maverick80
01-30 03:37 AM
Hi,
I just started my 5th year on H1-B (EB-2) at a very large software firm. I also have a Masters degree from a good university etc. I was delaying filing my PERM (part stupidity and partly thinking of changing my job). Now, I received information from the company that new PERM applications may be impacted because we had layoffs recently. Although I am not personally aware of anyone with my job title being fired, I am wondering if they will wait for 6 months after the layoffs to actually start filing new applications.
I am new to this, and this may be a simple question. What usually happens? Do they put off all PERM applications for 6 months after layoffs? Does this mean that companies that have not had layoffs can continue to file PERM applications?
I ask this because I am thinking that maybe then I should look for a company that has not had layoffs (best of luck to me, right? :) I think there's a couple out there :) ). If I do go down this route, can I start a PERM application immediately or do I have to work at the company for a while before I can do this?
I am also worried that the PERM could get delayed by 6 months or more because there might be more layoffs. If there are further delays in the time to be approved (more than a year), then I might be cutting it really close as far as my H1-B term goes. Is anyone in a similar situation? Am I at risk here? What happens if PERM filing is in process when H1-B duration comes to an end? Do I just have to leave?
A lot of these are maybe newbie questions, but I am kind of worried and I would appreciate it if you can contribute answers to whichever questions of mine that you are familiar with.
Thanks
I just started my 5th year on H1-B (EB-2) at a very large software firm. I also have a Masters degree from a good university etc. I was delaying filing my PERM (part stupidity and partly thinking of changing my job). Now, I received information from the company that new PERM applications may be impacted because we had layoffs recently. Although I am not personally aware of anyone with my job title being fired, I am wondering if they will wait for 6 months after the layoffs to actually start filing new applications.
I am new to this, and this may be a simple question. What usually happens? Do they put off all PERM applications for 6 months after layoffs? Does this mean that companies that have not had layoffs can continue to file PERM applications?
I ask this because I am thinking that maybe then I should look for a company that has not had layoffs (best of luck to me, right? :) I think there's a couple out there :) ). If I do go down this route, can I start a PERM application immediately or do I have to work at the company for a while before I can do this?
I am also worried that the PERM could get delayed by 6 months or more because there might be more layoffs. If there are further delays in the time to be approved (more than a year), then I might be cutting it really close as far as my H1-B term goes. Is anyone in a similar situation? Am I at risk here? What happens if PERM filing is in process when H1-B duration comes to an end? Do I just have to leave?
A lot of these are maybe newbie questions, but I am kind of worried and I would appreciate it if you can contribute answers to whichever questions of mine that you are familiar with.
Thanks
wallpaper Kahani,vivian dsena as abhay
vdlrao
11-11 11:38 AM
But No Assurance is there on this So far.
indianabacklog
06-25 11:35 AM
Had to pay all fees myself. Filed myself so no lawyer fees.
2011 Oct , yeof pyar ki
eyeswe
06-03 04:00 PM
I hope I am reading this incorrectly. Is USCIS now saying that any applicant on AOS must obtain an AP for travel, even if they are on H1B... The post above me is infintely correct if this is the case.. I hope I am wrong in my interpretation
U.S.* Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds individuals that they "must" obtain Advance Parole from USCIS before traveling abroad if they have:
* been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS);
* "a pending application for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident;"
* a pending application for relief under section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA 203);
* a pending asylum application; or
* a pending application for legalization.*
U.S.* Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds individuals that they "must" obtain Advance Parole from USCIS before traveling abroad if they have:
* been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS);
* "a pending application for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident;"
* a pending application for relief under section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA 203);
* a pending asylum application; or
* a pending application for legalization.*
more...
dingudi
04-20 11:18 PM
i had the same situation. your friend can apply for H1-B coz he is already counted. He'll loose whatever time that he is used on EAD and get the remaining time that is left on his 6 year period. If 6 years is already passed, he can still file for H1-B based on labor, 140 approval. In my case, my H1-B got denied coz of employer issues and i have an another H1-B with another company. Mean while i have filed AC21 with my new employer to be able to work..Hope this helps..
But will the remaining time not depend on H1 period left. Example, if first 3 years of H1 used followed by 1 year EAD use then one would still get additional 3 years for H1 without being counted against the cap. But you would still have to do consular notification instead of change of status as there is no status to change once you use EAD.
But will the remaining time not depend on H1 period left. Example, if first 3 years of H1 used followed by 1 year EAD use then one would still get additional 3 years for H1 without being counted against the cap. But you would still have to do consular notification instead of change of status as there is no status to change once you use EAD.
hourglass
02-15 10:01 PM
Hi,
I am working on 8th year H1 visa (with approval notice) valid thru september 2009
Theres a expired visa stamped on my passport, which was march 2005. Do you think for my scenerio it is safe to visit Canada for stamping? And what documents did they ask you in your case, appreciate your help.
I went to Ottawa, Canada in January for visa stamping. I got Visa done.
On that day, I had seen most of the people attended for stamping are indians. Everyone was given visa.
Stamping is pretty easy at Ottawa. They dont ask you much questions. If one has all the required documents for visa stamping, its very easy to get stamping at ottawa.
Good Luck for your stamping.
I am working on 8th year H1 visa (with approval notice) valid thru september 2009
Theres a expired visa stamped on my passport, which was march 2005. Do you think for my scenerio it is safe to visit Canada for stamping? And what documents did they ask you in your case, appreciate your help.
I went to Ottawa, Canada in January for visa stamping. I got Visa done.
On that day, I had seen most of the people attended for stamping are indians. Everyone was given visa.
Stamping is pretty easy at Ottawa. They dont ask you much questions. If one has all the required documents for visa stamping, its very easy to get stamping at ottawa.
Good Luck for your stamping.
more...
bhatt
05-20 12:57 PM
Hello All,
My I485 was filed at TSC and received date is July 26,2007 and notice date is sept 19,2007. MY EAD and AP and other finger prints are done after two months of filed. My priority date (Jun10, 2003) is current for last two months and it is going to retogress after this month end.There is no update for I485 for me and my wife. Now processing times for TSC shows they are working on Aug 08, 2007 filers. In this case cane youguys advice me on following things?
1. Is it good to take Info pass appointment and go for office before end of this month (as it is going to retrogress) and find out status? Before info pass do i need to get any other enquiry?
2. Processing dates for TSC-I485 shows Aug 08, 2007. Is this date recevied date or I485-Notice date?
3.Does Info-pass enquiry cause any negative effects on my I485 processing?
4. Any other guys in the same boat and what you guys are doing?
I really appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance for your good work.
1. If ur attorney is an AILA member, Check ur status through AILA
2. Call the USCIS customer service and submit an SR request
3. do an info-pass to check the status.
Cal the USCIS customer service numer and submit an SR request.
My I485 was filed at TSC and received date is July 26,2007 and notice date is sept 19,2007. MY EAD and AP and other finger prints are done after two months of filed. My priority date (Jun10, 2003) is current for last two months and it is going to retogress after this month end.There is no update for I485 for me and my wife. Now processing times for TSC shows they are working on Aug 08, 2007 filers. In this case cane youguys advice me on following things?
1. Is it good to take Info pass appointment and go for office before end of this month (as it is going to retrogress) and find out status? Before info pass do i need to get any other enquiry?
2. Processing dates for TSC-I485 shows Aug 08, 2007. Is this date recevied date or I485-Notice date?
3.Does Info-pass enquiry cause any negative effects on my I485 processing?
4. Any other guys in the same boat and what you guys are doing?
I really appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance for your good work.
1. If ur attorney is an AILA member, Check ur status through AILA
2. Call the USCIS customer service and submit an SR request
3. do an info-pass to check the status.
Cal the USCIS customer service numer and submit an SR request.
2010 pyar ki ek kahani abhay. Pyar Ki Yeh Ek Kahani Piya and
up_guy
09-25 02:03 PM
Porting PD Imp Approach & Question
Background-
Working with employer A have approved labor and I-140 EB3 and have a copy of all documents. Also have an approved EB2 PERM with employer B.
My questions are �
1) Can I transfer my H-1B to employer B to file new I-140 using EB3 Priority Date using recently announced premium service and I will tell employer A that I am on vacation ?
If I get new EB2 approval with old EB3 Priority Date then I will resign from employer A
If I will get rejected new EB2 with old Eb 3 Priority Date then I will go back to old employer A that I am back from vacations
Since this is premium service so turn around time is less than 4 weeks. Less than 4 weeks is not that uncommon to go on vacation.
Any comments or risk of this approach
Background-
Working with employer A have approved labor and I-140 EB3 and have a copy of all documents. Also have an approved EB2 PERM with employer B.
My questions are �
1) Can I transfer my H-1B to employer B to file new I-140 using EB3 Priority Date using recently announced premium service and I will tell employer A that I am on vacation ?
If I get new EB2 approval with old EB3 Priority Date then I will resign from employer A
If I will get rejected new EB2 with old Eb 3 Priority Date then I will go back to old employer A that I am back from vacations
Since this is premium service so turn around time is less than 4 weeks. Less than 4 weeks is not that uncommon to go on vacation.
Any comments or risk of this approach
more...
gc_chahiye
04-19 10:15 PM
can someone tell me (PM if you dont want it on a pubic board) what went wrong with SKIL Bill last year? Where did it fail (senate/house?) did it just get dropped, or went up for vote and did not make it?
Googling around, and am not able to find anything...
Googling around, and am not able to find anything...
hair +in+pyaar+ki+yeh+ek+kahani
richana
02-12 10:29 PM
Yes, it is called the 10 year law.
more...
piyu7444
09-01 06:52 PM
Did anyone get their GC Approvals from USCIS Local Offices which are pending after the interview is complete? If anyone is waiting for local office cases what is the process they are following and how is the approval process?
I am waiting for my approval of my EB2 India with PD Nov 2004. it is pending in San Jose Local office
I guess applications pending at local office are unlucky guys :-(
Anil
I respectfully disagree with the statement that people who get interviewed are unlucky.
If you get an interview atleast your case is processed (FBI check and all are done prior to interview MOSTLY but not for all cases). Instead of that your file is s'h'itting at a bigger USCIS location it just sits in a local office. The concern that there is no way to find out where the file is when dates are current is true if your file is at a national ctr or at any other office. You cant do much.
In the case when file is at a local office you atleast know where it is and can try various things with the help of infopass and attorney. (Ask your lawyer and he/she should be able to tell you how to get GC when case is just waiting for a damn visa # and is at a local USCIS office)
Instead of not knowing where the file is, what has been processed or not its better to know that all you need is a VISA # and you can always prepare to get the real thing when you see the VISA BULLETIN and know that you are current for the coming month.........
If it does not make sense I probably wont have stamina to re-write....just too busy at work.........so I am hoping this helps.
I am waiting for my approval of my EB2 India with PD Nov 2004. it is pending in San Jose Local office
I guess applications pending at local office are unlucky guys :-(
Anil
I respectfully disagree with the statement that people who get interviewed are unlucky.
If you get an interview atleast your case is processed (FBI check and all are done prior to interview MOSTLY but not for all cases). Instead of that your file is s'h'itting at a bigger USCIS location it just sits in a local office. The concern that there is no way to find out where the file is when dates are current is true if your file is at a national ctr or at any other office. You cant do much.
In the case when file is at a local office you atleast know where it is and can try various things with the help of infopass and attorney. (Ask your lawyer and he/she should be able to tell you how to get GC when case is just waiting for a damn visa # and is at a local USCIS office)
Instead of not knowing where the file is, what has been processed or not its better to know that all you need is a VISA # and you can always prepare to get the real thing when you see the VISA BULLETIN and know that you are current for the coming month.........
If it does not make sense I probably wont have stamina to re-write....just too busy at work.........so I am hoping this helps.
hot +in+pyaar+ki+yeh+ek+kahani
sbabunle
08-24 06:41 PM
Hello GreatGuy
You can be a lil more cordious and polite :rolleyes:
At least if you expect somebody to answer your question.
Hey guys knock it off. Labor substitution is legally allowed
till date. If this guy get a pre approved labor let him accept
it and get ahead. Nobody blocks you to accept pre approved
labor. I'm retrogressed with PD of 2003 on EB3 India. But for
that reason I dont think I'm going to shout at somebody using
a pre approved labor and get ahead of me.
Now to answer you question Mr GREAT.
DOL can replace if its not approved. Mainly they look at the
education and experience.
This situation can be a lil dicey. If I were you I would
get the reference no or something of that labor cert and verify
all the details. Secondly I would do a thorough research on this
employer. It would have been a lil better if its already approved.
On 2002 I got a pre approved labor offer. I got a copy of
the labor from this employer and had it looked by an attorney.
Atty said its a lil risky to accept it. So I did not take it.
Good luck GREAT. I expect you to be a lil more polite on these
forums.
You can be a lil more cordious and polite :rolleyes:
At least if you expect somebody to answer your question.
Hey guys knock it off. Labor substitution is legally allowed
till date. If this guy get a pre approved labor let him accept
it and get ahead. Nobody blocks you to accept pre approved
labor. I'm retrogressed with PD of 2003 on EB3 India. But for
that reason I dont think I'm going to shout at somebody using
a pre approved labor and get ahead of me.
Now to answer you question Mr GREAT.
DOL can replace if its not approved. Mainly they look at the
education and experience.
This situation can be a lil dicey. If I were you I would
get the reference no or something of that labor cert and verify
all the details. Secondly I would do a thorough research on this
employer. It would have been a lil better if its already approved.
On 2002 I got a pre approved labor offer. I got a copy of
the labor from this employer and had it looked by an attorney.
Atty said its a lil risky to accept it. So I did not take it.
Good luck GREAT. I expect you to be a lil more polite on these
forums.
more...
house kahani Abhay+raichand+pics
blacktongue
10-04 01:15 PM
It was not supposed to be shown to Indians on IV
Did you not read on the page
[������ݴ���]EB3C����ֲ���DemandData(AoS&CP) - δ��ռ�(mitbbs.com) (http://www.mitbbs.com/article_t2/EB23/31236411.html)
BTW: Please do not let Indian know it :-)
Traitor.
Did you not read on the page
[������ݴ���]EB3C����ֲ���DemandData(AoS&CP) - δ��ռ�(mitbbs.com) (http://www.mitbbs.com/article_t2/EB23/31236411.html)
BTW: Please do not let Indian know it :-)
Traitor.
tattoo Pyaar+ki+yeh+ek+kahani+
priya9178
01-10 11:04 AM
Thanks Y'all for the inputs !
Iam going to Houston tomorow for getting my fresh passport, hope I get it in couple of hours so that I can go to French embassy and get my transit visa too. :(
Iam going to Houston tomorow for getting my fresh passport, hope I get it in couple of hours so that I can go to French embassy and get my transit visa too. :(
more...
pictures Misha flirts with Abhay at the
spicy_guy
08-05 01:54 PM
I think he should consider awarding citizenship to LONG waiting GC applicants. :D
dresses InĀ Pyar Ki Yeh Ek Kahani last
tabaching
10-22 12:43 AM
Gurus pls help,
Here's my situation.
I'm a derivative and recently got an interview notice.
1) My spouse came here with H1 status (without me). Because my spouse's company can only start processing my H4 visa, 3 months after my spouse start date. Since it will be difficult for us to be thousands of miles away, we decided to use my tourist visa and come here so that I can join my spouse. So, I came here initially in B1/B2 status (around February 2006). After 3 months (around May 2006), I got a job offer from one company and was willing to sponsor my H1 visa. During the H1 processing, I had to go back home for emergency. Again came back to US using B1/B2. After I came back, we got a RFE asking for the new I-94. Then, my H1 was approved around November 2006 but only started getting paid around May 2007 (after I got a client).
If asked during the interview, when I started working? Should I answer November 2006 (when my H1 visa was approved) or May 2007 (when I started getting paid bec I got a client)?
2) Late last year we went to Canada and our I-94 was not taken from us. We were told that it's because we will be in Canada for few days only. Hence, we dont have a new I-94 in our hands. Currently, we're still holding old I-94. When we filed our I-485, the last entry date we entered was based on the Canada trip so it wont match the date with the old I-94. Will this cause a problem during the interview?
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
Here's my situation.
I'm a derivative and recently got an interview notice.
1) My spouse came here with H1 status (without me). Because my spouse's company can only start processing my H4 visa, 3 months after my spouse start date. Since it will be difficult for us to be thousands of miles away, we decided to use my tourist visa and come here so that I can join my spouse. So, I came here initially in B1/B2 status (around February 2006). After 3 months (around May 2006), I got a job offer from one company and was willing to sponsor my H1 visa. During the H1 processing, I had to go back home for emergency. Again came back to US using B1/B2. After I came back, we got a RFE asking for the new I-94. Then, my H1 was approved around November 2006 but only started getting paid around May 2007 (after I got a client).
If asked during the interview, when I started working? Should I answer November 2006 (when my H1 visa was approved) or May 2007 (when I started getting paid bec I got a client)?
2) Late last year we went to Canada and our I-94 was not taken from us. We were told that it's because we will be in Canada for few days only. Hence, we dont have a new I-94 in our hands. Currently, we're still holding old I-94. When we filed our I-485, the last entry date we entered was based on the Canada trip so it wont match the date with the old I-94. Will this cause a problem during the interview?
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
more...
makeup pyrek abhay and pia
nk2006
07-05 11:59 AM
Its a very good point. Immigration related issues are highly political and rouse emotions on either side. Our opponents used those same emotions to get their desirable results - in the form failure to any immigration related bill. Now I think we have a good opportunity to use this fiasco to our benefit.
The lawsuit - whatever its outcome maybe can run its own course. AILF is taking care of that. We as 485 filers and potential filers can simultaneously work on educating lawmakers. To the immigrant friendly lawmakers we can magnify the arrogance of DOS/USCIS in disregarding thousands of immigrants aspirations and revising a bulleting literally at the last "second". We can also project the miscommunication/clashes between the two orgnizations (without that element its impossilbe they would come to the conclusion in mid-june that there will be plenty of visas unavailable to make every one current; and suddenly after two weeks realize that there are none to anyone).
We can even reach out to extreme right (like sof Tancredo) and expose how
USCIS approved cases in haste at last minute just to avoid the rush from July 2nd. Who knows how many cases they approved are not supposed to be approved in the normal circumstances.
Is IV taking advice from lobbists on this matter or they just deal with senate/house bills.
The lawsuit - whatever its outcome maybe can run its own course. AILF is taking care of that. We as 485 filers and potential filers can simultaneously work on educating lawmakers. To the immigrant friendly lawmakers we can magnify the arrogance of DOS/USCIS in disregarding thousands of immigrants aspirations and revising a bulleting literally at the last "second". We can also project the miscommunication/clashes between the two orgnizations (without that element its impossilbe they would come to the conclusion in mid-june that there will be plenty of visas unavailable to make every one current; and suddenly after two weeks realize that there are none to anyone).
We can even reach out to extreme right (like sof Tancredo) and expose how
USCIS approved cases in haste at last minute just to avoid the rush from July 2nd. Who knows how many cases they approved are not supposed to be approved in the normal circumstances.
Is IV taking advice from lobbists on this matter or they just deal with senate/house bills.
girlfriend +in+pyaar+ki+yeh+ek+kahani
akhilmahajan
04-13 12:41 PM
Diptam, at this moment the best thing will be to get your wife an independent status.
She can get on to F-1 visa or file an H-1B visa. If your H-1B is being canceled for sure, then you need to move her on to an independent visa status.
Please talk to an attorney and evaluate all the options. I will say you need to act as fast as possible.
GO I/WE GO. TOGETHER WE CAN.
She can get on to F-1 visa or file an H-1B visa. If your H-1B is being canceled for sure, then you need to move her on to an independent visa status.
Please talk to an attorney and evaluate all the options. I will say you need to act as fast as possible.
GO I/WE GO. TOGETHER WE CAN.
hairstyles +in+pyaar+ki+yeh+ek+kahani
reverendflash
10-21 02:55 PM
I promised I wouldn't... =):x
Rev:elderly:
Rev:elderly:
Ann Ruben
02-07 09:23 AM
Horscrop,
Yes, it is possible that USCIS would reject the extension because the PERM was not filed 365 days before the end of six years. However, a rejection on this basis is clearly contrary to both the language and intent of AC21, and I believe, could be successfully challenged on appeal.
Ann
PS-Am enjoying all the snow---so beautiful and peaceful.
Yes, it is possible that USCIS would reject the extension because the PERM was not filed 365 days before the end of six years. However, a rejection on this basis is clearly contrary to both the language and intent of AC21, and I believe, could be successfully challenged on appeal.
Ann
PS-Am enjoying all the snow---so beautiful and peaceful.
vedicman
01-05 08:20 AM
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez plans to reach out to a South Carolina Republican to craft a bipartisan immigration reform bill in the next Congress.
But it's not clear that Sen. Lindsey Graham will want to work with the top-ranking Hispanic Democrat on Capitol Hill.
Graham spokesman Kevin Bishop said last week his boss wants Congress to pass a 10-point plan to boost border security before attempting to overhaul the immigration system.
Menendez introduced an immigration reform bill just before the Nov. 2 elections that he said takes a middle-of-the-road approach, incorporating ideas that Republicans such as Graham, Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona and Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah have presented in the past.
Menendez said in December that Graham has expressed interest in writing a bipartisan bill.
"If he is, then what I hope to do is to draft something together that will have some level of bipartisan support," Menendez said. "If that doesn't happen in a reasonable time period, then I'd like to introduce the bill again (in the next Congress) as a foundation to get something moving. If there's nothing to have hearings about, nothing to debate over, you will never move forward."
But Bishop said Menendez and Graham haven't discussed working on an immigration bill.
The Menendez proposal, co-sponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., would eventually legalize illegal immigrants, improve border security, crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants and make it easier for legal residents to bring family members to the U.S.
Graham has a history of working across party lines and often has been the only Republican willing to buck his party to strike political compromises. But that approach may be politically risky now that the GOP has turned more conservative under the influence of the Tea Party movement.
In 2007, Graham joined Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona in pushing hard for an immigration reform bill that Menendez helped write. But the measure died in the Senate, with Menendez ultimately voting against it because some of his proposals had been stripped out. The measure never reached the House.
In 2010, Graham collaborated with another liberal Democratic senator, Chuck Schumer of New York, on an immigration reform plan that called for legalizing about 11 million illegal immigrants and improving border security. The two discussed the proposal with President Barack Obama at the White House.
But Graham quickly ended that partnership, accusing Democrats of politicizing the issue and citing his opposition to the Democratic health care reform bill.
Aggressive GOP opposition to Democratic immigration plans was evident during the lame-duck session when Republican senators -- along with some Democrats -- teamed up to kill the DREAM Act, which offered the children of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship if they completed two years of university or military service.
"Illegal immigration is a nightmare for America," Graham said in a December statement after the DREAM Act died. "Giving a pathway to citizenship without first securing the border is an inducement to encourage more illegal immigration. This is nothing more than a political game by the Democrats to try and drive a wedge between the Hispanic community and Republicans."
The DREAM Act's failure lessens chances that a broader immigration bill will pass a deeply partisan Congress, Menendez acknowledged.
"These are . . . children who came to this country through no decision of their own," he said. "They were brought here by their parents. Overwhelmingly, they only know America as their country. . . . If you can't get (the DREAM Act) agreed to, then I think the rest of it will be a lot more hard sledding."
In April, Arizona enacted the nation's toughest immigration enforcement law, which allows police to detain and question people about their immigration status. The administration is challenging the law in court. Several other states are likely to pass similar legislation.
In response, Congress approved legislation -- which became law in August -- providing $600 million in emergency funding for 1,000 new Border Patrol agents, 250 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and unmanned Predator drones to patrol the border.
NJ Sen. Robert Menendez seeks support for immigration reform bill | APP.com | Asbury Park Press (http://www.app.com/article/20110103/NEWS03/110103074/Sen-Menendez-seeks-support-for-immigration-reform-legislation)
But it's not clear that Sen. Lindsey Graham will want to work with the top-ranking Hispanic Democrat on Capitol Hill.
Graham spokesman Kevin Bishop said last week his boss wants Congress to pass a 10-point plan to boost border security before attempting to overhaul the immigration system.
Menendez introduced an immigration reform bill just before the Nov. 2 elections that he said takes a middle-of-the-road approach, incorporating ideas that Republicans such as Graham, Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona and Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah have presented in the past.
Menendez said in December that Graham has expressed interest in writing a bipartisan bill.
"If he is, then what I hope to do is to draft something together that will have some level of bipartisan support," Menendez said. "If that doesn't happen in a reasonable time period, then I'd like to introduce the bill again (in the next Congress) as a foundation to get something moving. If there's nothing to have hearings about, nothing to debate over, you will never move forward."
But Bishop said Menendez and Graham haven't discussed working on an immigration bill.
The Menendez proposal, co-sponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., would eventually legalize illegal immigrants, improve border security, crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants and make it easier for legal residents to bring family members to the U.S.
Graham has a history of working across party lines and often has been the only Republican willing to buck his party to strike political compromises. But that approach may be politically risky now that the GOP has turned more conservative under the influence of the Tea Party movement.
In 2007, Graham joined Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona in pushing hard for an immigration reform bill that Menendez helped write. But the measure died in the Senate, with Menendez ultimately voting against it because some of his proposals had been stripped out. The measure never reached the House.
In 2010, Graham collaborated with another liberal Democratic senator, Chuck Schumer of New York, on an immigration reform plan that called for legalizing about 11 million illegal immigrants and improving border security. The two discussed the proposal with President Barack Obama at the White House.
But Graham quickly ended that partnership, accusing Democrats of politicizing the issue and citing his opposition to the Democratic health care reform bill.
Aggressive GOP opposition to Democratic immigration plans was evident during the lame-duck session when Republican senators -- along with some Democrats -- teamed up to kill the DREAM Act, which offered the children of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship if they completed two years of university or military service.
"Illegal immigration is a nightmare for America," Graham said in a December statement after the DREAM Act died. "Giving a pathway to citizenship without first securing the border is an inducement to encourage more illegal immigration. This is nothing more than a political game by the Democrats to try and drive a wedge between the Hispanic community and Republicans."
The DREAM Act's failure lessens chances that a broader immigration bill will pass a deeply partisan Congress, Menendez acknowledged.
"These are . . . children who came to this country through no decision of their own," he said. "They were brought here by their parents. Overwhelmingly, they only know America as their country. . . . If you can't get (the DREAM Act) agreed to, then I think the rest of it will be a lot more hard sledding."
In April, Arizona enacted the nation's toughest immigration enforcement law, which allows police to detain and question people about their immigration status. The administration is challenging the law in court. Several other states are likely to pass similar legislation.
In response, Congress approved legislation -- which became law in August -- providing $600 million in emergency funding for 1,000 new Border Patrol agents, 250 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and unmanned Predator drones to patrol the border.
NJ Sen. Robert Menendez seeks support for immigration reform bill | APP.com | Asbury Park Press (http://www.app.com/article/20110103/NEWS03/110103074/Sen-Menendez-seeks-support-for-immigration-reform-legislation)
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