checklaw
07-19 08:55 AM
My lawyer sent me the fedex tracking sheet for the I-485 package sent to:
USCIS
Nebraska Service Center
850 S Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
I did not see any PO Box on the Fedex tracking sheet. I am not sure if she put the PO Box on the shipping label or not??
Is it a big deal?? Will my application be accepted.
Please help
Edit/Delete Message
As far as I know from friends who have had similar case in the past, yours is not at all an uncommon situation. My belief is that use of PO Box on physical address helps to get documents re-directed to their correct department. Absence of same means that the personnel in charge have to "think" where to re-direct and nothing more than that. Again this is based on what I know from reliable friends.
USCIS
Nebraska Service Center
850 S Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
I did not see any PO Box on the Fedex tracking sheet. I am not sure if she put the PO Box on the shipping label or not??
Is it a big deal?? Will my application be accepted.
Please help
Edit/Delete Message
As far as I know from friends who have had similar case in the past, yours is not at all an uncommon situation. My belief is that use of PO Box on physical address helps to get documents re-directed to their correct department. Absence of same means that the personnel in charge have to "think" where to re-direct and nothing more than that. Again this is based on what I know from reliable friends.
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ndialani
10-30 07:41 PM
Thanks Caliguy for all your help.
I was able to talk to IO in TSC. Very nice IO (male). He really took time to look into my case.
First he said my case is preadj. , Than he mentioned my I-140 is under EB3 as per computer records.
I told him, i have the copy of my approved I-140 and it is under EB 2 category. he put me on hold for like 4-5 minutes. Came back and said he has passed on the info to IO looking into my case . He asked me for Reciept,alien # ets. on my I-140 BUT God Darn it, i didint have the document with me at that time. He said, i could call, ad give it to IO . I was so MAD!!!
After 30 minutes of searching, i found my approved I140 from 2006.
I called POJ method Less than 2 minutes i spoke to IO ....they dont disclose the name.
I explained my situation again and gave him all the info .He even asked my contact phone no.
i gave it to him.
I dont know , what to do next. Do you think they really pass in the info to IO reviewing the case?
Should i call on Monday.
Man! this weekend will be a GRIND!
I wish , i had the I140 handy.
So all of you there,
Learn from my mistake...please have all the documents with you....you never know, what they will ask for.
Thanks again Caliguy!!!!
I was able to talk to IO in TSC. Very nice IO (male). He really took time to look into my case.
First he said my case is preadj. , Than he mentioned my I-140 is under EB3 as per computer records.
I told him, i have the copy of my approved I-140 and it is under EB 2 category. he put me on hold for like 4-5 minutes. Came back and said he has passed on the info to IO looking into my case . He asked me for Reciept,alien # ets. on my I-140 BUT God Darn it, i didint have the document with me at that time. He said, i could call, ad give it to IO . I was so MAD!!!
After 30 minutes of searching, i found my approved I140 from 2006.
I called POJ method Less than 2 minutes i spoke to IO ....they dont disclose the name.
I explained my situation again and gave him all the info .He even asked my contact phone no.
i gave it to him.
I dont know , what to do next. Do you think they really pass in the info to IO reviewing the case?
Should i call on Monday.
Man! this weekend will be a GRIND!
I wish , i had the I140 handy.
So all of you there,
Learn from my mistake...please have all the documents with you....you never know, what they will ask for.
Thanks again Caliguy!!!!
rimzhim
02-07 12:05 PM
Thank you for your elaboration.
How do you know that all the unused visas go to EB3 before go to EB2?
Even if the immigration reform happens, will it take effect next year or sometime later? How come my PD can become current immediately once the immigration reform happens?
thanks
as soon as the president signs on the SKIL bill, it will become a law, and uscis will implement it within 24 hours. However, regarding your point about PD becoming current immediately: since many MS degree holders are in EB2, their PDs will become current immediately. So uscis will be able to move EB3 very fast. If it doesn't happen immediately, it will happen within a couple of months.
How do you know that all the unused visas go to EB3 before go to EB2?
Even if the immigration reform happens, will it take effect next year or sometime later? How come my PD can become current immediately once the immigration reform happens?
thanks
as soon as the president signs on the SKIL bill, it will become a law, and uscis will implement it within 24 hours. However, regarding your point about PD becoming current immediately: since many MS degree holders are in EB2, their PDs will become current immediately. So uscis will be able to move EB3 very fast. If it doesn't happen immediately, it will happen within a couple of months.
2011 SciFi and Fantasy Art Dragon
Refugee_New
08-04 11:44 AM
I posted this msg on saturday and looking for some response from members.
Thanks
Hello guys please let me know if i am eligible for filing WoM.
My case details are:
EB2, PD 02/12/2002.
I-485 RD: 06/06/2007 and ND: 06/15/2007
I have converted my EB3 PD to EB2. Last month i applied for EAD renewal thinking that it might trigger my GC approval(some people still believe in this)
Today i received my EAD with 2 yrs extension. I consider this as a bad sign because USCIS clearly states that if the visa is unavailable then they will issue 2 yr EAD.
In my case my PD has been current since i filed 485 except two months in this year when EB2 was U.
I have opened 3SRs(on march, april, june 08), went for infopass once, written letters to 3 senators and 2 representatives on july 7th, 2008, sent fax to NSC, also sent letters to NSC and NSC director twice, called NSC several times. I could not get any status update other than the regular response(case is pending and waiting to be assigned)
After taking all these efforts i recently received response for one of the SRs(for june 08) stating these type of cases taking time for approval and i need to wait patiently.
I dont know if i can wait anymore because i have been waiting for close to 7 yrs.
Now in this situation can you guys please let me know what i should do and what should be my next move?
Do you guys think i am eligible to file WoM? if yes please guide me on how to do it.
Thank you so much guys. Looking for some help.
Thanks
Hello guys please let me know if i am eligible for filing WoM.
My case details are:
EB2, PD 02/12/2002.
I-485 RD: 06/06/2007 and ND: 06/15/2007
I have converted my EB3 PD to EB2. Last month i applied for EAD renewal thinking that it might trigger my GC approval(some people still believe in this)
Today i received my EAD with 2 yrs extension. I consider this as a bad sign because USCIS clearly states that if the visa is unavailable then they will issue 2 yr EAD.
In my case my PD has been current since i filed 485 except two months in this year when EB2 was U.
I have opened 3SRs(on march, april, june 08), went for infopass once, written letters to 3 senators and 2 representatives on july 7th, 2008, sent fax to NSC, also sent letters to NSC and NSC director twice, called NSC several times. I could not get any status update other than the regular response(case is pending and waiting to be assigned)
After taking all these efforts i recently received response for one of the SRs(for june 08) stating these type of cases taking time for approval and i need to wait patiently.
I dont know if i can wait anymore because i have been waiting for close to 7 yrs.
Now in this situation can you guys please let me know what i should do and what should be my next move?
Do you guys think i am eligible to file WoM? if yes please guide me on how to do it.
Thank you so much guys. Looking for some help.
more...
satishku_2000
07-27 02:41 PM
If the current wage is consitently higher than proferred for past 2 or 3 years, is that good enough to prove the ability to pay?
vipulgoel
05-01 02:34 PM
My contribution is also on the way !!!
more...
gc28262
03-10 04:56 PM
In my view, it is too good to be true. But we have no way to challenge the numbers either. But it is 50% of the entire EB pending cases. Is this document authentic?? I don't see the logo on the letterhead??
Logo ?
This is the response letter from Senator's office. All personal info of the requester has been removed.
Logo ?
This is the response letter from Senator's office. All personal info of the requester has been removed.
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annsheila79
04-21 07:06 AM
Why do you bother so much...?
need more proof ? :D
need more proof ? :D
more...
learning01
04-19 08:36 AM
...for guests who are brwosing this site to contribute to our cause. Or both.
Because the site knows which user is logged in and who is not, this could be easy. Put a soft thanks, please ignore if you have contributed, but not presently logged in.
let us do this
Because the site knows which user is logged in and who is not, this could be easy. Put a soft thanks, please ignore if you have contributed, but not presently logged in.
let us do this
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kumar1
11-10 11:21 AM
This is how I used my EAD. I filed 485/EAD/AP in July 2007. I did not do anything till Feb-2008. I made a call to my employer in Feb-2008 (6 months after I-485) and asked him to give me a raise. He was aware of the fact that I can use AC-21 and leave anytime. We renegotiated everything, this time heavily in my favor (for a change). I got 20% salary hike effective from that very day. I kept same employer, same job, same client but used EAD and AC-21 to put pressure on my employer. Needless to say, in the past, I have been on the receiving side of the pressure from employers because of H1-B too.
My suggestion - You can not play safe your whole life.
My suggestion - You can not play safe your whole life.
more...
GC_sufferer
07-10 11:30 AM
Someone asked about source on his website, and his response is:
"I really can't go in to details, but the information is reliable."
"I really can't go in to details, but the information is reliable."
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gsc999
07-19 05:33 PM
Zoom, thanks for the initiative. Just wanted to make sure if there are any legality issues behind core accessing the IV funds for administrative costs. Because once we donate it to IV funds(unless there is a provision for them to access that money as reimbursement administrative cost) it may not serve the intended purpose.
WE ARE WAITING FOR THE RESPONSE FROM CORE TEAM ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.
Or maybe, a member who is a CPA, probably can answer this question?
WE ARE WAITING FOR THE RESPONSE FROM CORE TEAM ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.
Or maybe, a member who is a CPA, probably can answer this question?
more...
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sri1309
12-12 06:35 AM
Please keep doing it.. I sent 5 times already. Ask your spouse, friends all, to do thier part.
Highlight the important points
Highlight the important points
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mysticpine
06-11 01:50 PM
"your personal assets are at stake"
move assets to company that you can control ?
move assets to company that you can control ?
more...
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bobbydalal
05-26 12:52 PM
Hey stop being negative. All we can do is hope n god willing we will get it. I have been waiting to get my green since last 12 years ok. Butr im still optimistic. Also lets fax the congress n whitehouse for the same. Ifu guys see numberusa site the anit immigrant pepole r pilling up the faxes against it so lets all unite n send the faxes in support of it. Also with the blue visas in Europen country will make a big difference for us. So they r quiet aware. Lets not fight and give reds to each other instead concentrate on faxing the faxes to white house in support of this bill as irt does matter all of us. United we stand and i bet u there r enough pepole like me n u waiting for the green.
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gcretroiv
03-14 07:41 AM
All the drama people... If you do not know much about eb3_nepa...Pls read this
Eb3Nepa is very much here from initial days of this organization and supported the cause alot, even more than main members(So called..) here.
That is how he knows the core team members names/handles, even lot of you do not know them...
Only 1 or 2 members are here from initial 12+ core members..That is another thing though.
Anyway, as others mentioned, people have to move on..and this movement is just not by core members but by all. Core members comes/goes, after their journey, unless they have some agendas. (In the +ve way)
Hope, you do not start another storm here...
Eb3Nepa, congrats on your green card.
You must be enjoying the time now after GC.
How is the life after GC. Is it same like earlier or any change.
Because we are still in the queue, hoping to get it in 1,2 months as per time lines.
- gcretroiv
Eb3Nepa is very much here from initial days of this organization and supported the cause alot, even more than main members(So called..) here.
That is how he knows the core team members names/handles, even lot of you do not know them...
Only 1 or 2 members are here from initial 12+ core members..That is another thing though.
Anyway, as others mentioned, people have to move on..and this movement is just not by core members but by all. Core members comes/goes, after their journey, unless they have some agendas. (In the +ve way)
Hope, you do not start another storm here...
Eb3Nepa, congrats on your green card.
You must be enjoying the time now after GC.
How is the life after GC. Is it same like earlier or any change.
Because we are still in the queue, hoping to get it in 1,2 months as per time lines.
- gcretroiv
more...
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ganguteli
04-27 11:34 AM
IV should work hard on defeating this bill. It will send a clear message to anti-immigrants even if the bill does not pass.
Just because we want our green cards does not mean we forget people on H1b or future H1Bs
Anti-immigrants do not differentiate us based on H1, L1, EAD, PD, ROW, EB3 etc. The bill is aimed at throwing all immigrants out. Period.
Just because we want our green cards does not mean we forget people on H1b or future H1Bs
Anti-immigrants do not differentiate us based on H1, L1, EAD, PD, ROW, EB3 etc. The bill is aimed at throwing all immigrants out. Period.
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GKBest
09-29 12:37 PM
Hi Guru's
A strange thing happened today....Need your help ...
I have an H1 transfer pending with Nebraska Service Centre....
My earlier H1 which was approved 1 year ago has been re-opened today...This is the status I see on USCIS web-site
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Case reopened or reconsidered based on USCIS determination, and the case is now pending.
We reopened this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER on September 28, 2007, and are now reviewing our earlier decision. We also mailed you a notice describing the next steps in the process. Please follow any instructions on this notice. Our review should be completed within 30 days. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service.
I don't get this...I have the following questions
1> This H1 petition was approved 1 year ago...I have the I-797 Notice with me. Then why did they re-open this case after 1 year of approval ??
2> My I-131, I-485, I-765 applications has been accepted and chqs encashed. What happens to them now ?
3> What about my H1-transfer which is pending ??
I am going nuts....anyone in this situation
I've noticed that USCIS has been committing some errors in updating their records. I suspect there is a virus in their system. Let your lawyer handle this. USCIS corrects their mistakes once they see proof.
A strange thing happened today....Need your help ...
I have an H1 transfer pending with Nebraska Service Centre....
My earlier H1 which was approved 1 year ago has been re-opened today...This is the status I see on USCIS web-site
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Case reopened or reconsidered based on USCIS determination, and the case is now pending.
We reopened this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER on September 28, 2007, and are now reviewing our earlier decision. We also mailed you a notice describing the next steps in the process. Please follow any instructions on this notice. Our review should be completed within 30 days. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service.
I don't get this...I have the following questions
1> This H1 petition was approved 1 year ago...I have the I-797 Notice with me. Then why did they re-open this case after 1 year of approval ??
2> My I-131, I-485, I-765 applications has been accepted and chqs encashed. What happens to them now ?
3> What about my H1-transfer which is pending ??
I am going nuts....anyone in this situation
I've noticed that USCIS has been committing some errors in updating their records. I suspect there is a virus in their system. Let your lawyer handle this. USCIS corrects their mistakes once they see proof.
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mallu
12-04 11:55 PM
Hi I've been a NC victim for almost 3 years. I have heard all kinds of speculations on the real reason behind USCIS/FBI decision,like the amount of the tax you pay, your political view, your education level,etc. all influence the result. Could that be true or it's just purely a bureaucratic backlog? Something interesting to think about I guess.
They can do whatever they want under the cover of national security, even arrest you and keep in detention without bail, right ?
They can do whatever they want under the cover of national security, even arrest you and keep in detention without bail, right ?
bugsbunny
04-17 03:00 PM
Looks like you are one of the beneficiaries of H1 who does not have good education. You can console yourself with the word 'skill' and all that computer jargon The bottomline is H1B visa is for professionals.
Stop making personal attacks.
You know nothing about me or my education or my skills.
By resorting to personal attacks to try and support you arguments you have revealed your level of character and intelligence in how debates are conducted.
I don't support IT bodyshops and that fraud should stop.
If you believe you have proof of shady practices then report them to USCIS.
Stop making personal attacks.
You know nothing about me or my education or my skills.
By resorting to personal attacks to try and support you arguments you have revealed your level of character and intelligence in how debates are conducted.
I don't support IT bodyshops and that fraud should stop.
If you believe you have proof of shady practices then report them to USCIS.
bluekayal
12-09 01:54 PM
What an inspiring story. Thank you for wriitng the timeline so carefully. After years of being sad I've joined a gym and I am a happier ..and yes, a slightly thinner person!
I was up the entire night during the December 05 imbroglio..no more....have to take one day at a time now...
Enjoy yourself, stay happy.
When GCSOON-Ihope becomes GC-IgotIt!
Guys, guess what I am holding in my hand? Yes, that bit of plastic, object of our fantasies �.and nightmares. After filing Writ of Mandamus on November 1st, things went amazingly quickly and smoothly: on December 1st, the US attorney gave confirmation that the case has been approved and I received the card in the mail on 12/07.
What did I feel then? Really indescribable�Happy? It goes way beyond that.
I feel more relieved than anything else, like if I had a ton of lead off my shoulders�
May my story inspire, give hope and faith to all of you guys who are so depressed at the moment because of what happened, or did not happen should I say, in that shameful Congress.
As you will see, I had my head in a brick wall more than once. More than once, I was devastated and, still, I never gave up and made it through.
So, please, enjoy the holidays: as long as there is life, there is hope.
I know something about it:
Come here in 1993 as a student on F1 visa. Graduate and got Work Permit (OPT).
Find dream job in dream company. Hired directly by CEO himself.
Company loves me and applies right away for H1 and then Labor Cert.
Life is beautiful. The start of the American Dream. Not for long.
Attorney has been working for company for years. Always successfully.
Picks me for his first failure: screws up completely.
H1 denied. Labor Cert denied. Company gets mad: attorney is fired.
OPT runs out: company still loves me but�I am now out of status and�fired too.
Welcome to America. Life has turned dark. The start of my American Nightmare.
I am disgusted. Decide to go back to my home country (France).
I miss California. Find new company that loves me: apply for H1 again (this time, I am paying all fees, out of my meager savings).
H1 is approved, got stamp at embassy in Paris. I am back. Life is beautiful again.
Not for long. Exactly 2 hours (no kidding).
Find out that company is a sweat-shop and boss is a crook.
Pays me half (yes, half) what he was supposed to.
Go to INS to complain: �If you are not happy, go back to your home country�.
I swear that it is exactly what I am told.
Consult attorneys for a possible lawsuit: � Alas, your situation happens more often than you can imagine. Many unscrupulous employers use and abuse of would-be immigrants like you. Don�t waste your time and money in a lawsuit, just find yourself a new job�and be more careful this time�.
I am broke. Can�t even go back �home� and anyway I don�t want to.
Not with just my tail between my legs for the second time.
Home is here. I want my American Dream and I will get it, no matter what.
Decide to swallow my pride and endure the humiliation until I can find new employer willing to sponsor new H1 and pay all fees. I just can�t afford anything as I am hardly surviving.
Employer wants to fire me: �you are always complaining about the money�.
I have to threaten him (yes I did) to report his company to Dept. of Labor (most his employees are illegals and as abused as I am, not getting paid for overtime and so on�).
Imagine in what kind of atmosphere I am working�but I need this job to remain legal until I can find something else.
For sure, I will be out of there within a couple months at the most.
Don�t know yet that this nightmare will last�2 years. Still can�t believe it.
Had I known, I would have fled the first day, no matter what.
In my specialty, jobs are not easy to find.
Not to mention that this time, I have to be very �choosy��
Companies that I approach:
a) don�t want to hear about immigration or
b) don�t want to pay attorney fees or
c) don�t want to pay at least prevailing wage or
d) all of the above
All doors seem to be closed.
I have never felt that bad in my life: go see the doctor.
�You have all the symptoms of someone who is having�a nervous depression.
Do you want me to refer you to a good psy who could help you?�
No, thanks. I know why I am sick.
Finally find new company that loves me: apply for new H1 and they pay all fees.
H1 approved.
This time, I am holding my breath. We are now in December 2000. Seven years since I first came in the US. Time flies�and no GC in sight.
Job is nice, company is nice. Recovering from depression.
Boss loves me: decides to start for me RIR Labor in�.May 2001.
Yes, one month after that damn month of April 2001. You know what I mean.
Six months of advertising.
PD is January 2002.
Labor Cert approved �in July 2004. Concurrent filing I-140/I-485 in August 2004.
Get EAD. FP in September 2004.
Things change: company is now going down. Boss still loves me but�lays me off.
(Re)(Re) Start of my American Nightmare?
Attorney says: �Don�t worry (!!!) Employer loves you. Won�t revoke I-140. GC is for future job. Find new H1 job to maintain status and see what happens�.
This time, I am lucky (!) and find right away new H1 job. Company is OK, job is OK.
Later, previous company nicely recovers: got rehired!
Only thing: I will have to pay all fees from now on. Don�t care. Back on the right track.
Do Medical in April 2005.
I-140 approved in May 2005�but visas are now �Unavailable�. Nothing to worry about.
October is around the corner and new numbers will be available, right?
Just a few more months and I will have my GC. Wrong.
October bulletin comes out. EB3 World is back to March 2001 (PD is 01/2002).
I swear that I almost s..t in my pants. When is too much�just too much?
How much more frustration and anguish can I endure? More, much more.
By rage and stress, I pack up an extra 20 lbs in just a few months.
Most people lose weight when they are under extreme stress and/or depression, I do the opposite. I am now 40 lbs overweight.
Second EAD. FP again in October 2005. Life is paced by visa bulletins�
September 2006 bulletin comes out: EB3 World has now passed my PD.
I am holding my breath again. Rightly so, for the umpteenth time.
Third EAD.
Wait 2 weeks and start inquiring about the status of my application.
Call so-called �Customer service�: as usual they know jack s..t.
�Your application is still pending�. Thanks, I already knew that.
Make Infopass appointment at Los Angeles downtown office.
�Sir, I can�t tell you anything specific because your case is at the Laguna Niguel office.
Contact them at: CSC-XII@dhs.gov�
E-mail #1 on 09/18: (�) Status of my case? (�)
Response on 09/27: �the I-485 at question is still pending FBI name check clearance.
Once the file has been cleared by FBI, it will be adjudicated. The service has no control on how long it takes FBI to clear the case�.
E-mail #2 on 09/27: (�) When was that initiated? (�)
Response on 10/02: (�) On or about 08/19/2004. (�)
This time, I surprise myself: I am one more time devastated but remain strangely calm.
Even laugh about it. Nervously. Too much is just too much.
I had heard about that Name Check aberration before but had ignored it.
Like most people involved in that GC mess, I refused to worry in advance.
One bridge to cross at the time, please.
Weirdly enough, I am now almost relieved. Why? Because for the first time ever, I can be proactive and I CAN ACT!
I call my lawyer and tell her about those 2 e-mails: �That�s good enough to file Writ of Mandamus. That summarizes the whole situation, we don�t need anything else�.
WOM is filed on November 1st.
(I requested FOIPA and contacted Senators, President, Vice-President etc, etc�
only later just in case we would have needed more ammunitions).
After that, things go fast:
11/ 29: without any warning (!), LUD: �Your card has been ordered�.
12/01: confirmation from the Assistant US Attorney that my case has been approved.
12/04 LUD: �Your case has been approved�.
(So, they notify you that the card has been ordered�before notifying that the case has been approved�).
12/05: receive Approval Notice in the mail and my attorney indicates that she will then dismiss the Mandamus complaint.
12/07: receive the Magic Card in the mail (regular mail, even not certified, unbelievable�).
What a timing! Could I dream of a better Christmas Gift?
Who said Papa Noel/Santa or Banta Claus/Little Red Riding Hood did not exist?
:) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :)
I was up the entire night during the December 05 imbroglio..no more....have to take one day at a time now...
Enjoy yourself, stay happy.
When GCSOON-Ihope becomes GC-IgotIt!
Guys, guess what I am holding in my hand? Yes, that bit of plastic, object of our fantasies �.and nightmares. After filing Writ of Mandamus on November 1st, things went amazingly quickly and smoothly: on December 1st, the US attorney gave confirmation that the case has been approved and I received the card in the mail on 12/07.
What did I feel then? Really indescribable�Happy? It goes way beyond that.
I feel more relieved than anything else, like if I had a ton of lead off my shoulders�
May my story inspire, give hope and faith to all of you guys who are so depressed at the moment because of what happened, or did not happen should I say, in that shameful Congress.
As you will see, I had my head in a brick wall more than once. More than once, I was devastated and, still, I never gave up and made it through.
So, please, enjoy the holidays: as long as there is life, there is hope.
I know something about it:
Come here in 1993 as a student on F1 visa. Graduate and got Work Permit (OPT).
Find dream job in dream company. Hired directly by CEO himself.
Company loves me and applies right away for H1 and then Labor Cert.
Life is beautiful. The start of the American Dream. Not for long.
Attorney has been working for company for years. Always successfully.
Picks me for his first failure: screws up completely.
H1 denied. Labor Cert denied. Company gets mad: attorney is fired.
OPT runs out: company still loves me but�I am now out of status and�fired too.
Welcome to America. Life has turned dark. The start of my American Nightmare.
I am disgusted. Decide to go back to my home country (France).
I miss California. Find new company that loves me: apply for H1 again (this time, I am paying all fees, out of my meager savings).
H1 is approved, got stamp at embassy in Paris. I am back. Life is beautiful again.
Not for long. Exactly 2 hours (no kidding).
Find out that company is a sweat-shop and boss is a crook.
Pays me half (yes, half) what he was supposed to.
Go to INS to complain: �If you are not happy, go back to your home country�.
I swear that it is exactly what I am told.
Consult attorneys for a possible lawsuit: � Alas, your situation happens more often than you can imagine. Many unscrupulous employers use and abuse of would-be immigrants like you. Don�t waste your time and money in a lawsuit, just find yourself a new job�and be more careful this time�.
I am broke. Can�t even go back �home� and anyway I don�t want to.
Not with just my tail between my legs for the second time.
Home is here. I want my American Dream and I will get it, no matter what.
Decide to swallow my pride and endure the humiliation until I can find new employer willing to sponsor new H1 and pay all fees. I just can�t afford anything as I am hardly surviving.
Employer wants to fire me: �you are always complaining about the money�.
I have to threaten him (yes I did) to report his company to Dept. of Labor (most his employees are illegals and as abused as I am, not getting paid for overtime and so on�).
Imagine in what kind of atmosphere I am working�but I need this job to remain legal until I can find something else.
For sure, I will be out of there within a couple months at the most.
Don�t know yet that this nightmare will last�2 years. Still can�t believe it.
Had I known, I would have fled the first day, no matter what.
In my specialty, jobs are not easy to find.
Not to mention that this time, I have to be very �choosy��
Companies that I approach:
a) don�t want to hear about immigration or
b) don�t want to pay attorney fees or
c) don�t want to pay at least prevailing wage or
d) all of the above
All doors seem to be closed.
I have never felt that bad in my life: go see the doctor.
�You have all the symptoms of someone who is having�a nervous depression.
Do you want me to refer you to a good psy who could help you?�
No, thanks. I know why I am sick.
Finally find new company that loves me: apply for new H1 and they pay all fees.
H1 approved.
This time, I am holding my breath. We are now in December 2000. Seven years since I first came in the US. Time flies�and no GC in sight.
Job is nice, company is nice. Recovering from depression.
Boss loves me: decides to start for me RIR Labor in�.May 2001.
Yes, one month after that damn month of April 2001. You know what I mean.
Six months of advertising.
PD is January 2002.
Labor Cert approved �in July 2004. Concurrent filing I-140/I-485 in August 2004.
Get EAD. FP in September 2004.
Things change: company is now going down. Boss still loves me but�lays me off.
(Re)(Re) Start of my American Nightmare?
Attorney says: �Don�t worry (!!!) Employer loves you. Won�t revoke I-140. GC is for future job. Find new H1 job to maintain status and see what happens�.
This time, I am lucky (!) and find right away new H1 job. Company is OK, job is OK.
Later, previous company nicely recovers: got rehired!
Only thing: I will have to pay all fees from now on. Don�t care. Back on the right track.
Do Medical in April 2005.
I-140 approved in May 2005�but visas are now �Unavailable�. Nothing to worry about.
October is around the corner and new numbers will be available, right?
Just a few more months and I will have my GC. Wrong.
October bulletin comes out. EB3 World is back to March 2001 (PD is 01/2002).
I swear that I almost s..t in my pants. When is too much�just too much?
How much more frustration and anguish can I endure? More, much more.
By rage and stress, I pack up an extra 20 lbs in just a few months.
Most people lose weight when they are under extreme stress and/or depression, I do the opposite. I am now 40 lbs overweight.
Second EAD. FP again in October 2005. Life is paced by visa bulletins�
September 2006 bulletin comes out: EB3 World has now passed my PD.
I am holding my breath again. Rightly so, for the umpteenth time.
Third EAD.
Wait 2 weeks and start inquiring about the status of my application.
Call so-called �Customer service�: as usual they know jack s..t.
�Your application is still pending�. Thanks, I already knew that.
Make Infopass appointment at Los Angeles downtown office.
�Sir, I can�t tell you anything specific because your case is at the Laguna Niguel office.
Contact them at: CSC-XII@dhs.gov�
E-mail #1 on 09/18: (�) Status of my case? (�)
Response on 09/27: �the I-485 at question is still pending FBI name check clearance.
Once the file has been cleared by FBI, it will be adjudicated. The service has no control on how long it takes FBI to clear the case�.
E-mail #2 on 09/27: (�) When was that initiated? (�)
Response on 10/02: (�) On or about 08/19/2004. (�)
This time, I surprise myself: I am one more time devastated but remain strangely calm.
Even laugh about it. Nervously. Too much is just too much.
I had heard about that Name Check aberration before but had ignored it.
Like most people involved in that GC mess, I refused to worry in advance.
One bridge to cross at the time, please.
Weirdly enough, I am now almost relieved. Why? Because for the first time ever, I can be proactive and I CAN ACT!
I call my lawyer and tell her about those 2 e-mails: �That�s good enough to file Writ of Mandamus. That summarizes the whole situation, we don�t need anything else�.
WOM is filed on November 1st.
(I requested FOIPA and contacted Senators, President, Vice-President etc, etc�
only later just in case we would have needed more ammunitions).
After that, things go fast:
11/ 29: without any warning (!), LUD: �Your card has been ordered�.
12/01: confirmation from the Assistant US Attorney that my case has been approved.
12/04 LUD: �Your case has been approved�.
(So, they notify you that the card has been ordered�before notifying that the case has been approved�).
12/05: receive Approval Notice in the mail and my attorney indicates that she will then dismiss the Mandamus complaint.
12/07: receive the Magic Card in the mail (regular mail, even not certified, unbelievable�).
What a timing! Could I dream of a better Christmas Gift?
Who said Papa Noel/Santa or Banta Claus/Little Red Riding Hood did not exist?
:) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :)
