For updates, see my blog page on Obama's Immigration Action.
Takeaway points for legal immigration from President Obama’s executive action:
1. USCIS is “about to” publish the final rule on H-4 work authorization. That will make it possible for certain spouses of H-1 holders to get work authorization.
2. Improving employment-based green card backlogs by:
a. Making visa issuance more efficient so no immigrant visas are wasted;
b. Providing for better AC21 rules and other ways to keep immigrant visas intact after a change of jobs. USCIS will clarify what constitutes “same or similar” job so that AC21 will not stop workers from getting promotions or even changing to related jobs within their field. USCIS must clear the path to career progression for green card applicants.
3. Expandingfurther the OPT time for STEM students, but creating tighter control on which universities/schools/degrees are eligible and ensure local workers are protected (Implement some sort of a “mini PERM?”).
4. Creating opportunities for foreign “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” Unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the following parole program will help:
a. Creating a parole (which is usually a temporary, but very quick measure and could eventually lead to a green card) program so that on a case-by-case bases, “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies can be brought quickly into the USA where:
i.They have raised financing in the USA; OR
ii.Otherwise hold the promise of innovation and job creation through development of new technologies OR cutting edge research
5. Creating guidelines for exceptionally qualified or advanced degreed individuals to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” As noted, unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the parole option above could be helpful.
6. Providing clear guidance on L-1B program as to who can qualify.
Dear All,
I want to inform the full story of my GC Episode. I am writing this on Sep-22-2004.
I was planning to apply for my GC during 2001 March. I was visiting many Attorneys office personally in Houston and through phone. I found out that, Attorney Rajiv S.Khanna was collecting the decent fees among all.
Then I checked his reputation. It was amazing. So, I contacted him through email.
Within 24 hours, with free of cost he talked to me. Listened my case and suggested me to apply through EB1 (OR).
I chosen him and his office gave me case number and opened a file for me. Then they assigned me to interact with one of Attorney’s Associates Ms.Diane D Lombardo. A Wonderful lady.
She walked through with me for the entire case (around 3 years). I could have asked at least 100 questions in my full three years, because my case was getting complicated. I lost my Job before I140 approval. I am a software engineer, so it is not a surprise for me. But, INS cannot understand that. I thought I lost my GC almost. But, Diane in continuous consultations with Attorney Rajiv rescued me from the deep problem. My sincere thanks to her.
Next Thankful person is Mathew Chaco. He also one of Attorney’s Associates. Great Person. Free to approach and also fast in responses. When my Finger Printing was not raised by INS. I approached him. He arranged for a talk to INS from Attorney office immediately. Within 30 days I got FP from INS. While many of my contemporary GC candidates are yet to get FP, I got it because of him and my GC also approved within 2 months after FP.
Next thankful Person is Ms.Suman. Over all supervisor. She talked to me several occasions. She is always to the point. If you approach for any issues. She will inform you the time for the reply. Exactly within the mentioned time (after the discussion with Attorney Rajiv or some times she arranged Attorney to talk to me) she will always reply with the possible positive answer.
All these questions I raised with them are free. Because I am a client for them.
Their office people also having excellent hospitality. Polite in answering and approachable.
BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE, ATTORNEY RAJIV AND HIS ASSOCIATES ARE THE BEST LAWYER FOR IMMIGRATION RELATED PURPOSE IN USA.
Email me if you have any questions.
Good Luck.