reachtoravi
07-20 12:23 AM
Donated one time $100 ...
Just now signed up for $50 a month recurring contribution ...
Thanks to IV for all great work.
Just now signed up for $50 a month recurring contribution ...
Thanks to IV for all great work.
wallpaper John Mayer has a Ford GT40 in
ragz4u
03-08 01:05 PM
Try again, I was able to get connected again.
The hearings have still not started, just background noise of a lot of folks in the room.
The hearings have still not started, just background noise of a lot of folks in the room.
go_guy123
02-25 01:38 PM
It is easy and potentially justifiable to feel some frustration. As it relates to the green card, I am in a similar situation to most who visit and share their views on this board.
I view the Universe and everything that is contained therein to be perfect - there can be no imperfections. I find comfort in that thought and focus my attention on the following:
feeling grateful for all that I have; doing my work to the best of my ability; taking the risks I believe I should take; being resilient; enjoying my life more; being patient; caring more; comparing less
This is merely a statement of my beliefs - this works for me. It is not intended to offend anyone nor is it a solution to anyone's woes.
Good times, health, and happiness to all.
You are relatively at peace because your PD is 2005 and you are in EB2.
Moreover since you are already filed 485 and its more than 6 months you are secure.
For rest the situation is precarious
I view the Universe and everything that is contained therein to be perfect - there can be no imperfections. I find comfort in that thought and focus my attention on the following:
feeling grateful for all that I have; doing my work to the best of my ability; taking the risks I believe I should take; being resilient; enjoying my life more; being patient; caring more; comparing less
This is merely a statement of my beliefs - this works for me. It is not intended to offend anyone nor is it a solution to anyone's woes.
Good times, health, and happiness to all.
You are relatively at peace because your PD is 2005 and you are in EB2.
Moreover since you are already filed 485 and its more than 6 months you are secure.
For rest the situation is precarious
2011 ford gto 2010,
sunny1000
07-06 07:31 AM
mbawa2574...IV is run by a bunch of volunteers as against full time execs (like Red Cross and La Raza) who are elected. For argument sake, even if we have elections, who are going to vote....anonymous handles like you and me??
With all due respect to you, simply calling the current core team to quit does not make any sense. IMHO, they have done everything they could. The one thing that everybody has to understand is the current political climate for an immigration debate is so bad that it has become the 3rd wheel in politics that no one wants to touch. We are a drop of water when compared to the sea of undocumented workers that are in the forefornt of this debate and nobody gives a flying jack about the employment based applicants whom both the left and the right don't want anything to do with. With such a hostile political climate, why would I vote for a new team who has no experience in the workings of Washington versus the current team's 3 year experience?
Yeah, you are right when you said we may need to think about new/different strategies. But, the big question is what are those strategies? let's say we have elections and elect new core team, how is that team going to change the way we lobby or the way we raise money or the way we get the message across?
The one thing I would do differently as a core team is to reach out to a big community based org like La Raza, for example, and learn their method of communication and their fundraising efforts and see if we can implement it here at IV (easier said than done).
With all due respect to you, simply calling the current core team to quit does not make any sense. IMHO, they have done everything they could. The one thing that everybody has to understand is the current political climate for an immigration debate is so bad that it has become the 3rd wheel in politics that no one wants to touch. We are a drop of water when compared to the sea of undocumented workers that are in the forefornt of this debate and nobody gives a flying jack about the employment based applicants whom both the left and the right don't want anything to do with. With such a hostile political climate, why would I vote for a new team who has no experience in the workings of Washington versus the current team's 3 year experience?
Yeah, you are right when you said we may need to think about new/different strategies. But, the big question is what are those strategies? let's say we have elections and elect new core team, how is that team going to change the way we lobby or the way we raise money or the way we get the message across?
The one thing I would do differently as a core team is to reach out to a big community based org like La Raza, for example, and learn their method of communication and their fundraising efforts and see if we can implement it here at IV (easier said than done).
more...
xstal
07-10 01:36 AM
Los Angeles !
sriteam
07-20 09:40 AM
This is unbelievable . Most Dems are against this???
more...
Wendy
07-25 10:55 AM
My wife has H1B processed in maiden name -(i 797, i-94, stamping). she recently changed her maiden name to married name. she changed her name in SSN and Passport. DMV in NJ are asking to change the name in immigration office. We spoke to the immigration authority and they say there are no relevant forms to make the name change. If anybody have solution let me know.
2010 The 2010 Sharjah Auto Show in
permfiling
09-16 02:26 AM
Dear friends,
I made my first $100.00 contribution and would like to sign up for more. Google Order #834309558256739 .
I thank all the efforts of the members of immigrationvoice.org.
--From SF Bay Area
I made my first $100.00 contribution and would like to sign up for more. Google Order #834309558256739 .
I thank all the efforts of the members of immigrationvoice.org.
--From SF Bay Area
more...
gc9906
01-09 06:00 PM
CA-EB2-RIR
Case Source: Region
Priority Date: 12/02/2003
Case Received Date: 12/08/2004
My attorney received a letter from DOL 11/21/2005 noticed the case closure, replied the next day mentioned this is an error to close this case.
FedEex another letter to DOL to reiniate reopen this case on 11/29/2005.
Still no message from DOL now.
ETA#: P-04324-XXXXX
45DL Sent: 03/10/2005 - Attorney & Company did NOT receive it
Notice of Case Closure: 11/21/2005
Try to reopen now
What should I do for this error cause by DOL or USPS?
Case Source: Region
Priority Date: 12/02/2003
Case Received Date: 12/08/2004
My attorney received a letter from DOL 11/21/2005 noticed the case closure, replied the next day mentioned this is an error to close this case.
FedEex another letter to DOL to reiniate reopen this case on 11/29/2005.
Still no message from DOL now.
ETA#: P-04324-XXXXX
45DL Sent: 03/10/2005 - Attorney & Company did NOT receive it
Notice of Case Closure: 11/21/2005
Try to reopen now
What should I do for this error cause by DOL or USPS?
hair original 1697 Ford GT40.
black_logs
03-16 11:07 AM
It's our bad luck that Legal and illegal immigration are bundled together in 1 bill.
more...
polapragada
09-14 12:16 PM
Please do not make false statements. You are trying to paint everyone with the same brush.
I had a Masters at the time EB3 was filed in 2002....from a top US school. The employer was okay with any category. The lawyer messed up...said that all categories were current and he knows best.
This might be true in your case but not with every body else
I had a Masters at the time EB3 was filed in 2002....from a top US school. The employer was okay with any category. The lawyer messed up...said that all categories were current and he knows best.
This might be true in your case but not with every body else
hot you love the Ford GT#39;s
GayatriS
01-05 08:50 PM
He is saying what is the truth. Do you believe that Indian universities are as good as American? If so, why do we come here?
Listen to what he says about how India is racing ahead despite all the problems with education. I was disgusted with the quotas and poor education in India.
Learn to deal with the truth whether you are Indian or American!!
ya just because u need green card, you agree with professor sahib. once u get ur green card u will also talk bad about india and indian workers.. i think gone r days when it was a cheap labor.. do u think our education systems/colleges IIT's/REC's are crap.
just because he favored GC applicant you should not agree..he straightway projected india as third world nation in eductaion, resource quality etc ..
Listen to what he says about how India is racing ahead despite all the problems with education. I was disgusted with the quotas and poor education in India.
Learn to deal with the truth whether you are Indian or American!!
ya just because u need green card, you agree with professor sahib. once u get ur green card u will also talk bad about india and indian workers.. i think gone r days when it was a cheap labor.. do u think our education systems/colleges IIT's/REC's are crap.
just because he favored GC applicant you should not agree..he straightway projected india as third world nation in eductaion, resource quality etc ..
more...
house 2010 2005 Ford Gt Ford Gt40
GOTGC
07-24 08:08 AM
March 2003!!??u were current in June.
If u applied 485 in June 07 u might have already been alloted a visa number...Call uscis to find out...A nicer IO may give u some details abt your case
Priti..
How can he get a visa number alloted(I suppose you mean he could have got approval)..NO WAY they can approve a person who applies in June.. Do you think they can approve 485 without Biometrics.NameCheck,Security checks etc.. Please do not provide wrong info and rise false hopes in people who already suffered a lot
If u applied 485 in June 07 u might have already been alloted a visa number...Call uscis to find out...A nicer IO may give u some details abt your case
Priti..
How can he get a visa number alloted(I suppose you mean he could have got approval)..NO WAY they can approve a person who applies in June.. Do you think they can approve 485 without Biometrics.NameCheck,Security checks etc.. Please do not provide wrong info and rise false hopes in people who already suffered a lot
tattoo 2010 Ford Gt40 Ford Gt40
WeShallOvercome
07-05 01:52 PM
Good job pcs !!
I'll take my family to the congressman's office and the documents that you suggested. We can not sit quiet now!
I met the local office of my Congressman with the following documents to make it easy & simple..
A copy of the Congresswoman Lofgren's letter written to USCIS etc ( download it from IV homepage )
A copy of Today ( July 5th ) Wall Street Journal . This issue has story about this fiasco.
Downloaded news flash from Murthy.com regarding Visa bulletins of 13th June & the screwup bulletin on 2nd July
Above was good enough to convince them regarding the mess & they promised action on their part..
IMPORTANT... I clarified that IT IS A PROCEDURAL ISSUE WITH USCIS
NOT AN IMMIGRATION ISSUE WHERE CONGRESS HAS TO TAKE ACTION
This really made them very comfortable as she said, we keep writing to concerned offices about procedural matters.
I told them that they should ask USCIS to " RECEIVE" aour applications to minimize our finanacial loss and other headache of refiling at a later date
Please note, it is real easy to meet the Congressman as they have local offices may be one mile away from your office or home.
Small towns like mine are great for this effort as compared to big towns. I encourage all of you particularly living in small towns to make this small move, which I am sure can resolve our issue & we will save all the $$$ in refiling & avoid further agony
Since your butt is on fire like mine.... I do not think I need to convince you to act on this
Best wishes
I'll take my family to the congressman's office and the documents that you suggested. We can not sit quiet now!
I met the local office of my Congressman with the following documents to make it easy & simple..
A copy of the Congresswoman Lofgren's letter written to USCIS etc ( download it from IV homepage )
A copy of Today ( July 5th ) Wall Street Journal . This issue has story about this fiasco.
Downloaded news flash from Murthy.com regarding Visa bulletins of 13th June & the screwup bulletin on 2nd July
Above was good enough to convince them regarding the mess & they promised action on their part..
IMPORTANT... I clarified that IT IS A PROCEDURAL ISSUE WITH USCIS
NOT AN IMMIGRATION ISSUE WHERE CONGRESS HAS TO TAKE ACTION
This really made them very comfortable as she said, we keep writing to concerned offices about procedural matters.
I told them that they should ask USCIS to " RECEIVE" aour applications to minimize our finanacial loss and other headache of refiling at a later date
Please note, it is real easy to meet the Congressman as they have local offices may be one mile away from your office or home.
Small towns like mine are great for this effort as compared to big towns. I encourage all of you particularly living in small towns to make this small move, which I am sure can resolve our issue & we will save all the $$$ in refiling & avoid further agony
Since your butt is on fire like mine.... I do not think I need to convince you to act on this
Best wishes
more...
pictures 2010 Ford Mustang GT seat
conundrum
09-10 11:48 AM
Same here - Masters from US, with PD 2006....Stilllllllllllllllll waiting!!!!!
I was reading an article handed over by my Lawyer sometime back - the whole GC process was designed to be completed in 6 mos. end-to-end.
This goes to show how outdated the process is, plus the resource crunch they may be facing at USCIS.
All in all - it's a black hole...only your 'karma' can get you out of it:)
Check my signature! I have a MS and PhD from here... be thankfully you are so far ahead with your processing!
I can understand your frustration, but try to empathize with guys who have PD before you and are stuck in this lousy system.
I was reading an article handed over by my Lawyer sometime back - the whole GC process was designed to be completed in 6 mos. end-to-end.
This goes to show how outdated the process is, plus the resource crunch they may be facing at USCIS.
All in all - it's a black hole...only your 'karma' can get you out of it:)
Check my signature! I have a MS and PhD from here... be thankfully you are so far ahead with your processing!
I can understand your frustration, but try to empathize with guys who have PD before you and are stuck in this lousy system.
dresses Pulp68 Ford Gt 40 Limited
vjkypally
07-20 01:47 PM
Lets say out of 500K indians are 25%(atleast), so 125K, 1 year we get 7k visas based on country, so will it take 20 years for all July filers to get GC?????????????? We need major reform then, thats a total wait of 25 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!
more...
makeup Ford GT40 Mark VII 2010
Lollerskater
05-01 01:58 PM
For all those who are upset with the House hearing, please take it easy. Please do not expect the hearing to discuss the details of each and every GC applicant's case. The objective of the hearing was to bring the folks involved in visa bulletins and GC processing, and make them all publically say and agree that Lofgren-Sensenbrenner bill will not flood the country with new people on the borders but at the same time since the federal agencies did not do their job properly, so it would make sense to recapture the visa numbers, and that's it.
I think that this objective was achieved pretty handsomely without much opposition. So everybody was on the same page, other than Ranking member King, whose job in such meetings is to oppose whatever the committee chair is proposing. Rep. King did not have much to say as Rep. Sensenbrenner has co-sponsored the bill. Noticeably, Rep. Gutierrez supported the bill, which means Hispanic Caucus may not oppose it either, hopefully. So it was all good.
The meeting really saddens me though. That is the extent of anyone's power to get USCIS moving? Just hinting to King that the congress is displeased?
I mean I'm pretty sure King is gonna just shrug it off. Listen to how deluded the man sounds. He thinks USCIS is doing a great job, what with all that bragging about efficiency. Obviously he doesn't realize he's standing there, in that meeting. because the efficiency he's bragging about is clearly NOT ENOUGH. In fact, it's pretty much shitty.
To make things worse, those people in there are controlling the fates of thousands of waiting applicants. And they don't even seem to know the difference btw H1 and 485.
I don't want to just go on feeding this negative train of thought. I just wish something more effective can be done. Isn't there a better solution?
I think that this objective was achieved pretty handsomely without much opposition. So everybody was on the same page, other than Ranking member King, whose job in such meetings is to oppose whatever the committee chair is proposing. Rep. King did not have much to say as Rep. Sensenbrenner has co-sponsored the bill. Noticeably, Rep. Gutierrez supported the bill, which means Hispanic Caucus may not oppose it either, hopefully. So it was all good.
The meeting really saddens me though. That is the extent of anyone's power to get USCIS moving? Just hinting to King that the congress is displeased?
I mean I'm pretty sure King is gonna just shrug it off. Listen to how deluded the man sounds. He thinks USCIS is doing a great job, what with all that bragging about efficiency. Obviously he doesn't realize he's standing there, in that meeting. because the efficiency he's bragging about is clearly NOT ENOUGH. In fact, it's pretty much shitty.
To make things worse, those people in there are controlling the fates of thousands of waiting applicants. And they don't even seem to know the difference btw H1 and 485.
I don't want to just go on feeding this negative train of thought. I just wish something more effective can be done. Isn't there a better solution?
girlfriend 1965 Ford GT40
ArkBird
02-24 01:17 AM
And still people love it !!!
Lost Until Death!
~GCA
Lost Until Death!
~GCA
hairstyles 2010 Ford GT40 001 wallpaper
willigetgc?
04-30 07:53 AM
U.S. Senate: Senators Home (http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm)
Senators list with phone, and web email can be found.
Senators list with phone, and web email can be found.
logiclife
04-26 04:46 PM
My H1 extension is under process. I had applied in Dec 2006. My DL expires on May 6. Is it possible to renew my license with the H1 extension receipt?. Is it possible to do Premium Processing now?
Pending H1 transfer/extension petitions can be upgraded to premium processing by sending another form (for upgrade to premium) and the premium fee of $1000.
Some states accept H1 extension filing receipt notice. Other states dont. Depends on the state regulation and state laws. You should check with your DMV / DPS of New Jersey and ask them before you make decision to upgrade your H1 petition to premium. Maybe they will renew your DL with receipt...so check before you spend that money.
Pending H1 transfer/extension petitions can be upgraded to premium processing by sending another form (for upgrade to premium) and the premium fee of $1000.
Some states accept H1 extension filing receipt notice. Other states dont. Depends on the state regulation and state laws. You should check with your DMV / DPS of New Jersey and ask them before you make decision to upgrade your H1 petition to premium. Maybe they will renew your DL with receipt...so check before you spend that money.
baburob2
03-15 06:25 PM
Overall no big progress w.r.t our title's though Brownback's comment on immigration numbers is good.
Senate Judiciary Committee Continues Slow Progress in Markup of Immigration Reform Legislation
Cite as "AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 06031540 (posted Mar. 15, 2006)"
The Senate Judiciary Committee continued its consideration today of draft legislation on comprehensive immigration reform sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter. The Committee officially took up the bill, known as the �Chairman�s Mark,� on March 2 but has made very slow progress to date.
The following is a very brief summary of the amendments that were addressed during today�s session. See our previous update on last week�s markup sessions. We will continue to update you as action on the bill continues.
1. The Committee passed by a voice vote a compromise amendment by Feingold that would preserve some level of judicial review over naturalization applications.
2. A Specter 2nd degree amendment to a Sessions amendment on evading inspection passed.
3. A Leahy amendment on security-related issues passed by voice vote.
4. A Kennedy amendment to ameliorate the Mark�s retroactive provisions was debated and deferred.
5. A Feinstein amendment to modify the provisions of the Mark relating to border security was deferred for future action.
6. A Durbin amendment to strike the Mark�s criminalization of unlawful status was once again deferred for future consideration. Feinstein attempted to offer a 2nd degree amendment that would provide aliens with a 60-day grace period for visa overstays before they are subject to criminal prosecution under INA � 275(a), but Specter would not allow it since Durbin�s underlying amendment was set aside.
7. A Durbin amendment to ameliorate the Mark�s smuggling provision so as not to criminalize humanitarian assistance was once again debated and deferred. Kyl spoke in opposition to the amendment. Cornyn had a second degree that Hatch thought was insufficient. Hatch, Schumer and Biden spoke in opposition to Cornyn�s 2nd degree. Cornyn was not convincing, but Kyl did some damage.
8. A Sessions amendment to affirm the inherent authority of state and local law enforcement personnel to enforce federal civil immigration laws during the normal course of carrying out their duties was discussed. Specter offered a 2nd degree that would limit the inherent authority of states and localities to the enforcement of the criminal provisions of the immigration laws. Sessions would only support the 2nd degree if the provisions of the Mark criminalizing unlawful presence remain intact. Thus, if the Durbin amendment to strike those provisions passes, Sessions wants to revisit the Specter 2nd degree. Specter�s 2nd degree passed by voice vote.
9. A Sessions amendment that would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide information to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) related to aliens who may have violated certain immigration laws passed by a voice vote. The broadly worded amendment would encompass visa overstayers, other civil violators, and even members of vulnerable populations such as asylum-seekers who are improperly documented but seeking relief. Leahy and Kennedy voted against the amendment and Leahy spoke in opposition to overloading the NCIC database with individuals who do not belong in it. A Specter 2nd degree amendment that would provide a procedure for requesting removal from the database and modify the group of individuals included in it passed by voice vote.
10. A Sessions amendment that would require at least one law enforcement agency in each state to enter into a � 287(g) cooperative enforcement agreement to enforce immigration laws against alien smugglers was considered. Sessions accepted a Coburn 2nd degree amendment that would clarify: (1) that such agreements would be purely voluntary, and (2) that the �287(g) enforcement authority would not be limited to alien smuggling. There was no quorum to vote on these, however, and they were set aside.
Part way through the markup, Specter attempted to jump to a debate on the issue of the undocumented population, noting that he has reiterated to Senate Majority Leader Frist that he (Specter) opposes bringing immigration reform to the Senate Floor before the Senate Judiciary Committee had completed its consideration of the Chairman�s Mark. Biden and Kennedy voiced their support of Specter�s desire to complete work in Committee. Kennedy added, �this issue is NOT going away, like some other issues,� and urged deferral of the Title VI discussion until tomorrow (Title VI contains the provisions dealing with the undocumented population). He added that we need to deal with ALL aspects of reform to have real, lasting border security�going forward with any of these components alone will fail.
Durbin said that, to defeat the House bill (H.R. 4437), the Committee needs to pass a strong bipartisan bill with the support of about 12 members. He feels the Committee should do an extra markup session on a day when there is no other Senate business. �We need to watch the House,� noted Durbin, adding: �They have a bill we need to fight at all costs. We need bipartisan support out of this Committee.�
Brownback stated that the Committee has started a process to create broad bipartisan support for good policy, and that this is the most significant legislation of the year. �We have serious problems with immigrant numbers,� he said. �We can�t live with these and need to change them. McCain/Kennedy would deal with this. How do we get the Mark to deal with these numbers? We need a way NOT to end up here again after 10 years. We can�t move too quickly.�
Cornyn described the process as akin to �digging out of a big hole,� noting that with enforcement done first, other issues would get simpler. He believes we need to impose circularity---not permanent immigration.
Coburn said that, like it or not, we have to deal with issue of the undocumented population. He urged the Committee to split the bill in two and do enforcement first, and work to reach consensus on other parts later in the year. �No one in the country trusts us on this issue because we haven�t enforced our existing laws,� he said.
Feinstein stated her concerns about the process, and also spoke out against comprehensive immigration reform and in favor of her more limited agricultural pilot program idea. She said she had met with Senator Craig (the sponsor of AgJobs) yesterday to see if they could work out their differences but there has been no resolution yet. She also expressed much frustration with Frist�s artificial timeline. She indicated her opposition to the House bill, and said that consensus was needed in the Committee (she believes the Committee has come to some consensus on the enforcement pieces but little else). She urged Specter to go back to Frist and ask for more time.
Sessions said we need to focus on enforcement now, and then have a national discussion later on the other elements of immigration reform. He believes Congress needs to focus on enforcement to build credibility with the public. �I�m not prepared to repeat 1986,� he said. �We should slow down.�
Specter repeatedly voiced his concern about �line-jumping,� arguing that the McCain/Kennedy bill would �leap frog� the current undocumented population over individuals who have been waiting in the backlogs. He also said that he�d prefer it if the legislation contained a path to citizenship but, as Chair, was trying to balance both sides.
In other hurdles to the Judiciary Committee�s completion of work on the bill, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley, who is also a member of the Judiciary Committee, argued that the Finance Committee should have jurisdiction over the provisions of the Mark relating to the Social Security Act, adding that the IRS has raised serious concerns about some of these amendments. However, several other senators argued for consideration of these provisions in the Judiciary Committee. It is also possible that Grassley could exercise the Finance Committee�s authority by managing those amendments during floor debate.
The Committee disbanded about noon, due to a number of votes on the Senate Floor and the attendant low probability of maintaining a voting quorum in the Committee.
http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=18835
Senate Judiciary Committee Continues Slow Progress in Markup of Immigration Reform Legislation
Cite as "AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 06031540 (posted Mar. 15, 2006)"
The Senate Judiciary Committee continued its consideration today of draft legislation on comprehensive immigration reform sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter. The Committee officially took up the bill, known as the �Chairman�s Mark,� on March 2 but has made very slow progress to date.
The following is a very brief summary of the amendments that were addressed during today�s session. See our previous update on last week�s markup sessions. We will continue to update you as action on the bill continues.
1. The Committee passed by a voice vote a compromise amendment by Feingold that would preserve some level of judicial review over naturalization applications.
2. A Specter 2nd degree amendment to a Sessions amendment on evading inspection passed.
3. A Leahy amendment on security-related issues passed by voice vote.
4. A Kennedy amendment to ameliorate the Mark�s retroactive provisions was debated and deferred.
5. A Feinstein amendment to modify the provisions of the Mark relating to border security was deferred for future action.
6. A Durbin amendment to strike the Mark�s criminalization of unlawful status was once again deferred for future consideration. Feinstein attempted to offer a 2nd degree amendment that would provide aliens with a 60-day grace period for visa overstays before they are subject to criminal prosecution under INA � 275(a), but Specter would not allow it since Durbin�s underlying amendment was set aside.
7. A Durbin amendment to ameliorate the Mark�s smuggling provision so as not to criminalize humanitarian assistance was once again debated and deferred. Kyl spoke in opposition to the amendment. Cornyn had a second degree that Hatch thought was insufficient. Hatch, Schumer and Biden spoke in opposition to Cornyn�s 2nd degree. Cornyn was not convincing, but Kyl did some damage.
8. A Sessions amendment to affirm the inherent authority of state and local law enforcement personnel to enforce federal civil immigration laws during the normal course of carrying out their duties was discussed. Specter offered a 2nd degree that would limit the inherent authority of states and localities to the enforcement of the criminal provisions of the immigration laws. Sessions would only support the 2nd degree if the provisions of the Mark criminalizing unlawful presence remain intact. Thus, if the Durbin amendment to strike those provisions passes, Sessions wants to revisit the Specter 2nd degree. Specter�s 2nd degree passed by voice vote.
9. A Sessions amendment that would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide information to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) related to aliens who may have violated certain immigration laws passed by a voice vote. The broadly worded amendment would encompass visa overstayers, other civil violators, and even members of vulnerable populations such as asylum-seekers who are improperly documented but seeking relief. Leahy and Kennedy voted against the amendment and Leahy spoke in opposition to overloading the NCIC database with individuals who do not belong in it. A Specter 2nd degree amendment that would provide a procedure for requesting removal from the database and modify the group of individuals included in it passed by voice vote.
10. A Sessions amendment that would require at least one law enforcement agency in each state to enter into a � 287(g) cooperative enforcement agreement to enforce immigration laws against alien smugglers was considered. Sessions accepted a Coburn 2nd degree amendment that would clarify: (1) that such agreements would be purely voluntary, and (2) that the �287(g) enforcement authority would not be limited to alien smuggling. There was no quorum to vote on these, however, and they were set aside.
Part way through the markup, Specter attempted to jump to a debate on the issue of the undocumented population, noting that he has reiterated to Senate Majority Leader Frist that he (Specter) opposes bringing immigration reform to the Senate Floor before the Senate Judiciary Committee had completed its consideration of the Chairman�s Mark. Biden and Kennedy voiced their support of Specter�s desire to complete work in Committee. Kennedy added, �this issue is NOT going away, like some other issues,� and urged deferral of the Title VI discussion until tomorrow (Title VI contains the provisions dealing with the undocumented population). He added that we need to deal with ALL aspects of reform to have real, lasting border security�going forward with any of these components alone will fail.
Durbin said that, to defeat the House bill (H.R. 4437), the Committee needs to pass a strong bipartisan bill with the support of about 12 members. He feels the Committee should do an extra markup session on a day when there is no other Senate business. �We need to watch the House,� noted Durbin, adding: �They have a bill we need to fight at all costs. We need bipartisan support out of this Committee.�
Brownback stated that the Committee has started a process to create broad bipartisan support for good policy, and that this is the most significant legislation of the year. �We have serious problems with immigrant numbers,� he said. �We can�t live with these and need to change them. McCain/Kennedy would deal with this. How do we get the Mark to deal with these numbers? We need a way NOT to end up here again after 10 years. We can�t move too quickly.�
Cornyn described the process as akin to �digging out of a big hole,� noting that with enforcement done first, other issues would get simpler. He believes we need to impose circularity---not permanent immigration.
Coburn said that, like it or not, we have to deal with issue of the undocumented population. He urged the Committee to split the bill in two and do enforcement first, and work to reach consensus on other parts later in the year. �No one in the country trusts us on this issue because we haven�t enforced our existing laws,� he said.
Feinstein stated her concerns about the process, and also spoke out against comprehensive immigration reform and in favor of her more limited agricultural pilot program idea. She said she had met with Senator Craig (the sponsor of AgJobs) yesterday to see if they could work out their differences but there has been no resolution yet. She also expressed much frustration with Frist�s artificial timeline. She indicated her opposition to the House bill, and said that consensus was needed in the Committee (she believes the Committee has come to some consensus on the enforcement pieces but little else). She urged Specter to go back to Frist and ask for more time.
Sessions said we need to focus on enforcement now, and then have a national discussion later on the other elements of immigration reform. He believes Congress needs to focus on enforcement to build credibility with the public. �I�m not prepared to repeat 1986,� he said. �We should slow down.�
Specter repeatedly voiced his concern about �line-jumping,� arguing that the McCain/Kennedy bill would �leap frog� the current undocumented population over individuals who have been waiting in the backlogs. He also said that he�d prefer it if the legislation contained a path to citizenship but, as Chair, was trying to balance both sides.
In other hurdles to the Judiciary Committee�s completion of work on the bill, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley, who is also a member of the Judiciary Committee, argued that the Finance Committee should have jurisdiction over the provisions of the Mark relating to the Social Security Act, adding that the IRS has raised serious concerns about some of these amendments. However, several other senators argued for consideration of these provisions in the Judiciary Committee. It is also possible that Grassley could exercise the Finance Committee�s authority by managing those amendments during floor debate.
The Committee disbanded about noon, due to a number of votes on the Senate Floor and the attendant low probability of maintaining a voting quorum in the Committee.
http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=18835
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