Processing times updates

All service centers updated processing times (date April 18, 2007, published today):

• California
• Nebraska
• Texas
• Vermont
  

SKIL Act of 2007 introduced

SKIL bill of 2007 was introduced to Senate and House.
Senate: [S.1083.IS] (Apr, 10 2007, Sen. Cronyn)
House:[H.R.1930.IH](Apr, 18 2007, Mr. Shadegg)

While granting a lot of relief for filing permanent residence and receiving work visas this bill potentially leaves unattended a very serious problem of name check clearance. More over it removes any known ways to influence agencies involved in name check processing by making any lawsuit meaningless. In other proposed bill, STRIVE 2007 , there is a special section 208 that imposes time limits and requires explanation of delays from the agencies. Citizen Promotion Act of 2007 also has a section 5 dedicated to streamlining of name check processing.

Attempt to get immigration news aggregator

I just put together new aggregator based on Y! Pipes and Dapper. You can check it out right HERE.
Just enter search criteria in the text box (like "H-1B" or "fbi" or leave it empty to get all recent postings).

Let me know if you liked it or have ideas on improvement.

URL is: http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes/pipe.info?_id=gH48BHvv2xGOTe6JyjUFzw

September? Really?

"Ninety seven percent of applicants are cleared in less than six months, Gonzalez said, but three percent get stuck in name check limbo. The situation has led thousands to sue Gonzalez's agency.

Gonzalez is negotiating with the FBI on ways to speed the process as early as September. One solution: his agency may pay the FBI more money and provide trained clerks to cut back on delays."

Full text at KRT Wire

Backgound Check Service.

"In order to expedite the process, the USCIS has proposed the addition of a new system of records entitled “Background Check Service.”

“The Background Check Service would allow authorized USCIS representatives to request background checks and access the data stored in the Background Check Service during the adjudication process,” said Ganchan.

However, the ultimate usefulness of this proposal in resolving long delays is difficult to predict. “Even so,” says Ganchan,” those whose careers and families have been impacted by this background check ‘black hole’ would welcome a mechanism to improve efficiency and communication.” Unfortunately, the government has delayed implementation of the program itself after having promised that it would be in place during the first quarter of 2007."

from LawFuel

Tags: immigration

Creative counting game?

From USCIS Ombudsman Report:
"As of May 2006, USCIS reported 235,802 name checks pending, with approximately 65% (153,166) of those cases pending more than 90 days and approximately 35% (82,824) pending more than one year."

But according to Emilio González -- director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services published in Miami Herald:

"Before issuing a green card or swearing in a naturalized U.S. citizen, González's agency needs a green light from the FBI that the immigrant is not a terrorist or a criminal. Tens of thousands of applications are now delayed waiting for the FBI to complete the background checks.

Ninety-seven percent of applicants are cleared in less than six months, González said, but 3 percent get stuck in name-check limbo. The situation has led thousands to sue González's agency."

So which numbers are right? 97% in less than 6 month? Or 35% pending more than a year?

Tags: immigration

Aytes Memo on FBI Name Checks

Memo full text

Tags: immigration

May Visa Bulletin

May Visa Bulletin
EB3 World/Philippines jumped one year.
No changes in EB - India and Chine.
EB-Other Worker in Unavailable.

Tags: immigration

In the news: Name Check Stories

Waiting for the G-Men

Understanding The FBI Name Check Policy That Is Causing ...

Name-Check Game

Some waiting indefinitely for citizenship

Tags: immigration

Application stuck in Name Check process - what can I do?

Here is one suggestion to consider:
Suggestion

Tags: immigration

Support for Senator Obama's Citizenship Promotion Act

Petition in support for Senator Obama's new proposal can be found and signed here:
Petition Full Text.

Tags: immigration

CIS Ombudsman: Priorities for Fiscal Year 2007

1. Recommending Solutions to Systemic Issues that Continue to Cause Individual Case Problems
2. Expanding Up-Front Processing Programs
3. Addressing USCIS Fundamental Budget Issues
4. Reviewing Processing Delays Caused by USCIS Security Screening
5. Improving USCIS Customer Service and Communications

Full Report