Jul
10
Microsoft To Open Canadian Offices After Immigration Bill Defeat
Filed Under Immigration News, Z Visa | Leave a Comment
US computer giant Microsoft has announced plans to build a software development center in Vancouver, Canada after the recent comprehensive immigration reform bill (aka the ‘Strive Act’ or the ‘Z’ Visa) was defeated in the US Senate.
If the bill had been approved by the Senate, companies such as Microsoft would have been able to hire a higher number of skilled workers from overseas. But the controversial bill never made it through the Senate after opponents called the bill an ‘amnesty’ for illegal immigrants.
Current restrictions on work visas are proving very difficult for big companies - for example, only 85000 H-1B visa’s were allocated this year despite 150000 applications.
If Microsoft build their development center in Canada, there will be no similar restrictions on the hiring of skilled foreign labor.
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates says, “Unfortunately, our immigration policies are driving away the world’s best and brightest, precisely when we need them most.”
To read more about this story, click here.
Jul
9
A national association of immigration lawyers is planning on bringing a class-action lawsuit against the US government on behalf of thousands of legal immigrants were encouraged by the government to apply for permanent residency.
The applicants were apparently caught in the crossfire between the State Department and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who blame poor communication for the false information given to applicants.
An announcement had been made stating that permanent residency visas were available, but days later applicants found out that, in fact, there were none - causing great confusion and inconvenience for thousands of people who changed their travel plans and rushed to send in the correct paperwork.
USCIS spokesman William Wright says, “Was there a lack of communication between us and the State Department? Certainly.”
To read more about this story, click here.
Jul
6
Ask Chris: US Visa With Criminal Record
Filed Under Ask Chris, Interesting Immigration Tips | Leave a Comment
Q: A relative of mine is apply for an F-1 student VISA for the USA. As a juvenile (13 year old) he was cautioned by the police (along with a group of lads) for “theft from a person”. At 15 years old he was cautioned for “damage to a building”. He has never appeared in court and has only had “reprimand final warnings” by the UK Police. He is obviously now an adult. Does he have to declare these incidents when applying for an F1 Visa or would these not be relevant to Embassy checks?
A: To answer your question, a lot would depend on how old your friend is now and what evidence he can come up with as to his reformed character. When someone has any kind of police record they have a duty to US Immigration to submit evidence that they have been rehabilitated. He should definitely admit to everything in the paperwork, but also submit overwhelming evidence of reform.
Jul
3
The death of the current comprehensive immigration reform bill in the Senate has caused concern for wheat farmers across the US who rely on foreign labor to bring in wheat crops.
The defeat of the immigration bill means that people such as combine operator leader Thomas Murphy will face great difficulty finding enough crew members to cut the wheat.
Almost 2500 legal immigrants from countries such as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand who work in the US as wheat cutters are responsible for almost one-third of all the wheat in a $7.7 billion market. The failure of the immigration bill will result in an already serious labor shortage turning critical.
US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says, “You’ll have labor that simply doesn’t get done. We have a system that doesn’t work very well, so they’re really struggling.”
To read more about this story, click here.
Jul
2
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the allocation of all employment-based visas for the 2007 fiscal year.
As a result, all applications received by the USCIS for status adjustment (Form I-485) will automatically be rejected.
For more information, visit www.USCIS.gov.