zamoo
09-03 01:41 PM
Hello Folks,
I'm Aug-2005 EB2-I.
Haven't received my GC yet.
I think, based on various experiences mentioned here, opening a SR, taking local immigration office appointments, etc is a way to get USCIS to look at your file.
I also read, if there was a pending EAD renewal, your case might get looked at and instead of renewing your EAD, USCIS will rather give you GC - provided PD is current and there are no other issues.
I know none of these 2 things have a documented backing...apart from people's experiences (which, I value a lot - don't get me wrong there).
My EAD was also up for renewal - filed in June. Got the "card production ordered" e-mail @ that yesterday. And, no change on the AOS case.
So, should I take other steps @ my AOS case - like, opening a SR, taking IO appointment, etc ?
Thanks
I'm Aug-2005 EB2-I.
Haven't received my GC yet.
I think, based on various experiences mentioned here, opening a SR, taking local immigration office appointments, etc is a way to get USCIS to look at your file.
I also read, if there was a pending EAD renewal, your case might get looked at and instead of renewing your EAD, USCIS will rather give you GC - provided PD is current and there are no other issues.
I know none of these 2 things have a documented backing...apart from people's experiences (which, I value a lot - don't get me wrong there).
My EAD was also up for renewal - filed in June. Got the "card production ordered" e-mail @ that yesterday. And, no change on the AOS case.
So, should I take other steps @ my AOS case - like, opening a SR, taking IO appointment, etc ?
Thanks
wallpaper Japanese Glass Wind Chimes
coopheal
11-05 01:43 PM
Contribute Contribute Contribute
cbadari99
05-12 05:51 PM
Though a little off-topic, this is an interesting read
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090513/jsp/frontpage/story_10956610.jsp
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090513/jsp/frontpage/story_10956610.jsp
2011 Glass Wind Chimes
frostrated
06-25 01:06 PM
Hi, I hope this is the correct forum. I entered the US on an Australian passport with a tourist visa issued in London in Nov 94. After 6 months my lawyer got me a business visa extension for 6 months.
Long story short I overstayed and lost both passport and I 94 and the lawyer who had the copies of the docs no longer has the records. I married a US citizen in 2006 and had a child and would like to adjust my status, however I cannot prove legal entry.
Is there anyway to find records of either my original visa, I-94 or extension so I can file the rest of the paperwork?
Thanks for your help in advance.
you can try to contact the australian consulate to replace your passport. they should be able to pull your information. but in any case, even though you entered legally, you overstayed for more than three years before marrying a citizen. therefore, from the time your visa expired, you are in illegal status, and i am not sure you can adjust your status by staying inside the US. I think your best option might be to return to your country of citizenship and have your spouse apply for a green card.
Long story short I overstayed and lost both passport and I 94 and the lawyer who had the copies of the docs no longer has the records. I married a US citizen in 2006 and had a child and would like to adjust my status, however I cannot prove legal entry.
Is there anyway to find records of either my original visa, I-94 or extension so I can file the rest of the paperwork?
Thanks for your help in advance.
you can try to contact the australian consulate to replace your passport. they should be able to pull your information. but in any case, even though you entered legally, you overstayed for more than three years before marrying a citizen. therefore, from the time your visa expired, you are in illegal status, and i am not sure you can adjust your status by staying inside the US. I think your best option might be to return to your country of citizenship and have your spouse apply for a green card.
more...
kosars
09-12 09:44 PM
i had tb 5 years ago,and i am perfectly ok but in x-ray still has scars.what should i do?i have a lots of tention ?becoz in gc medical exam is compulsory .even though i am perfectly ok now still have scars.plz suggest me what should i do?
you probably will be refered for specialist evaluation and then cleared after that. donot worry, scars does not equate to acive TB.
you probably will be refered for specialist evaluation and then cleared after that. donot worry, scars does not equate to acive TB.
ganguteli
06-04 03:17 PM
This is a good thing.
These consulting companies who were abusing the visa will be taught a lesson.
People used to complain a lot about desi companies and now when USCIS has finally become tough they are complaining about it.
You cannot have it both ways.
These consulting companies who were abusing the visa will be taught a lesson.
People used to complain a lot about desi companies and now when USCIS has finally become tough they are complaining about it.
You cannot have it both ways.
more...
singhsa3
09-15 11:47 AM
Folks there are three threads on the forum that are targeting the similar objective.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21340
and
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21453
and
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21493
Please join on the IV CHAT on Wednesday (09/17/08) 9:30 PM Eastern Standard Time to discuss one course of action.
Please RSVP
This meeting is online and is for an hour.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21340
and
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21453
and
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21493
Please join on the IV CHAT on Wednesday (09/17/08) 9:30 PM Eastern Standard Time to discuss one course of action.
Please RSVP
This meeting is online and is for an hour.
2010 I create glass wind chimes
saint_2010
08-13 04:15 PM
Mine reached at 11:34 am & signed by B GERKENSMEYER - Nothing so far.
Why you should file again ?
Same here...mine was signed by GERKENSMEYER AT 11.34am
Why you should file again ?
Same here...mine was signed by GERKENSMEYER AT 11.34am
more...
dassumi
11-16 05:29 PM
Yep - got mine 2 months back. Docs to carry
- Original social security card.
- Original EAD card
- The first lady asked me to bring the employment letter. I did not have it with me, I went home to get it and got in another line, that dude did not even look at it.
- Passport and I-94 (They did not check this) I took it just in case
- Cash - 25$
You will get a 5 year license, but it will say that you are a temp visitor till your EAD expires. You will have to take your EAD in when the new EAD comes in.
Let me know if you need further details.
Does anybody have any recent experience?Which office to go, what documents to take. I currently have an out of state license that is going to expire in Dec...
- Original social security card.
- Original EAD card
- The first lady asked me to bring the employment letter. I did not have it with me, I went home to get it and got in another line, that dude did not even look at it.
- Passport and I-94 (They did not check this) I took it just in case
- Cash - 25$
You will get a 5 year license, but it will say that you are a temp visitor till your EAD expires. You will have to take your EAD in when the new EAD comes in.
Let me know if you need further details.
Does anybody have any recent experience?Which office to go, what documents to take. I currently have an out of state license that is going to expire in Dec...
hair Glass Owl Chimes. Ref. MBSN52
PlainSpeak
02-16 03:13 PM
Hi,
My I 485 was filed on 07/12/2007 in EB2. My priority date in Feb26 2007.
I am working on EAD now, which is valid through 07/06/2012.
I have got a job offer from one of the top fortune 500 company recently. They are offering the job with a role of "Lead Technical Architect".
Following are the details from my labor:
Job Title: Programmer/ Analyst/Systems, Software/Engineer/Developer, or Related to IT
Reponsibility:
develop, create and modify general computer application software. Analysis user needs and design, develop software solutions. Design, develop, analyse and implement software and end user product. Coordinate various account projects with IT consultants; nurture close relationship with the major account customers by providing quality technical support and apply principles of computer science, engineering and mathematical analysis.
From the generic nature of the role resonsibility, I feel that the "Lead technical Architect" role will not be a misfit with the requirement of "Similar resposibility".
Can you kindly let me know if you see any violation of the EAD porting requirement in terms of similar responsibilities?
Thanks in advance.
You need to check SOC codes for both the roles and confirm
In general english an Analyst role is different than an Architect role. In any case, to use AC21 your roles should not be different by more than 50 %
My I 485 was filed on 07/12/2007 in EB2. My priority date in Feb26 2007.
I am working on EAD now, which is valid through 07/06/2012.
I have got a job offer from one of the top fortune 500 company recently. They are offering the job with a role of "Lead Technical Architect".
Following are the details from my labor:
Job Title: Programmer/ Analyst/Systems, Software/Engineer/Developer, or Related to IT
Reponsibility:
develop, create and modify general computer application software. Analysis user needs and design, develop software solutions. Design, develop, analyse and implement software and end user product. Coordinate various account projects with IT consultants; nurture close relationship with the major account customers by providing quality technical support and apply principles of computer science, engineering and mathematical analysis.
From the generic nature of the role resonsibility, I feel that the "Lead technical Architect" role will not be a misfit with the requirement of "Similar resposibility".
Can you kindly let me know if you see any violation of the EAD porting requirement in terms of similar responsibilities?
Thanks in advance.
You need to check SOC codes for both the roles and confirm
In general english an Analyst role is different than an Architect role. In any case, to use AC21 your roles should not be different by more than 50 %
more...
map_boiler
06-29 12:11 PM
Yes.
if an A# is present in the I-140 receipt should that be used to fill the 485/EAD forms ?
thanks
if an A# is present in the I-140 receipt should that be used to fill the 485/EAD forms ?
thanks
hot on this Wind Chimes. glass
jsb
01-02 11:29 AM
All set..I will changing job after 180 days from Next week, I will change my immigration lawyer from my employers
Ist Question
I am thinking of Murthyas as lawyer. Her fee of taking over pending $ 2100, Can anybody suggest any other lawyer and there Fee's etc and all.
I will really appreciate the help.
...?
BTW, if your AOS case is already filed and pending, why do you need an attorney now? Aren't you just waiting to get the case adjudicated. I mean where do you expect attornyes to help at this point? Don't you think educated people as we are, can handle questions/queries ourselves? Renewing EADs, APs is just a routine form filing.
Ist Question
I am thinking of Murthyas as lawyer. Her fee of taking over pending $ 2100, Can anybody suggest any other lawyer and there Fee's etc and all.
I will really appreciate the help.
...?
BTW, if your AOS case is already filed and pending, why do you need an attorney now? Aren't you just waiting to get the case adjudicated. I mean where do you expect attornyes to help at this point? Don't you think educated people as we are, can handle questions/queries ourselves? Renewing EADs, APs is just a routine form filing.
more...
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sreedhar
10-31 08:27 AM
Got EAD and FP...!!! But Receipts Not available in USCIS Automated System.
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calboy78
08-10 01:38 AM
It needs action - not talk.
The system created by DoS and USCIS is highly unfavorable for EB3 people.
DoS is not giving enough visa numbers to EB3 - the category is "U" for now.
USCIS is very lame in processing 140 of EB3.
Many a times employer create a position that requires just Bachelor's degree, BUT a Bachelor's person can't really do that job. Eventually a Master's person (or B.S. + 5 yr experience) fills that up, not knowing that he will be shoved in EB3. In fact most EB3 people in queue today are like this...on top of that, DoS/USCIS has lumped lot of different kind of workers in EB3 - who should be in different category (probably EB4). Overall, very unfair situation for EB3 people.
We all (no matter whether EB1/EB2/EB3) need to support IV to get unused visa numbers recaptured. This will help all EB categories. Without visa recapturing EB3 especially is doomed.
The system created by DoS and USCIS is highly unfavorable for EB3 people.
DoS is not giving enough visa numbers to EB3 - the category is "U" for now.
USCIS is very lame in processing 140 of EB3.
Many a times employer create a position that requires just Bachelor's degree, BUT a Bachelor's person can't really do that job. Eventually a Master's person (or B.S. + 5 yr experience) fills that up, not knowing that he will be shoved in EB3. In fact most EB3 people in queue today are like this...on top of that, DoS/USCIS has lumped lot of different kind of workers in EB3 - who should be in different category (probably EB4). Overall, very unfair situation for EB3 people.
We all (no matter whether EB1/EB2/EB3) need to support IV to get unused visa numbers recaptured. This will help all EB categories. Without visa recapturing EB3 especially is doomed.
more...
pictures Light Opera Wind Chimes
geesee_99
12-14 11:07 AM
Friends,
I need urgent expert/experianced advise for my 140RFE. You will find all the details of case here. Questions are all the way down. >>
(LCA)From 9089:
Education: Minimum Level Required - Bachelors
Experience required for offered job - 60 months
Is alternate combination of education and experience is acceptable � NO
From my Education evaluation:
12 (High Secondary) +3 (Engineering Diploma in Electronics and Communication) = Associate Degree in USA.
12+3+6yrs of Work experience = BS in USA.
RFE Details:
The analysis of credential, from the educational evaluation submitted by you, clearly states that�s 3 years document is equivalent to an associate degree in electronics &/or communication engineering from an accredited college in united states.
Submit evidence that the alien obtained the required bachelors of computer science before September 14 2005. Evidence of education must be in the form of an official record showing the dates of attendance, area of concentration of study, and the date of degree award, if any.
If another advisory evaluation of the alien�s credentials is also submitted, please ensure it is an acceptable evaluation.COLOR]
[COLOR="Black"]MY QUESTIONS ARE:
- Per my LCA; combination of education and experience is not acceptable. Does that mean my evaluation is of no use? And is this LCA good for me?
- If evaluation is using 6yrs of experience to make up for 2yrs of education; CAN I, still (also) show the same 6yrs of experience as job experience?
- I have another approved RIR (Approved Aug07). In worst case, can I use that RIR to file for new 140 to save my 485? Is there any time limit on RIR case too? Like using it under number of weeks/months?
I appreciate your time.
Thanks Much,
Regards
I need urgent expert/experianced advise for my 140RFE. You will find all the details of case here. Questions are all the way down. >>
(LCA)From 9089:
Education: Minimum Level Required - Bachelors
Experience required for offered job - 60 months
Is alternate combination of education and experience is acceptable � NO
From my Education evaluation:
12 (High Secondary) +3 (Engineering Diploma in Electronics and Communication) = Associate Degree in USA.
12+3+6yrs of Work experience = BS in USA.
RFE Details:
The analysis of credential, from the educational evaluation submitted by you, clearly states that�s 3 years document is equivalent to an associate degree in electronics &/or communication engineering from an accredited college in united states.
Submit evidence that the alien obtained the required bachelors of computer science before September 14 2005. Evidence of education must be in the form of an official record showing the dates of attendance, area of concentration of study, and the date of degree award, if any.
If another advisory evaluation of the alien�s credentials is also submitted, please ensure it is an acceptable evaluation.COLOR]
[COLOR="Black"]MY QUESTIONS ARE:
- Per my LCA; combination of education and experience is not acceptable. Does that mean my evaluation is of no use? And is this LCA good for me?
- If evaluation is using 6yrs of experience to make up for 2yrs of education; CAN I, still (also) show the same 6yrs of experience as job experience?
- I have another approved RIR (Approved Aug07). In worst case, can I use that RIR to file for new 140 to save my 485? Is there any time limit on RIR case too? Like using it under number of weeks/months?
I appreciate your time.
Thanks Much,
Regards
dresses Glass Wind Chimes by Theme
H1B-GC
11-14 02:00 PM
Dear All ,
I recently got my I-140 approved, got our(me and spouse) EAD and AP too.Now what I am wondering is that
1.Am I still on H1 status or the status now becomes EAD ?
2. If my H1 still holds good then should I go back to India to get my fresh H1 stamping as it will expire november next year or should I go for one year H1 extensions(as I heard from friends ) till I get the GC ?
3. Is there any stipulated time limit within which my wife has to apply for her SSN( we have not yet applied for it. )
4. My passport is going to expire on December next year. Do I need to go to India for renewal or it can be done from here itself. If it can be done from here itself then when is the earliest to start that process ?( I will be happy if u could send some links that will guide me ).
Thank you very much in advance.
Anci.
Hope this wonderful Forum is helping to the best it can by ans. your questions. Please visit often and follow the Action Alerts on the Home page.Please spread the Word in your community and your Friends and do not shy away in contributing to keep to site up and running all the time.
I recently got my I-140 approved, got our(me and spouse) EAD and AP too.Now what I am wondering is that
1.Am I still on H1 status or the status now becomes EAD ?
2. If my H1 still holds good then should I go back to India to get my fresh H1 stamping as it will expire november next year or should I go for one year H1 extensions(as I heard from friends ) till I get the GC ?
3. Is there any stipulated time limit within which my wife has to apply for her SSN( we have not yet applied for it. )
4. My passport is going to expire on December next year. Do I need to go to India for renewal or it can be done from here itself. If it can be done from here itself then when is the earliest to start that process ?( I will be happy if u could send some links that will guide me ).
Thank you very much in advance.
Anci.
Hope this wonderful Forum is helping to the best it can by ans. your questions. Please visit often and follow the Action Alerts on the Home page.Please spread the Word in your community and your Friends and do not shy away in contributing to keep to site up and running all the time.
more...
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JunRN
12-18 04:16 PM
What do you mean? An approved I-140 suddenly got reversed decision and was denied? Haven't heard of such cases. Can you please show me the link? thanks!
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indianoverclocker
07-01 05:31 AM
Thanks :)
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Ennada
01-20 01:37 PM
This looks great.....good work.
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:)
chapsi29
09-15 10:51 AM
Hello,
My wife got her H1B approved last year and her start date was 10/01/07. She started working towards the end of Nov. She did not get any paychecks for 2007 before Dec 31st and started getting paid only in 2008. So she did not receive a W2 for 2007. I am about to file my tax for 2007 (had filed an extension) and would like to know the following.
1: I assume this should not impact me from filing a joint return. Am I right ?
2: Would I qualify for the stimulus check for $1200 since both of us were employed in 2007 ? Since she did not get a W2, I was not sure if I would get only $600.
3: Both of us have filed for I-485 and our applications are pending approval. Would there be any problem with her I-485 in the future (like any query) since in 2007, her status was converted to H1B (from H4) and she did not get a W2 ? I am being told USCIS does a complete background check on the applicant with respect to each status he/she has had.
Thanks in advance.
My wife got her H1B approved last year and her start date was 10/01/07. She started working towards the end of Nov. She did not get any paychecks for 2007 before Dec 31st and started getting paid only in 2008. So she did not receive a W2 for 2007. I am about to file my tax for 2007 (had filed an extension) and would like to know the following.
1: I assume this should not impact me from filing a joint return. Am I right ?
2: Would I qualify for the stimulus check for $1200 since both of us were employed in 2007 ? Since she did not get a W2, I was not sure if I would get only $600.
3: Both of us have filed for I-485 and our applications are pending approval. Would there be any problem with her I-485 in the future (like any query) since in 2007, her status was converted to H1B (from H4) and she did not get a W2 ? I am being told USCIS does a complete background check on the applicant with respect to each status he/she has had.
Thanks in advance.
dreamgc_real
01-07 09:04 AM
AUSTIN -- Illegal immigration isn't on the short list of issues Texas sheriffs gave this year's Legislature, but it could end up becoming a new priority for them.
Texas has 254 sheriffs, and while opinions vary about whether illegal immigration should be their problem, some Republicans are pushing measures that won't give them a choice. More than a dozen bills targeting illegal immigration await the Legislature when it convenes Tuesday, when the GOP will enter with a historic conservative supermajority in the House.
One bill would require police to ask drivers without identification if they're in the country legally. Another would cut off state funds to departments that don't enforce immigrations laws.
"It's split among my colleagues on whether we should be out here just stopping individuals without probable cause, and questioning them on their immigration status," said Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton, who believes the proposals invite profiling.
On Thursday, El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles planned to join immigrant advocacy groups at the Capitol, where they're expected to denounce bills targeting illegal immigrants as bad for the Texas economy and constitutionally unworkable.
In Arizona, a new law passed last year requires police officers, when enforcing other laws, to question the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally. The Obama administration filed a lawsuit to block portions of the law, and the outcome remains pending in federal court.
Many Texas sheriffs along the border, long vocal about being understaffed and underfunded on the edge of Mexico's violent drug war, oppose the measures as another drain on their deputies. They and sheriffs in Houston and San Antonio also worry about profiling.
Others don't see it as an imposition, and maybe a necessity. In Fort Bend County, which includes Houston's conservative suburbs, Sheriff Milton Wright said he would support laws requiring his deputies to enforce immigration laws if the federal government won't.
"If they're not going to do it, then we need to," he said.
Arizona's new law left Texas facing unavoidable questions. Texas has an estimated 1.6 million illegal immigrants, second only to California, and Republicans control every statewide office. Gov. Rick Perry has said he doesn't support Texas adopting a law identical to Arizona's, while at the same time praising that state's initiative for taking the illegal immigration problem into its own hands.
Texas lawmakers have filed immigration bills before, only to see them wither. Deep ties Texas has to Mexico are as much cultural as economic, and leading business groups in the state oppose tough crackdown measures.
But between then new GOP supermajority in the House and Arizona's success, outnumbered Texas Democrats aren't willing to make wagers on the chances of the bills prevailing this time.
"You've got a bunch of new Republicans who campaigned with some very inflammatory rhetoric, and they now find themselves in charge," said Democratic Rep. Rafael Anchia. "I'm sure they're going to want to deliver some red meat for some of their constituencies."
So important is the issue to state Rep. Debbie Riddle that she camped outside the clerk's window to ensure her get-tough immigration bills would be first in line. State Sen. Dan Patrick filed a bill that would require police to ask anyone without an ID whether they're in the country illegally, but the Houston-area talk radio host says his measure affords officer discretion. For instance, he said an officer could choose not to arrest a harmless minivan-driving mom who is revealed to be an illegal immigrant.
Patrick, who visited Arizona to see its new law in action, said the possibility of legal challenges is no barrier.
"Too many people want to duck and cover and bury their heads in the sand," Patrick said. "This is an issue we have to stand tall on. Republicans have to stand together."
In most Texas counties, a suspect's legal status becomes an issue only if they're booked into jail. Their fingerprints are run through a Homeland Security database, and people who are flagged are referred to federal immigration agents.
Harris County was the first place in the nation to try the federal program, called Secure Communities. But that's about the extent that Sheriff Adrian Garcia wants to be involved in immigration enforcement.
Garcia said he doesn't want people afraid of calling police for help or coming forward with crime tips.
"Legislation that would encourage people to have second thoughts about calling 911 or Crime Stoppers, I have a problem with that," he said.
Several sheriffs said they would wait for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas to evaluate the proposals. Bryan County Sheriff Christopher Kirk, who chairs the association's legislative committee, said last month he had yet to look over the bills individually.
The association gave its list of six priorities to lawmakers for this session. The list includes jail overcrowding, mentally ill suspects in local lockups, methamphetamines, thieves swiping salvage metals, and what Kirk described as "protecting the office of sheriff."
Topping the list: border security. But Kirk said that's not about illegal immigration.
"It's the trafficking. The borders. That smuggling could be drugs, or weapons," Kirk said.
During the previous two legislative sessions, Patrick said "too much chaos" in the House doomed immigration proposals. This time, Patrick said, Republicans have the numbers - and a willingness to work with law enforcement.
"You have to have their buy-in," Patrick said. "I want them to be enthusiastic about it."
Sen. Luz Robles' bill could become national model | Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700098043/Sen-Luz-Robles-bill-could-become-national-model.html)
Texas has 254 sheriffs, and while opinions vary about whether illegal immigration should be their problem, some Republicans are pushing measures that won't give them a choice. More than a dozen bills targeting illegal immigration await the Legislature when it convenes Tuesday, when the GOP will enter with a historic conservative supermajority in the House.
One bill would require police to ask drivers without identification if they're in the country legally. Another would cut off state funds to departments that don't enforce immigrations laws.
"It's split among my colleagues on whether we should be out here just stopping individuals without probable cause, and questioning them on their immigration status," said Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton, who believes the proposals invite profiling.
On Thursday, El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles planned to join immigrant advocacy groups at the Capitol, where they're expected to denounce bills targeting illegal immigrants as bad for the Texas economy and constitutionally unworkable.
In Arizona, a new law passed last year requires police officers, when enforcing other laws, to question the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally. The Obama administration filed a lawsuit to block portions of the law, and the outcome remains pending in federal court.
Many Texas sheriffs along the border, long vocal about being understaffed and underfunded on the edge of Mexico's violent drug war, oppose the measures as another drain on their deputies. They and sheriffs in Houston and San Antonio also worry about profiling.
Others don't see it as an imposition, and maybe a necessity. In Fort Bend County, which includes Houston's conservative suburbs, Sheriff Milton Wright said he would support laws requiring his deputies to enforce immigration laws if the federal government won't.
"If they're not going to do it, then we need to," he said.
Arizona's new law left Texas facing unavoidable questions. Texas has an estimated 1.6 million illegal immigrants, second only to California, and Republicans control every statewide office. Gov. Rick Perry has said he doesn't support Texas adopting a law identical to Arizona's, while at the same time praising that state's initiative for taking the illegal immigration problem into its own hands.
Texas lawmakers have filed immigration bills before, only to see them wither. Deep ties Texas has to Mexico are as much cultural as economic, and leading business groups in the state oppose tough crackdown measures.
But between then new GOP supermajority in the House and Arizona's success, outnumbered Texas Democrats aren't willing to make wagers on the chances of the bills prevailing this time.
"You've got a bunch of new Republicans who campaigned with some very inflammatory rhetoric, and they now find themselves in charge," said Democratic Rep. Rafael Anchia. "I'm sure they're going to want to deliver some red meat for some of their constituencies."
So important is the issue to state Rep. Debbie Riddle that she camped outside the clerk's window to ensure her get-tough immigration bills would be first in line. State Sen. Dan Patrick filed a bill that would require police to ask anyone without an ID whether they're in the country illegally, but the Houston-area talk radio host says his measure affords officer discretion. For instance, he said an officer could choose not to arrest a harmless minivan-driving mom who is revealed to be an illegal immigrant.
Patrick, who visited Arizona to see its new law in action, said the possibility of legal challenges is no barrier.
"Too many people want to duck and cover and bury their heads in the sand," Patrick said. "This is an issue we have to stand tall on. Republicans have to stand together."
In most Texas counties, a suspect's legal status becomes an issue only if they're booked into jail. Their fingerprints are run through a Homeland Security database, and people who are flagged are referred to federal immigration agents.
Harris County was the first place in the nation to try the federal program, called Secure Communities. But that's about the extent that Sheriff Adrian Garcia wants to be involved in immigration enforcement.
Garcia said he doesn't want people afraid of calling police for help or coming forward with crime tips.
"Legislation that would encourage people to have second thoughts about calling 911 or Crime Stoppers, I have a problem with that," he said.
Several sheriffs said they would wait for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas to evaluate the proposals. Bryan County Sheriff Christopher Kirk, who chairs the association's legislative committee, said last month he had yet to look over the bills individually.
The association gave its list of six priorities to lawmakers for this session. The list includes jail overcrowding, mentally ill suspects in local lockups, methamphetamines, thieves swiping salvage metals, and what Kirk described as "protecting the office of sheriff."
Topping the list: border security. But Kirk said that's not about illegal immigration.
"It's the trafficking. The borders. That smuggling could be drugs, or weapons," Kirk said.
During the previous two legislative sessions, Patrick said "too much chaos" in the House doomed immigration proposals. This time, Patrick said, Republicans have the numbers - and a willingness to work with law enforcement.
"You have to have their buy-in," Patrick said. "I want them to be enthusiastic about it."
Sen. Luz Robles' bill could become national model | Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700098043/Sen-Luz-Robles-bill-could-become-national-model.html)
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