new_horizon
07-19 11:19 PM
I have the same question. I've just filed my I-485, and am waiting for the receipt number. Is it advisable to continue on H1b rather than switching to EAD? My company lawyer is advising against applying for EAD.
Would there be any problem to my I485 petition if I switch to a new employer using H1B transfer? Is there any drawback if I switch to EAD/AP apart from the annual renewal expense? :confused:
Would there be any problem to my I485 petition if I switch to a new employer using H1B transfer? Is there any drawback if I switch to EAD/AP apart from the annual renewal expense? :confused:
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satdal
12-31 02:18 PM
I am a July16th filer (EB3-India,May2002 PD). We just recd the FP notices on 29th Dec. Though EAD,AP were recd pretty fast, it took till Dec21st to get our FP notices generated. Both my wife and I opened SRs. We got totally different explanations on the SR response letters. Mine was a ridiculous explanation.
I also took infopass appts, but didn't see any use from them. So, my opinion is - just hang in there. You will be getting it soon ! Opening a SR or calling USCIS or even taking an infopass appt mayn't help. It's a matter of time before the FP notice comes ....Hope this info helps !
SATISH.
I also took infopass appts, but didn't see any use from them. So, my opinion is - just hang in there. You will be getting it soon ! Opening a SR or calling USCIS or even taking an infopass appt mayn't help. It's a matter of time before the FP notice comes ....Hope this info helps !
SATISH.
sujith1
08-02 09:31 PM
Sorry - did not check this thread till today
My RD was July 11 for both of us - got Ead for me Aug 2 with 2 yr validity
hers is still pending
Mine shows no FP on file even though I did FP in Oct 07 ( less than 1 yr) That kinda worries me
Anyways PD is May 04 EB3 - so long way to go - and besides caring at this point when I see PD of 2006 getting GC
My RD was July 11 for both of us - got Ead for me Aug 2 with 2 yr validity
hers is still pending
Mine shows no FP on file even though I did FP in Oct 07 ( less than 1 yr) That kinda worries me
Anyways PD is May 04 EB3 - so long way to go - and besides caring at this point when I see PD of 2006 getting GC
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thamizhan
07-17 10:17 PM
CHEERS TO AILA, AILF AND IMMIGRATION VOICE
Aside from Representative Lofgren, thanks are also due to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Immigration Law Foundation and Immigration Voice. AILA as usual worked behind the scenes to try and push USCIS to reverse course while it's sister organization AILF quickly assembled a large number of plaintiffs for a major class action law suit. With the threat of a lawsuit of a massive lawsuit, USCIS felt the heat needed to motivate them and the fact that the suit was about to be filed surely contributed to USCIS' quick reversal of course. AILF is playing an increasingly vital role in the pro-immigration community giving us the ability to stand up for immigrants in the courts - often the only place many problems can be resolved.
Finally, a new voice - Immigration Voice - emerged to do what has never been effectively done in the past - organize the grassroots employment immigrant community. IV's Flower Campaign and its San Jose protest were firsts and garnered the attention of the nation's media and managed to humanize what for many was a dry technical issue. IV was also extremely effective at conveying news to its members and to the entire pro-immigration community (including this lawyer) and know IV will now be a critical part of future advocacy efforts. I'm looking forward to seeing the organization grow in size and influence.
Just a few days back I was decrying how the anti-immigration community was able to whip the pro-immigration community in the CIR bill because of their ability to mobilize their grassroots supporters. Now you can see how our side - which, after all, represents the views of most Americans - can win the same way.
Aside from Representative Lofgren, thanks are also due to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Immigration Law Foundation and Immigration Voice. AILA as usual worked behind the scenes to try and push USCIS to reverse course while it's sister organization AILF quickly assembled a large number of plaintiffs for a major class action law suit. With the threat of a lawsuit of a massive lawsuit, USCIS felt the heat needed to motivate them and the fact that the suit was about to be filed surely contributed to USCIS' quick reversal of course. AILF is playing an increasingly vital role in the pro-immigration community giving us the ability to stand up for immigrants in the courts - often the only place many problems can be resolved.
Finally, a new voice - Immigration Voice - emerged to do what has never been effectively done in the past - organize the grassroots employment immigrant community. IV's Flower Campaign and its San Jose protest were firsts and garnered the attention of the nation's media and managed to humanize what for many was a dry technical issue. IV was also extremely effective at conveying news to its members and to the entire pro-immigration community (including this lawyer) and know IV will now be a critical part of future advocacy efforts. I'm looking forward to seeing the organization grow in size and influence.
Just a few days back I was decrying how the anti-immigration community was able to whip the pro-immigration community in the CIR bill because of their ability to mobilize their grassroots supporters. Now you can see how our side - which, after all, represents the views of most Americans - can win the same way.
more...
singhsa3
10-21 06:42 PM
All,
I submitted my first application on July 2nd. since I did not get receipt notice till Aug 16th so I filled the second (as back up) one on Aug 16th. Later I did get my receipt notices for July 2nd.
Though, I did put stop payment on the checks for the appliaction filled on Aug 16th but yesterday, I received their receipt notices.
Now, I have two A#s one for July 2nd applications and another one for Aug 16th appliaction.
I was planning to just sit on it and do not respond to finger printing notice or any communciation from USCIS for Aug 16th application and hence causing it to get rejected.
The reason I do not want to communicate with USCIS is that I don't want any confusion and hence anything happen to my July 2nd application.
Is it a right strategy? Please comment.
I submitted my first application on July 2nd. since I did not get receipt notice till Aug 16th so I filled the second (as back up) one on Aug 16th. Later I did get my receipt notices for July 2nd.
Though, I did put stop payment on the checks for the appliaction filled on Aug 16th but yesterday, I received their receipt notices.
Now, I have two A#s one for July 2nd applications and another one for Aug 16th appliaction.
I was planning to just sit on it and do not respond to finger printing notice or any communciation from USCIS for Aug 16th application and hence causing it to get rejected.
The reason I do not want to communicate with USCIS is that I don't want any confusion and hence anything happen to my July 2nd application.
Is it a right strategy? Please comment.
prdgl
07-07 09:56 PM
Very good, shabaash!!
Because of A. Holes like you, H1B visa holders get a bad name. And look at your gall, you are publicly announcing an intent to commit deciet.
IV Core and company: Please remove this thread - we do not want to provide more fodder to anti-immigrants.
And as for you moron, yes, you will get into trouble if you think you can dick around with govt. agencies.
Grow up!!!!!!!!
yes yes, its not that 10million illegal immigrants are considered for amnesty and was about to given direct path to citizenship or that's not enough, there is LC subsitution Fraud.
yes yes this is the one that brings bad name for H1B holders and not the above said things.
I am just trying to meet my ad requirement. If its not then i will change my ad. I am trying out different options here. That's it. For now you relax pal !
Because of A. Holes like you, H1B visa holders get a bad name. And look at your gall, you are publicly announcing an intent to commit deciet.
IV Core and company: Please remove this thread - we do not want to provide more fodder to anti-immigrants.
And as for you moron, yes, you will get into trouble if you think you can dick around with govt. agencies.
Grow up!!!!!!!!
yes yes, its not that 10million illegal immigrants are considered for amnesty and was about to given direct path to citizenship or that's not enough, there is LC subsitution Fraud.
yes yes this is the one that brings bad name for H1B holders and not the above said things.
I am just trying to meet my ad requirement. If its not then i will change my ad. I am trying out different options here. That's it. For now you relax pal !
more...
wandmaker
09-15 01:21 AM
When AP is approved, you get 3 copies. I went twice on intl trips and each time they took a copy. I am left with 1 copy of the AP.
Now I need to go on one last intl trip (I have applied for renewal). I just have one copy of AP with me.
How does it work? Will the officer just stamp the AP and make a copy?
Inform POE officer - s/he will make a copy and return the original to you.
Now I need to go on one last intl trip (I have applied for renewal). I just have one copy of AP with me.
How does it work? Will the officer just stamp the AP and make a copy?
Inform POE officer - s/he will make a copy and return the original to you.
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GoneSouth
04-17 06:42 PM
This is effectively a non-compete clause. Enforcement of non-compete clauses varies by state, but most states include "broadness" as a criteria in deciding if a particular non-compete clause is enforceable or not. (e.g., read this article about ohio (http://tinyurl.com/2oysd8) or this article about colorado (http://tinyurl.com/2q6hcd) ... your state may vary) The restriction of "can't work for any IT business anywhere in the US" is indeed extremely broad.
Based on my google law degree ;) , I'd say this particular clause is not enforceable. If it were me, I'd sign the contract with a smile, get the three year extension, then find a new employer. Your old employer may sue you, but it's unlikely they'd win.
This is just a guess though. Check with a lawyer.
- GS
Based on my google law degree ;) , I'd say this particular clause is not enforceable. If it were me, I'd sign the contract with a smile, get the three year extension, then find a new employer. Your old employer may sue you, but it's unlikely they'd win.
This is just a guess though. Check with a lawyer.
- GS
more...
chanlal
07-31 04:32 AM
Hi My name is Chamraj from India, obtained a h1b from a new jersy based company in Dec 2007. I have signed the agreement of Employment i.e part of my offer letter before appearing for my visa interview.
Infact they had given two offer letters. 1. offer letter with no agrrement of employment after shortlisting me for processing h1b.
2, Offer letter with agreement of employment just before going to us consulate for stamping.
I was asked to give a indian bank guarantee of 100 thousand INR, so i have given them a BG of 100 thousand INR. During last 30 months i was asked to renew my BG twice and i did the same and gave them the renewed copies. But they never bothered to send me to us on h1b.
BG got expired on last month and now they want me to travel to US immdly.
If i do not travel they were asking me to pay 4000 USD as the expenses incurred to process my h1b visa. They also want to take legal action against me.
I have waited for 2,5 years waiting for them to send me to us. they did not send me during last 2.5 years,
Extract from Agreement: If the employee terminates the agreement prior to the minimum period of 18 months, the employee will pay company liquidated charges of 4000 USD.
I am still in India and i was not paid single penny by the company so far. I waited for more than 18 months and now already 30 months over.
Pls advice how i can face his legal action. Can he take a legal against me when i am india where the offer is subject to laws of New Jersy state laws.
Thanks
Infact they had given two offer letters. 1. offer letter with no agrrement of employment after shortlisting me for processing h1b.
2, Offer letter with agreement of employment just before going to us consulate for stamping.
I was asked to give a indian bank guarantee of 100 thousand INR, so i have given them a BG of 100 thousand INR. During last 30 months i was asked to renew my BG twice and i did the same and gave them the renewed copies. But they never bothered to send me to us on h1b.
BG got expired on last month and now they want me to travel to US immdly.
If i do not travel they were asking me to pay 4000 USD as the expenses incurred to process my h1b visa. They also want to take legal action against me.
I have waited for 2,5 years waiting for them to send me to us. they did not send me during last 2.5 years,
Extract from Agreement: If the employee terminates the agreement prior to the minimum period of 18 months, the employee will pay company liquidated charges of 4000 USD.
I am still in India and i was not paid single penny by the company so far. I waited for more than 18 months and now already 30 months over.
Pls advice how i can face his legal action. Can he take a legal against me when i am india where the offer is subject to laws of New Jersy state laws.
Thanks
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bfadlia
07-31 05:07 PM
I was in Canada in 2001, had the approved I-797 but the consulate in Calgary refused to give me the visa stamp and asked i go back to home country to get it (Egypt)
Even though I had no US education and people who do might have a better chance, but it is still only a chance, totally dependant on the mood of the consulate officer who has every right to refuse issuing visas to third country nationals.. i don't know why anybody would risk it if they don't have to.
Even though I had no US education and people who do might have a better chance, but it is still only a chance, totally dependant on the mood of the consulate officer who has every right to refuse issuing visas to third country nationals.. i don't know why anybody would risk it if they don't have to.
more...
seahawks
09-11 01:01 AM
We have more members join WA State chapter, welcome aboard. We need more. Calling all of WA/OR to join our local WA state chapter. Do you want to make a difference? This is your chance!
Please follow link below.
Please follow link below.
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rb_248
06-04 09:51 AM
Monday, June 4, 2007
2:30 p.m.: Convene and begin a period of morning business.
Thereafter, resume consideration of S. 1348, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act.
Morning business @ 2:30 p.m. ??
2:30 p.m.: Convene and begin a period of morning business.
Thereafter, resume consideration of S. 1348, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act.
Morning business @ 2:30 p.m. ??
more...
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Desertfox
05-08 03:26 PM
There is no doubt that their work is a lot harder than it appears, but the point is that H1B is always interpreted as Visa for Computer Programmers ONLY, in the mainstream media. I think its time to publicize this new initiative from congress and let everyone know that H1B is not only for Programmers, it’s also for Fashion Models, Doctors, Engineers, Architects, Scientists and who knows what else! :mad:
I think thats what kevinkris meant when he said "give me a break".
I think thats what kevinkris meant when he said "give me a break".
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chalamurariusa
04-28 09:21 AM
sorry to be posting on this thread I am new to this and I genuinely tried to look to post a new thread but in vain.
We applied for our GC in aug 2007. Recd a RFE for I 693 Skin test for TB on april 16th 2009. We still hv to reply to the RFE.My elder son is over 21 and is on AOS and today on the online status we saw a message.
Application Type: I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
Current Status: Document mailed to applicant.
On April 22, 2009 we mailed the document to the address we have on file. You should receive the new document within 30 days. If you do not, or if you move before you get it, call customer service.
He too had recd the RFE for TB skin test. We are really worried as to what cld this mean. Has anyone ever recd a message like this. Please someone advise as to what it cld be
We applied for our GC in aug 2007. Recd a RFE for I 693 Skin test for TB on april 16th 2009. We still hv to reply to the RFE.My elder son is over 21 and is on AOS and today on the online status we saw a message.
Application Type: I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
Current Status: Document mailed to applicant.
On April 22, 2009 we mailed the document to the address we have on file. You should receive the new document within 30 days. If you do not, or if you move before you get it, call customer service.
He too had recd the RFE for TB skin test. We are really worried as to what cld this mean. Has anyone ever recd a message like this. Please someone advise as to what it cld be
more...
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GCBy3000
02-06 05:09 PM
I have seen lots of thread talking about filing 485 and getting EAD and having the opportunity to jump jobs. I faced a unique situation where I realized being on H1 is lot better than having EAD and invoking AC21. Correct me if I am wrong.
H1B:
1. Spouse cannot work.
2. Do not worry about 485 rejection.
3. Jump companies and go up the ladder as you are in H1 and not in EAD and still port the PD. THIS IS VERY USEFUL. CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG.
4. No expenses for the employee for H1 related issues ( legally).
5. Stamping required. But only once in three years if you get 3 year extn after 140 approval.
EAD / AC21:
1. Spouse can work.
2. Invoke AC21, but you have to switch to similar job. This is very frustrating if you are looking to go up the ladder.
3. If you dont have any time left in your first 6 years of H1, you will be in big trouble if your 485 gets rejected for unknown reasons.
4. No stamping, but advance parole required.
5. Spend yearly on parole, EAD.
Anything else to be added to the above list?
H1B:
1. Spouse cannot work.
2. Do not worry about 485 rejection.
3. Jump companies and go up the ladder as you are in H1 and not in EAD and still port the PD. THIS IS VERY USEFUL. CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG.
4. No expenses for the employee for H1 related issues ( legally).
5. Stamping required. But only once in three years if you get 3 year extn after 140 approval.
EAD / AC21:
1. Spouse can work.
2. Invoke AC21, but you have to switch to similar job. This is very frustrating if you are looking to go up the ladder.
3. If you dont have any time left in your first 6 years of H1, you will be in big trouble if your 485 gets rejected for unknown reasons.
4. No stamping, but advance parole required.
5. Spend yearly on parole, EAD.
Anything else to be added to the above list?
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enggr
10-12 08:15 PM
Here is my recent experience. I have only 2yrs out of 6yrs of H1B.Recently i applied for extension(applied for 3yrs instead of 2yrs based on approved 140) and received RFE from USCIS and asked for approved copy of 140. We send it and got the approval.
Thanks
Hi Kmdhar,
Thank you for your reply. My issue is I don't have an approved I-140 as the first one was denied and 2nd one is pending.
Any thoughts on how we get this extension petition approved to the max of my 6 years?
Thanks
Hi Kmdhar,
Thank you for your reply. My issue is I don't have an approved I-140 as the first one was denied and 2nd one is pending.
Any thoughts on how we get this extension petition approved to the max of my 6 years?
more...
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asdfred
10-16 05:03 PM
duties matter..but, if your title is so different..they cannot be..this can be an issue..especially managerial duties involve managing resources which is very different to a developer..talk to your attorney if he can make it happen..i would do whatever the attorney says.
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maddipati1
08-21 10:38 PM
mine gave only until the expiry of PP
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franklin
07-22 09:38 PM
Let's push to achieve IV action items first!
Have you sent your 4 cards and the YouTube video?
Have you sent your 4 cards and the YouTube video?
vicsthedude
04-28 09:15 AM
I travelled back from India on 04/26/09 via Detroit. All I was carrying was PP, AP and EAD.
There were absolutely no issues, wasn't asked a single question on entry.... looks like all
the stories of trouble at POE are baseless.
There were absolutely no issues, wasn't asked a single question on entry.... looks like all
the stories of trouble at POE are baseless.
dvb123
11-21 11:06 AM
[Federal Register: November 21, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 224)]
[Notices]
[Page 65588]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21no07-75]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[CIS No. 2426-07; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2007-0043]
RIN 1615-ZA61
Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program
AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This Notice announces U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services' Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program. Under this
program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is offering
beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions an
opportunity to receive a discretionary grant of parole to come to the
United States rather than remain in Cuba to apply for lawful permanent
resident status. The purpose of the program is to expedite family
reunification through safe, legal, and orderly channels of migration to
the United States and to discourage irregular and inherently dangerous
maritime migration.
DATES: This Notice is effective November 21, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Manpreet S. Dhanjal, Refugee Officer,
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland
Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC
20529, Telephone (202) 272-1613.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
In furtherance of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, the United
States endeavors to provide a minimum of 20,000 travel documents
annually to aspiring Cuban emigrants. See Joint Communiqu[eacute] on
Migration, U.S.-Cuba (Sept. 9, 1994) (known together with the May 2,
1995 Joint Statement as the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords (hereinafter
``Migration Accords'')). In so doing, the United States offers a safe,
legal, and orderly means of coming to the United States. To date, the
majority of travel documents issued under the Migration Accords fall
into one of three programs: family-based immigrant visas; refugee
resettlement; and parole under the Special Cuban Migration Program,
also referred to as the Cuban Lottery. For information on the Cuban
Lottery, see http://havana.usinterestsection.gov/diversity_program.html
.
Two aspects of the existing array of migration programs limit the
ability of the United States to effectively promote safe, legal, and
orderly migration as an alternative to maritime crossings. First, with
the exception of ``immediate relatives'' (e.g., spouse, unmarried
child) of U.S. citizens (USCs), the number of family-based immigrant
visas that are available in any given year is limited by statute. See
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sections 201(c), 202(a) & 203, 8
U.S.C. 1151(c), 1152(a) & 1153. The statutory caps have resulted in
long waiting periods before family members remaining in Cuba may rejoin
the USCs and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) residing in the United
States who petitioned for them. Second, the United States has not been
permitted to hold a new registration period since 1998 due to
constraints placed on the Cuban Lottery program by the Cuban
Government. This greatly reduces the pool of individuals to whom the
United States may issue travel documents.
For these reasons, this Notice adds the Cuban Family Reunification
Parole (CFRP) Program to the list of migrant programs based on which
the United States issues travel documents under the Migration Accords.
II. The CFRP Program
Under the CFRP Program, USCIS may exercise its discretionary parole
authority to permit eligible Cuban nationals to come to the United
States to rejoin their family members. See INA section 212(d)(5)(A), 8
U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)(A) (permits parole of an alien into the United States
for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit); see
also 8 CFR 212.5(c) & (d) (discretionary authority for granting
parole). Granting parole to eligible aliens under the CFRP Program
serves the significant public benefit of enabling the United States to
meet its commitments under the Migration Accords as well as reducing
the perceived need for family members left behind in Cuba to make
irregular and inherently dangerous attempts to arrive in the United
States through unsafe maritime crossings, thereby discouraging alien
smuggling as a means to enter the United States. Whether to parole a
particular alien remains, however, a case-by-case, discretionary
determination.
III. Participation in the CFRP Program
USCIS will offer participation in the CFRP Program to Cuban
nationals who reside in Cuba and who are the beneficiaries (including
any accompanying or following to join spouse and children (see INA
section 203(d), 8 U.S.C. 1153(d)) of a properly filed Form I-130,
``Petition for Alien Relative,'' that has been approved, but for which
an immigrant visa is not yet immediately available.
Under the CFRP Program, USCIS or the Department of State's National
Visa Center (NVC) will mail written notice to U.S.-based USC and LPR
petitioners whose Forms I-130 have been approved regarding their
beneficiary's eligibility to participate in the CFRP Program and the
procedures for requesting parole. However, participation in the CFRP is
voluntary. If USCIS exercises its discretion to grant parole, it will
issue the necessary U.S. travel documents to the beneficiary in Cuba.
These travel documents will enable the beneficiary to travel safely to
the United States to rejoin his or her family members.
Participation in the CFRP Program is not available to aliens who
qualify as ``immediate relatives'' under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the
INA, 8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i). The extraordinary benefit of parole is
not needed for these aliens, since they may seek visas for travel to
the United States immediately upon the approval of Form I-130.
Additional information about the CFRP Program will be posted at
http://www.uscis.gov.
Dated: November 15, 2007.
Emilio T. Gonzalez,
Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
[FR Doc. E7-22679 Filed 11-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-P
[Notices]
[Page 65588]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21no07-75]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[CIS No. 2426-07; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2007-0043]
RIN 1615-ZA61
Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program
AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This Notice announces U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services' Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program. Under this
program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is offering
beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions an
opportunity to receive a discretionary grant of parole to come to the
United States rather than remain in Cuba to apply for lawful permanent
resident status. The purpose of the program is to expedite family
reunification through safe, legal, and orderly channels of migration to
the United States and to discourage irregular and inherently dangerous
maritime migration.
DATES: This Notice is effective November 21, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Manpreet S. Dhanjal, Refugee Officer,
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland
Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC
20529, Telephone (202) 272-1613.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
In furtherance of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, the United
States endeavors to provide a minimum of 20,000 travel documents
annually to aspiring Cuban emigrants. See Joint Communiqu[eacute] on
Migration, U.S.-Cuba (Sept. 9, 1994) (known together with the May 2,
1995 Joint Statement as the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords (hereinafter
``Migration Accords'')). In so doing, the United States offers a safe,
legal, and orderly means of coming to the United States. To date, the
majority of travel documents issued under the Migration Accords fall
into one of three programs: family-based immigrant visas; refugee
resettlement; and parole under the Special Cuban Migration Program,
also referred to as the Cuban Lottery. For information on the Cuban
Lottery, see http://havana.usinterestsection.gov/diversity_program.html
.
Two aspects of the existing array of migration programs limit the
ability of the United States to effectively promote safe, legal, and
orderly migration as an alternative to maritime crossings. First, with
the exception of ``immediate relatives'' (e.g., spouse, unmarried
child) of U.S. citizens (USCs), the number of family-based immigrant
visas that are available in any given year is limited by statute. See
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sections 201(c), 202(a) & 203, 8
U.S.C. 1151(c), 1152(a) & 1153. The statutory caps have resulted in
long waiting periods before family members remaining in Cuba may rejoin
the USCs and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) residing in the United
States who petitioned for them. Second, the United States has not been
permitted to hold a new registration period since 1998 due to
constraints placed on the Cuban Lottery program by the Cuban
Government. This greatly reduces the pool of individuals to whom the
United States may issue travel documents.
For these reasons, this Notice adds the Cuban Family Reunification
Parole (CFRP) Program to the list of migrant programs based on which
the United States issues travel documents under the Migration Accords.
II. The CFRP Program
Under the CFRP Program, USCIS may exercise its discretionary parole
authority to permit eligible Cuban nationals to come to the United
States to rejoin their family members. See INA section 212(d)(5)(A), 8
U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)(A) (permits parole of an alien into the United States
for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit); see
also 8 CFR 212.5(c) & (d) (discretionary authority for granting
parole). Granting parole to eligible aliens under the CFRP Program
serves the significant public benefit of enabling the United States to
meet its commitments under the Migration Accords as well as reducing
the perceived need for family members left behind in Cuba to make
irregular and inherently dangerous attempts to arrive in the United
States through unsafe maritime crossings, thereby discouraging alien
smuggling as a means to enter the United States. Whether to parole a
particular alien remains, however, a case-by-case, discretionary
determination.
III. Participation in the CFRP Program
USCIS will offer participation in the CFRP Program to Cuban
nationals who reside in Cuba and who are the beneficiaries (including
any accompanying or following to join spouse and children (see INA
section 203(d), 8 U.S.C. 1153(d)) of a properly filed Form I-130,
``Petition for Alien Relative,'' that has been approved, but for which
an immigrant visa is not yet immediately available.
Under the CFRP Program, USCIS or the Department of State's National
Visa Center (NVC) will mail written notice to U.S.-based USC and LPR
petitioners whose Forms I-130 have been approved regarding their
beneficiary's eligibility to participate in the CFRP Program and the
procedures for requesting parole. However, participation in the CFRP is
voluntary. If USCIS exercises its discretion to grant parole, it will
issue the necessary U.S. travel documents to the beneficiary in Cuba.
These travel documents will enable the beneficiary to travel safely to
the United States to rejoin his or her family members.
Participation in the CFRP Program is not available to aliens who
qualify as ``immediate relatives'' under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the
INA, 8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i). The extraordinary benefit of parole is
not needed for these aliens, since they may seek visas for travel to
the United States immediately upon the approval of Form I-130.
Additional information about the CFRP Program will be posted at
http://www.uscis.gov.
Dated: November 15, 2007.
Emilio T. Gonzalez,
Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
[FR Doc. E7-22679 Filed 11-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-P
