wanted to know if Anybody Successfully DID a H1B Transfer After
Entering US on Advance Parole??
I Remember Rajiv Khanna Confirmed that this is Possible.
But I would like to know first hand experience from the gurus who have done this successfully.
It is time to Re-Visit this Issue.
I am sure lot of People used Advance Parole to enter US.
I wanted to know if Anybody Successfully DID a H1B Transfer After
Entering US on Advance Parole??
I Remember Rajiv Khanna Confirmed that this is Possible.
But I would like to know first hand experience from the gurus who have done this successfully.
needhelp!
11-14 06:49 PM
I would understand if walking_dude was asking me to fly to Michigan and stand with a placard in front of the radio station (which I MIGHT do btw), but sending an email is a five-minute effort, which everyone can do sitting at their home/office/library.
I don't think we will dilute any other effort through doing this.
I don't think we will dilute any other effort through doing this.
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