Macaca
12-04 05:31 PM
Old Tensions Test Congress; Democrats Seek A Political Center To Avoid Stalemate (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119664099934911173.html) By David Rogers. Wall Street Journal, Dec 3, 2007
WASHINGTON -- Congress returns today to face a pile of unfinished work, little time and many White House veto threats. With the budget process at risk of collapsing for the second time in as many years, there is a sense that lawmakers are back to where they started after the 2006 election: divided by Iraq but chasing the dream of a political center from which to govern.
The best shot for Democrats is to find that center and build coalitions with moderate Republicans to complete Congress's agenda before the holidays. But the bitter divisions with President Bush over the Iraq war make that more difficult.
"The more they take Bush to the woodshed on Iraq, the more difficult it is to bring over moderate Republicans," says Neil Newhouse, a Republican pollster.
Compounding the problem are the moods swings and often combative nature of the Democratic leadership. Republicans tend to march four abreast, even if it means heading off a political cliff as in the 1995 government shutdown; Democrats resemble a family packed into a station wagon and yelling different directions at the driver.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D., Wis.) is highly respected but can hurl insults and convey distrust even as he looks for compromise. "Against my better judgment, I am going to assume you will have good faith," he said of budget talks with Republicans. If there's not good faith? "It's not going to be pretty," Mr. Obey promises.
Democrats, as the party charged with running Congress, would pay the heaviest price for stalemate. But Republicans aren't insulated from blame, especially if they are seen as walking away from compromises important to voters.
The tensions reflect the twin legacies of the 2006 elections. Antiwar sentiment helped bring Democrats back to power while independent voters wanted an end to gridlock in Washington.
Recent votes suggest a bipartisan consensus may be emerging. The passage of an energy bill with tougher fuel standards for cars appeals to independent voters. (See related article on page B1).
In the mid-'90s, when Newt Gingrich's "Republican Revolution" collided with then-President Clinton, he never got more that 240 votes in early skirmishes over defense- and appropriations-bill vetoes. Current Speaker Nancy Pelosi has averaged 275 votes, thanks to Republican support for her efforts to expand child-care and education funding.
This month's deadlines will sorely test the new majority. A stop-gap spending bill to keep the government operating expires Dec. 14. Middle-class households counting on tax refunds don't want to go into the New Year without protections from the alternative minimum tax. And the Pentagon says it will send out furlough notices before Christmas for thousands of civilian employees unless it gets more war money.
Trying to avoid a collapse in the budget process, Democrats are trimming $10.6 billion from prior House and Senate spending bills, which will be packaged into a single omnibus package approaching $490 billion in discretionary appropriations.
Most domestic accounts will be held to 3% increases over 2007 levels. Significant new money is preserved for veterans' medical care as well as $3 billion in emergency funds for border security, both bipartisan priorities. And after falling two votes short of overriding Mr. Bush's veto, a $150.8 billion labor, education and medical- research budget would be reduced by $3.6 billion.
Other major issues include:
Health Care
The spending talks parallel efforts to win passage of a $35 billion, five-year expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Democrats will move to extend the program with additional funds to guard against state shortfalls at least through 2008. Republicans are seeking a line barring federal aid for any household whose gross income exceeds 300% of poverty or about $41,000 for a single parent and child. Democrats have agreed to such a cap for SCHIP but will want more concessions from moderates before extending the same requirement to much of Medicaid, the larger state-federal health-care program for the poor and disabled.
Farming
With winter wheat planted and farmers seeking operating loans for next year's crops, there is growing anxiety at the pace of the farm bill, which has stalled in the Senate. Some type of extension may be needed, but Chuck Connor, the acting Agriculture secretary, says "there is still time to get this done."
The threshold test could be whether lawmakers embrace the administration's goal of barring subsidies to any farmer with adjusted gross income above $200,000. "That would be an important signal," said Mr. Connor, suggesting that the administration would be more willing then to show some flexibility about Congress's demands.
WASHINGTON -- Congress returns today to face a pile of unfinished work, little time and many White House veto threats. With the budget process at risk of collapsing for the second time in as many years, there is a sense that lawmakers are back to where they started after the 2006 election: divided by Iraq but chasing the dream of a political center from which to govern.
The best shot for Democrats is to find that center and build coalitions with moderate Republicans to complete Congress's agenda before the holidays. But the bitter divisions with President Bush over the Iraq war make that more difficult.
"The more they take Bush to the woodshed on Iraq, the more difficult it is to bring over moderate Republicans," says Neil Newhouse, a Republican pollster.
Compounding the problem are the moods swings and often combative nature of the Democratic leadership. Republicans tend to march four abreast, even if it means heading off a political cliff as in the 1995 government shutdown; Democrats resemble a family packed into a station wagon and yelling different directions at the driver.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D., Wis.) is highly respected but can hurl insults and convey distrust even as he looks for compromise. "Against my better judgment, I am going to assume you will have good faith," he said of budget talks with Republicans. If there's not good faith? "It's not going to be pretty," Mr. Obey promises.
Democrats, as the party charged with running Congress, would pay the heaviest price for stalemate. But Republicans aren't insulated from blame, especially if they are seen as walking away from compromises important to voters.
The tensions reflect the twin legacies of the 2006 elections. Antiwar sentiment helped bring Democrats back to power while independent voters wanted an end to gridlock in Washington.
Recent votes suggest a bipartisan consensus may be emerging. The passage of an energy bill with tougher fuel standards for cars appeals to independent voters. (See related article on page B1).
In the mid-'90s, when Newt Gingrich's "Republican Revolution" collided with then-President Clinton, he never got more that 240 votes in early skirmishes over defense- and appropriations-bill vetoes. Current Speaker Nancy Pelosi has averaged 275 votes, thanks to Republican support for her efforts to expand child-care and education funding.
This month's deadlines will sorely test the new majority. A stop-gap spending bill to keep the government operating expires Dec. 14. Middle-class households counting on tax refunds don't want to go into the New Year without protections from the alternative minimum tax. And the Pentagon says it will send out furlough notices before Christmas for thousands of civilian employees unless it gets more war money.
Trying to avoid a collapse in the budget process, Democrats are trimming $10.6 billion from prior House and Senate spending bills, which will be packaged into a single omnibus package approaching $490 billion in discretionary appropriations.
Most domestic accounts will be held to 3% increases over 2007 levels. Significant new money is preserved for veterans' medical care as well as $3 billion in emergency funds for border security, both bipartisan priorities. And after falling two votes short of overriding Mr. Bush's veto, a $150.8 billion labor, education and medical- research budget would be reduced by $3.6 billion.
Other major issues include:
Health Care
The spending talks parallel efforts to win passage of a $35 billion, five-year expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Democrats will move to extend the program with additional funds to guard against state shortfalls at least through 2008. Republicans are seeking a line barring federal aid for any household whose gross income exceeds 300% of poverty or about $41,000 for a single parent and child. Democrats have agreed to such a cap for SCHIP but will want more concessions from moderates before extending the same requirement to much of Medicaid, the larger state-federal health-care program for the poor and disabled.
Farming
With winter wheat planted and farmers seeking operating loans for next year's crops, there is growing anxiety at the pace of the farm bill, which has stalled in the Senate. Some type of extension may be needed, but Chuck Connor, the acting Agriculture secretary, says "there is still time to get this done."
The threshold test could be whether lawmakers embrace the administration's goal of barring subsidies to any farmer with adjusted gross income above $200,000. "That would be an important signal," said Mr. Connor, suggesting that the administration would be more willing then to show some flexibility about Congress's demands.
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Bluejay
05-26 10:43 AM
I am working for a small company on H1B since October 2006. The company had originally filed for full time employment (LCA and I-129) but at the time of hiring offered part time employment. I worked part time till June 2008 and since then I have been working full time. The company however never filed for an amended LCA and/or I-129 and I worked part-time on a full-time LCA and I-129. My H1B approval was extended last October by another 3 years. I also work part-time for a University on a concurrent H1B.
Will I be deemed out of status for this? What are the implications of this on filing for GC under EB1 or EB2? Is there any way in which this situation may be legally rectified?
Please advise.
Will I be deemed out of status for this? What are the implications of this on filing for GC under EB1 or EB2? Is there any way in which this situation may be legally rectified?
Please advise.
Syous
07-10 04:33 PM
i am voting for this one, period.
2011 Klondike Gold Rush NHP: Legacy
invincibleasian
02-19 05:22 PM
You are better off applying visa in a home country. Usually the have better access to verify records!
more...
gcwait2007
03-18 01:28 PM
Many of us (including me) are frustrated in waiting for NSC approval of I-140.
I was asking my friend how NSC is processing the 140 & 485 applications and he has sent me the following youtube video and I give below the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-30BZtpvaTY
PS: It is just funny video and let us hope that it is not true :(
I was asking my friend how NSC is processing the 140 & 485 applications and he has sent me the following youtube video and I give below the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-30BZtpvaTY
PS: It is just funny video and let us hope that it is not true :(
admirer
03-02 06:49 PM
Hi All
My wife changed her status from F2 to F1 and recently she went to India, so she had her visa stamping appointment on Feb 18. at the counter the visa officer told her that she hasnt paid the SEVIS fee so has to go outside and pay online and come back with the receipt. she did and went back and she was told that she has got the visa and the passport will be mailed to her. she hasnt received it yet (its about 8 working days now), and when i contacted the consulate they replied: "We have provided a pink sheet, which says that the SEVIS is not updated in the system. Once it gets updated the passport will be sent to the mailing address."
1. is this delay a normal occurance and how long it takes in such case?
2. do you guys see any problem in this case?
please advice..
regards
Raj
My wife changed her status from F2 to F1 and recently she went to India, so she had her visa stamping appointment on Feb 18. at the counter the visa officer told her that she hasnt paid the SEVIS fee so has to go outside and pay online and come back with the receipt. she did and went back and she was told that she has got the visa and the passport will be mailed to her. she hasnt received it yet (its about 8 working days now), and when i contacted the consulate they replied: "We have provided a pink sheet, which says that the SEVIS is not updated in the system. Once it gets updated the passport will be sent to the mailing address."
1. is this delay a normal occurance and how long it takes in such case?
2. do you guys see any problem in this case?
please advice..
regards
Raj
more...
kirupa
08-07 12:01 PM
I really like your pig and police stamps the most :) I've added those up!
2010 Klondike Gold Rush Lesson Plan
Blog Feeds
12-10 09:30 AM
The Senate voted 59-40 this morning to table Senator Durbin's latest version of the DREAM Act and will instead take up the House version passed last night probably early next week. That's important for a couple of reasons (and probably good news overall). First, the bill will not need to be sent back to the House to reconcile differences between the two bills. Second, the tax bill that has given some on the fence Republicans the excuse to filibuster the DREAM Act may be dealt with by then. Finally, there is some additional time to round up a couple of...
More... (http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2010/12/senate-to-consider-house-passed-dream-bill-next-week.html)
More... (http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2010/12/senate-to-consider-house-passed-dream-bill-next-week.html)
more...
man-woman-and-gc
04-22 12:50 PM
Can someone please respond?
hair Photo Credit: Klondike
rajenk
12-31 02:28 PM
Hi Unitednations,
Good to see you in Immigration voice. I use to follow your posts when you were back in ImmigrationPortal. I have a request for you here.
Please provide a ready reckoner on AC21. Like the basics. This would help lot of people trying to switch employers including me. I know there were memos written by Yates and other lawyers. Your real experience on this matter always counts and helps people.
Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks & Regards
Raj
Good to see you in Immigration voice. I use to follow your posts when you were back in ImmigrationPortal. I have a request for you here.
Please provide a ready reckoner on AC21. Like the basics. This would help lot of people trying to switch employers including me. I know there were memos written by Yates and other lawyers. Your real experience on this matter always counts and helps people.
Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks & Regards
Raj
more...
pani_6
08-03 10:09 PM
WHITE TIE MARCH..how does that sound...
Lets all follow dress code...White Ties, blue(Or DArk) COAT,Polished Shoes...and DARK GLASS(Representing Leagally Blind)...
Get Students to join by contacting ISA.. and giving them a Free ride to DC from near by places.
Dont Forget to Carry Us flags and God bless America banners!
Lets all follow dress code...White Ties, blue(Or DArk) COAT,Polished Shoes...and DARK GLASS(Representing Leagally Blind)...
Get Students to join by contacting ISA.. and giving them a Free ride to DC from near by places.
Dont Forget to Carry Us flags and God bless America banners!
hot the Klondike Gold Rush.
dxldad
05-17 03:57 PM
My spouse H4 extension was filed in Jan 2011 and I was under impression that receipt is with lawyer. But recently I came to know that it should come to my address, as of today we have not got receipt no. I am still waiting for H1 approval decision and know H1 receipt no.
Is there way for us or our lawyer to get receipt no. for my spouse's H4 application?
Please reply.
Did you check the back of the check you submitted? It used to be there earlier.
Is there way for us or our lawyer to get receipt no. for my spouse's H4 application?
Please reply.
Did you check the back of the check you submitted? It used to be there earlier.
more...
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Blog Feeds
12-18 09:50 AM
Since the early days of this blog, I've chastised immigration bureaucrats who use specious reasoning to treat small businesses petitioning for employment-related immigration benefits more harshly than their large-cap counterparts. The latest assault on fairness and reason is reflected in a trend affecting several categories of employment-based visas -- the H-1B (Worker in a Specialty Occupation), the L-1 nonimmigrant (Intracompany-Transferee Manager or Executive) and the EB1-3 (Multinational Manager or Executive). An example of this trend is a recently released EB1-3 decision (decided May 1, 2009) of the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) denying an immigrant visa petition for a multinational...
More... (http://blogs.ilw.com/angelopaparelli/2009/12/when-will-they-ever-learn-immigration-denial-thrives-perniciously-at-uscis.html)
More... (http://blogs.ilw.com/angelopaparelli/2009/12/when-will-they-ever-learn-immigration-denial-thrives-perniciously-at-uscis.html)
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friend99
10-08 03:12 PM
Hi,
I had a question regarding the july bulletin where it was mentioned that Old fees is entertained for employment based petetions while family based it would be new fees for I485.
Mine was applied by my company on July 2nd with old fees and Spouse's was applied on August 3rd with old fee and was rejected! I-140 was approved on August 8th and applied in March 2007!
Did they confuse with family based and rejected for fees?
Spouse should also be employment based right!
Can somebody answer my question?
Thanks,
I had a question regarding the july bulletin where it was mentioned that Old fees is entertained for employment based petetions while family based it would be new fees for I485.
Mine was applied by my company on July 2nd with old fees and Spouse's was applied on August 3rd with old fee and was rejected! I-140 was approved on August 8th and applied in March 2007!
Did they confuse with family based and rejected for fees?
Spouse should also be employment based right!
Can somebody answer my question?
Thanks,
more...
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foobar2001
01-27 12:09 AM
yes, you can add her anytime before the approval of your I485 (3rd stage of the GC process). You havent mentioned EB1/2/3 but if its EB2 or EB3, stage 3 is several years away for you, and you can always add her before you apply for the final stage. Good luck!
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chikusri
07-10 10:07 PM
Do we need to carry the I-129 for H-1B Visa Stamping?
I have I-797 and LCA along with all other required documents for sure.
Thanks
I have I-797 and LCA along with all other required documents for sure.
Thanks
more...
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darsh678
10-27 11:10 AM
Hi
I fall in Schedule A which is going to retrogression begining Nov, 06.
I am on H4, meanwhile i just made it to file my I140, 485, 765 and AP concurenntly, hence will get my EAD, but no approved 485. My situation is I dont want to be with this employer for long for this is in upstate MI, where my spouse wont be able to continue the H1, hence we will be living seperate for sometime.
Now after my 140 approval and 485 pending for 6 months can i change the employer, I heard something with AC 21 you can. But what are the pros and cons with it.
Can my employer revoke the approved 140 after 6 months too.
I fall in Schedule A which is going to retrogression begining Nov, 06.
I am on H4, meanwhile i just made it to file my I140, 485, 765 and AP concurenntly, hence will get my EAD, but no approved 485. My situation is I dont want to be with this employer for long for this is in upstate MI, where my spouse wont be able to continue the H1, hence we will be living seperate for sometime.
Now after my 140 approval and 485 pending for 6 months can i change the employer, I heard something with AC 21 you can. But what are the pros and cons with it.
Can my employer revoke the approved 140 after 6 months too.
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roseball
03-29 04:41 PM
I think you will have an option to apply for a H1 for the remainder of the six years without being counted in the quota...
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keshtwo
07-13 06:03 PM
Does the forum have IB4TL? in that case, here it is!
garybanz
12-27 11:17 AM
If your 140 is approved the chances of 485 denial are quite remote. however most attorneys recommend that you try to stay on H1 as much as possible
masouds
03-21 08:49 PM
Hello,
so, between my external attorney and in-house immigration people at place that I work for (through H1B, no less!), they have managed to lose the I-131 that was approved very recently. External lawyer has received it and sent it to our internal people, and from that point nobody know where it is.
What are my options (other than praying)? How long will it take for USCIS to reissue (or reprint) an I-131? Is there a fast method for this?
so, between my external attorney and in-house immigration people at place that I work for (through H1B, no less!), they have managed to lose the I-131 that was approved very recently. External lawyer has received it and sent it to our internal people, and from that point nobody know where it is.
What are my options (other than praying)? How long will it take for USCIS to reissue (or reprint) an I-131? Is there a fast method for this?
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