ramus
07-06 10:56 AM
PLease donot create new thread for this.. We alrady have thread for this.. There is already one thread on media .. Please put all posts there..
It is very hard for members to do work if we have so many threads on same topic.
07/07/2007: USCIS Reportedly Admitted Some I-485 Approvals at Last Minutes Without Completion of FBI Security Clearance
* New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/06/us/06visa.html?hp, has reported:
"To complete the applications in time, the immigration agency put employees to work both days last weekend at service centers in Texas and Nebraska, immigration officials said. They said that 25,000 applications were processed in the final 48 hours before Monday�s deadline. In some cases, security clearances required by the F.B.I. were not entirely completed, immigration officials said. The agency approved some applications �when we were certain the process will be completed very shortly,� Mr. Aytes said."
* The report also indicates that the State Department and the USCIS tend to disagree with each other for the root of the problem for the current fiasco. Earlier there was a report in the Washington Post that the USCIS denied that the USCIS worked ceaselessly and frantically during the weekends (two days) before July 1, but it has been admitted since then the employees indeed worked hard during the two days. According to the NY Times report, during the weekend alone, they approved 25,000 I-485 backlog applications.
* We are afraid that the alleged admission of approval of I-485 application before completion of the security clearance is likely to face the legal challenge for violation of the rules which is likely one of the main claims of the AILF lawsuit as well as the political backfire as an issue of security lapse relating to the homeland security. It appears that the July visa bullen fiasco is going out of control and pushes the two agencies into an edge. :eek: :eek: :eek:
It is very hard for members to do work if we have so many threads on same topic.
07/07/2007: USCIS Reportedly Admitted Some I-485 Approvals at Last Minutes Without Completion of FBI Security Clearance
* New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/06/us/06visa.html?hp, has reported:
"To complete the applications in time, the immigration agency put employees to work both days last weekend at service centers in Texas and Nebraska, immigration officials said. They said that 25,000 applications were processed in the final 48 hours before Monday�s deadline. In some cases, security clearances required by the F.B.I. were not entirely completed, immigration officials said. The agency approved some applications �when we were certain the process will be completed very shortly,� Mr. Aytes said."
* The report also indicates that the State Department and the USCIS tend to disagree with each other for the root of the problem for the current fiasco. Earlier there was a report in the Washington Post that the USCIS denied that the USCIS worked ceaselessly and frantically during the weekends (two days) before July 1, but it has been admitted since then the employees indeed worked hard during the two days. According to the NY Times report, during the weekend alone, they approved 25,000 I-485 backlog applications.
* We are afraid that the alleged admission of approval of I-485 application before completion of the security clearance is likely to face the legal challenge for violation of the rules which is likely one of the main claims of the AILF lawsuit as well as the political backfire as an issue of security lapse relating to the homeland security. It appears that the July visa bullen fiasco is going out of control and pushes the two agencies into an edge. :eek: :eek: :eek:
wallpaper susan_coffey
marcus12
01-26 05:17 PM
Hello Guys help me out
I have been in USA from last 3 years on student visa. I was first in 1 university and finished my Masters there and than moved to other university for 2nd master
Between the gap of transferring the school I started a small business online which went off good and is still going on. the beauty of business is that its everything online so it does not matter if I stay in USA or not.
Real problem is here: I just got engaged and getting married in June. So my wish is to bring my wife here for few months, show her around and than go back permanently.
University in which I am doing 2nd MS is not accredited and giving me hard time by saying that they will drop me off if I dont concentrate. Now I cannot go to school and attend classes because I have to handle the business.
Now I am thinking of leaving USA in April and leave the school too from between. These will give the end to student visa and the fees which I am paying every semester. Than I am thinking to apply back as a visitor visa in August which I will get for 10 years.
I dont want to stay here in USA just want to come from time to time as I like it here. My question is should I continue school and bring my wife on dependent visa or should I leave the school and apply for tourist visa again?
I see more changes in 2nd one because consulate can also understand that I didnt wanted to stay in USA even when my student visa was valid so why I will overstay on Tourist visa. Also I have good balance and good properties In India by my name. I am the only son to my parents
So I dont see any reason to get rejected?. But please give your suggestion
I have been in USA from last 3 years on student visa. I was first in 1 university and finished my Masters there and than moved to other university for 2nd master
Between the gap of transferring the school I started a small business online which went off good and is still going on. the beauty of business is that its everything online so it does not matter if I stay in USA or not.
Real problem is here: I just got engaged and getting married in June. So my wish is to bring my wife here for few months, show her around and than go back permanently.
University in which I am doing 2nd MS is not accredited and giving me hard time by saying that they will drop me off if I dont concentrate. Now I cannot go to school and attend classes because I have to handle the business.
Now I am thinking of leaving USA in April and leave the school too from between. These will give the end to student visa and the fees which I am paying every semester. Than I am thinking to apply back as a visitor visa in August which I will get for 10 years.
I dont want to stay here in USA just want to come from time to time as I like it here. My question is should I continue school and bring my wife on dependent visa or should I leave the school and apply for tourist visa again?
I see more changes in 2nd one because consulate can also understand that I didnt wanted to stay in USA even when my student visa was valid so why I will overstay on Tourist visa. Also I have good balance and good properties In India by my name. I am the only son to my parents
So I dont see any reason to get rejected?. But please give your suggestion
neverbefore
06-27 10:06 PM
I dont know how true it is..I found the article at this site
Photo Feature: Lord Ganesh On Beer Bottle (http://greatandhra.com/ganews/viewnews.php?id=14442&cat=&scat=25)
Response On 'Lord Ganesh's Pic On Beer Bottles' Issue (http://www.greatandhra.com/ganews/viewnews.php?id=14468&cat=10&scat=25)
I think this is sick if its real
No offence meant, but this has nothing to do with immigration issues. This is not a religious forum even though most of us seem to be from a particular country and religion (including me). I humbly suggest we focus on our primary aims :)
Photo Feature: Lord Ganesh On Beer Bottle (http://greatandhra.com/ganews/viewnews.php?id=14442&cat=&scat=25)
Response On 'Lord Ganesh's Pic On Beer Bottles' Issue (http://www.greatandhra.com/ganews/viewnews.php?id=14468&cat=10&scat=25)
I think this is sick if its real
No offence meant, but this has nothing to do with immigration issues. This is not a religious forum even though most of us seem to be from a particular country and religion (including me). I humbly suggest we focus on our primary aims :)
2011 Wallpaper susan coffey gir
TamilSelvan
03-16 12:01 PM
My wife entered to US with L2 dependent Visa and got SSN# with L2-EAD.Meanwhile we both applied and got H1 by employer A which is valid from OCT 06-SEP 09. Although she has enough experience but her medical condition she never worked and neither has pay-stub/W2. Then both of us never travelled out of US. Meanwhile she went India SEP 08 and stayed 5 months. When I went for vacation I got my H1 stamping and she got H4 stamping at the same time and we are in US. Now she got an offer from employer B and he is willing to do COS H4-H1for her. We checked with Employer A and they haven't revoked her H1b till now.
Our questions are
1) Since she doesn't have any paystub/w2, is it possible to do COS?
2) If #1 is okay what are DOCs she or me (if applicable) has to provide.
3) How long does it take to complete the COS if done by PP.
4) How much risk does this case carry/what are the issues she could face?
Really appreciated your valuable answers
Thanks in Advance
TamilSelvan
Our questions are
1) Since she doesn't have any paystub/w2, is it possible to do COS?
2) If #1 is okay what are DOCs she or me (if applicable) has to provide.
3) How long does it take to complete the COS if done by PP.
4) How much risk does this case carry/what are the issues she could face?
Really appreciated your valuable answers
Thanks in Advance
TamilSelvan
more...
kumhyd2
07-26 01:08 AM
Another classic case of utter negligence by the attorneys.
Prashanthi
08-27 02:17 PM
My I-140 and I-485 was filed concurrently in July 2004. I-140 was approved in October 2004 for EB3-India. In November 2006 I changed employers after I informed USCIS. We received notice in March 2007 to show another approved I-140 as my I-140 was revoked. My attorney replied invoking AC21 and stating that my I-140 remains valid. He attached my own letter informing them of employer change notiifcation as evidence.
On this we received another RFE in Sept 2007 stating that more evidence was needed in the form of employer letter and my tax returns. We replied to this with all the evidence. Then in October 2007 we received finger printing notice which stated that in order to continue my petition finger prints would be required. The case stayed at Vermont service center.
In November 2008 the case was transferred to Texas and they transferred it to NBC in April for scheduling an interview. The interview was done this month.
The officer did not have any clue about AC21 and insisted that I must show another approved I-140 or a letter from USCIS stating that my I-140 is reinstated. My attorney told the officer that processing on my petition was continued after the RFE, the officer went to find supervisor and could not find anyone. We were told that they would get back.
Today they denied my case on the same grounds that underlying I-140 petition is withdrawn.
What can I do now? I don't have H1B. How much help the MTR would be as it would go to same office. Please help. I am shell shocked.
DO NOT WORRY FILE A MOTION TO RE-OPEN. Whenever you file a motion the Supervisor will look at it before a decision is give, this is an obvious error because of the Officers Ignorance, this is not uncommon, we have a lot of ignorant officers around. This is a simple case to get approved, as long as you do everything in a timely fashion and submit the required documents. This might delay the processing of your case, but it will get approved as the law is clearly on your side.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The USCIS should not have revoked your I-140, then you are not eligible for AC-21. It is fine if your employer withdrew the I-140, not sure when you said revoked, who revoked the I-140, i am presuming it is the employer.
On this we received another RFE in Sept 2007 stating that more evidence was needed in the form of employer letter and my tax returns. We replied to this with all the evidence. Then in October 2007 we received finger printing notice which stated that in order to continue my petition finger prints would be required. The case stayed at Vermont service center.
In November 2008 the case was transferred to Texas and they transferred it to NBC in April for scheduling an interview. The interview was done this month.
The officer did not have any clue about AC21 and insisted that I must show another approved I-140 or a letter from USCIS stating that my I-140 is reinstated. My attorney told the officer that processing on my petition was continued after the RFE, the officer went to find supervisor and could not find anyone. We were told that they would get back.
Today they denied my case on the same grounds that underlying I-140 petition is withdrawn.
What can I do now? I don't have H1B. How much help the MTR would be as it would go to same office. Please help. I am shell shocked.
DO NOT WORRY FILE A MOTION TO RE-OPEN. Whenever you file a motion the Supervisor will look at it before a decision is give, this is an obvious error because of the Officers Ignorance, this is not uncommon, we have a lot of ignorant officers around. This is a simple case to get approved, as long as you do everything in a timely fashion and submit the required documents. This might delay the processing of your case, but it will get approved as the law is clearly on your side.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The USCIS should not have revoked your I-140, then you are not eligible for AC-21. It is fine if your employer withdrew the I-140, not sure when you said revoked, who revoked the I-140, i am presuming it is the employer.
more...
Ann Ruben
06-30 06:53 PM
Why has the second H-1 petition been pending so long? Was there an RFE? What does the USCIS on line system show?
2010 re susan coffey
fatjoe
08-25 11:03 PM
fatjoe,
There was an article that came out and here is the link to it: TSC-NSC update (http://imminfo.com/News/2009-AILA/TSC-NSC_update.html)
As the way I understood it, even your PD is not current, they are starting to pre-adjudicate some cases so that the Visa Center would know more or less how many visas are needed and how big the backlog is. This effort tries to eliminate unused visas and utilize most of it. So the way I see it is, USCIS pre-adjudicates cases, then those who are "pre-approve" will be sorted on a different place maybe database which will be submitted to the Visa Center. Now, once your PD comes (Visa Center is the one responsible for monthly Visa Bulletin), Visa Center will tell USCIS that this case is ok, USCIS then sends you your GC.
I was going through this forum and I have read some instances where the officer on the phone will or will not tell you if your case is pre-approve. So what they do is call back again and hoping that officer will divulge such information to you.
Thanks SL : Like I said before, the cust. rep. said that she did not have access to know check if the case is pre-adjudicated or not. So, I was wondering, how will the info would be accessible to any other cust. rep. May I be I will give it a shot one more time.
There was an article that came out and here is the link to it: TSC-NSC update (http://imminfo.com/News/2009-AILA/TSC-NSC_update.html)
As the way I understood it, even your PD is not current, they are starting to pre-adjudicate some cases so that the Visa Center would know more or less how many visas are needed and how big the backlog is. This effort tries to eliminate unused visas and utilize most of it. So the way I see it is, USCIS pre-adjudicates cases, then those who are "pre-approve" will be sorted on a different place maybe database which will be submitted to the Visa Center. Now, once your PD comes (Visa Center is the one responsible for monthly Visa Bulletin), Visa Center will tell USCIS that this case is ok, USCIS then sends you your GC.
I was going through this forum and I have read some instances where the officer on the phone will or will not tell you if your case is pre-approve. So what they do is call back again and hoping that officer will divulge such information to you.
Thanks SL : Like I said before, the cust. rep. said that she did not have access to know check if the case is pre-adjudicated or not. So, I was wondering, how will the info would be accessible to any other cust. rep. May I be I will give it a shot one more time.
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priderock
06-20 05:44 PM
its kinda interesting why there is no appointment available sooner. I am in florida and i heard frmo my attorney on Thursday.. and called 3 doctors Friday morning.. all three said come down right now. Finally went to one of them the same day in the afternoon.. he did some blood work.. gave me MMR and TD.. and did TB test. I want back today morning and got my all the reports.
As far as I know, we need to get only one blood work done.. doctor can test both HIV and Syph in the same one.
There are places (even though not remote) , you cant get appointments for weeks. There must be different reasons for that. I don't think any one answered the OP question:
What blood tests need to be done (apart from HIV and Siphyllis)?
As far as I know, we need to get only one blood work done.. doctor can test both HIV and Syph in the same one.
There are places (even though not remote) , you cant get appointments for weeks. There must be different reasons for that. I don't think any one answered the OP question:
What blood tests need to be done (apart from HIV and Siphyllis)?
hair Susan Coffey#39;s Ideal
hebron
10-05 09:43 AM
How about Bangaram Islands, if you like snorkelling ..
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gandalf1234
02-10 03:58 PM
Sharma ji -
I heard 6 mths but there is no written rule .
Please do not hijack my thread .....
This thread is about H1-Extension pending after 485 approval
I heard 6 mths but there is no written rule .
Please do not hijack my thread .....
This thread is about H1-Extension pending after 485 approval
hot Susan Coffey. views: 1283
snathan
12-03 09:56 AM
in politics everything is give and take + "my side needs to get the best deal" attitude.
I am conflicted about Dream.
On the one hand, if it passes, the illegal community is pacified for the short term and if legal immigration is taken up immediately, they will not oppose us.
On the other, if it does not pass, we might have to wait for CIR or whatever else. Neither Republicans nor Democrats care to sponsor a bill just for our issues. They will continue to talk about amnesty vs enforcement.
Unless of course, we as a community step up, meet with lawmakers repeatedly, get them to take our issue seriously............
Who gave you that assurance....?:confused:
Seriously I pray for this bill to fail...if there is no relief for legals. I am not interested to pay for the illegal and their docs to be processed with my money.
I am conflicted about Dream.
On the one hand, if it passes, the illegal community is pacified for the short term and if legal immigration is taken up immediately, they will not oppose us.
On the other, if it does not pass, we might have to wait for CIR or whatever else. Neither Republicans nor Democrats care to sponsor a bill just for our issues. They will continue to talk about amnesty vs enforcement.
Unless of course, we as a community step up, meet with lawmakers repeatedly, get them to take our issue seriously............
Who gave you that assurance....?:confused:
Seriously I pray for this bill to fail...if there is no relief for legals. I am not interested to pay for the illegal and their docs to be processed with my money.
more...
house Susan+coffey
Humhongekamyab
05-07 04:03 PM
Hi,
It appears TSC (Texas Service Center) started using new system CHAMPS, which is not connected to the online case status system.
Any one saw either SOFT / HARD LUDs on their cases pending in TSC in last two / three months?
Thanks
Bob
My friend, what is CHAMPS?
Never mind http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_cis_champs.pdf
It appears TSC (Texas Service Center) started using new system CHAMPS, which is not connected to the online case status system.
Any one saw either SOFT / HARD LUDs on their cases pending in TSC in last two / three months?
Thanks
Bob
My friend, what is CHAMPS?
Never mind http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_cis_champs.pdf
tattoo Susan Coffey Hot Lingerie
akkakarla
09-01 06:09 PM
I was interviewed in July 2008 at San Jose office and before that in Oct 2005. I went to the San Jose Local office with Infopass Appointment and only disappointment news. When they interviewed and determined it as pending visa number availability it means pre-adjuducated. Now they are saying they have to locate the files and this is 3rd time they are doing this. I lost my cool and fired back at them saying incompetent to work there.
The files are not going back to service center. They will not be kept at the officer room but will be stored in a room somewhere in the office. This is the problem there is no standard process. Think people who got their cases moved to local office are cursed.
Can anyone please tell any other approvals from local office and if so what are the steps they took to get to the approval process. Any tips will really be helpful.
The files are not going back to service center. They will not be kept at the officer room but will be stored in a room somewhere in the office. This is the problem there is no standard process. Think people who got their cases moved to local office are cursed.
Can anyone please tell any other approvals from local office and if so what are the steps they took to get to the approval process. Any tips will really be helpful.
more...
pictures Susan coffey wallpapers
amitga
03-05 01:51 PM
They have a provision for deporting legal (and illegal) immigrants on their first DUI conviction. Seems to me they are now serious about creating an officialy declared permanent underclass in this country. The house Democrats are also singing the same chorus. I just can't believe that these are the same Democrats who we thought will replace the Republican Congress on the Hill and legalize every immigrants in this country. There were very few on this forum who thoght otherwise during 2006-CIR failure in the Republican congress.:mad:
Where are the details of the bill? I am not able to find it anywhere.
Where are the details of the bill? I am not able to find it anywhere.
dresses susan coffey wallpaper
gcformeornot
05-03 02:18 PM
The Beacon (http://blog.uscis.gov/)
Over the past few weeks, readers have written in with a number of comments. We wanted to take a moment to address five of the most frequent suggestions.
1) Combine EAD and AP into one document and issue for 3 years.
USCIS is in the process of developing a combination work authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) card. An announcement regarding this combination card will be made later this year.
2) Allow people with approved immigrant petition to file an I-485.
The regulations at 8 C.F.R. 245.1(a) prohibit a beneficiary of an approved I-140 or I-130 petition from filing an I-485 until a visa number is available.
3) Do not count the dependents against visa numbers.
The requirement to count dependents against available visa numbers is statutory. This is not something that USCIS is able to change on its own; it would require new legislation to be enacted by Congress in order for this to happen.
4) Publish all the backlog data including that of district offices.
USCIS is currently developing an inventory spreadsheet, similar to the one for employment-based inventory, for family-based cases awaiting visa numbers. This spreadsheet would include information about the number of cases at field offices awaiting visa numbers.
5) Publish visa numbers that have been used to date in the current year.
Unfortunately, USCIS is not able to do this, because USCIS is not the only agency that uses visa numbers (the Department of State also uses visa numbers). Accordingly, publishing USCIS�s visa number usage would not be an accurate representation of the numbers used and the numbers remaining. To determine where you stand in the visa number queue, please review the Visa Bulletin.
Over the past few weeks, readers have written in with a number of comments. We wanted to take a moment to address five of the most frequent suggestions.
1) Combine EAD and AP into one document and issue for 3 years.
USCIS is in the process of developing a combination work authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) card. An announcement regarding this combination card will be made later this year.
2) Allow people with approved immigrant petition to file an I-485.
The regulations at 8 C.F.R. 245.1(a) prohibit a beneficiary of an approved I-140 or I-130 petition from filing an I-485 until a visa number is available.
3) Do not count the dependents against visa numbers.
The requirement to count dependents against available visa numbers is statutory. This is not something that USCIS is able to change on its own; it would require new legislation to be enacted by Congress in order for this to happen.
4) Publish all the backlog data including that of district offices.
USCIS is currently developing an inventory spreadsheet, similar to the one for employment-based inventory, for family-based cases awaiting visa numbers. This spreadsheet would include information about the number of cases at field offices awaiting visa numbers.
5) Publish visa numbers that have been used to date in the current year.
Unfortunately, USCIS is not able to do this, because USCIS is not the only agency that uses visa numbers (the Department of State also uses visa numbers). Accordingly, publishing USCIS�s visa number usage would not be an accurate representation of the numbers used and the numbers remaining. To determine where you stand in the visa number queue, please review the Visa Bulletin.
more...
makeup susan coffey wallpaper
mbawa2574
07-07 07:56 PM
IV core leadership has to change and so is the stratergy. Current Lobbying efforts have clearly not worked out. I call for elections to elect the new core team. All these conference calls and inaction is just wastage of time and things are getting worse. We need an aggressive stratergy and may need to take names and hit people openly to get our agenda pushed. IV leadership clearly lacks these skills.
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hersheygaile
09-09 08:26 PM
did u received anything from USCIS already?what is your case?
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ski_dude12
05-04 02:51 PM
So is it safe to assume that the extended H1B will not get invalidated even though the basis of extension was approved I-140 + pending I-485 and later the I-485 got denied.
Going to the original question. The H1B doesnt get invalidated.
The rules and available interpretations and memos talks only about the condition to "grant the extension". No where it mentioned a condition to invalidate an already granted extension.
Going to the original question. The H1B doesnt get invalidated.
The rules and available interpretations and memos talks only about the condition to "grant the extension". No where it mentioned a condition to invalidate an already granted extension.
Rajwaitingon140
11-28 12:42 PM
My Attorney filed my I-140 @ NSC and I-140 reciept date is DEC'21'2006; I see on my I-140 case LUD is Jan'8'2007; does this means my case also was approved on Jan'8'2007?; after that no LUD on my case.
Any input on this would be great help!
Thank you
RT
I also see a LUD 11/25 on my both approved I140's EB2/EB3. I have only used EB2 to file 485, so my guess is its a system wide LUD, some maintenance program running.
Any input on this would be great help!
Thank you
RT
I also see a LUD 11/25 on my both approved I140's EB2/EB3. I have only used EB2 to file 485, so my guess is its a system wide LUD, some maintenance program running.
sobers
02-10 10:55 AM
It is important because this article distinguishes "skilled" immigration versus "unskilled" immigration. This country needs more of the former as enounced several times by leaders of industry, academia and politics, but the latter issue is somewhat controversional because of its largely "illegal" nature in the U.S.
Regardless, this goes to show policy makers here need to be 'smart' and enourage 'smart' people to contribute to this country, as the Europeans are starting to do now...
EU's New Tack on Immigration
Leaders Talk Up 'Brain Circulation' To Cure Shrinking Work Force
By JOHN W. MILLER
February 10, 2006; Page A8
BRUSSELS -- Faced with a shrinking work force, Europe's leaders are looking for ways to attract talented foreigners, even as some countries on the Continent close their borders to other immigrants willing to work for lower wages.
Plans touted by Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini, the man charged with developing common immigration policies for the European Union, range from a new EU-wide "green card" that would allow skilled workers already in the 25-nation bloc to change countries without extra paperwork, to special temporary permits for seasonal workers.
"The U.S. and Australia have stricter rules, but they get the right people to immigrate, and once they're in, they integrate them, and give them benefits, education and citizenship" much faster than in the EU, Mr. Frattini said in an interview. Europe's work force is expected to shrink by 20 million people between now and 2030, according to the European Commission, and businesses complain regularly about a shortage of highly skilled personnel, even as unemployment rates in many EU countries remain high.
In Mr. Frattini's vision, a North African engineer could go to work in Europe, earn good money and return regularly to his hometown to start and maintain a business. Immigration policy in Europe is still up to individual countries. To sell the idea, Mr. Frattini uses the term "brain circulation" to counter accusations of a "brain drain" -- a phrase often used to criticize rich countries for sucking the talent and stalling the development of poor regions.
The challenge for Mr. Frattini is that in the face of pressure from unions and politicians worried about losing jobs to lower-wage newcomers, most EU national governments are jittery about welcoming more immigrants. Only three of the 15 Western European EU nations, for example, have opened their labor markets to the bloc's eight new Eastern European states.
While some countries are likely to resist opening their labor markets until forced to do in 2011, attitudes might be changing. Last weekend French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy echoed many of Mr. Frattini's ideas and proposed special immigration permits for skilled workers.
Plans to attract more immigrants are also a tough sell in developing countries that would lose their graduates and scientists. Mr. Frattini argues that successful migrants benefit their home economies when they work in Europe, because money they send home is an important part of many poor nations' gross domestic products.
In concrete terms, Mr. Frattini says the EU would promote brain circulation by including non-EU citizens in job databases and funding language and job-training courses in immigrants' home countries. Mr. Frattini also wants to develop work visas that will allow immigrants to return to start businesses in their home countries, without losing the right to work in Europe.
Some economists are skeptical. It is often difficult for immigrants to return home, and if economic conditions were good enough to merit investment, they probably wouldn't have left in the first place. "People left for a reason," says Jean-Pierre Garson, an economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The International Monetary Fund says immigrants dispatched $126 billion to their home countries in 2004 -- up from $72.3 billion in 2001 -- but there aren't any official figures on how much immigrants invest in businesses in their native countries.
So, would brain circulation work? Some immigrants say they agree in theory that investing accomplishes more than cash remittances. Anecdotal evidence suggests investments that pay off require patience, hands-on involvement, start-up capital and participation by local residents.
"Building is better," says Eric Chinje, a World Bank official living in Virginia who until recently had returned every two years to his hometown of Santa, Cameroon, with bags stuffed with dollars. "I'd take $5,000 and distribute among 100 to 200 people," he says. Three years ago, the 50-year-old Mr. Chinje set up a microcredit bank with the condition that villagers buy shares in the bank. Hundreds did, by getting money from relatives overseas, he says.
The bank started in April 2004 with a capital base of $50,000. So far, it has lent money to a cooperative to fund a storage facility and a truck to carry fruits and vegetables to city markets.
For an investment to really take off and make the kind of impact sought by Mr. Frattini, immigrant entrepreneurs say they need capital and connections.
Kemal Sahin came to Germany in 1973 from a small mountain village in central Turkey. He started the company he now runs, Sahinler Group, one of Europe's biggest textile companies. Mr. Sahin employs 11,000 people, including 9,000 at plants in Turkey, where he started moving production in 1984 to take advantage of skilled, inexpensive labor. His knowledge of Turkish, local customs and regulations allowed him to set up an efficient operation, he says. "I was familiar with how things work in Turkey, and it was easier for me than for my German colleagues to invest there."
--Andrea Thomas in Berlin contributed to this article.
Write to John W. Miller at john.miller@dowjones.com1
Regardless, this goes to show policy makers here need to be 'smart' and enourage 'smart' people to contribute to this country, as the Europeans are starting to do now...
EU's New Tack on Immigration
Leaders Talk Up 'Brain Circulation' To Cure Shrinking Work Force
By JOHN W. MILLER
February 10, 2006; Page A8
BRUSSELS -- Faced with a shrinking work force, Europe's leaders are looking for ways to attract talented foreigners, even as some countries on the Continent close their borders to other immigrants willing to work for lower wages.
Plans touted by Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini, the man charged with developing common immigration policies for the European Union, range from a new EU-wide "green card" that would allow skilled workers already in the 25-nation bloc to change countries without extra paperwork, to special temporary permits for seasonal workers.
"The U.S. and Australia have stricter rules, but they get the right people to immigrate, and once they're in, they integrate them, and give them benefits, education and citizenship" much faster than in the EU, Mr. Frattini said in an interview. Europe's work force is expected to shrink by 20 million people between now and 2030, according to the European Commission, and businesses complain regularly about a shortage of highly skilled personnel, even as unemployment rates in many EU countries remain high.
In Mr. Frattini's vision, a North African engineer could go to work in Europe, earn good money and return regularly to his hometown to start and maintain a business. Immigration policy in Europe is still up to individual countries. To sell the idea, Mr. Frattini uses the term "brain circulation" to counter accusations of a "brain drain" -- a phrase often used to criticize rich countries for sucking the talent and stalling the development of poor regions.
The challenge for Mr. Frattini is that in the face of pressure from unions and politicians worried about losing jobs to lower-wage newcomers, most EU national governments are jittery about welcoming more immigrants. Only three of the 15 Western European EU nations, for example, have opened their labor markets to the bloc's eight new Eastern European states.
While some countries are likely to resist opening their labor markets until forced to do in 2011, attitudes might be changing. Last weekend French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy echoed many of Mr. Frattini's ideas and proposed special immigration permits for skilled workers.
Plans to attract more immigrants are also a tough sell in developing countries that would lose their graduates and scientists. Mr. Frattini argues that successful migrants benefit their home economies when they work in Europe, because money they send home is an important part of many poor nations' gross domestic products.
In concrete terms, Mr. Frattini says the EU would promote brain circulation by including non-EU citizens in job databases and funding language and job-training courses in immigrants' home countries. Mr. Frattini also wants to develop work visas that will allow immigrants to return to start businesses in their home countries, without losing the right to work in Europe.
Some economists are skeptical. It is often difficult for immigrants to return home, and if economic conditions were good enough to merit investment, they probably wouldn't have left in the first place. "People left for a reason," says Jean-Pierre Garson, an economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The International Monetary Fund says immigrants dispatched $126 billion to their home countries in 2004 -- up from $72.3 billion in 2001 -- but there aren't any official figures on how much immigrants invest in businesses in their native countries.
So, would brain circulation work? Some immigrants say they agree in theory that investing accomplishes more than cash remittances. Anecdotal evidence suggests investments that pay off require patience, hands-on involvement, start-up capital and participation by local residents.
"Building is better," says Eric Chinje, a World Bank official living in Virginia who until recently had returned every two years to his hometown of Santa, Cameroon, with bags stuffed with dollars. "I'd take $5,000 and distribute among 100 to 200 people," he says. Three years ago, the 50-year-old Mr. Chinje set up a microcredit bank with the condition that villagers buy shares in the bank. Hundreds did, by getting money from relatives overseas, he says.
The bank started in April 2004 with a capital base of $50,000. So far, it has lent money to a cooperative to fund a storage facility and a truck to carry fruits and vegetables to city markets.
For an investment to really take off and make the kind of impact sought by Mr. Frattini, immigrant entrepreneurs say they need capital and connections.
Kemal Sahin came to Germany in 1973 from a small mountain village in central Turkey. He started the company he now runs, Sahinler Group, one of Europe's biggest textile companies. Mr. Sahin employs 11,000 people, including 9,000 at plants in Turkey, where he started moving production in 1984 to take advantage of skilled, inexpensive labor. His knowledge of Turkish, local customs and regulations allowed him to set up an efficient operation, he says. "I was familiar with how things work in Turkey, and it was easier for me than for my German colleagues to invest there."
--Andrea Thomas in Berlin contributed to this article.
Write to John W. Miller at john.miller@dowjones.com1
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