hiralal
08-12 09:21 PM
EB3 Guys,
Take it easy... This is just for humour, to have fun at these times.
No green card for you. Just work well for 6 years, enjoy life in US, enjoy sports cars by renting, not by buying, rent a big house, have a lawn and garden in back yard, grow your own vegetables. Have nice vacations like Hawaii, Jamaican islands, Vegas, Porto Rico etc.,Have fun in life. Do not go for green card. After 6 years, get nice job in India,own apartment near to office and ask your parents to live with you. Take kids to school . Have fun with them. Try to become director, AVP,VP,SVP,CEO,CTO and President. Do not go for green card. After you become director, buy a single family home and mercedez or BMW and have fun. Retire by the time your kids become earners. Grow vegetables in back yard. Do gardening and have fun. Thats how life should be. Do not hope for green card. H A V E F U N.
good point ..for EB3 folks to invest any money in US in immovable assets when the status is in such a big big mess is like throwing HARDEARNED money away. sadly, There is NO hope in the horizon for EB3-I / C
Take it easy... This is just for humour, to have fun at these times.
No green card for you. Just work well for 6 years, enjoy life in US, enjoy sports cars by renting, not by buying, rent a big house, have a lawn and garden in back yard, grow your own vegetables. Have nice vacations like Hawaii, Jamaican islands, Vegas, Porto Rico etc.,Have fun in life. Do not go for green card. After 6 years, get nice job in India,own apartment near to office and ask your parents to live with you. Take kids to school . Have fun with them. Try to become director, AVP,VP,SVP,CEO,CTO and President. Do not go for green card. After you become director, buy a single family home and mercedez or BMW and have fun. Retire by the time your kids become earners. Grow vegetables in back yard. Do gardening and have fun. Thats how life should be. Do not hope for green card. H A V E F U N.
good point ..for EB3 folks to invest any money in US in immovable assets when the status is in such a big big mess is like throwing HARDEARNED money away. sadly, There is NO hope in the horizon for EB3-I / C
wallpaper 1970 Suzuki T-350 II Rebel
dtekkedil
07-05 04:26 PM
See page 2; Pappus comment on this thread
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6104&page=2
It may serve us well to be united under one umbrella - that is IV.
Err... that was about "no work day"... Our agenda is to support one of IVs agendas.. attract media attention. So even if IV does not endorse the method... we are still supporting what IV is attempting to do!
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6104&page=2
It may serve us well to be united under one umbrella - that is IV.
Err... that was about "no work day"... Our agenda is to support one of IVs agendas.. attract media attention. So even if IV does not endorse the method... we are still supporting what IV is attempting to do!
needhelp!
11-19 12:03 PM
I mean who want to give < 100
What if you could bring forward two or three other friends and together experience the joy of giving.
What if you could bring forward two or three other friends and together experience the joy of giving.
2011 Yamaha Banshee 350cc 2 strokes
kpchal2
08-13 09:19 PM
there were a lot of instances when people do not even know about the visa bulletin even thought they have applied for it a long time ago. especially when they are full time employees well taken care of by their companies. for those gc is just another entity.
having said that, that should not be a reason to get into trouble in future. will it effect him in the future or not and if so how is something that he should research with an attorney and make a conscious choice for himself.
on the contrary this is just another incident by USCIS to prove how big time a**h013$ they are. seriously idiots. how come they manage to do such stupid stuff. what can IV do to counter such issues. this is a serious problem and this could jeopordize some one for a mistake from uscis. as a software engg or a mech a engg or a doctor, we as customers should be doing minimal stuff from immigration side. we have better things to take care of. not a useful post but just venting out. sorry guys.
having said that, that should not be a reason to get into trouble in future. will it effect him in the future or not and if so how is something that he should research with an attorney and make a conscious choice for himself.
on the contrary this is just another incident by USCIS to prove how big time a**h013$ they are. seriously idiots. how come they manage to do such stupid stuff. what can IV do to counter such issues. this is a serious problem and this could jeopordize some one for a mistake from uscis. as a software engg or a mech a engg or a doctor, we as customers should be doing minimal stuff from immigration side. we have better things to take care of. not a useful post but just venting out. sorry guys.
more...
gc_dedo
12-04 11:52 PM
I dont know what humanity you talk about ronhira.
Why do we have borders. People are dying in Africa and want to come to US.
Let US Immigration stop checking and let everyone in.
We are humane and want to help everyone. How about that.
Writing big paragraphs wont help you.
And those supporting illegals you may know they have never supported legal immigrants.
They never let any bills that help legal immigrants pass.
ANyways the whole story is baseless, These illegals always try to blame something on Sherrif whos just doing his job.
Why do we have borders. People are dying in Africa and want to come to US.
Let US Immigration stop checking and let everyone in.
We are humane and want to help everyone. How about that.
Writing big paragraphs wont help you.
And those supporting illegals you may know they have never supported legal immigrants.
They never let any bills that help legal immigrants pass.
ANyways the whole story is baseless, These illegals always try to blame something on Sherrif whos just doing his job.
whatamidoinghere
08-21 06:48 PM
This is the reason I would not want to give the ASC info. People will start bombarding the office, like they misuse the POJ method calling for nothing.
unbelievable.. cableching, why are you so concerned about ASC? just go home and sleep. I think you had your fun for the day.
unbelievable.. cableching, why are you so concerned about ASC? just go home and sleep. I think you had your fun for the day.
more...
ujjvalkoul
12-19 12:17 PM
:) Come on guys, We got thre first time contributor. I need two more. Please post here, if you are first time contributor and contributing more than $50
Thanks
Hi Guys, Lets prepare ourselves for the Next step .....and get our problems solved. $20...is nothing compared to your other expenses - daily or otherwise. :)
Thanks
Hi Guys, Lets prepare ourselves for the Next step .....and get our problems solved. $20...is nothing compared to your other expenses - daily or otherwise. :)
2010 SUZUKI LTZ400 2WD
madhuvj
09-18 01:00 AM
You wanna talk to me, call me at 412 915 9526
MadhuVJ
GCStatus & MadhuVJ,
192.168.xx.xx is private IP address. Your service provider is Comcast and your IP is 71.61.241.65. We would not post your IP if you do not stop making things up. We know that its the same person, you cannot convince otherwise. Look, I am not telling you to mend your ways, do what you feel helps your objective. But when we find something in competition with our objective, we will have to let you know. And as you suggested, please do send us your phone number. We sure would like to get a chance to speak with you.
Thanks,
MadhuVJ
GCStatus & MadhuVJ,
192.168.xx.xx is private IP address. Your service provider is Comcast and your IP is 71.61.241.65. We would not post your IP if you do not stop making things up. We know that its the same person, you cannot convince otherwise. Look, I am not telling you to mend your ways, do what you feel helps your objective. But when we find something in competition with our objective, we will have to let you know. And as you suggested, please do send us your phone number. We sure would like to get a chance to speak with you.
Thanks,
more...
for_gc
08-21 08:06 PM
I don't see big deal in this, just bit of information which has no consequences. Visa numbers do/will exhaust at some point in time.
so for real, how does it affect anyone?
Visa Number over for this year - will I get my GC this month/year/any year - UNKNOWN
Visa Number NOT over for this year - will I get my GC this month/year/any year - UNKNOWN
:D
Nice !
Makes me chuckle :)
so for real, how does it affect anyone?
Visa Number over for this year - will I get my GC this month/year/any year - UNKNOWN
Visa Number NOT over for this year - will I get my GC this month/year/any year - UNKNOWN
:D
Nice !
Makes me chuckle :)
hair SUZUKI DR350 S 350cc,
franklin
07-17 07:41 PM
I thank all new contributors, I think the efforts from members in the last 2 weeks are truly inspiring.
If you haven't done already, please consider contributing and donating some money to IV. It is entirely run from our donations (and the shortfall made up by the core team).
Talk is cheap guys, put your money where your mouth is so we can continue fighting for us all! The battle is won, the war is far from over
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=25#HowToContribute
:D
If you haven't done already, please consider contributing and donating some money to IV. It is entirely run from our donations (and the shortfall made up by the core team).
Talk is cheap guys, put your money where your mouth is so we can continue fighting for us all! The battle is won, the war is far from over
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=25#HowToContribute
:D
more...
suresh1
08-14 01:54 PM
My I-485 was recieved on 7/3/07.
140 was approved 6/2006 by TSC. See a LUD on 7/28/07.
My 485 was sent to NSC.
Still waiting for reciepts/cashed checks.
140 was approved 6/2006 by TSC. See a LUD on 7/28/07.
My 485 was sent to NSC.
Still waiting for reciepts/cashed checks.
hot a 250 or 350cc engine.
tinamatthew
07-22 10:50 AM
So, basically if I get a new I-94, am I in status again? Someone mentioned that you should be in status since your last arrival to the US. That was in 2004. So, i was under teh impression that I had to leave the country and return and things would be OK.
If you know, can you PM me any lawyer who you can help in this matter?
Yes when you leave the country you are in status again! for i-485 AOS, USCIS will look at your status since your LAST entry into the country
If you know, can you PM me any lawyer who you can help in this matter?
Yes when you leave the country you are in status again! for i-485 AOS, USCIS will look at your status since your LAST entry into the country
more...
house 350cc ATV. Feature: 1) SUZUKI
krish2005
12-08 06:54 PM
Truly agree with you and thomachan72. Not sure why folks disagree on this case without humane treatment. And that too for such cases when a pregnant woman who will not be running away during her labor pains - why needs to be shackled ?
In fact once my post started I was abused by many and redded too. Gave a green for you here. Again I am not supporting illegal immigration or undocumented stay. Anything which is legally punishable is fine as its law. But there are cases that have to be attended with leniency (at least this case).
its unbelievable what attitude some have on here...many on here are anti-illegal immigration which is understandable...but how can you condone such inhumane treatment...we are not animals...illegals are economic refugees in a way
just cause most of us on here were blessed to come up in decent families who afforded our education...it doesnt give us a right to treat the less fortunate with no dignity...what a shame
always "treat others the way you want to be treated"
In fact once my post started I was abused by many and redded too. Gave a green for you here. Again I am not supporting illegal immigration or undocumented stay. Anything which is legally punishable is fine as its law. But there are cases that have to be attended with leniency (at least this case).
its unbelievable what attitude some have on here...many on here are anti-illegal immigration which is understandable...but how can you condone such inhumane treatment...we are not animals...illegals are economic refugees in a way
just cause most of us on here were blessed to come up in decent families who afforded our education...it doesnt give us a right to treat the less fortunate with no dignity...what a shame
always "treat others the way you want to be treated"
tattoo Yamaha Scrambler 350cc
EndlessWait
09-08 03:16 PM
I love the mild tone of your message. Jobs are no water in sun that they will evaporate. But if they do, I am not stopping you to take those jobs back home�.
And I do notice large number of engineers, doctors, architects who are immigrants, and that�s what concerns me.
I would re-insist that Rallies are worthless and not worth your time. Your country is growing economically and you should spend you time looking for a job back home instead.
America is the country of immigrants . Except native americans.
Pls read the front page of http://www.nativeamericans.com/
How the ancestors of mr Tribiani came and settled.
And I do notice large number of engineers, doctors, architects who are immigrants, and that�s what concerns me.
I would re-insist that Rallies are worthless and not worth your time. Your country is growing economically and you should spend you time looking for a job back home instead.
America is the country of immigrants . Except native americans.
Pls read the front page of http://www.nativeamericans.com/
How the ancestors of mr Tribiani came and settled.
more...
pictures 1974 Suzuki T500.
GCard_Dream
07-17 07:06 PM
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for all the work core team has done so far and continues to do. This was not a small victory and couldn't have been achieved without the leadership of core team. Thank you core team and know that we are standing by you.
dresses 07 yamaha wolverine 350cc
ganesha
08-20 02:58 PM
I just talked to a NSC representative and he told me that my case is sent to extended review. Now what is this extended review?
Well, what annoys and confused me is that when I took Info pass day before yesterday she told me that my case is with IO. And now NSC rep is giving me another version called extended review.
Don't know whom to believe.
Does anyone here had same exp.
I talked to a TSC rep a couple days back and she told me that my case is under review. When pressed what it meant she told me I have to wait for some more time before action is taken on my case:confused:
Well, what annoys and confused me is that when I took Info pass day before yesterday she told me that my case is with IO. And now NSC rep is giving me another version called extended review.
Don't know whom to believe.
Does anyone here had same exp.
I talked to a TSC rep a couple days back and she told me that my case is under review. When pressed what it meant she told me I have to wait for some more time before action is taken on my case:confused:
more...
makeup 07 yamaha wolverine 350cc
sweet_jungle
09-13 08:22 PM
The petition looks great! I'm languishing in the queue since March 02 (PD early 2002). No IO is willing to listen to anything about my case. Sometimes I hink we should meet up with USCIS director and explain how unfair the whole system works and how individual cases have suffered!
good work, espcially reed and bawa.
lets get ready to send on Monday.
good work, espcially reed and bawa.
lets get ready to send on Monday.
girlfriend During one of the Suzuki#39;s
franklin
07-17 08:14 PM
I can not believe a Brit can misuse (may I say abuse) english! :) :) :) Don't get mad!
Donate means: To present as a gift to a fund or cause;
IV members are giving to help themselves. It is not a gift to anyone!
GRRRRR....
:p
Donate means: To present as a gift to a fund or cause;
IV members are giving to help themselves. It is not a gift to anyone!
GRRRRR....
:p
hairstyles XS 350 Sprint, Suzuki 250
calboy78
08-25 07:05 PM
I guess My interview didn't go as expected.
1) I reached the office an hour early.
2) After waiting,they did security check and let us in
3) Then the lady who was assigned my case, came and took us into her room
4) Oath, etc
5) She then started asking for Birth cert, Marriage Cert, kids birth certi, 140 approval copy.
6) Then she pulled a file (which was labelled DOS Visa bulletins) and spent around 15 mins on Oct 2007 bulletin.
7) Then asked us who filed your 485..you did your self or your employer did..we said employer.
8) Then she said, something is not right..per Oct 2007 bulleting Visa's are unavailable so yours was not filed properly.
9) Then I said, ours was filed in Aug 8th 2007. She insisted the receipt date is oct 2007..then we showed her our 485 reciept.
10) Then she thanked us and started looking at Aug 2007 visa bulletin. and said, even then in Aug 2007 EB2 was U, so yours was not properly filed.
11) I told her, There was an interim Memo released by USCIS that they will accept application until Aug-17 2007 based on July 2007 visa bulletin
12) She said she will look at DOS bulletins
13) After 10 mins she said, she cant find any such memo..and said, since there is no evidence with her, she has to deny our case based on "Improper filing when PD was not current"
14) Then I said, if PD was not current, wouldn't TSC return the application denying on the spot? Why would they accept the application?
15) She said, you would think so..but they accept many times..so we are told to verify all the time
16) THen said, she believes us but for process, she needs evidence and said she will look into further and then make a judgment.
17) We had no choice and we were over the interview. we were little disappointed though
18) After coming home, I realized she took all I-94s and we got panicked..because if 485 is getting denied and I-94s are gone, how do we prove our legal status, so we thought of going back..then I thought, if have to go anyway, then I should take a print out of Interim Memo
19) I went back an hour later with the print out
20) I told security that, we had finished our interview and officer forgot to return our I-94..they insisted that we shud take infopass and they wont allow anyone to go back..I had to really argue with them (I decided I have nothing to loose..anyway 485 is screwed and so stood there asking them to let me in)
21) After consistent nagging, the security guy took our passports, interview response letter(After interview if your app doesn't get appproved they willgive a kind of reciept saying u attended the interview..blahblah) and went in
22) Came back and told me to go in since the officer wants more details from you (I thought this was a miracle)
23) I went inside, and after a while officer came back. We apologized and told her that we came back for I-94s..she said they will retain and wont return..We told her that we are not using EAD and we are still on H1B..she said she will give back..
then she asked, I am sure you didnt come back for I-94 alone, did you get any document?
24) We showed her the memo.
25) She read that and said I am glad you came back..this clears everything out..I will run this by my supervisor and will see if we can adjust status today
26) We waited for 2 hrs and then she took us inside.
27) Asked our passports (to stamp...really)
28) Then she looked into the computer to get the visa #.
29) The we noticed a changed in her face and then she quickly turned into a folder of current VISA bulletin..we said..oh..no..not again.
30) The officer said, per visa bulletin u r current and ur PD is dec 2005..there is no reason for system not to allocated a visa #..
31)She tried for 10-15 mins and finally gave up..said she cant stamp in the passport without allotting the visa number..said sorry..I cant do anything..I will follow up with DOS ppl and will let you know in a week or so.
32) The reason she gave is, when she tried to allot the visa, she got a message, "cut off date not established". I have no idea what this means.
hmmm....still keeping fingers crossed..this is nothing short of a car race.
:confused:
I have only one comment - you are brave to have fought at that level ..Good Luck with your GC journey !
1) I reached the office an hour early.
2) After waiting,they did security check and let us in
3) Then the lady who was assigned my case, came and took us into her room
4) Oath, etc
5) She then started asking for Birth cert, Marriage Cert, kids birth certi, 140 approval copy.
6) Then she pulled a file (which was labelled DOS Visa bulletins) and spent around 15 mins on Oct 2007 bulletin.
7) Then asked us who filed your 485..you did your self or your employer did..we said employer.
8) Then she said, something is not right..per Oct 2007 bulleting Visa's are unavailable so yours was not filed properly.
9) Then I said, ours was filed in Aug 8th 2007. She insisted the receipt date is oct 2007..then we showed her our 485 reciept.
10) Then she thanked us and started looking at Aug 2007 visa bulletin. and said, even then in Aug 2007 EB2 was U, so yours was not properly filed.
11) I told her, There was an interim Memo released by USCIS that they will accept application until Aug-17 2007 based on July 2007 visa bulletin
12) She said she will look at DOS bulletins
13) After 10 mins she said, she cant find any such memo..and said, since there is no evidence with her, she has to deny our case based on "Improper filing when PD was not current"
14) Then I said, if PD was not current, wouldn't TSC return the application denying on the spot? Why would they accept the application?
15) She said, you would think so..but they accept many times..so we are told to verify all the time
16) THen said, she believes us but for process, she needs evidence and said she will look into further and then make a judgment.
17) We had no choice and we were over the interview. we were little disappointed though
18) After coming home, I realized she took all I-94s and we got panicked..because if 485 is getting denied and I-94s are gone, how do we prove our legal status, so we thought of going back..then I thought, if have to go anyway, then I should take a print out of Interim Memo
19) I went back an hour later with the print out
20) I told security that, we had finished our interview and officer forgot to return our I-94..they insisted that we shud take infopass and they wont allow anyone to go back..I had to really argue with them (I decided I have nothing to loose..anyway 485 is screwed and so stood there asking them to let me in)
21) After consistent nagging, the security guy took our passports, interview response letter(After interview if your app doesn't get appproved they willgive a kind of reciept saying u attended the interview..blahblah) and went in
22) Came back and told me to go in since the officer wants more details from you (I thought this was a miracle)
23) I went inside, and after a while officer came back. We apologized and told her that we came back for I-94s..she said they will retain and wont return..We told her that we are not using EAD and we are still on H1B..she said she will give back..
then she asked, I am sure you didnt come back for I-94 alone, did you get any document?
24) We showed her the memo.
25) She read that and said I am glad you came back..this clears everything out..I will run this by my supervisor and will see if we can adjust status today
26) We waited for 2 hrs and then she took us inside.
27) Asked our passports (to stamp...really)
28) Then she looked into the computer to get the visa #.
29) The we noticed a changed in her face and then she quickly turned into a folder of current VISA bulletin..we said..oh..no..not again.
30) The officer said, per visa bulletin u r current and ur PD is dec 2005..there is no reason for system not to allocated a visa #..
31)She tried for 10-15 mins and finally gave up..said she cant stamp in the passport without allotting the visa number..said sorry..I cant do anything..I will follow up with DOS ppl and will let you know in a week or so.
32) The reason she gave is, when she tried to allot the visa, she got a message, "cut off date not established". I have no idea what this means.
hmmm....still keeping fingers crossed..this is nothing short of a car race.
:confused:
I have only one comment - you are brave to have fought at that level ..Good Luck with your GC journey !
diptam
09-07 10:45 PM
"75% people have undergrad degree" - How many straight drinks i need to take to Digest this statistics ?? Did you re-engineered this stat:D
"Undergrad Degree" in S/T/Engg/Math - Could you tell me % and then i'll explain why you need to turn on to Macaca's....
Say Hi to your friend Lou Dobbs/Ron Hira and tell him that craps dont work everywhere.
Isn�t it odd that the timing of your rally coincides with the introduction of the Strive act? % of Granted you scored a point when you were allowed to file for employment authorization this July. If your one rally worked, do you really think other rallies will work too? The world of politics is driven by numbers; you do not have enough numbers to get any lawmaker interested. So wake up Macacas, admit it, you all are bunch of losers.
So far as the skills are concerned, you have been harping on the theme that you are highly skilled? If the definition of highly skilled is a mere undergrad degrees then 75% of Adult Americans are highly skilled. I bet not even 5% of you have PHDs and you call yourself highly skilled. Huhhh
And this for the leadership of your organization: You are wasting your time. If you are so desperate to get green cards contact me. We will see what we can do� One thing I believe though is this country needs people with leadership skills and not so called "Highly Skilled". So I will be more than happy to work with you. I am sure you have my e-mail address. At the least, I can help make the process faster for you, if so called visa numbers are available.
"Undergrad Degree" in S/T/Engg/Math - Could you tell me % and then i'll explain why you need to turn on to Macaca's....
Say Hi to your friend Lou Dobbs/Ron Hira and tell him that craps dont work everywhere.
Isn�t it odd that the timing of your rally coincides with the introduction of the Strive act? % of Granted you scored a point when you were allowed to file for employment authorization this July. If your one rally worked, do you really think other rallies will work too? The world of politics is driven by numbers; you do not have enough numbers to get any lawmaker interested. So wake up Macacas, admit it, you all are bunch of losers.
So far as the skills are concerned, you have been harping on the theme that you are highly skilled? If the definition of highly skilled is a mere undergrad degrees then 75% of Adult Americans are highly skilled. I bet not even 5% of you have PHDs and you call yourself highly skilled. Huhhh
And this for the leadership of your organization: You are wasting your time. If you are so desperate to get green cards contact me. We will see what we can do� One thing I believe though is this country needs people with leadership skills and not so called "Highly Skilled". So I will be more than happy to work with you. I am sure you have my e-mail address. At the least, I can help make the process faster for you, if so called visa numbers are available.
shantanup
06-16 04:01 PM
Good to have you back in action. Your attitude towards IV issues, lawmaker meetings and advocacy efforts in general is inspiring for others.
A Great Big Thank You to all of you who have been Contributing to enable IV to organize an event of this proportion.
My sincere gratitude for the countless hours/days/weeks/months that IV leadership has donated in doing the background work and getting the advocacy days put together. Special thanks to Aman, Himanshu, Pratik, Anu, Jay, Sivkanth, Gopal, Puneet, Kiran, Meenal, Prasad, Bimal, Vikrant, Devang, Ravi, Renji, Ameet & all the DC folk who arranged for out-of-staters to stay in their homes and helped with all the logistics. I got to witness your contributions first-hand. Thank You to your families who supported you and to all the other volunteers working remotely and finally to the ones that I inadvertently left out, a humongous thanks to you too! Kudos to the member from California who attended the event despite having a sick baby at home. Many many attendees have made many many personal sacrifices to come for this event and they are worthy of applause.
At first, I was hesitant to join because I hadn't been as actively involved in the past months; there was too much personal stuff going on that needed to be dealt with; too much work load, and taking vacation now meant I would have to take unpaid leave when I needed it later. Plus the cost of tickets and getting away from family responsibilities. I thought I could escape with a $ contribution and let someone else do the real work. However, a few phone calls later, I realized how lame all this sounded when people that didn't need to be doing this were working hard for my issues and volunteering for an effort of which I was going to be a beneficiary. It helped that we had a team of members from Texas chapter who had already come forward to go to DC and others were contributing to enable more members to participate.
Many conference calls were organized by IV leadership right up to the day of the event and many volunteers made hundreds of phone calls to request our members to participate and represent their state and districts. After all, members of congress are working to solve issues that are most affecting their own constituents and having members from their own district coming to DC carries a lot of weight. Many IV members I spoke with had some problem or another and couldn't make it, and then there were few that really wanted to help out in any way they could. In the background, meetings were being sought from both Senate and House representatives, and confirmations were coming in right up to the last minute.
Situation Room on Sunday:
Got to the Situation Room in Hyatt on Sunday afternoon. Nervous excitement was in the air. Meeting new faces & reconnecting with old ones brought back memories of September 2007 and the atmosphere of college festivals. Training sessions were already in progress, followed by mock sessions which I thought were a terrific idea. There were printers set up and volunteers were at work printing business cards and IV information materials and arranging them into folders. Another row of tables had been set up for signing in, IV coordinator & state chapter leaders were matching up meetings with team members , reaching out to members to confirm their attendance and new members were pouring in throughout the day and evening. Pictures were being taken and posted on the blog. Past and present USCIS Ombudsman visited us there and supported us and spent time talking to us one on one. There were a couple of people that had joined IV just a few days ago and now participating in Lobby Day. Then there was my DC host who was not going to be able to participate in the meetings, but the energy of the situation room got to him and made him change his decision. And how couldn't it! I stayed there helping out until midnight, but a few folks didn't leave until the wee hours of dawn. I must confess that IV Situation Room is THE most fun thing to do in DC. For those of you who missed it, I hope Congress does nothing and you get another chance when IV plans this again. (just kidding...)
Monday - Day 1 of Advocacy:
We met in situation room in the morning. Everyone picked up their schedules for the day and were off to a day of true grass-roots work of educating Congressional staff of our issues and proposing solutions. The most important part was telling our own stories of how the process is affecting our lives and driving talent out of the country. The staff members were very polite and listened carefully to our points. Not one of them argued against any of our issues. The support was there, although we did hear things about political climate causing the delay in action on part of Congress. I was done with meetings at 4 pm on Monday and we walked across the Capitol and onto New Jersey Avenue enjoying the perfect DC weather on our way back to the Situation Room. Folders had to be prepared for the next day and schedules created as well, since there were some last minute meetings coming in & some members not able to make it for the next day. We also had to pack and move and set up the new room upstairs since we switched rooms in the Hyatt. Once again, we got out of there at 3.30 am, and had to get back in by 9am.
Tuesday - Day 2 of Advocacy
Another full day of meetings was in store for everyone. We had fewer members on Tuesday since a lot of them had gone back on Monday and a lot of members did at least a few meetings by themselves. By this time we were all experts at the message we needed to deliver. Once again the response was similar. Some of the offices gave us leads into other representatives that might be able to champion the issue. Some of them were supportive of administrative fixes that could be done while Congress contemplates on larger fixes. Tuesday was the first time I had meetings on both the House and Senate side and we walked through the Capitol to get to the other side. There is a little mini train you can ride and the building has impressive murals and architecture. But we had very little time to appreciate those in detail. I had the opportunity to meet one Senator himself and it was a whole new feeling being face-to-face and talking to someone that shapes American future laws everyday and is directly going to vote on my issue. This is what democracy was all about, and IV was the enabler providing me the opportunity to be heard on the Hill.
Tuesday - Congressional Reception
This was held in the Capitol itself, we had leading lawyers attend as well as Ombudsman and Congressional staff and lobbyists. There was some nice food to be enjoyed by all, informal discussions, humor and brainstorming for the future. After the 2 hour reception many had flights to catch and rest of us went back to wrap up in the Situation room and brainstorm for the future.
At the end of it all, I was a little sad to leave all the excitement and return to "normal" life. But there is tons of work to be done in local chapters and those of us who have been to DC know how important it is to go and seek out the members from each and every constituency from our state, get members to come forward and talk to the media, and finally raise funds so that we can continue lobbying Congress to fix this problem.
Thank You IV for providing us with this platform to get our voices heard where it matters the most. Go IV!
A Great Big Thank You to all of you who have been Contributing to enable IV to organize an event of this proportion.
My sincere gratitude for the countless hours/days/weeks/months that IV leadership has donated in doing the background work and getting the advocacy days put together. Special thanks to Aman, Himanshu, Pratik, Anu, Jay, Sivkanth, Gopal, Puneet, Kiran, Meenal, Prasad, Bimal, Vikrant, Devang, Ravi, Renji, Ameet & all the DC folk who arranged for out-of-staters to stay in their homes and helped with all the logistics. I got to witness your contributions first-hand. Thank You to your families who supported you and to all the other volunteers working remotely and finally to the ones that I inadvertently left out, a humongous thanks to you too! Kudos to the member from California who attended the event despite having a sick baby at home. Many many attendees have made many many personal sacrifices to come for this event and they are worthy of applause.
At first, I was hesitant to join because I hadn't been as actively involved in the past months; there was too much personal stuff going on that needed to be dealt with; too much work load, and taking vacation now meant I would have to take unpaid leave when I needed it later. Plus the cost of tickets and getting away from family responsibilities. I thought I could escape with a $ contribution and let someone else do the real work. However, a few phone calls later, I realized how lame all this sounded when people that didn't need to be doing this were working hard for my issues and volunteering for an effort of which I was going to be a beneficiary. It helped that we had a team of members from Texas chapter who had already come forward to go to DC and others were contributing to enable more members to participate.
Many conference calls were organized by IV leadership right up to the day of the event and many volunteers made hundreds of phone calls to request our members to participate and represent their state and districts. After all, members of congress are working to solve issues that are most affecting their own constituents and having members from their own district coming to DC carries a lot of weight. Many IV members I spoke with had some problem or another and couldn't make it, and then there were few that really wanted to help out in any way they could. In the background, meetings were being sought from both Senate and House representatives, and confirmations were coming in right up to the last minute.
Situation Room on Sunday:
Got to the Situation Room in Hyatt on Sunday afternoon. Nervous excitement was in the air. Meeting new faces & reconnecting with old ones brought back memories of September 2007 and the atmosphere of college festivals. Training sessions were already in progress, followed by mock sessions which I thought were a terrific idea. There were printers set up and volunteers were at work printing business cards and IV information materials and arranging them into folders. Another row of tables had been set up for signing in, IV coordinator & state chapter leaders were matching up meetings with team members , reaching out to members to confirm their attendance and new members were pouring in throughout the day and evening. Pictures were being taken and posted on the blog. Past and present USCIS Ombudsman visited us there and supported us and spent time talking to us one on one. There were a couple of people that had joined IV just a few days ago and now participating in Lobby Day. Then there was my DC host who was not going to be able to participate in the meetings, but the energy of the situation room got to him and made him change his decision. And how couldn't it! I stayed there helping out until midnight, but a few folks didn't leave until the wee hours of dawn. I must confess that IV Situation Room is THE most fun thing to do in DC. For those of you who missed it, I hope Congress does nothing and you get another chance when IV plans this again. (just kidding...)
Monday - Day 1 of Advocacy:
We met in situation room in the morning. Everyone picked up their schedules for the day and were off to a day of true grass-roots work of educating Congressional staff of our issues and proposing solutions. The most important part was telling our own stories of how the process is affecting our lives and driving talent out of the country. The staff members were very polite and listened carefully to our points. Not one of them argued against any of our issues. The support was there, although we did hear things about political climate causing the delay in action on part of Congress. I was done with meetings at 4 pm on Monday and we walked across the Capitol and onto New Jersey Avenue enjoying the perfect DC weather on our way back to the Situation Room. Folders had to be prepared for the next day and schedules created as well, since there were some last minute meetings coming in & some members not able to make it for the next day. We also had to pack and move and set up the new room upstairs since we switched rooms in the Hyatt. Once again, we got out of there at 3.30 am, and had to get back in by 9am.
Tuesday - Day 2 of Advocacy
Another full day of meetings was in store for everyone. We had fewer members on Tuesday since a lot of them had gone back on Monday and a lot of members did at least a few meetings by themselves. By this time we were all experts at the message we needed to deliver. Once again the response was similar. Some of the offices gave us leads into other representatives that might be able to champion the issue. Some of them were supportive of administrative fixes that could be done while Congress contemplates on larger fixes. Tuesday was the first time I had meetings on both the House and Senate side and we walked through the Capitol to get to the other side. There is a little mini train you can ride and the building has impressive murals and architecture. But we had very little time to appreciate those in detail. I had the opportunity to meet one Senator himself and it was a whole new feeling being face-to-face and talking to someone that shapes American future laws everyday and is directly going to vote on my issue. This is what democracy was all about, and IV was the enabler providing me the opportunity to be heard on the Hill.
Tuesday - Congressional Reception
This was held in the Capitol itself, we had leading lawyers attend as well as Ombudsman and Congressional staff and lobbyists. There was some nice food to be enjoyed by all, informal discussions, humor and brainstorming for the future. After the 2 hour reception many had flights to catch and rest of us went back to wrap up in the Situation room and brainstorm for the future.
At the end of it all, I was a little sad to leave all the excitement and return to "normal" life. But there is tons of work to be done in local chapters and those of us who have been to DC know how important it is to go and seek out the members from each and every constituency from our state, get members to come forward and talk to the media, and finally raise funds so that we can continue lobbying Congress to fix this problem.
Thank You IV for providing us with this platform to get our voices heard where it matters the most. Go IV!
No comments:
Post a Comment