siddar
05-13 03:14 PM
As I see, most of you are missing the point. Instead of trying to understand, you showing the maturity of mind. The whole purpose of EB immigration is to meet the Demand(Job opportunities) vs the supply(immediately available candidates).
When there are a lot of opportunities exists for EB3 level(skilled profession) and less opportunities exists for EB1(Ph.D/Executive Director), USCIS should give more no. of Visas to EB3, then EB1.
A country cannot be built with only the kings, and not even a home can be built with only Ph.Ds(Nobody do the dishes).
When there are a lot of opportunities exists for EB3 level(skilled profession) and less opportunities exists for EB1(Ph.D/Executive Director), USCIS should give more no. of Visas to EB3, then EB1.
A country cannot be built with only the kings, and not even a home can be built with only Ph.Ds(Nobody do the dishes).
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praveenuppaluri
04-06 10:16 PM
Dilbert_cal: thanks for giving me a green. I got so many reds for this post :D
I just don't care about reds.. I guess its just one way for some people to let their frustations out..
SVN,
this poll is a good idea to understand what most of the members expect from CORE. ...I don't think asking updates every week because you contributed $25 or $50 is fair.. just my thoughts..
I just don't care about reds.. I guess its just one way for some people to let their frustations out..
SVN,
this poll is a good idea to understand what most of the members expect from CORE. ...I don't think asking updates every week because you contributed $25 or $50 is fair.. just my thoughts..
sina
07-21 12:23 PM
Could some one please guide me as to how to look for jobs in canada.
I am in IT and my husband is finishing up his Phd in business management.
Is there any website that one can look for jobs like monster or dice.
I am in IT and my husband is finishing up his Phd in business management.
Is there any website that one can look for jobs like monster or dice.
2011 Inter Milan 10 Wesley Sneijder
villamonte6100
04-11 11:31 AM
But then why do you care to monitor this thread so often? I guess there are hundred other threads that talk about immigration.
Why don't you setup "Just an Indian" forum so other nationals don't need to participate anymore.
Why don't you setup "Just an Indian" forum so other nationals don't need to participate anymore.
more...
Leo07
11-08 04:56 PM
LOL...dude in the last two days you have 'united' the members/visitors of IV...alike for your Red dots....
Way to go Brother!
Way to go Brother!
sanju
04-17 04:00 PM
Apologies, I was simply trying to make a point. As I said earlier, no offense meant and I will be careful in the future.
more...
oldschool
08-15 09:28 AM
Are there any implications of leaving my employer now who sponsored me for GC? I got my GC on the first week of July. I plan to leave on the 1st week of September. Thank you very much.
Addendum: I applied for AOS for my spouse this July. Will there be a problem with her AOS?
Addendum: I applied for AOS for my spouse this July. Will there be a problem with her AOS?
2010 Wesley Sneijder Inter Milan
mannan74
08-15 06:43 PM
Applied for EAD extension on July 08-2008 (expiring on Sep 30-08), less than 90 days. Got a 2 year extension in Mail Aug-14-2008 (Approval date Aug 07-2008).
Thanks
Thanks
more...
GKBest
10-24 04:42 PM
It was current for July. so i mailed my application on june 29, 2007, expected to reach USCIS on july 2nd, 2007.
Does your I-485 receipt # starts with SRC-07 or LIN-07?
Does your I-485 receipt # starts with SRC-07 or LIN-07?
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lskreddy
05-21 12:49 PM
If they state their reasoning behind these processing times and let us know in writing that only apps with current priority dates are being considered, that will put to rest a lot of our anxiety.
As much as I am anxious to know about the application being approved, the lack of transparency is what frustrates me the most. They create the rules and they bend it as and when it suits them.
I wish they would only state the true state of affairs.
As much as I am anxious to know about the application being approved, the lack of transparency is what frustrates me the most. They create the rules and they bend it as and when it suits them.
I wish they would only state the true state of affairs.
more...
natrajs
08-25 11:36 AM
Hi all,
my priority date is jan 2003.first ours was at TSC and then it was transferred to VSc and now it was transferred to TSC.
Take all the options available to you ( congressman, ombudsman, senator, calling USCIS and infopass appointment)
You may also ask your attorney to send a letter USCIS through AILA - liason office.
Best wishes, I hope you get your GC this time.
my priority date is jan 2003.first ours was at TSC and then it was transferred to VSc and now it was transferred to TSC.
Take all the options available to you ( congressman, ombudsman, senator, calling USCIS and infopass appointment)
You may also ask your attorney to send a letter USCIS through AILA - liason office.
Best wishes, I hope you get your GC this time.
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nixstor
07-14 03:17 PM
Dear Nixtor, we should not question that when they do not have IV on their site and they do not cut us any checks. It is their site and they can architect it the way they can. Yes, the Indian Express misquoted Robinderi or may be it was a misrepresentation, we would never know but the good thing is that he has acknowledged the discrepancy. That is where it ends. Robinder has been a very highly regarded ananlyst and a commentator of indo-us relationship. We needs friends with him and not make enemies. It is a different thing that he is associated with USINPAC and we do not agree with their agenda, approach or the way they misrepresent themselves to be the representatives of Indo community in USA. We have about 2.5 million Indians in USA of which about more than half a million are stuck in this green card mess. Any organization that claims to be a representative of Indian community should have this Green Card reform as a very top priority in their agenda, but it was extremely disappointing for the people fighting for this cause when they approached some of these organizations who could provide just lip service and press releases from their chambers and project that they are on the top of the issue and working hard to get the work done. IV has filled this void for a true grass roots level organization with a huge membership base which is truely global,not just Indian and working in an extremely organzied fashion. I am sure that many of the the organizations envy the way we have built the membership base ( we are not a paid membership org) and have individuals roll up their sleeves, go to the fields across the country and work for this noble cause unlike others who are limited to doing press releases, photo opportunities and advertizing to promote them selves.
At the end, time will tell if Immigration Voice would be successful in the agenda it has enbarked on, but what ever the final result be, our efforts would be analyzed for years to come by the ethnic, minority and national groups as to how to unleash the power of the Internet to build and run a grass root level oranization. Can you imagine how it would have been if Internet were available at the time of Mahatma Gandhi? I am sure Robinder has been thinking and analyzing that and we would welcome his analysis.
Peace..!
eager2ri,
I am neither questioning any one nor asking any one to have us on their website. If any org all of a sudden starts giving us more credibility or negative publicity ( I am not referring to USINPAC here, So do not mis construe my point again) I will definitely take a moment to retrospect and see if there was a common goal. If there was a common goal indeed, why we have not worked together? I just pointed out the feelings some people on this side of aisle share. I threw them out there, while others chose not to. I just looked around and why any one is supporting now and not before. Hey, Never late than now. I, personally am more than willing to know why the American Indian Citizen community has always ignored this heavy weight issue, especially when the drums beat heavily on how to retain the culture.
At the end, time will tell if Immigration Voice would be successful in the agenda it has enbarked on, but what ever the final result be, our efforts would be analyzed for years to come by the ethnic, minority and national groups as to how to unleash the power of the Internet to build and run a grass root level oranization. Can you imagine how it would have been if Internet were available at the time of Mahatma Gandhi? I am sure Robinder has been thinking and analyzing that and we would welcome his analysis.
Peace..!
eager2ri,
I am neither questioning any one nor asking any one to have us on their website. If any org all of a sudden starts giving us more credibility or negative publicity ( I am not referring to USINPAC here, So do not mis construe my point again) I will definitely take a moment to retrospect and see if there was a common goal. If there was a common goal indeed, why we have not worked together? I just pointed out the feelings some people on this side of aisle share. I threw them out there, while others chose not to. I just looked around and why any one is supporting now and not before. Hey, Never late than now. I, personally am more than willing to know why the American Indian Citizen community has always ignored this heavy weight issue, especially when the drums beat heavily on how to retain the culture.
more...
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indigokiwi
03-10 10:36 AM
paypal transaction id 0V400865HR9069808
Thank you, dhirajs. What was the amount (so that I can add it to the total)? Thanks..
Thank you, dhirajs. What was the amount (so that I can add it to the total)? Thanks..
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apnair2002
05-11 03:18 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/11/washington/11cnd-immig.html
Senate Leaders Expect Immigration Bill Next Week
Sign In to E-Mail This Print Reprints Save
By DAVID STOUT
Published: May 11, 2006
WASHINGTON, May 11 � Senate leaders said today that they had broken a political stalemate and would bring to the floor next week an immigration bill that could put millions of illegals on the road to eventual American citizenship.
An agreement reached today by Senators Bill Frist of Tennessee and Harry Reid of Nevada, the Republican majority and Democratic minority leaders, ends an impasse that has stalled action in the Senate for weeks while immigrants and their advocates have been holding huge demonstrations across the country.
The deal does not mean that a bill will emerge from Congress soon. But it is significant that the Senate leaders agree to move forward, because the chamber operates under peculiar rules and traditions that can bury legislation indefinitely. Mr. Frist and Mr. Reid said they hope to schedule a vote before Memorial Day.
Even if the Senate passes an immigration bill, it would have to be reconciled with a bill enacted in December by the House. That bill generally emphasizes border security rather than attainment of citizenship, so negotiations between Senate and House would probably be long and heated.
"What the Democratic leader and I have laid out is a way to get on to this bill, and as you can tell, both of us are working in very good faith on the various issues that have been raised on the floor," Mr. Frist said.
"I welcome the return of the immigration bill to the Senate floor," Mr. Reid said. "America's immigration system is broken, and our national security depends on Republicans and Democrats finding common ground to fix it. The assurances I have received from Senator Frist make me hopeful we can finally move forward on real comprehensive reform."
The leaders' comments indicated that they had resolved the issue that had kept them apart: how many amendments to consider, and how much time to devote to them.
"I didn't get everything that I wanted," said Mr. Reid, who blocked votes on amendments weeks ago, saying they were intended to gut the legislation. "I think the majority leader didn't get everything he wanted."
Mr. Frist said there would be "a considerable number of amendments debated and voted on each day," and that they would be handled "in an efficient way."
Until partisan bickering sidetracked legislation in the Senate in early April, the chamber was working on a package that offered opportunities for eventual citizenship, a guest worker program for some immigrants and measures to enhance border security. The tougher House ill focuses on border security and would crack down on illegal immigrants and those who employ them.
Mr. Frist said 14 Republicans and 12 Democrats will negotiate with House members once the Senate passes an immigration bill. Seven of the Republicans and five of the Democrats will come from the Judiciary Committee, with the remaining negotiators to be picked by Mr. Frist and Mr. Reid.
President Bush has said he favors legislation that would enable immigrants to become citizens, but only after they meet strict standards. He has said repeatedly that he does not favor "amnesty," a word that is anathema to many conservatives. "We congratulate the Senate on reaching agreement, and we look forward to passage of a bill prior to Memorial Day," Dana Perino, deputy White House press secretary, told The Associated Press.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, called the agreement announced today "a major step forward in our fight for tough but fair immigration reform."
"Business and labor, Democrats and Republicans, religious leaders and the American people strongly support our plan to strengthen our borders, provide a path to earned citizenship for those undocumented workers who are here and put in place a realistic guest worker program for the future," Mr. Kennedy said.
But quick passage is by no means assured, given the complexity of the immigration debate, the emotion it stirs and the approaching elections. Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, leader of the House Republican majority, said in late April that he opposed the emerging Senate legislation and its emphasis on citizenship attainment. "I don't think that would be supported by the American people," he said.
But the accord announced by Mr. Frist and Mr. Reid apparently means that immigration legislation will not sink out of sight in "the procedural quagmire that the Senate is," as Mr. Reid put it recently.
Senate Leaders Expect Immigration Bill Next Week
Sign In to E-Mail This Print Reprints Save
By DAVID STOUT
Published: May 11, 2006
WASHINGTON, May 11 � Senate leaders said today that they had broken a political stalemate and would bring to the floor next week an immigration bill that could put millions of illegals on the road to eventual American citizenship.
An agreement reached today by Senators Bill Frist of Tennessee and Harry Reid of Nevada, the Republican majority and Democratic minority leaders, ends an impasse that has stalled action in the Senate for weeks while immigrants and their advocates have been holding huge demonstrations across the country.
The deal does not mean that a bill will emerge from Congress soon. But it is significant that the Senate leaders agree to move forward, because the chamber operates under peculiar rules and traditions that can bury legislation indefinitely. Mr. Frist and Mr. Reid said they hope to schedule a vote before Memorial Day.
Even if the Senate passes an immigration bill, it would have to be reconciled with a bill enacted in December by the House. That bill generally emphasizes border security rather than attainment of citizenship, so negotiations between Senate and House would probably be long and heated.
"What the Democratic leader and I have laid out is a way to get on to this bill, and as you can tell, both of us are working in very good faith on the various issues that have been raised on the floor," Mr. Frist said.
"I welcome the return of the immigration bill to the Senate floor," Mr. Reid said. "America's immigration system is broken, and our national security depends on Republicans and Democrats finding common ground to fix it. The assurances I have received from Senator Frist make me hopeful we can finally move forward on real comprehensive reform."
The leaders' comments indicated that they had resolved the issue that had kept them apart: how many amendments to consider, and how much time to devote to them.
"I didn't get everything that I wanted," said Mr. Reid, who blocked votes on amendments weeks ago, saying they were intended to gut the legislation. "I think the majority leader didn't get everything he wanted."
Mr. Frist said there would be "a considerable number of amendments debated and voted on each day," and that they would be handled "in an efficient way."
Until partisan bickering sidetracked legislation in the Senate in early April, the chamber was working on a package that offered opportunities for eventual citizenship, a guest worker program for some immigrants and measures to enhance border security. The tougher House ill focuses on border security and would crack down on illegal immigrants and those who employ them.
Mr. Frist said 14 Republicans and 12 Democrats will negotiate with House members once the Senate passes an immigration bill. Seven of the Republicans and five of the Democrats will come from the Judiciary Committee, with the remaining negotiators to be picked by Mr. Frist and Mr. Reid.
President Bush has said he favors legislation that would enable immigrants to become citizens, but only after they meet strict standards. He has said repeatedly that he does not favor "amnesty," a word that is anathema to many conservatives. "We congratulate the Senate on reaching agreement, and we look forward to passage of a bill prior to Memorial Day," Dana Perino, deputy White House press secretary, told The Associated Press.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, called the agreement announced today "a major step forward in our fight for tough but fair immigration reform."
"Business and labor, Democrats and Republicans, religious leaders and the American people strongly support our plan to strengthen our borders, provide a path to earned citizenship for those undocumented workers who are here and put in place a realistic guest worker program for the future," Mr. Kennedy said.
But quick passage is by no means assured, given the complexity of the immigration debate, the emotion it stirs and the approaching elections. Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, leader of the House Republican majority, said in late April that he opposed the emerging Senate legislation and its emphasis on citizenship attainment. "I don't think that would be supported by the American people," he said.
But the accord announced by Mr. Frist and Mr. Reid apparently means that immigration legislation will not sink out of sight in "the procedural quagmire that the Senate is," as Mr. Reid put it recently.
more...
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punjabi
04-08 12:13 PM
I didn't do any mathematical calculations, but my guess is:
EB2 I:
Practically speaking: EB2 I moves to 01 APR 2004
Optimistically speaking: EB2 I moves to 01 JUNE 2004
Frantically speaking: EB2 I moves to 01 JAN 2005
EB3 I:
EB3 I move forward by at least a quarter.
Just plain guess, my friends.
EB2 I:
Practically speaking: EB2 I moves to 01 APR 2004
Optimistically speaking: EB2 I moves to 01 JUNE 2004
Frantically speaking: EB2 I moves to 01 JAN 2005
EB3 I:
EB3 I move forward by at least a quarter.
Just plain guess, my friends.
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burnt
06-20 07:50 PM
Hi Friends - Can someone give the list of documents & fees that are needed for AP renewal?
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rongha_2000
05-04 02:12 PM
I've been having similar thoughts for quite some time. Whether I should move back to india which is a one way street or continue here waiting to get my GC, citizenship etc.
Here is my analysis of the situation without considering the emotional parameters involved
1) India is currently on a fast track to development thanks for the IT industry. There are a lot of jobs and salaries are sky rocketting. A lot of people in India are living a life in India which we can only dream of here in the US.
2) BUT I also read about the growing cost of conducting business in India. Definitely with salaries increasing by leaps and bounds, rupee appreciating against the dollar, high taxes and infrastucture cost has already got companies thinking about their businesses in India.
3) Many are thinking of moving to southeast asian countries like Singapore, malaysia, phillipines, even China.
4) Even if they dont move out I am not sure if the current trend in salaries will continue. It will definitely correct itself in next 3-4 years. Companies would tend to hire more fresh graduates than hiring experienced personnel.
4) I am not sure with all these developments how would things be in India in next few years. If I move to india and then have to move to these south east asian countries then why not be in US and ride out this turbulent period.
but then if you include the emotional factors in this equation it totally changes everything.
As of now at least I am confused about what to do but I guess every first generation that moves out of their home town has to go through the same thought process, only the immigration to US is complicating things further.
What will happen next is something for time to tell...!!
Good luck to all of us and may god help us all to make correct decisions.
Here is my analysis of the situation without considering the emotional parameters involved
1) India is currently on a fast track to development thanks for the IT industry. There are a lot of jobs and salaries are sky rocketting. A lot of people in India are living a life in India which we can only dream of here in the US.
2) BUT I also read about the growing cost of conducting business in India. Definitely with salaries increasing by leaps and bounds, rupee appreciating against the dollar, high taxes and infrastucture cost has already got companies thinking about their businesses in India.
3) Many are thinking of moving to southeast asian countries like Singapore, malaysia, phillipines, even China.
4) Even if they dont move out I am not sure if the current trend in salaries will continue. It will definitely correct itself in next 3-4 years. Companies would tend to hire more fresh graduates than hiring experienced personnel.
4) I am not sure with all these developments how would things be in India in next few years. If I move to india and then have to move to these south east asian countries then why not be in US and ride out this turbulent period.
but then if you include the emotional factors in this equation it totally changes everything.
As of now at least I am confused about what to do but I guess every first generation that moves out of their home town has to go through the same thought process, only the immigration to US is complicating things further.
What will happen next is something for time to tell...!!
Good luck to all of us and may god help us all to make correct decisions.
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hpandey
05-02 11:17 AM
Two of my friends relocated to India since the beginning of this year after spending 8-9 years and they had green cards too from 2004.
These guys had good jobs with a good pay but options in India were just much better to ignore.
Just food for thought for people who think that only in US can we make or break our life and careers. There are other places on Earth too where people live and be happy.
These guys had good jobs with a good pay but options in India were just much better to ignore.
Just food for thought for people who think that only in US can we make or break our life and careers. There are other places on Earth too where people live and be happy.
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chanduv23
12-15 10:11 AM
Denied licenses, legal immigrants sue state Registry
Say status wrongly contested
By Yvonne Abraham, Globe Staff | December 15, 2006
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles employees are routinely and unlawfully denying driver's licenses to immigrants who are here legally, according to a class-action law suit filed yesterday.
According to the suit, Registry workers asked the immigrants for proof of legal residency when they were not authorized to do so. The workers then denied licenses to the applicants, incorrectly concluding that the immigrants had not demonstrated they were in the United States legally, the suit alleges.
In all cases, the immigrants' lawyers said, the Registry workers were overstepping their legal authority and violating the immigrants' constitutional rights.
"They don't have the authority to enforce federal immigration law," said Sarah Wunsch, staff attorney for the ACLU of Massachusetts, who is representing the seven immigrants who brought the suit. "But they've taken it upon themselves to do it, and they're doing it wrong. It's not an isolated case here and there. This appears to be policy."
Wunsch said hundreds of other immigrants have similarly been denied licenses.
A spokeswoman for the Registry of Motor Vehicles declined to comment, saying Registry lawyers had not yet had a chance to review the lawsuit.
Under state policy, applicants for a driver's license must present proof of their identity by providing a valid Social Security number, which the Registry checks against a Social Security Administration database.
In order to obtain a valid Social Security number, an immigrant must be in the country legally. Applicants must also show proof of their age and address.
All of the plaintiffs presented valid Social Security numbers when they applied for licenses, Wunsch said. Even so, Registry workers rejected their applications.
In some of the cases, applicants were not given any reason why they were rejected. In the others, Registry employees improperly sought additional proof of the applicants' immigration status and then said the documents were not adequate.
Registry spokeswoman Amy Breton, speaking generally, said Registry employees do not enforce immigration laws.
But she added: "Certainly, we've had to become more familiar with immigration documents. We want to make sure we are issuing licenses to Massachusetts residents, because that is what the law calls for."
She said the Registry has been responsive to complaints that immigrants have been treated unfairly. On Wednesday night, the head of the agency, Registrar Anne L. Collins, met with about 300 immigrants and their advocates in Hyannis to hear their concerns about the license application process, she said.
In many cases, Breton said, immigrants who feel they have been unfairly denied a license can file an appeal, which costs $50.
Lawyers for the seven plaintiffs say their clients should not have to spend money to challenge what is clearly a discriminatory practice.
"The Registry seems to be asking immigrants to produce justification for their presence in the United States," said lead attorney Kenneth Berman of Nutter McClennen & Fish.
The lawyers said that the problems demonstrate the danger of having state employees who are not trained in immigration law taking on enforcement of that law.
Two immigrant advocacy groups are also plaintiffs in the suit, alleging that the Registry's discrimination against immigrants forces them to divert time and resources from other activities.
"This is extremely common," said Desmond FitzGerald, an immigration lawyer who represents four immigrants who were denied licenses in a separate case to be heard early next year. "We want the Registry to regulate the safety of our roads, not enforce immigration rules."
One of FitzGerald's clients, the wife of a prominent Spanish scientist who is in the United States on a visa reserved for persons of exceptional ability, was denied a license because Registry workers who asked for proof of her legal residency did not recognize her visa. After she sued the Registry, the agency settled the case, granting her a license.
One of the plaintiffs in the class action suit filed yesterday is an immigrant from Zimbabwe who has a pending application for asylum. The woman, a nurse, has work authorization and had already been granted a driver's license.
When she tried to renew that license this week, she produced her old license, her Social Security number, and proof of her car insurance coverage, which showed her address. Still, she was asked for her passport.
The woman, who fled political persecution in Zimbabwe, does not have a current, government-issued passport from that country. She showed the Registry employee a document showing that the US government had granted her permission to remain here. Her application was still denied, as was her daughter's application for a learner's permit.
"Given how dependent we all are on the right to drive an automobile, the denial of a license is causing real hardship to the people I represent," Berman said.
The issue of driver's licenses for immigrants has become highly charged over the past year, as the national debate on immigration has grown more fractious.
The question of issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants was a matter of fierce dispute during this year's gubernatorial race, in which Governor-elect Deval Patrick said he would consider giving licenses to those who are here illegally. He was pilloried for that suggestion by his opponent, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, who with Governor Mitt Romney has taken an aggressive stance against illegal immigration.
Immigrants' advocates said they worry that the Republican administration's zeal is causing Registry employees to punish immigrants who had followed all the rules.
Earlier this year, I haad problems getting a driver's lisence in CT, the officer would not accept my h1b papers and would say it is fake. I wrote a strong complaint to DMV and they replied back to me that I must go back to DMV and go through the process again and if I have trouble again, I must report to DMV. I went next time and I got it.
Most times it is improper education that makes people do it. They keep hearing negative thhings about immigrants and they be advised by their bosses to strictly scrutinize immigrants, and they try to experiment their crack down on us. It is very unfortunate that such things are happening.
There seems to be an agenda to catch illegal immigrants. As Illegals who cross the border are getting busted through raids, those who violate visa regulations or overstay visas, or do not have proper work authorization come under strict scrutiny when they approach govt agencies. Unfortunately, it is us legal immigrants who are bearing the brunt because we also go through the same scrutinity. DMV people are not educated in immigration law ,so is the common public and it is this process that's hurting us a lot.
Say status wrongly contested
By Yvonne Abraham, Globe Staff | December 15, 2006
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles employees are routinely and unlawfully denying driver's licenses to immigrants who are here legally, according to a class-action law suit filed yesterday.
According to the suit, Registry workers asked the immigrants for proof of legal residency when they were not authorized to do so. The workers then denied licenses to the applicants, incorrectly concluding that the immigrants had not demonstrated they were in the United States legally, the suit alleges.
In all cases, the immigrants' lawyers said, the Registry workers were overstepping their legal authority and violating the immigrants' constitutional rights.
"They don't have the authority to enforce federal immigration law," said Sarah Wunsch, staff attorney for the ACLU of Massachusetts, who is representing the seven immigrants who brought the suit. "But they've taken it upon themselves to do it, and they're doing it wrong. It's not an isolated case here and there. This appears to be policy."
Wunsch said hundreds of other immigrants have similarly been denied licenses.
A spokeswoman for the Registry of Motor Vehicles declined to comment, saying Registry lawyers had not yet had a chance to review the lawsuit.
Under state policy, applicants for a driver's license must present proof of their identity by providing a valid Social Security number, which the Registry checks against a Social Security Administration database.
In order to obtain a valid Social Security number, an immigrant must be in the country legally. Applicants must also show proof of their age and address.
All of the plaintiffs presented valid Social Security numbers when they applied for licenses, Wunsch said. Even so, Registry workers rejected their applications.
In some of the cases, applicants were not given any reason why they were rejected. In the others, Registry employees improperly sought additional proof of the applicants' immigration status and then said the documents were not adequate.
Registry spokeswoman Amy Breton, speaking generally, said Registry employees do not enforce immigration laws.
But she added: "Certainly, we've had to become more familiar with immigration documents. We want to make sure we are issuing licenses to Massachusetts residents, because that is what the law calls for."
She said the Registry has been responsive to complaints that immigrants have been treated unfairly. On Wednesday night, the head of the agency, Registrar Anne L. Collins, met with about 300 immigrants and their advocates in Hyannis to hear their concerns about the license application process, she said.
In many cases, Breton said, immigrants who feel they have been unfairly denied a license can file an appeal, which costs $50.
Lawyers for the seven plaintiffs say their clients should not have to spend money to challenge what is clearly a discriminatory practice.
"The Registry seems to be asking immigrants to produce justification for their presence in the United States," said lead attorney Kenneth Berman of Nutter McClennen & Fish.
The lawyers said that the problems demonstrate the danger of having state employees who are not trained in immigration law taking on enforcement of that law.
Two immigrant advocacy groups are also plaintiffs in the suit, alleging that the Registry's discrimination against immigrants forces them to divert time and resources from other activities.
"This is extremely common," said Desmond FitzGerald, an immigration lawyer who represents four immigrants who were denied licenses in a separate case to be heard early next year. "We want the Registry to regulate the safety of our roads, not enforce immigration rules."
One of FitzGerald's clients, the wife of a prominent Spanish scientist who is in the United States on a visa reserved for persons of exceptional ability, was denied a license because Registry workers who asked for proof of her legal residency did not recognize her visa. After she sued the Registry, the agency settled the case, granting her a license.
One of the plaintiffs in the class action suit filed yesterday is an immigrant from Zimbabwe who has a pending application for asylum. The woman, a nurse, has work authorization and had already been granted a driver's license.
When she tried to renew that license this week, she produced her old license, her Social Security number, and proof of her car insurance coverage, which showed her address. Still, she was asked for her passport.
The woman, who fled political persecution in Zimbabwe, does not have a current, government-issued passport from that country. She showed the Registry employee a document showing that the US government had granted her permission to remain here. Her application was still denied, as was her daughter's application for a learner's permit.
"Given how dependent we all are on the right to drive an automobile, the denial of a license is causing real hardship to the people I represent," Berman said.
The issue of driver's licenses for immigrants has become highly charged over the past year, as the national debate on immigration has grown more fractious.
The question of issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants was a matter of fierce dispute during this year's gubernatorial race, in which Governor-elect Deval Patrick said he would consider giving licenses to those who are here illegally. He was pilloried for that suggestion by his opponent, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, who with Governor Mitt Romney has taken an aggressive stance against illegal immigration.
Immigrants' advocates said they worry that the Republican administration's zeal is causing Registry employees to punish immigrants who had followed all the rules.
Earlier this year, I haad problems getting a driver's lisence in CT, the officer would not accept my h1b papers and would say it is fake. I wrote a strong complaint to DMV and they replied back to me that I must go back to DMV and go through the process again and if I have trouble again, I must report to DMV. I went next time and I got it.
Most times it is improper education that makes people do it. They keep hearing negative thhings about immigrants and they be advised by their bosses to strictly scrutinize immigrants, and they try to experiment their crack down on us. It is very unfortunate that such things are happening.
There seems to be an agenda to catch illegal immigrants. As Illegals who cross the border are getting busted through raids, those who violate visa regulations or overstay visas, or do not have proper work authorization come under strict scrutiny when they approach govt agencies. Unfortunately, it is us legal immigrants who are bearing the brunt because we also go through the same scrutinity. DMV people are not educated in immigration law ,so is the common public and it is this process that's hurting us a lot.
H1B-GC
02-07 10:41 AM
Even EB2 NIW is also in the same situation so how is your lawyer saying it is current. I guess you are lawyer is a barber.
Might be he/she is from the EB- ROW.. Ah!!
Might be he/she is from the EB- ROW.. Ah!!
EBX-Man
05-06 03:44 PM
I think u guys are getting anxious and thinking of such ways. u will need some determination to complete the MS besides ur regular work.......suppose if EB2 gets clogged suddenly next year, will u stop doing MS then?
While what you ask is valid what you need to understand is that these people have a right to get anxious and hence want to better their situation and you should not object to that. Help them if you can and if you dont want to help then dont. Let them figure their way out, Believe me they will figure out a way to do MS for less and online. In any case EB2 getting clogged will not effect these people because EB2 dates might not progress but will not go back and if these people complete their MS and get a job which sponsers them in EB2 they become current according to their EB2 qualification.
While what you ask is valid what you need to understand is that these people have a right to get anxious and hence want to better their situation and you should not object to that. Help them if you can and if you dont want to help then dont. Let them figure their way out, Believe me they will figure out a way to do MS for less and online. In any case EB2 getting clogged will not effect these people because EB2 dates might not progress but will not go back and if these people complete their MS and get a job which sponsers them in EB2 they become current according to their EB2 qualification.
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