manderson
05-21 02:10 PM
...only problem is they care only about H1:
US-India visa row overshadows Doha talks
By Alan Beattie in London and Jo Johnson in New Delhi
Published: May 17 2007 17:52 | Last updated: May 18 2007 03:23
Tentative signs of progress among the four core negotiating partners in the so-called �Doha round� of world trade talks have been overshadowed by a row over US visas given to Indian information technology workers.
Two days of negotiations between the US, the EU, India and Brazil began in Brussels on Thursday, as officials said talks had accelerated from the sluggish pace they have shown for most of this year.
But Kamal Nath, Indian trade minister, warned that US reluctance to allow Indian IT workers to enter the US on highly skilled �H1-B� visas jeopardised progress. Seeking to shift the emphasis away from India�s intransigence about exposing its farmers to international competition, Mr Nath said a failure to increase the H1-B quota would deny India the export gains it needed to make a deal.
Echoing language often used by the EU and the US, he told the FT on Wednesday: �We agree that the talks cannot move forward with agriculture alone. Our services interests must be satisfied for progress to be made.�
Delhi reacted angrily this week to a letter sent to Indian IT companies by two US senators, alleging fraud and abuse in the H1-B programme. Charles Grassley and Richard Durbin, members of the Senate subcommittee on immigration, said the visas were being used to undercut US workers with lower-paid foreign employees.
In a letter to Susan Schwab, US trade representative, seen by the FT, Mr Nath said that the approach, which was not made through the office of the US trade representative, was surprising and unwelcome.
�Such direct intervention by US senators would only create uncertainties in the minds of these companies and undermine business confidence, especially in the current negotiations on services,� the letter said.
So great is demand for H1B visas from Indian IT companies that this year�s quota of 65,000 was filled in a day. An Indian commerce ministry official said on Thursday that India wanted the annual cap lifted to 115,000.
A USTR spokesperson on Thursday declined to comment on either the senators� letter or the negotiations over visas in the Doha round.
Officials and ministers expressed some guarded optimism ahead of this week�s meetings of the four negotiating partners, though remained non-committal about the substance of talks. Ms Schwab said that some issues, including access to the agricultural markets of developing countries, a key demand of the US, had further to go than others.
The rest of the World Trade Organisation membership, among whom frustration with the �group of four� has been rising, has been trying to increase pressure on them to make the trade-offs necessary to achieve a framework agreement before the traditional WTO summer break in August. �They are moving, but whether they are moving fast enough is another question,� a trade official said.
Crawford Falconer, the New Zealand ambassador who chairs the farm talks, last week released the first of two papers setting out the terms for a possible deal.
US-India visa row overshadows Doha talks
By Alan Beattie in London and Jo Johnson in New Delhi
Published: May 17 2007 17:52 | Last updated: May 18 2007 03:23
Tentative signs of progress among the four core negotiating partners in the so-called �Doha round� of world trade talks have been overshadowed by a row over US visas given to Indian information technology workers.
Two days of negotiations between the US, the EU, India and Brazil began in Brussels on Thursday, as officials said talks had accelerated from the sluggish pace they have shown for most of this year.
But Kamal Nath, Indian trade minister, warned that US reluctance to allow Indian IT workers to enter the US on highly skilled �H1-B� visas jeopardised progress. Seeking to shift the emphasis away from India�s intransigence about exposing its farmers to international competition, Mr Nath said a failure to increase the H1-B quota would deny India the export gains it needed to make a deal.
Echoing language often used by the EU and the US, he told the FT on Wednesday: �We agree that the talks cannot move forward with agriculture alone. Our services interests must be satisfied for progress to be made.�
Delhi reacted angrily this week to a letter sent to Indian IT companies by two US senators, alleging fraud and abuse in the H1-B programme. Charles Grassley and Richard Durbin, members of the Senate subcommittee on immigration, said the visas were being used to undercut US workers with lower-paid foreign employees.
In a letter to Susan Schwab, US trade representative, seen by the FT, Mr Nath said that the approach, which was not made through the office of the US trade representative, was surprising and unwelcome.
�Such direct intervention by US senators would only create uncertainties in the minds of these companies and undermine business confidence, especially in the current negotiations on services,� the letter said.
So great is demand for H1B visas from Indian IT companies that this year�s quota of 65,000 was filled in a day. An Indian commerce ministry official said on Thursday that India wanted the annual cap lifted to 115,000.
A USTR spokesperson on Thursday declined to comment on either the senators� letter or the negotiations over visas in the Doha round.
Officials and ministers expressed some guarded optimism ahead of this week�s meetings of the four negotiating partners, though remained non-committal about the substance of talks. Ms Schwab said that some issues, including access to the agricultural markets of developing countries, a key demand of the US, had further to go than others.
The rest of the World Trade Organisation membership, among whom frustration with the �group of four� has been rising, has been trying to increase pressure on them to make the trade-offs necessary to achieve a framework agreement before the traditional WTO summer break in August. �They are moving, but whether they are moving fast enough is another question,� a trade official said.
Crawford Falconer, the New Zealand ambassador who chairs the farm talks, last week released the first of two papers setting out the terms for a possible deal.
wallpaper amortization tables.
hariswaminathan
06-21 11:52 PM
Got this from the Chennai US consulate website.
I apologise if this info is old - i had never heard of the US consulate issueing "B1 in lieu of H1" visa.
B-1 in Lieu of H
Any person holding a B1 or B1/B2 visa may be eligible to perform H-1B work in the United States as long as they fulfill the following criteria:
Hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor�s degree
Plan to perform H-1B-caliber work or training
Will be paid only by their foreign employer, except reimbursement of incidental travel costs such as housing and per diem. The employee must not receive any salary from a U.S. source.
The task can be accomplished in a short period of time.
These travelers would be admitted as B1 visitors, and may only stay in the U.S. for the time allotted by the Department of Homeland Security upon entry.
Like any other B1/B2 applicant, travelers must still show strong professional, familial and financial or other ties, which indicate a strong inducement to return to the country of origin or another country other than the United States.
Consulate General Chennai is prepared to issue B1/B2 visas to qualified applicants for this purpose. These visas may also be used for tourism. Current holders of B1/B2 visas may already use this provision without seeking another visa.
When seeking a visa for this purpose, please clearly explain this in the applicant�s BEP cover letter.
If the applicant and employer so chooses, they may also apply for a more limited B1 visa with the annotation �B-1 in lieu of H.� These visas may not be used for pleasure travel.
The Customs and Border Patrol agents at Ports of Entry are aware of this provision. If asked at the border, applicants are advised to explain completely their purpose of travel and that they will not be paid from sources based in the United States. Travelers are encouraged to carry a letter from their host company and Indian employer listing the traveler�s duties, length of stay and remuneration plans.
I apologise if this info is old - i had never heard of the US consulate issueing "B1 in lieu of H1" visa.
B-1 in Lieu of H
Any person holding a B1 or B1/B2 visa may be eligible to perform H-1B work in the United States as long as they fulfill the following criteria:
Hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor�s degree
Plan to perform H-1B-caliber work or training
Will be paid only by their foreign employer, except reimbursement of incidental travel costs such as housing and per diem. The employee must not receive any salary from a U.S. source.
The task can be accomplished in a short period of time.
These travelers would be admitted as B1 visitors, and may only stay in the U.S. for the time allotted by the Department of Homeland Security upon entry.
Like any other B1/B2 applicant, travelers must still show strong professional, familial and financial or other ties, which indicate a strong inducement to return to the country of origin or another country other than the United States.
Consulate General Chennai is prepared to issue B1/B2 visas to qualified applicants for this purpose. These visas may also be used for tourism. Current holders of B1/B2 visas may already use this provision without seeking another visa.
When seeking a visa for this purpose, please clearly explain this in the applicant�s BEP cover letter.
If the applicant and employer so chooses, they may also apply for a more limited B1 visa with the annotation �B-1 in lieu of H.� These visas may not be used for pleasure travel.
The Customs and Border Patrol agents at Ports of Entry are aware of this provision. If asked at the border, applicants are advised to explain completely their purpose of travel and that they will not be paid from sources based in the United States. Travelers are encouraged to carry a letter from their host company and Indian employer listing the traveler�s duties, length of stay and remuneration plans.
lvinaykumar
06-30 12:40 PM
I am sure many of you don't know about TANA organization ( www.tana.org ). TANA is held every 2 years in one of the major cities in US, and for 2009 TANA is scheduled to happen in Chicago.
"TANA IS GOING TO CELEBRATE 2009 CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO AT DONALD E STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER, ROSEMONT FROM JULY 02, 2009 TO JULY 04, 2009. "
They usually get around 12,000 to 15,000 guest of Telugu speaking people. The point i would like to make is to increase the exposure of to IV, we need to put up a booth in TANA 2009. I have attended TANA organization committee meeting on Sunday, 29 2008 and have spoken to them about IV. TANA has several stage shows, booth for business , food stalls and much more. TANA Chicago org will be needing some help( not sure what at this time ). but if we can help them so that they give us some exposure in the TANA 2009. it will be really great.
Secondly, we can have our own booth which will cost some money we can get lot of publicity.
This is just a idea and a i think it is a win-win for both of us. Let me know what you guys think.
"TANA IS GOING TO CELEBRATE 2009 CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO AT DONALD E STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER, ROSEMONT FROM JULY 02, 2009 TO JULY 04, 2009. "
They usually get around 12,000 to 15,000 guest of Telugu speaking people. The point i would like to make is to increase the exposure of to IV, we need to put up a booth in TANA 2009. I have attended TANA organization committee meeting on Sunday, 29 2008 and have spoken to them about IV. TANA has several stage shows, booth for business , food stalls and much more. TANA Chicago org will be needing some help( not sure what at this time ). but if we can help them so that they give us some exposure in the TANA 2009. it will be really great.
Secondly, we can have our own booth which will cost some money we can get lot of publicity.
This is just a idea and a i think it is a win-win for both of us. Let me know what you guys think.
2011 Amortization schedule mortgage
scabal12
06-12 06:59 PM
Also my H1-B is valid till 2011.
more...
roseball
04-20 02:04 PM
I dont think there is any need to apply for amendment in premium processing as long as you file the amendment before your current I-94 expires (which in your case is the date of EAD expiry).....I would suggest you to check with some other lawyer too regarding this because $1000 is not a small amount....
waiting4gc
08-20 12:58 PM
As far as possible, I would strongly suggest to stay away from small consulting companies. These typically pay you only when you are on project and that too after taking a huge cut from your billing rate. For e.g. it is very common for such a company to bill $80-100/hr i.e. $160-200K annually for an employee but pay the employee between $50-70K only.
Also I have heard horror stories of delayed payrolls, h1 not being given to employee fearing that the employee might change jobs and so forth.
However if you are strong of heart, and can negotiate well, you might be able to make more money. For e.g. if you already have EAD, you are not bound to them. Thus you can always say that you want 80% of billing rate or else no deal. :)
Also I have heard horror stories of delayed payrolls, h1 not being given to employee fearing that the employee might change jobs and so forth.
However if you are strong of heart, and can negotiate well, you might be able to make more money. For e.g. if you already have EAD, you are not bound to them. Thus you can always say that you want 80% of billing rate or else no deal. :)
more...
485_se_dukhi
07-20 03:03 PM
This link shows which senators supported and which ones opposed the bill.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00266
This motion was defeated by a very narrow margin (5 votes)... and you can see that exactly 5 senators abstained.
So, what this implies that some effort needs to go to contacting fence sitters and apprise them of our views and hopefully, get them to support us.
Would appreciate guidance from core team on this....
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00266
This motion was defeated by a very narrow margin (5 votes)... and you can see that exactly 5 senators abstained.
So, what this implies that some effort needs to go to contacting fence sitters and apprise them of our views and hopefully, get them to support us.
Would appreciate guidance from core team on this....
2010 Amortization Tables
gsc999
06-13 02:30 PM
Americans want immigrants like yourself who follow the rules and contribute to American society; it is our valued tradition. What we don't want is illegals walking all over our laws. The illegals hurt lawfull immigrants. I married an immigrant who followed the rules, she's very bitter over the way this country is pandering to the Hispanic Reconquista crowd. Americans don't want the amnesty, but the government is pushing for it. Legal immigrants and applicants, IMO, should stand up and be heard to fight anmesty as well.
---
Polk1848: Stop patronizing us. Your condescending attitude won't go far on this forum. Each one of IV member is a quintessential American in the making. We understand the American dream far better then many born American citizen, who think everybody else owe them something just because they were born in USA. We, on the other hand are living and moving towards the classic American dream. A good start will be to join us in our cause instead of demanding we oppose Hispanics or undocumented immigrants.
---
Polk1848: Stop patronizing us. Your condescending attitude won't go far on this forum. Each one of IV member is a quintessential American in the making. We understand the American dream far better then many born American citizen, who think everybody else owe them something just because they were born in USA. We, on the other hand are living and moving towards the classic American dream. A good start will be to join us in our cause instead of demanding we oppose Hispanics or undocumented immigrants.
more...
24fps
02-24 07:20 AM
It's going to get worse from here, atleast the good thing is people who are "breaking" the laws or working through loopholes will sober up and it might turn out to be a goodthing
as long as existing rules are followed it should be ok, the problem will arise if the protectionists come up with absurd compliances, hopefully there will be a balancing act that follows and works out for the better of the system.
as long as existing rules are followed it should be ok, the problem will arise if the protectionists come up with absurd compliances, hopefully there will be a balancing act that follows and works out for the better of the system.
hair rate amortization schedule
reachinus
08-25 09:42 AM
Good and happy to know that i was able to help you.
This is extremely helpful. I did not even get so much information from the Call Center.
Thank you everyone for your ideas. I think I am finally ready for file for my EAD :)
This is extremely helpful. I did not even get so much information from the Call Center.
Thank you everyone for your ideas. I think I am finally ready for file for my EAD :)
more...
desi3933
03-24 08:51 AM
Hi,
I've been in US for over a year on my L1b Visa. Last year i applied for my H1B visa and got through in the loottery. My Visa became effective Oct08. I still have net left my L1 company and nor have got my H1B Visa stamped. Its been 6 months since the VISA is effective. What should I do now, Im not getting jobs outside and also the L1 company is more secure from the job perspective. Should I just revoke my H1B or is it ok to live in the US like this?
Thanks
Leave US asap and re-enter using L1 visa stamp to get back into L1 status.
___________________
Not a legal advice.
I've been in US for over a year on my L1b Visa. Last year i applied for my H1B visa and got through in the loottery. My Visa became effective Oct08. I still have net left my L1 company and nor have got my H1B Visa stamped. Its been 6 months since the VISA is effective. What should I do now, Im not getting jobs outside and also the L1 company is more secure from the job perspective. Should I just revoke my H1B or is it ok to live in the US like this?
Thanks
Leave US asap and re-enter using L1 visa stamp to get back into L1 status.
___________________
Not a legal advice.
hot Amortization Schedule for your
royjonny
06-19 01:16 PM
Well the lawyer representing the new company believes that without a copy of 140
1. that, they cannot do a H1B transfer.
2. that, I cannot do EAD extension when it expires in October 2008.
1. that, they cannot do a H1B transfer.
2. that, I cannot do EAD extension when it expires in October 2008.
more...
house Calculate the monthly payment
indyanguy
06-29 07:28 PM
Thanks for the reply. Here's why it becomes more complicated. I asked my attorney about starting a new EB2 process (I have a MS from US). However, the attorney says he doesn't recommend starting a new PERM process as he strongly believes that this will affect the current EB3 I-140 application. He feels that USCIS will look at the ongoing EB3 application and deem it unnecessary to approve it (as I would have applied for a different position for EB2). Hence I might lose my PD !!
He suggests that I wait till my EB I-140 is approved. But that might take another year considering the slow NSC processing times!!
Any suggestions?
He suggests that I wait till my EB I-140 is approved. But that might take another year considering the slow NSC processing times!!
Any suggestions?
tattoo mortgage amortization tables
jq45
06-15 10:11 AM
Medical Examination I-693 (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=eb1f3591ec04d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 RCRD)
On this link it says the following:
Edition Date :
9/16/05. Previous editions accepted
I'm a confused by that. So 9/16/05 is the revision date, and both the new form that expires 5/31/08 as well as the current one that expires 06/30/07 have that says revision 9/16/05. So it looks like it's the identical form except for the expiry date and OMB number.
On this link it says the following:
Edition Date :
9/16/05. Previous editions accepted
I'm a confused by that. So 9/16/05 is the revision date, and both the new form that expires 5/31/08 as well as the current one that expires 06/30/07 have that says revision 9/16/05. So it looks like it's the identical form except for the expiry date and OMB number.
more...
pictures An Amortization Schedule (see
sunny26
11-16 08:20 AM
Hi Raj
If ur case is pending more than 30days from the processing time shown on there website ur lawyer or employer can open a service request(SR).they will send u the decision usually within30days from the date of SR.
Quizzer rd is dec2006 EB2. But there site shows they r processing feb2007 case so after 30 days his lawyer opened a SR and got response that what he meant.
quizzer
What is raised SR means?
Mine also filed in DEC'2006; but no news yet.
Thanks
RT
If ur case is pending more than 30days from the processing time shown on there website ur lawyer or employer can open a service request(SR).they will send u the decision usually within30days from the date of SR.
Quizzer rd is dec2006 EB2. But there site shows they r processing feb2007 case so after 30 days his lawyer opened a SR and got response that what he meant.
quizzer
What is raised SR means?
Mine also filed in DEC'2006; but no news yet.
Thanks
RT
dresses Loan Amortization Table
desi3933
07-05 03:14 PM
Hi All,
Please clarify my doubts if you can.
The G-325A form is asking for dates of previous employment. I have an issue here.....
I did an L1 to H1 transfer in 2005. My L1 was valid till APRIL 2006. So my intention was to work with L1 employer till April 2006 and then switch to H1 employer.
H1 employer also applied for a change of status, I was not aware of the whole status issue that time. I asked the H1 company's lawyer whether I could continue with my L1 employer after getting the H1 and she said it's fine.
So I got the H1B approval in Oct 2005, but still continued with L1 employer till APRIL 2006, then switched to H1.
Recently I came to know that this could be an issue. When I was filling the G-325A form, I wondered if I specify that I worked with the L1 employer till APRIL 2006, would they catch this?? Even if they catch , how big an issue would this be??
If I put the dates to reflect the dates to show that I quit my L1 employer in Oct 2005 itself, would this be an issue?? I guess in this case, if by any chance they ask for any further evidence like pay stubs or W2 in that period of time, I would be in trouble.
Any advice is appreciated. I'm afraid to talk about this to my current company attorney....
Thanks.
Did you get new I-94 with H1 transfer?
Any re-entry in USA after that?
___________________
Not a legal advice.
Please clarify my doubts if you can.
The G-325A form is asking for dates of previous employment. I have an issue here.....
I did an L1 to H1 transfer in 2005. My L1 was valid till APRIL 2006. So my intention was to work with L1 employer till April 2006 and then switch to H1 employer.
H1 employer also applied for a change of status, I was not aware of the whole status issue that time. I asked the H1 company's lawyer whether I could continue with my L1 employer after getting the H1 and she said it's fine.
So I got the H1B approval in Oct 2005, but still continued with L1 employer till APRIL 2006, then switched to H1.
Recently I came to know that this could be an issue. When I was filling the G-325A form, I wondered if I specify that I worked with the L1 employer till APRIL 2006, would they catch this?? Even if they catch , how big an issue would this be??
If I put the dates to reflect the dates to show that I quit my L1 employer in Oct 2005 itself, would this be an issue?? I guess in this case, if by any chance they ask for any further evidence like pay stubs or W2 in that period of time, I would be in trouble.
Any advice is appreciated. I'm afraid to talk about this to my current company attorney....
Thanks.
Did you get new I-94 with H1 transfer?
Any re-entry in USA after that?
___________________
Not a legal advice.
more...
makeup Amortization Table Monthly
mandyharper
November 9th, 2004, 06:41 AM
I am new to SLR photography so I do not have any lenses or leanings to any particular manufacturer. My US$1000 has to buy atleast one lense to get me up and running.
I was going to buy the Digital Rebel but I am now considering waiting to see what the Olympus Evolt performs like. I need to have a camera before mid December as I am going on vacation.
Any comments? Is four-thirds here to stay?
:confused:
I was going to buy the Digital Rebel but I am now considering waiting to see what the Olympus Evolt performs like. I need to have a camera before mid December as I am going on vacation.
Any comments? Is four-thirds here to stay?
:confused:
girlfriend Amortization Table
bin673
07-10 01:18 PM
did you guys see this ?
http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2006/09/15/my-kingdom-for-a-movie-ticket/
http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2006/09/15/my-kingdom-for-a-movie-ticket/
hairstyles Free Loan Amortization Schedule Select Monthly Payment Amount
Enebreus
01-19 09:09 PM
Damnit,
I thought I was detecting that error...
Saxx, try making sure you don't have other Flash windows up. I'm using the Sound Spectrum analyzer and it doesn't like to share with other flash apps. Close any YouTube windows you have up and try again please.
I thought I was detecting that error...
Saxx, try making sure you don't have other Flash windows up. I'm using the Sound Spectrum analyzer and it doesn't like to share with other flash apps. Close any YouTube windows you have up and try again please.
hope49
07-08 06:45 PM
Hi,
does anyone has experience working with satyam computers as a consultant on H1B ?
Thanks.
does anyone has experience working with satyam computers as a consultant on H1B ?
Thanks.
bp333
09-25 04:41 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/25/navarrette.obama.immigration/index.html
By Ruben Navarrette Jr.
Special to CNN
Editor's note: Ruben Navarrette Jr. is a nationally syndicated columnist and a regular contributor to CNN.com. Read his column here.
Ruben Navarrette Jr. asks why the nation's chief multitasker can't take time for immigration reform.
SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- President Obama has placed the immigration reform community at the back of the bus.
This same president who insists the country can't wait to fix what he calls a broken health care system tells reformers to wait for him to get around to fixing what they consider to be an equally broken immigration system.
The same president who tried to juggle a half dozen major policy initiatives in his first few months in office now seems unsure of his ability to -- as he told Univision's Jorge Ramos in an interview last weekend -- "solve every problem at once."
And the same president who seems to understand that the longer he waits to accomplish health care reform, the more difficult it will be to get, doesn't seem to understand the same is true with immigration reform.
The political math for both kinds of reform only gets more difficult if Democrats lose seats in the House and Senate in next year's midterm elections, as is expected to happen.
During a recent speech to a black-tie gala for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Obama again promised action on immigration -- at some point. But he didn't give a timetable.
Obama and his advisers decided to attack health care reform before immigration reform. That obviously was a mistake.
'Latino in America'
The Latino population is set to nearly triple by 2050. This October, Soledad O'Brien journeys into the homes and hearts of a group destined to change the U.S. Witness the evolution of a country as Latinos change America and America changes Latinos.
October 21 & 22, 9 p.m. ET
see full schedule �
One thing that has thrown a wrench into the prospects for health care reform is the Joe Wilsonian concern that illegal immigrants might get free health care as a result of the reform process. Had that issue been addressed beforehand by giving illegal immigrants a path to earned legalization, that controversy might have been defused. Now Obama might walk away with nothing.
Be that as it may, it's clear that immigration reform just isn't a top priority for this administration.
The White House may view this as a niche issue, one with limited impact on any group other than Latinos. If so, that shows how little they know.
Business groups, law enforcement, border security advocates, organized labor, high-tech firms, university educators and others are all clamoring for immigration reform. For the record, Latinos care about the same issues the president seems to care about -- the economy, education and health care. But they also care about immigration because they see it as a test of political courage.
They're well-aware of the resistance out there to giving illegal immigrants a path to earned legalization, and so they're drawn to elected officials who are willing to brave those winds in order to do the right thing.
Does that include Obama? At this point, who knows? Time flies when a president is stalling.
It was just several months ago that White House officials were promising that Obama would address immigration reform before the end of the year. Now that timeline seems to have been pushed back to the beginning of 2010. And with midterm elections next November, we can expect Congress to invest -- at most -- five or six months on this issue.
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For all intents and purposes, the curtain closes when Congress adjourns for summer recess next year, since members will spend most of the fall campaigning for re-election.
Given all that, immigration reform could easily lapse into Obama's second term, if there is a second term. For now, the president's reluctance to approach the issue in a meaningful way that goes beyond assurances to advocacy groups and promises to Hispanic audiences seems to be prompting members of Congress to take the reins.
Both Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, have promised to unveil immigration reform proposals in the coming weeks.
Schumer is already behind schedule, since he said he would come up with something by Labor Day. Still, this is all a notable departure from what happened under President Bush, where it was the White House that tried to lead Congress toward immigration reform.
Now it's the other way around. Call that what you want. But it's not leadership on an issue that demands nothing less.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette Jr.
By Ruben Navarrette Jr.
Special to CNN
Editor's note: Ruben Navarrette Jr. is a nationally syndicated columnist and a regular contributor to CNN.com. Read his column here.
Ruben Navarrette Jr. asks why the nation's chief multitasker can't take time for immigration reform.
SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- President Obama has placed the immigration reform community at the back of the bus.
This same president who insists the country can't wait to fix what he calls a broken health care system tells reformers to wait for him to get around to fixing what they consider to be an equally broken immigration system.
The same president who tried to juggle a half dozen major policy initiatives in his first few months in office now seems unsure of his ability to -- as he told Univision's Jorge Ramos in an interview last weekend -- "solve every problem at once."
And the same president who seems to understand that the longer he waits to accomplish health care reform, the more difficult it will be to get, doesn't seem to understand the same is true with immigration reform.
The political math for both kinds of reform only gets more difficult if Democrats lose seats in the House and Senate in next year's midterm elections, as is expected to happen.
During a recent speech to a black-tie gala for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Obama again promised action on immigration -- at some point. But he didn't give a timetable.
Obama and his advisers decided to attack health care reform before immigration reform. That obviously was a mistake.
'Latino in America'
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One thing that has thrown a wrench into the prospects for health care reform is the Joe Wilsonian concern that illegal immigrants might get free health care as a result of the reform process. Had that issue been addressed beforehand by giving illegal immigrants a path to earned legalization, that controversy might have been defused. Now Obama might walk away with nothing.
Be that as it may, it's clear that immigration reform just isn't a top priority for this administration.
The White House may view this as a niche issue, one with limited impact on any group other than Latinos. If so, that shows how little they know.
Business groups, law enforcement, border security advocates, organized labor, high-tech firms, university educators and others are all clamoring for immigration reform. For the record, Latinos care about the same issues the president seems to care about -- the economy, education and health care. But they also care about immigration because they see it as a test of political courage.
They're well-aware of the resistance out there to giving illegal immigrants a path to earned legalization, and so they're drawn to elected officials who are willing to brave those winds in order to do the right thing.
Does that include Obama? At this point, who knows? Time flies when a president is stalling.
It was just several months ago that White House officials were promising that Obama would address immigration reform before the end of the year. Now that timeline seems to have been pushed back to the beginning of 2010. And with midterm elections next November, we can expect Congress to invest -- at most -- five or six months on this issue.
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For all intents and purposes, the curtain closes when Congress adjourns for summer recess next year, since members will spend most of the fall campaigning for re-election.
Given all that, immigration reform could easily lapse into Obama's second term, if there is a second term. For now, the president's reluctance to approach the issue in a meaningful way that goes beyond assurances to advocacy groups and promises to Hispanic audiences seems to be prompting members of Congress to take the reins.
Both Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, have promised to unveil immigration reform proposals in the coming weeks.
Schumer is already behind schedule, since he said he would come up with something by Labor Day. Still, this is all a notable departure from what happened under President Bush, where it was the White House that tried to lead Congress toward immigration reform.
Now it's the other way around. Call that what you want. But it's not leadership on an issue that demands nothing less.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette Jr.
