Macaca
11-09 12:06 PM
The Grassley Visa Tax (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119397030162580100.html) The Wall Street Journal Editorial, November 2, 2007
Congress has failed to pass immigration reform, so industries that depend on foreign workers have already been left in the lurch. But Senator Chuck Grassley now wants to make things worse.
Last week Mr. Grassley, the Iowa Republican, slipped an amendment into a spending bill that would tax businesses that hire skilled immigrants an additional $3,500 per visa to a total of $5,000 each. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, this represents a $3.1 billion tax increase over five years on some of America's fastest growing companies.
Companies employing foreign professionals who are here on H-1B visas already pay $1,500 per individual. The fee was originally set at $500 in 1998, but at least past increases have also included a rise in the number of available visas. When Mr. Grassley floated this tax back in April, it would have been part of a Senate bill that lifted the H-1B visa cap by 50,000 and put in place an escalator provision that allowed market demand to determine future increases.
But the Grassley Tax proposed last week includes no such trade-off, leaving the H-1B visa cap of 65,000 per year intact. The need to increase this arbitrary quota, if not eliminate it, is clear. This year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received approximately 120,000 applications for H-1Bs on the first day they were available.
In addition to the hiring fee, current law already requires H-1B professionals to be paid the higher of the prevailing wage or actual wage paid to Americans in similar positions. So it's not as if U.S. businesses pursue foreign engineers, computer scientists and the like because they're cheaper to employ. Nor are these foreign workers overrunning the country and displacing Americans. In 2006, new H-1B professionals comprised 0.07 percent of the labor force.
Citing anecdotal evidence -- "People have called our office," a spokeswoman tells us -- Senator Grassley says the fee increase is necessary to combat abuse and fraud. But the back wages owed to H-1B hires amounted to just $4.6 million in 2006, down from $5.2 million the previous year. In a $12 trillion economy, those numbers are infinitesimal. Department of Labor investigations reveal that some 90% of violations are paperwork offenses and good-faith misunderstandings.
The Senator also maintains that his tax increase is needed to fund more federal programs for high-achieving U.S-born students, who are notoriously underrepresented in math and science. Leaving aside the dubious notion that the federal government doesn't spend enough money on education, the high-tech industry has already shelled out more than $2 billion to fund scholarships over the past decade. And that's not counting their other philanthropic efforts, nor the state and local taxes these companies pay to support public education.
Mr. Grassley's justifications notwithstanding, the reality is that these skilled foreign nationals help U.S. companies compete globally and keep jobs and innovation inside the U.S. This is especially important when other countries are opening their doors to this human capital. The European Union, which says it's facing a shortage of some 20 million skilled workers over the next two decades, has announced plans to streamline its immigration process to attract foreign talent.
So while even European bureaucrats are wising up to the importance of attracting global talent to keep an economy competitive, a Republican Senator is joining liberal protectionists to move the U.S. in the opposite direction. Go figure. If Congress can't see its way to fix our broken immigration system, the least it can do is not drive more jobs offshore.
Investing in America, Making Things Worse (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119449088264586132.html) By Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) | Wall Street Journal, Nov 8, 2007
I'm startled to learn that The Wall Street Journal seriously believes that an investment in American students will make things worse for U.S. businesses ("The Grassley Visa Tax," editorial, Nov. 2).
Your editorial asserts that the number of foreign workers on H-1B visas is so minimal that we shouldn't care if Americans are in fact displaced. I challenge the Journal to wave their labor force figures in the face of one of the hi-tech workers who have had to train their own replacement who is an H-1B visa holder. That's a smack in the face to the American worker and hardly an issue to take lightly.
I am committed to an effort to include additional H-1B reforms and increase the visa supply along with an increased investment to educate Americans. But, I strongly disagree that the only solution is to increase our reliance on foreign workers by raising the annual cap. Reforms to the program must be a top priority. Big business cannot continue to ignore the home-grown American talent who should be getting at least a good portion of these jobs.
Congress has failed to pass immigration reform, so industries that depend on foreign workers have already been left in the lurch. But Senator Chuck Grassley now wants to make things worse.
Last week Mr. Grassley, the Iowa Republican, slipped an amendment into a spending bill that would tax businesses that hire skilled immigrants an additional $3,500 per visa to a total of $5,000 each. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, this represents a $3.1 billion tax increase over five years on some of America's fastest growing companies.
Companies employing foreign professionals who are here on H-1B visas already pay $1,500 per individual. The fee was originally set at $500 in 1998, but at least past increases have also included a rise in the number of available visas. When Mr. Grassley floated this tax back in April, it would have been part of a Senate bill that lifted the H-1B visa cap by 50,000 and put in place an escalator provision that allowed market demand to determine future increases.
But the Grassley Tax proposed last week includes no such trade-off, leaving the H-1B visa cap of 65,000 per year intact. The need to increase this arbitrary quota, if not eliminate it, is clear. This year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received approximately 120,000 applications for H-1Bs on the first day they were available.
In addition to the hiring fee, current law already requires H-1B professionals to be paid the higher of the prevailing wage or actual wage paid to Americans in similar positions. So it's not as if U.S. businesses pursue foreign engineers, computer scientists and the like because they're cheaper to employ. Nor are these foreign workers overrunning the country and displacing Americans. In 2006, new H-1B professionals comprised 0.07 percent of the labor force.
Citing anecdotal evidence -- "People have called our office," a spokeswoman tells us -- Senator Grassley says the fee increase is necessary to combat abuse and fraud. But the back wages owed to H-1B hires amounted to just $4.6 million in 2006, down from $5.2 million the previous year. In a $12 trillion economy, those numbers are infinitesimal. Department of Labor investigations reveal that some 90% of violations are paperwork offenses and good-faith misunderstandings.
The Senator also maintains that his tax increase is needed to fund more federal programs for high-achieving U.S-born students, who are notoriously underrepresented in math and science. Leaving aside the dubious notion that the federal government doesn't spend enough money on education, the high-tech industry has already shelled out more than $2 billion to fund scholarships over the past decade. And that's not counting their other philanthropic efforts, nor the state and local taxes these companies pay to support public education.
Mr. Grassley's justifications notwithstanding, the reality is that these skilled foreign nationals help U.S. companies compete globally and keep jobs and innovation inside the U.S. This is especially important when other countries are opening their doors to this human capital. The European Union, which says it's facing a shortage of some 20 million skilled workers over the next two decades, has announced plans to streamline its immigration process to attract foreign talent.
So while even European bureaucrats are wising up to the importance of attracting global talent to keep an economy competitive, a Republican Senator is joining liberal protectionists to move the U.S. in the opposite direction. Go figure. If Congress can't see its way to fix our broken immigration system, the least it can do is not drive more jobs offshore.
Investing in America, Making Things Worse (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119449088264586132.html) By Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) | Wall Street Journal, Nov 8, 2007
I'm startled to learn that The Wall Street Journal seriously believes that an investment in American students will make things worse for U.S. businesses ("The Grassley Visa Tax," editorial, Nov. 2).
Your editorial asserts that the number of foreign workers on H-1B visas is so minimal that we shouldn't care if Americans are in fact displaced. I challenge the Journal to wave their labor force figures in the face of one of the hi-tech workers who have had to train their own replacement who is an H-1B visa holder. That's a smack in the face to the American worker and hardly an issue to take lightly.
I am committed to an effort to include additional H-1B reforms and increase the visa supply along with an increased investment to educate Americans. But, I strongly disagree that the only solution is to increase our reliance on foreign workers by raising the annual cap. Reforms to the program must be a top priority. Big business cannot continue to ignore the home-grown American talent who should be getting at least a good portion of these jobs.
wallpaper Caitlin Beadles. Ryan Beatty.
tulips
05-14 04:33 PM
Well said and I agree. USCIS can be more transparent and be clear. They can always tell us that it would take X years and people can plan better and decide accordingly. Why cant they do it is beyond my reasoning. Frustrating part is they wont do that! Everyone makes alternate plans and has a threshold for waiting. I guess this is what nitinboston was trying to say that dont be obsessed about it. Many people took it wrongly and started called names which just shows immaturity. Anyways, GC or no GC one should live happily wherever that be :-)
for_gc
06-07 08:37 AM
We need to cut all the negativity here on this forum and focus on things where we can actually make a difference in intellectual argumentative way.
It is absolutely useless at this point to predict the visa bulletins when we have a fair idea that there is about 3 or so years worth of backlog for EB2 and possibly much more for EB3.
This article shows a lot of research and thought process has gone into its making.
Great Job!
It is absolutely useless at this point to predict the visa bulletins when we have a fair idea that there is about 3 or so years worth of backlog for EB2 and possibly much more for EB3.
This article shows a lot of research and thought process has gone into its making.
Great Job!
2011 CHRISTIAN BEADLES,CAITLIN
ashatara78
03-10 07:40 PM
The next step should be to reply to the senator mentioning that the data is ambiguous and asking for a more clear response. Is it I-140 or I-485, does it include families etc. etc.
Also explain to them that based on these numbers, it will take X years for a person to get a GC and that the system needs reform.
I have worked with a senator's office for a completely different matter and they are very responsive - since you have caught their attention and already have a file open, it will be helpful to respond with a concise letter so that you can get more accurate information.
Also explain to them that based on these numbers, it will take X years for a person to get a GC and that the system needs reform.
I have worked with a senator's office for a completely different matter and they are very responsive - since you have caught their attention and already have a file open, it will be helpful to respond with a concise letter so that you can get more accurate information.
more...
Bpositive
02-06 10:20 AM
i just called DOS. He asked for my visa type and passport number. He said "your visa has been issued in Jan. Call the New Delhi consulate and they should let you know if it would come through mail or do you need to go pick it up"
what happens next ?? how long after this stage it takes to get the visa ?? are there any other checks that could be going on ?? ONCE DOS approves are there any other agencies like FBI, KCC doing some other approvals as well ?? if you know what happens next let me know..waiting for posts..
so now i know I am not stuck due to PIMS and DOS cleared and approved my visa in Jan..what else then ??
Usually, that's it. The consulate should now issue the passport. Email/call the consulate or call VFS if you haven't already done so.
what happens next ?? how long after this stage it takes to get the visa ?? are there any other checks that could be going on ?? ONCE DOS approves are there any other agencies like FBI, KCC doing some other approvals as well ?? if you know what happens next let me know..waiting for posts..
so now i know I am not stuck due to PIMS and DOS cleared and approved my visa in Jan..what else then ??
Usually, that's it. The consulate should now issue the passport. Email/call the consulate or call VFS if you haven't already done so.
gaz
09-17 02:34 PM
unregistered sex offenders and illegals
Another amendment from the King.....
Another amendment from the King.....
more...
immigration_law
08-24 07:30 PM
Hi All,
All this memo states is that USCIS will not automatically expedite the FBI name check simply because a writ of mandamus is filed. This memo signaled a national shift in the way USCIS responds to these types of lawsuits.
The U.S. Attorney's Office will now fight the writ of mandamus lawsuit by filing Motions to Dismiss and Motions for Summary Judgment. While this obviously lengthens the time it takes for a case to proceed, it is still very possible to win and force the government to adjudicate the application.
Hope this clears up any confusion,
Justin Fok
All this memo states is that USCIS will not automatically expedite the FBI name check simply because a writ of mandamus is filed. This memo signaled a national shift in the way USCIS responds to these types of lawsuits.
The U.S. Attorney's Office will now fight the writ of mandamus lawsuit by filing Motions to Dismiss and Motions for Summary Judgment. While this obviously lengthens the time it takes for a case to proceed, it is still very possible to win and force the government to adjudicate the application.
Hope this clears up any confusion,
Justin Fok
2010 christian beadles,
gsc999
11-15 06:28 PM
People will find list of US companies supporting SKILL bill and also trash talk from many citizens. Hope you will enjoy it. Do read the comments, that is where the fun is.
http://www.steinreport.com/archives/009781.html
----
Thanks for pointing out. I counted 16 posts correcting the error about H1-B not paying taxes.
http://www.steinreport.com/archives/009781.html
----
Thanks for pointing out. I counted 16 posts correcting the error about H1-B not paying taxes.
more...
styrum
01-31 02:26 PM
Done. They are 3 and 9 now!
hair Christian+eadles+2011+
nixstor
05-23 02:10 PM
I don't think I agree completely. I called all of the lawmakers for the CHC campaign, and while you are right, I spoke to the assistants, they were all polite and promised to pass on the message, which is what matters in the end.
Lawmakers know that we do not have voting privileges yet, but they also know that we are contributing to this economy far greater than many. I do not remember the source or the thread, but this question was asked before about an online petition, but ironically, that is shown to be not as effective as phone calls.
If you ask me to sign a piece of paper, I might do it even if I am only vaguely supportive of the idea. But I will certainly not take the trouble to call (or better yet) go to the senator/congressman's office and present my case in person unless I really beleive in it.
regarding your "saar.. support the bill..." comment, I would not go there if I were you. Thats a whole different can of worms and borders on an insult to a) people who are not from that part of India (or for that matter the world) and b) more importantly, for people from that part of the world who are in this country since a long time and have taken the pains to lose the accent.
Finally, even if one speaks in an accent, is that the sole reason for a lawmaker to disregard him? Then should a Tennessee senator not listen to someone from New York because the New yorker speaks English in a New York accent?
Please remember IV may be largely Indian, but it is a meeting place for legal immigrants from all over the world. The same way as India may be "largely Hindu" but it is still a secular country and we have had many great citizens and leaders that were not Hindu, the current president notwithstanding.
Very well answered and the sarcastic language the OP used just shows elitism and out of touch with the situation at hand.
Lawmakers know that we do not have voting privileges yet, but they also know that we are contributing to this economy far greater than many. I do not remember the source or the thread, but this question was asked before about an online petition, but ironically, that is shown to be not as effective as phone calls.
If you ask me to sign a piece of paper, I might do it even if I am only vaguely supportive of the idea. But I will certainly not take the trouble to call (or better yet) go to the senator/congressman's office and present my case in person unless I really beleive in it.
regarding your "saar.. support the bill..." comment, I would not go there if I were you. Thats a whole different can of worms and borders on an insult to a) people who are not from that part of India (or for that matter the world) and b) more importantly, for people from that part of the world who are in this country since a long time and have taken the pains to lose the accent.
Finally, even if one speaks in an accent, is that the sole reason for a lawmaker to disregard him? Then should a Tennessee senator not listen to someone from New York because the New yorker speaks English in a New York accent?
Please remember IV may be largely Indian, but it is a meeting place for legal immigrants from all over the world. The same way as India may be "largely Hindu" but it is still a secular country and we have had many great citizens and leaders that were not Hindu, the current president notwithstanding.
Very well answered and the sarcastic language the OP used just shows elitism and out of touch with the situation at hand.
more...
gk_2000
04-22 01:00 PM
Can't agree less with you pappu:)
more, not less..
red, welcome. (I know I will get this whenever I correct anyone)
more, not less..
red, welcome. (I know I will get this whenever I correct anyone)
hot Caitlin amp; Christian Beadles
purplehazea
05-24 02:45 PM
What we are seeing and hearing in congress is the overwhelming ignorance and lack of understanding of the contributions made by H1B and GC aspirants to the US economy. There is the wise saying that "Everything happens for a good reason". We have been trying so hard for last 2-3 years to make these politicians realize and to make corporate America realize that they need to do something about our problems because of our value proposition. Apparently all these calls have only backfired and caused the anti-immigrationists to lobby even harder and pull the strings of politicians to make them do as they please. Whether we like it or not, unless the raw brunt of a mass exodus of educated work force is not felt by this country, there is no way for them to understand how wrong they are. EB category has never had loyal support. All of the corporate america support has rested on the need for H1B. We have been abused by this system and forced to feel that we have abused this system. I think we have been told in a million ways by now that we need to find a Plan B. I feel bad yet no remorse for the thousands of H1Bs who do nothing to support the cause of organizations like IV. As someone once said, most of them are very laid back and will not worry about the problems untill someone tells them to buy their return tickets back home. We are very happy with eating samosa and tea and do not have the perspective to realize what threats lie on the horizon. I say this based on actual conversations with some of these people who literally scoff at me and think I am off my rocker when I discuss the repurcussions of no reforms. Like the prehistoric animals who did nothing to adapt in the full view of changing environmental conditions, these laid back folks will realize only too late.
more...
house I support - Christian beadles
WaitingUnlimited
05-12 04:57 PM
First of all...Welcome to Immigration Voice.
Nitin, how do you think that people who are here in this forum does not know about the other options available? Where in this world you get as many opportunities as you get in USA? Where can you get the flexible life like here?
How many IT jobs are there in Canada (assuming most of the members in IV are into IT)? Canada Alberta program increased processing times to 8 months now and it excludes federal processing times. Federal application method takes more than one and half years.
So its good that you have chosen an alternative and worked out well, but your alternative many not be an alternative or not even option to all!!!
Nitin, how do you think that people who are here in this forum does not know about the other options available? Where in this world you get as many opportunities as you get in USA? Where can you get the flexible life like here?
How many IT jobs are there in Canada (assuming most of the members in IV are into IT)? Canada Alberta program increased processing times to 8 months now and it excludes federal processing times. Federal application method takes more than one and half years.
So its good that you have chosen an alternative and worked out well, but your alternative many not be an alternative or not even option to all!!!
tattoo Justin Bieber ,Caitlin Beadles
qplearn
11-15 12:42 PM
Trent Lott has supported the SKIL bill, and has become the minority leader. Should be good news. Should we write to him?
more...
pictures caitlin beadles and one
h4hopeful
07-14 02:09 PM
They have all gathered, and probably some media is there, I bet that Logiclife - Franklin - Etc. are updating the core team about the events, if anybody is having any conversation with anyone at the rally please post the number of people, media, etc, thanks
dresses Yes I Can Christian Beadles
laksmi
07-02 03:50 PM
USCIS should produce a rule saying that if they are x number of employees, then all the employees should have a company email id as mandatory, In that case they will be no issue at all, every thing will be clear and accurate to one and all in the company with any issue.
more...
makeup Caitlin Beadles, Zac Efron
clear485
06-11 04:53 PM
One more suggestion:
US can put pressure Indian counterpart to freeze your Indian bank accounts, hence don't tranfer monies in any of your or your wife's accounts.
GCCovet
Why do they come on wife's account ? Is it legal if spouse makes mistake in any case ?
US can put pressure Indian counterpart to freeze your Indian bank accounts, hence don't tranfer monies in any of your or your wife's accounts.
GCCovet
Why do they come on wife's account ? Is it legal if spouse makes mistake in any case ?
girlfriend Christian Beadles ,Caitlin
somegchuh
07-31 04:42 PM
Hi Guys,
Considering that we have all spent enough time stuck in the same job for several years it makes sense to prepare for the time if/when we actually get green card.
So I was wondering if anyone here has weighed and compared the cost and benefit of PMP vs MBA. Any thoughts would be helpful.
Take Care
Considering that we have all spent enough time stuck in the same job for several years it makes sense to prepare for the time if/when we actually get green card.
So I was wondering if anyone here has weighed and compared the cost and benefit of PMP vs MBA. Any thoughts would be helpful.
Take Care
hairstyles with Christian Beadles,
gneerajg
09-11 01:37 AM
I got a ref today the reason ability not to pay. They state that in line 21ordinary business income is less than what it should be according to PW and based on that employer was not able to PW in those years like from 2001 to 2006but the gross income was always in between 600000-1000000 each year. but can they relate your old returns with new PW. I mean does it matter based on your last 5 returns ability not to pay but currently I am drawing more than PW and my employer never filed tax`return with loss. pl. advice Does I need good CPA
40k+ in 2006
35k+ in 2005
33k+ in 2004
EB-3 PD 2001
Filed I-140 & I-485 on May 5,2007
40k+ in 2006
35k+ in 2005
33k+ in 2004
EB-3 PD 2001
Filed I-140 & I-485 on May 5,2007
natrajs
09-17 04:50 PM
I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS...this morning 10:00AM CST we got the CPO emails for both of us...
I just can not thank Aall of you enough and the IV community for the support they have provided over the last few years - especially since Sept 1.
THANK YOU GOD - THANKS FOR LISTENING.
I will be around - not going anywhere and will support IV efforts!
BEST OF LUCK FOR THOSE WHO ARE WAITING...Believe me "appka bhi number aayega" I was loosing hopes - since Sept 1 when saw number of approvals after my PD/RD/ND etc..but there is really nothing that can predict this system.
Here is my journey - encapsulated:
PD- June 04
I485 files on July 2nd 2007 - NSC
RD 8/4/2207
SR #1: 9/4/2209
SR #2" 9/11/2209
Senator contact: 9/10/2009 and 9/11/2009
Infopass: 9/15/2009
CPO emails: 9/17/2009
Hang in there - open SRs and contact your senators!!!
Congrats and Best Wishes kubmilegaGC, Finally the pain is over
Take care
I just can not thank Aall of you enough and the IV community for the support they have provided over the last few years - especially since Sept 1.
THANK YOU GOD - THANKS FOR LISTENING.
I will be around - not going anywhere and will support IV efforts!
BEST OF LUCK FOR THOSE WHO ARE WAITING...Believe me "appka bhi number aayega" I was loosing hopes - since Sept 1 when saw number of approvals after my PD/RD/ND etc..but there is really nothing that can predict this system.
Here is my journey - encapsulated:
PD- June 04
I485 files on July 2nd 2007 - NSC
RD 8/4/2207
SR #1: 9/4/2209
SR #2" 9/11/2209
Senator contact: 9/10/2009 and 9/11/2009
Infopass: 9/15/2009
CPO emails: 9/17/2009
Hang in there - open SRs and contact your senators!!!
Congrats and Best Wishes kubmilegaGC, Finally the pain is over
Take care
fasterthanlight�
06-07 04:29 PM
Ya but thats not really a skin....... its the end result of the design.
Skins: http://shop.ipodworld.co.uk/iPodWorldSite/pages/category/category.asp?ctgry=iPod_Cases%20and%20Skins&cookie%5Ftest=1
http://iskin.com/
I think you guys are misunderstanding what benkobe meant by "skin"
Skins: http://shop.ipodworld.co.uk/iPodWorldSite/pages/category/category.asp?ctgry=iPod_Cases%20and%20Skins&cookie%5Ftest=1
http://iskin.com/
I think you guys are misunderstanding what benkobe meant by "skin"
