ElectricGrandpa
05-31 12:34 AM
i know its pretty lame, but what i would really like would be a regular black ipod, and i dont mean that u2 crap, with the wierd red and signatures on the back.
I like the red and black, but I don't like the signatures... I wish it was black all the way around the back. That would be perfect and it *might* actually make me want to get an ipod.
I like the red and black, but I don't like the signatures... I wish it was black all the way around the back. That would be perfect and it *might* actually make me want to get an ipod.
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return_to_india
04-28 11:28 AM
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/apr2009/db20090423_219068.htm
But advocates for skilled immigrants�many of whom remain stuck for years on H-1Bs waiting in the long queue for permanent residency�worry that the bill is a political maneuver rather than an earnest effort at reform. Aman Kapoor, president of the skilled immigrant advocate group Immigration Voice, says that a more effective bill would ensure H-1B visa workers are on a level playing field with U.S. workers. "Skilled immigrants on H-1Bs don't get the same rights and protections as everyone else," says Kapoor. "So wouldn't the solution be to empower and enable the skilled immigrants on H-1Bs such that�skilled immigrants on H-1s have adequate protections so that no one can take advantage of [them]? But no one wants to talk about protections for skilled immigrants."
Employers don't want H1Bs that flexible ( or want be invisibly bonded. )
in fear of bargaining and jumping the ship.
But advocates for skilled immigrants�many of whom remain stuck for years on H-1Bs waiting in the long queue for permanent residency�worry that the bill is a political maneuver rather than an earnest effort at reform. Aman Kapoor, president of the skilled immigrant advocate group Immigration Voice, says that a more effective bill would ensure H-1B visa workers are on a level playing field with U.S. workers. "Skilled immigrants on H-1Bs don't get the same rights and protections as everyone else," says Kapoor. "So wouldn't the solution be to empower and enable the skilled immigrants on H-1Bs such that�skilled immigrants on H-1s have adequate protections so that no one can take advantage of [them]? But no one wants to talk about protections for skilled immigrants."
Employers don't want H1Bs that flexible ( or want be invisibly bonded. )
in fear of bargaining and jumping the ship.
Circus123
01-30 05:41 PM
Just voted
2011 Women hairstyles picture
never_giveup
09-17 12:09 PM
If you have issues watching it, try the below
Tools > Preferences > Connection > Network Transports
Check Manually Configure connection settings
Click on RTSP Settings, uncheck everything except "Attempt to use HTTP"
Do the similar for PNA Settings.
Tools > Preferences > Connection > Network Transports
Check Manually Configure connection settings
Click on RTSP Settings, uncheck everything except "Attempt to use HTTP"
Do the similar for PNA Settings.
more...
alisa
02-13 07:30 PM
A lot of people, including me have lost faith in IV. They are not going to pay. We don't know what IV is working on
I believe the core group has made efforts to let us know what they are working on. Obviously, we shouldn't expect them to give us a daily update. That would be quite stupid.
and we don't believe it can do anything. The sooner IV accepts it, the better. I have seen this personally in talking to people and you can see the evidence with less than 300 people contributing. IV needs to produce results first.
I think this has also been addressed here in different threads. IV cannot, just by itself, get congress to pass pro-immigration laws. However, it can influence the senate/congress to add pro-EB provisions to pro-immigration laws.
If you think that with 8000 members, and 300 contributing members, you can have the congress/senate pass pro-EB laws, you are grossly mistaken.
IV needs to figure out other ways to generate cash if it thinks that would help. One way would be advertising on the site. I think IV has built this website well and it is an asset it needs to use NOW. I believe IV can charge up to $10,000 a day for advertising on the website. That would be $300,000/month or $3.6 million a year. Even $3000/day would result in over $1 million. That should not be very difficult to do.
Great idea.
Except, nobody is going to pay 10K/day to advertise on this site.
For a group that can't generate more than 4k-5k per month (200 contributions times 20) for something that it desperately needs, it would be an absolute travesty of common-sense for a business, to invest 300K per month in advertising to such a group.
Keep in mind the following two equations.
Membership+funding+lobbying+patience = Chance of success
Sitting on our butts = Guaranteed failure
BTW, I would also like to point out the antiwar website again.
They are doing a funding drive.
On day 1 of their funding drive, 117 people gave a total of 5312 dollars.
Their goal is 70K for this quarter. And they hope to raise that money in one week. After this week, they will again ask for funding in the next quarter.
Obviously they have a HUGE membership compared to IV. But that just underscores the need for increasing membership.
I believe the core group has made efforts to let us know what they are working on. Obviously, we shouldn't expect them to give us a daily update. That would be quite stupid.
and we don't believe it can do anything. The sooner IV accepts it, the better. I have seen this personally in talking to people and you can see the evidence with less than 300 people contributing. IV needs to produce results first.
I think this has also been addressed here in different threads. IV cannot, just by itself, get congress to pass pro-immigration laws. However, it can influence the senate/congress to add pro-EB provisions to pro-immigration laws.
If you think that with 8000 members, and 300 contributing members, you can have the congress/senate pass pro-EB laws, you are grossly mistaken.
IV needs to figure out other ways to generate cash if it thinks that would help. One way would be advertising on the site. I think IV has built this website well and it is an asset it needs to use NOW. I believe IV can charge up to $10,000 a day for advertising on the website. That would be $300,000/month or $3.6 million a year. Even $3000/day would result in over $1 million. That should not be very difficult to do.
Great idea.
Except, nobody is going to pay 10K/day to advertise on this site.
For a group that can't generate more than 4k-5k per month (200 contributions times 20) for something that it desperately needs, it would be an absolute travesty of common-sense for a business, to invest 300K per month in advertising to such a group.
Keep in mind the following two equations.
Membership+funding+lobbying+patience = Chance of success
Sitting on our butts = Guaranteed failure
BTW, I would also like to point out the antiwar website again.
They are doing a funding drive.
On day 1 of their funding drive, 117 people gave a total of 5312 dollars.
Their goal is 70K for this quarter. And they hope to raise that money in one week. After this week, they will again ask for funding in the next quarter.
Obviously they have a HUGE membership compared to IV. But that just underscores the need for increasing membership.
unitednations
03-30 10:21 PM
unitednations, you making this statement makes me scared. :eek:
Shouldn't they release some memo or something before making a drastic change like this???
They should...
What is confusing is that in the notice of intent to deny; uscis officer stated that person may be eligible for ac21 and to give a job letter.
The only thing I can think of is that there may have been something wrong with the I-140 (ie., too many cases file by the 140 company and company revoked it in response to an ability to pay query, etc.).
This particular company is pretty large staffing company. i do not have any interaction with them but from what I know; they have been cancelling a lot of people's h-1b's and telling them to find other employers to transfer to. Don't know if there is a story within a story.
Shouldn't they release some memo or something before making a drastic change like this???
They should...
What is confusing is that in the notice of intent to deny; uscis officer stated that person may be eligible for ac21 and to give a job letter.
The only thing I can think of is that there may have been something wrong with the I-140 (ie., too many cases file by the 140 company and company revoked it in response to an ability to pay query, etc.).
This particular company is pretty large staffing company. i do not have any interaction with them but from what I know; they have been cancelling a lot of people's h-1b's and telling them to find other employers to transfer to. Don't know if there is a story within a story.
more...
sobers
02-23 10:08 AM
February 22, 2006
Right TRACK Act
KENNEDY PUTS FORTH PLAN TO JUMPSTART AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS
Gives Major Address On Turning Era of Globalization into a New Era of Opportunity for America
Boston, MA�Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy was at Northeastern University to deliver a major address on his plan to reinvest in America's competitiveness and turn around damaging impact of the global economy. He was joined by President Richard Freeland, business leaders, students and educators to share his ideas of how to this country back on track.
Kennedy argues that our nation is at a crossroads: we can continue to be buffeted by the harsh winds of the global economy or we can think anew, and guide the currents of globalization with a new progressive vision that strengthens America and equips our citizens to move competitively to the future. He believes that we cannot advance forward by continuing down the same path of the last five years that put special interests over America's interests by cutting back on investments in education, invention, and innovation, as the Administration has done.
He said, "The 20th century was widely hailed as the American century is up for grabs. No nation is guaranteed a future of lasting prosperity. We have to work for it. We have to sacrifice for it. We must open new doors and new avenues for all Americans to make the most of their God-given talents and rekindle the fires of innovation in society. By doing so, we can turn this era of globalization into a new era of opportunity for America."
Senator Kennedy proposed a plan to move the country forward and to restore America's advantage in the workforce, education, health care and research and development. As he outlined it he said, "The essence of the American Dream is the ability to provide a better life for yourself and your family. At its very heart are a good job, first-class education, good health care, and a secure retirement. Some say the dream is out of reach in today's global economy. But I'm here today to tell you it doesn't have to be that way. We can revitalize the American Dream. "
Senator Kennedy's bill, the Right TRACK Act (The Right Time to Reinvest in America's Competitiveness) seeks to:
1) Create high quality jobs
2) Educate Americans to fill the jobs of the future
3) Preserve good jobs in the US
4) Level the Playing field for US workers and businesses abroad
5) Help those harmed by globalization, workers and communities
6) Modernize U.S. Labor and Employment Laws
For full text,
http://kennedy.senate.gov/~kennedy/statements/06/02/2006222443.html
Right TRACK Act
KENNEDY PUTS FORTH PLAN TO JUMPSTART AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS
Gives Major Address On Turning Era of Globalization into a New Era of Opportunity for America
Boston, MA�Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy was at Northeastern University to deliver a major address on his plan to reinvest in America's competitiveness and turn around damaging impact of the global economy. He was joined by President Richard Freeland, business leaders, students and educators to share his ideas of how to this country back on track.
Kennedy argues that our nation is at a crossroads: we can continue to be buffeted by the harsh winds of the global economy or we can think anew, and guide the currents of globalization with a new progressive vision that strengthens America and equips our citizens to move competitively to the future. He believes that we cannot advance forward by continuing down the same path of the last five years that put special interests over America's interests by cutting back on investments in education, invention, and innovation, as the Administration has done.
He said, "The 20th century was widely hailed as the American century is up for grabs. No nation is guaranteed a future of lasting prosperity. We have to work for it. We have to sacrifice for it. We must open new doors and new avenues for all Americans to make the most of their God-given talents and rekindle the fires of innovation in society. By doing so, we can turn this era of globalization into a new era of opportunity for America."
Senator Kennedy proposed a plan to move the country forward and to restore America's advantage in the workforce, education, health care and research and development. As he outlined it he said, "The essence of the American Dream is the ability to provide a better life for yourself and your family. At its very heart are a good job, first-class education, good health care, and a secure retirement. Some say the dream is out of reach in today's global economy. But I'm here today to tell you it doesn't have to be that way. We can revitalize the American Dream. "
Senator Kennedy's bill, the Right TRACK Act (The Right Time to Reinvest in America's Competitiveness) seeks to:
1) Create high quality jobs
2) Educate Americans to fill the jobs of the future
3) Preserve good jobs in the US
4) Level the Playing field for US workers and businesses abroad
5) Help those harmed by globalization, workers and communities
6) Modernize U.S. Labor and Employment Laws
For full text,
http://kennedy.senate.gov/~kennedy/statements/06/02/2006222443.html
2010 tHIS HAIRSTYLE IS AMAZING
petepatel
09-17 11:23 AM
It is on now
more...
k_usa
07-18 12:29 PM
Reached USCIS - 7/02
Service Center- NSC
rejected/accepted - Do not know
EB2 -
PD -01/2006
140 AD - 10/2006
Service Center- NSC
rejected/accepted - Do not know
EB2 -
PD -01/2006
140 AD - 10/2006
hair Hairstyle Handbook
pmb76
07-17 09:55 PM
Thanks all. I read the petition and I think it is great work. Yes, we need to send messages like this as a group.
Allow me to quote from the petition:
"It is required by law to pay an H1-B a minimum of $40000. "
I'm not challenging anything here, but can someone please point to the source of this? Is this Federal?
Again, I'm not challenging this. I just would appreciate some pointers so that I can learn more.
Thanks again.
http://www.techlawjournal.com/cong106/h1b/hr4227ih.htm
Please read section 201
"(ii) is offering and will offer during the period of authorized employment to H-1B nonimmigrants wages that are at least equal to an annual salary of $40,000 (including cash bonuses and similar compensation), except if the employer is an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965) or a related or affiliated nonprofit entity, a nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research organization, and".
Allow me to quote from the petition:
"It is required by law to pay an H1-B a minimum of $40000. "
I'm not challenging anything here, but can someone please point to the source of this? Is this Federal?
Again, I'm not challenging this. I just would appreciate some pointers so that I can learn more.
Thanks again.
http://www.techlawjournal.com/cong106/h1b/hr4227ih.htm
Please read section 201
"(ii) is offering and will offer during the period of authorized employment to H-1B nonimmigrants wages that are at least equal to an annual salary of $40,000 (including cash bonuses and similar compensation), except if the employer is an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965) or a related or affiliated nonprofit entity, a nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research organization, and".
more...
cygent
10-07 01:51 PM
Guys, I know this is immigration forum , so People who are not interested in this thread please ignore.
Considering the State of Markets and Global economy.
Please throw some ideas..
At this point, I think it makes more sense to become a blood sucking goolti employer. :D
updated-------->
To the punk you gave me red with the comment "What the fu*K did you mean by goolty? Did some gulti screwed your wife or mother??"
No, actually I was fucked by a GOOLTI not a GULTI like you. And if I find you I will make sure to buttfu*k your Dad & make you Mom suck my di*k later MotherFu*ker. If you Mom is dead, then maybe your GrandMom or Wife or Daughter. Oh, and also learn some grammar, it is "screw" not "screwed", guess they don't teach that in goolti schools huh? Arsehole Fuc**ng lonely inbred loser.
Add to the other who gave me red with "I dont see much difference b/w gulty, Marathi, Tamil, Gujju, Desi, Gora, Iraqui, Irani." I was referring to GOOLTI not GULTI. Visit www.goolti.com know the difference. Gulti's are hardworking Telugu folk, I have no problem with them. GOOLTI's are the blood sucking Employers. Thanks for understanding.
Considering the State of Markets and Global economy.
Please throw some ideas..
At this point, I think it makes more sense to become a blood sucking goolti employer. :D
updated-------->
To the punk you gave me red with the comment "What the fu*K did you mean by goolty? Did some gulti screwed your wife or mother??"
No, actually I was fucked by a GOOLTI not a GULTI like you. And if I find you I will make sure to buttfu*k your Dad & make you Mom suck my di*k later MotherFu*ker. If you Mom is dead, then maybe your GrandMom or Wife or Daughter. Oh, and also learn some grammar, it is "screw" not "screwed", guess they don't teach that in goolti schools huh? Arsehole Fuc**ng lonely inbred loser.
Add to the other who gave me red with "I dont see much difference b/w gulty, Marathi, Tamil, Gujju, Desi, Gora, Iraqui, Irani." I was referring to GOOLTI not GULTI. Visit www.goolti.com know the difference. Gulti's are hardworking Telugu folk, I have no problem with them. GOOLTI's are the blood sucking Employers. Thanks for understanding.
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arunmohan
06-12 03:13 PM
At least we should know that what is cooking inside. Because people are hanging here from 2001, USCIS should let us know how many GC(s) assigned to EB-3 India/ROW in 2008.
I would like to add one more item here but I don't know how many know this fact. I have seen and know that when someone wins a green card from Lottery, USCIS gives GC to all dependent family members of that person and they count one GC but in EB base they count GC for all family member(Primary applicant plus all his/her dependents). I think this is an Unjustice with us. We should raise this issue too.
I would like to add one more item here but I don't know how many know this fact. I have seen and know that when someone wins a green card from Lottery, USCIS gives GC to all dependent family members of that person and they count one GC but in EB base they count GC for all family member(Primary applicant plus all his/her dependents). I think this is an Unjustice with us. We should raise this issue too.
more...
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sriharirag
07-17 10:31 PM
Can we also add a section that says that H1Bs also pay taxes...including medicare and SS?
tattoo dramatic side swoop fringe
javadeveloper
11-25 08:10 AM
What are the steps to follow to switch over to EAD, do i have to fill out some form and how do i i nform uscis ?
Use EAD for working by filling I-9 form with your employer.Informing USCIS is optional.
Use EAD for working by filling I-9 form with your employer.Informing USCIS is optional.
more...
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Law Loving Alien
03-12 08:11 PM
Hello All,
How long does it take for decision after NSC has recieved I140 RFE response. My RFE was for my Employer Ability to pay i.e tax and bank documents etc.
Please see my details in the signature.
Is it worthwhile to convert my I140 to PP ? Will this expediete the whole process ? My I-140/I-485 are already current and NSC processing date mentions that they are already processing cases filed after me....
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly apprcieted.
Thanks,
Law Love Alien
Labor approved: March 2006
I-140/I-485/EAD Reciept Date: June 23, 2006 ( Filled Concurently in EB2)
I-140 : LUD on June 27, 2006, Aug 12, 2006
I-140 RFE issued on: Dec 18, 2006
I-140 RFE recieved by USCIS on: March 8, 2007
Fingerprinting Code 3 done: July 20, 2006
EAD approved: July 27, 2006 ( card recieved on July 31, 2006)
AP I-131: Reciept Date: Sep 22, 2006, LUD on Sep 27, 2006, AD Dec 11, 2006
I-485: LUD on June 27, 2006, July 20, 2006, July 21, 2006
Processing Center: Nebraska
Country: one of NON RETROGESSED COUNTRY
How long does it take for decision after NSC has recieved I140 RFE response. My RFE was for my Employer Ability to pay i.e tax and bank documents etc.
Please see my details in the signature.
Is it worthwhile to convert my I140 to PP ? Will this expediete the whole process ? My I-140/I-485 are already current and NSC processing date mentions that they are already processing cases filed after me....
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly apprcieted.
Thanks,
Law Love Alien
Labor approved: March 2006
I-140/I-485/EAD Reciept Date: June 23, 2006 ( Filled Concurently in EB2)
I-140 : LUD on June 27, 2006, Aug 12, 2006
I-140 RFE issued on: Dec 18, 2006
I-140 RFE recieved by USCIS on: March 8, 2007
Fingerprinting Code 3 done: July 20, 2006
EAD approved: July 27, 2006 ( card recieved on July 31, 2006)
AP I-131: Reciept Date: Sep 22, 2006, LUD on Sep 27, 2006, AD Dec 11, 2006
I-485: LUD on June 27, 2006, July 20, 2006, July 21, 2006
Processing Center: Nebraska
Country: one of NON RETROGESSED COUNTRY
dresses Jennifer Aninston Hairstyle
Vexir
06-15 06:14 AM
Ok here's a much better one than my last one, I'd like this one in the poll...
-Matt
Heyyy not allowed, you can't skin the screen/clickwheel.
Thats not how a skin works mate C:-)
--------------------------------------
And thus far for which one I want in the poll I am undecided as it is:
1 person likes Orasquare Pod better.
1 person likes Carbon Pod better.
-Matt
Heyyy not allowed, you can't skin the screen/clickwheel.
Thats not how a skin works mate C:-)
--------------------------------------
And thus far for which one I want in the poll I am undecided as it is:
1 person likes Orasquare Pod better.
1 person likes Carbon Pod better.
more...
makeup how-to-style-angs-hairstyle-
DesiGuy
09-17 11:26 AM
no audio for me....anyone else have trbl?
girlfriend Hairstyle: Thinned out and
ashishgour
09-17 11:28 AM
I can hear audio clearly
They are accusing someone of wrong doings - like taking money etc..
They are accusing someone of wrong doings - like taking money etc..
hairstyles Keira Knightley Hairstyles
chicago60607
09-17 11:58 AM
I thought they had a out of the room settlement for 6020 already, why should they again keep discussing so much
sobers
02-24 09:52 AM
Another rallly by illegals...this one by Latin Americans in Miami.
-----------------------
The Miami Herald, Posted on Fri, Feb. 24, 2006 - IMMIGRATION
McCAIN TOUTS IMMIGRATION REFORM PLAN IN MIAMI: In a Miami rally, Sen. John McCain pushes for reform that would legalize up to 11 million migrants
BY ALFONSO CHARDY - achardy@MiamiHerald.com
Pushing for immigration reform that would legalize as many as 11 million undocumented immigrants, Sen. John McCain was preaching to the converted Thursday night at a packed town hall meeting that at times seemed part stump speech for the Arizona Republican who's eyeing a run for the White House.
''Our legislation will be taken up in the United States Senate within the next weeks and you've got to go to work,'' McCain told the more than 1,000 cheering and chanting supporters at a cavernous auditorium at Miami Dade College's Wolfson campus downtown, urging all to garner grass-roots support for the bill he and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, have co-sponsored. ``You've got to work not only here in Miami-Dade and around Florida but around the country.''
The town hall meeting, which had the feel of a campaign rally, brought together disparate groups -- Cuban and Haitian immigrants, business and labor union leaders, Mexican farm workers and South American illegal immigrants -- all united behind the common agenda of helping the McCain-Kennedy bill prevail in the coming congressional debate.
McCain's Miami visit, which included get-togethers with Cuban-American business leaders and young immigrant students, came on the same day that the Bush administration extended for a year a controversial temporary worker program for 304,000 Central American illegal immigrants living in the United States.
MOST GENEROUS BILL
The McCain-Kennedy bill would grant temporary work permits to illegal immigrants and then after waiting six years and paying a $2,000 fine, it would enable them to apply for green cards.
It is the most generous of the bills now before Congress. A bill passed by the House in December seeks to criminalize illegal immigrants, impose stiff penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and target for prosecution anyone, even religious or advocacy groups, if they help undocumented migrants.
SALVADORAN AID
Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca, meanwhile, teamed up with South Florida's three Cuban-American U.S. representatives in Miami Thursday to thank President Bush for ordering the continuation of TPS.
Emilio Gonzalez, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, told The Miami Herald that TPS extension reflected an administration policy to "help our neighbors and do the right thing in their time of need."
The Miami Herald reported last month that Homeland Security officials were debating ending TPS for Central Americans. That spread alarm in the immigrant community, triggering intense lobbying of the White House by Miami's Cuban- American representatives and Central American community leaders.
Gonzalez said the program was extended for a year instead of the regular 18 months because that was the ''consensus'' decision.
Saca said that when he meets with Bush in Washington today he will also urge the president to push for broader immigration reform.
Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and his brother Mario Diaz-Balart gave Saca credit for helping to keep the program alive by lobbying hard on the issue.
''He is the hero of the moment,'' said Lincoln Diaz-Balart.
Critics of the TPS program believe it has become an entitlement for certain illegal migrants -- while proponents argue it represents income and stability for poor Central American countries.
The extension covers about 225,000 Salvadorans, 75,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans. Extensions will expire Sept. 9, 2007, for Salvadorans and July 5, 2007, for Hondurans and Nicaraguans.
Among the TPS immigrants attending the Saca press conference was Yesi Gonz�lez, 23, of Honduras, who grew up in Miami since she was 7 years old. She now works at Padr�n Cigars.
''I'm very happy because I was very worried that I would have to leave my job, and maybe the country,'' she commented.
-----------------------
The Miami Herald, Posted on Fri, Feb. 24, 2006 - IMMIGRATION
McCAIN TOUTS IMMIGRATION REFORM PLAN IN MIAMI: In a Miami rally, Sen. John McCain pushes for reform that would legalize up to 11 million migrants
BY ALFONSO CHARDY - achardy@MiamiHerald.com
Pushing for immigration reform that would legalize as many as 11 million undocumented immigrants, Sen. John McCain was preaching to the converted Thursday night at a packed town hall meeting that at times seemed part stump speech for the Arizona Republican who's eyeing a run for the White House.
''Our legislation will be taken up in the United States Senate within the next weeks and you've got to go to work,'' McCain told the more than 1,000 cheering and chanting supporters at a cavernous auditorium at Miami Dade College's Wolfson campus downtown, urging all to garner grass-roots support for the bill he and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, have co-sponsored. ``You've got to work not only here in Miami-Dade and around Florida but around the country.''
The town hall meeting, which had the feel of a campaign rally, brought together disparate groups -- Cuban and Haitian immigrants, business and labor union leaders, Mexican farm workers and South American illegal immigrants -- all united behind the common agenda of helping the McCain-Kennedy bill prevail in the coming congressional debate.
McCain's Miami visit, which included get-togethers with Cuban-American business leaders and young immigrant students, came on the same day that the Bush administration extended for a year a controversial temporary worker program for 304,000 Central American illegal immigrants living in the United States.
MOST GENEROUS BILL
The McCain-Kennedy bill would grant temporary work permits to illegal immigrants and then after waiting six years and paying a $2,000 fine, it would enable them to apply for green cards.
It is the most generous of the bills now before Congress. A bill passed by the House in December seeks to criminalize illegal immigrants, impose stiff penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and target for prosecution anyone, even religious or advocacy groups, if they help undocumented migrants.
SALVADORAN AID
Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca, meanwhile, teamed up with South Florida's three Cuban-American U.S. representatives in Miami Thursday to thank President Bush for ordering the continuation of TPS.
Emilio Gonzalez, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, told The Miami Herald that TPS extension reflected an administration policy to "help our neighbors and do the right thing in their time of need."
The Miami Herald reported last month that Homeland Security officials were debating ending TPS for Central Americans. That spread alarm in the immigrant community, triggering intense lobbying of the White House by Miami's Cuban- American representatives and Central American community leaders.
Gonzalez said the program was extended for a year instead of the regular 18 months because that was the ''consensus'' decision.
Saca said that when he meets with Bush in Washington today he will also urge the president to push for broader immigration reform.
Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and his brother Mario Diaz-Balart gave Saca credit for helping to keep the program alive by lobbying hard on the issue.
''He is the hero of the moment,'' said Lincoln Diaz-Balart.
Critics of the TPS program believe it has become an entitlement for certain illegal migrants -- while proponents argue it represents income and stability for poor Central American countries.
The extension covers about 225,000 Salvadorans, 75,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans. Extensions will expire Sept. 9, 2007, for Salvadorans and July 5, 2007, for Hondurans and Nicaraguans.
Among the TPS immigrants attending the Saca press conference was Yesi Gonz�lez, 23, of Honduras, who grew up in Miami since she was 7 years old. She now works at Padr�n Cigars.
''I'm very happy because I was very worried that I would have to leave my job, and maybe the country,'' she commented.
franklin
07-13 09:04 PM
Ok guys
For those attending, here are some last minute notes:-
Wear comfortable, yet smart clothes. Remember, we'll be marching for a few hours in the mid day SJ heat!
We also request you bring some yellow or white flowers to hand out.
Bring water, snacks and sunscreen
Bring friends and family
If you can, print out some IV flyers to hand out.
But most of all...
Bring good humor and smiles - this'll be fun!:D
See you tomorrow!
For those attending, here are some last minute notes:-
Wear comfortable, yet smart clothes. Remember, we'll be marching for a few hours in the mid day SJ heat!
We also request you bring some yellow or white flowers to hand out.
Bring water, snacks and sunscreen
Bring friends and family
If you can, print out some IV flyers to hand out.
But most of all...
Bring good humor and smiles - this'll be fun!:D
See you tomorrow!
