learning01
02-23 03:06 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/22/AR2006022202446_pf.html
Scientist's Visa Denial Sparks Outrage in India
By Shankar Vedantam
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 23, 2006; A01
A decision two weeks ago by a U.S. consulate in India to refuse a visa to a prominent Indian scientist has triggered heated protests in that country and set off a major diplomatic flap on the eve of President Bush's first visit to India.
The incident has also caused embarrassment at the highest reaches of the American scientific establishment, which has worked to get the State Department to issue a visa to Goverdhan Mehta, who said the U.S. consulate in the south Indian city of Chennai told him that his expertise in chemistry was deemed a threat.
In the face of outrage in India, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a highly unusual statement of regret, and yesterday the State Department said officials are reaching out to the scientist to resolve his case.
"It is very strange logic," said Mehta, reached at his home in Bangalore early this morning India time. "Someone is insulted and hurt and you ask him to come back a second round."
The consulate told Mehta "you have been denied a visa" and invited him to submit additional information, according to an official at the National Academy of Sciences who saw a copy of the document. Mehta said in a written account obtained by The Washington Post that he was humiliated, accused of "hiding things" and being dishonest, and told that his work is dangerous because of its potential applications in chemical warfare.
Mehta denied that his work has anything to do with weapons. He said that he would provide his passport if a visa were issued, but that he would do nothing further to obtain the document: "If they don't want to give me a visa, so be it."
The scientist told Indian newspapers that his dealing with the U.S. consulate was "the most degrading experience of my life." Mehta is president of the International Council for Science, a Paris-based organization comprising the national scientific academies of a number of countries. The council advocates that scientists should have free access to one another.
Visa rejections or delays for foreign academics after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have led to widespread complaints by U.S universities and scientific organizations, but the new incident comes when things are improving, said Wendy White, director of the Board of International Scientific Organizations. The board was set up by the National Academy of Sciences and has helped about 3,000 scientists affected by the new policies.
"This leaves a terrible impression of the United States," said White, who has seen a copy of the consulate's form letter to Mehta. In an interview yesterday, she added that top scientists had worked with senior State Department officials to reverse the decision before Bush's visit next week. "We want people to know the U.S. is an open and welcoming country."
Mehta's case has especially angered Indians because he was a director of the Indian Institute of Science and is a science adviser to India's prime minister. He has visited the United States "dozens of times," he said, and the University of Florida in Gainesville had invited him to lecture at an international conference.
State Department spokesman Justin Higgins denied yesterday that the United States had rejected Mehta's visa and said the consulate had merely followed standard procedure in dealing with applicants with certain kinds of scientific expertise.
In his written account, the scientist said that after traveling 200 miles, waiting three hours with his wife for an interview and being accused of deception, he was outraged when his accounts of his research were questioned and he was told he needed to fill out a detailed questionnaire.
"I indicated that I have no desire to subject myself to any further humiliation and asked that our passports be returned forthwith," he wrote. The consular official, Mehta added, "stamped the passports to indicate visa refusal and returned them."
Higgins declined to address why the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi had taken the unusual step of saying it "regrets" that Mehta was "upset by the visa interview process."
In its statement, the embassy said: "At the United States mission in India, and to varying degrees at every U.S. mission worldwide, certain cases involving high technology issues are among those that require review before consular officers in the field are authorized to issue a visa."
White said that issuing a visa would solve the immediate problem, but that it would be more difficult to undo the damage caused by the dispute. Mehta is a high-profile example of the hurdles imposed by the new visa procedures. They require all applicants to appear in person for interviews that are done in only a few locations in large countries such as India, White said.
"If you tell an American, 'If you want a visa to go to India, you have to go to Dallas, Chicago, L.A. or New York, and while you are there, you are going to be fingerprinted, photographed and asked about everything you have done in your research for the last 40 years,' we would find this procedure untenable as Americans," she said.
Mehta said in his written account that he had been invited by the University of Florida, where he has previously been a distinguished visiting professor. White said she expected the International Council for Science, also known as the ICSU, to issue a statement today about the case involving its president.
White and William Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering, acknowledged that young American consular officers in foreign countries have been under tremendous pressure since the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Making the wrong decision would be career-ending, so they play it safe, not really understanding the macroscopic implications of their decision," Wulf said. "Denying a visa to the president of ICSU is probably as dumb as you can get. This is not the way we can make friends."
�*2006*The Washington Post Company
Scientist's Visa Denial Sparks Outrage in India
By Shankar Vedantam
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 23, 2006; A01
A decision two weeks ago by a U.S. consulate in India to refuse a visa to a prominent Indian scientist has triggered heated protests in that country and set off a major diplomatic flap on the eve of President Bush's first visit to India.
The incident has also caused embarrassment at the highest reaches of the American scientific establishment, which has worked to get the State Department to issue a visa to Goverdhan Mehta, who said the U.S. consulate in the south Indian city of Chennai told him that his expertise in chemistry was deemed a threat.
In the face of outrage in India, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a highly unusual statement of regret, and yesterday the State Department said officials are reaching out to the scientist to resolve his case.
"It is very strange logic," said Mehta, reached at his home in Bangalore early this morning India time. "Someone is insulted and hurt and you ask him to come back a second round."
The consulate told Mehta "you have been denied a visa" and invited him to submit additional information, according to an official at the National Academy of Sciences who saw a copy of the document. Mehta said in a written account obtained by The Washington Post that he was humiliated, accused of "hiding things" and being dishonest, and told that his work is dangerous because of its potential applications in chemical warfare.
Mehta denied that his work has anything to do with weapons. He said that he would provide his passport if a visa were issued, but that he would do nothing further to obtain the document: "If they don't want to give me a visa, so be it."
The scientist told Indian newspapers that his dealing with the U.S. consulate was "the most degrading experience of my life." Mehta is president of the International Council for Science, a Paris-based organization comprising the national scientific academies of a number of countries. The council advocates that scientists should have free access to one another.
Visa rejections or delays for foreign academics after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have led to widespread complaints by U.S universities and scientific organizations, but the new incident comes when things are improving, said Wendy White, director of the Board of International Scientific Organizations. The board was set up by the National Academy of Sciences and has helped about 3,000 scientists affected by the new policies.
"This leaves a terrible impression of the United States," said White, who has seen a copy of the consulate's form letter to Mehta. In an interview yesterday, she added that top scientists had worked with senior State Department officials to reverse the decision before Bush's visit next week. "We want people to know the U.S. is an open and welcoming country."
Mehta's case has especially angered Indians because he was a director of the Indian Institute of Science and is a science adviser to India's prime minister. He has visited the United States "dozens of times," he said, and the University of Florida in Gainesville had invited him to lecture at an international conference.
State Department spokesman Justin Higgins denied yesterday that the United States had rejected Mehta's visa and said the consulate had merely followed standard procedure in dealing with applicants with certain kinds of scientific expertise.
In his written account, the scientist said that after traveling 200 miles, waiting three hours with his wife for an interview and being accused of deception, he was outraged when his accounts of his research were questioned and he was told he needed to fill out a detailed questionnaire.
"I indicated that I have no desire to subject myself to any further humiliation and asked that our passports be returned forthwith," he wrote. The consular official, Mehta added, "stamped the passports to indicate visa refusal and returned them."
Higgins declined to address why the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi had taken the unusual step of saying it "regrets" that Mehta was "upset by the visa interview process."
In its statement, the embassy said: "At the United States mission in India, and to varying degrees at every U.S. mission worldwide, certain cases involving high technology issues are among those that require review before consular officers in the field are authorized to issue a visa."
White said that issuing a visa would solve the immediate problem, but that it would be more difficult to undo the damage caused by the dispute. Mehta is a high-profile example of the hurdles imposed by the new visa procedures. They require all applicants to appear in person for interviews that are done in only a few locations in large countries such as India, White said.
"If you tell an American, 'If you want a visa to go to India, you have to go to Dallas, Chicago, L.A. or New York, and while you are there, you are going to be fingerprinted, photographed and asked about everything you have done in your research for the last 40 years,' we would find this procedure untenable as Americans," she said.
Mehta said in his written account that he had been invited by the University of Florida, where he has previously been a distinguished visiting professor. White said she expected the International Council for Science, also known as the ICSU, to issue a statement today about the case involving its president.
White and William Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering, acknowledged that young American consular officers in foreign countries have been under tremendous pressure since the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Making the wrong decision would be career-ending, so they play it safe, not really understanding the macroscopic implications of their decision," Wulf said. "Denying a visa to the president of ICSU is probably as dumb as you can get. This is not the way we can make friends."
�*2006*The Washington Post Company
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gc_buddy
11-19 01:17 PM
Thanks everyone for the valuable inputs..
up_guy
09-26 09:59 PM
pls reply on this..
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pd_recapturing
06-21 02:29 PM
Did somebody do research on getting the correct/valid photos for I 485 in the cheapest possible way ?
more...
blacktongue
02-15 01:29 PM
Some states will still backlogged.
gc28262
07-29 12:25 PM
Good One !
more...
rpat1968
09-20 12:14 AM
I got a response for the SR made through Infopass saying that there is lot of work load in NSC so there have extended the processing of my I-485. IN the SR we have asked about the incorrect EB classification and wanted to know the current EB category. This shows that SR responses are most of the times useless. I made a infopass appointment (3rd visit in 1 week) and was indeed able to find that USCIS screwed up my EB classification. Now I am trying all avenues to get this corrected. Because of USCIS's mistake I Lost multiple approval opportunities in last 2 years went dates became current for EB2.
My I-140 clearly shows that it's approved in Eb2 adv Degrees or Exceptional ability category. My lawyer and Employer both have agreed that USCIS has made mistake. in Infopass they created an SR last week with regards to this and there is no response.
My I-140 clearly shows that it's approved in Eb2 adv Degrees or Exceptional ability category. My lawyer and Employer both have agreed that USCIS has made mistake. in Infopass they created an SR last week with regards to this and there is no response.
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indianindian2006
08-28 02:10 PM
For some reason I remember this Venkat80 got his GC approved. If he is the same guy and playing with our emotions then this guy must be banned right away from IV. Otherwise I am sorry..
You are right I remember that he posted that he got his GC recently.
You are right I remember that he posted that he got his GC recently.
more...
485Mbe4001
02-18 07:55 PM
If anyone is from Augusta and wants to put up flyers in the temple there please send me a PM. I might be able to help.
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lecter
July 26th, 2004, 09:13 AM
semi??? ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!
more...
coolpal
03-20 09:21 AM
Hi,
I am in the same boat... but a little complicated. I am working for one of the big TARP funded firms as a consultant for almost a year now. I applied for h1 extension last june (my first 3 years was ending sep 30th 2008), but that application was pending forever, and I heard there were some queries with my (ex) employer (company A) for excessive use of h1bs... so applied for h1 transfer (while the first one was still pending) to company B in Dec 2008. I received a RFE asking for client letters, contracts etc, for h1b transfer application to company B in Jan 2009, for which we responded in first week of Feb 2009 with all the requested info including W2s from my first year of H1 till now.. my application was still pending as of last week, so we applied for premium processing on friday, and yesterday, I got an update saying they sent another RFE :(
I guess the contract that we sent for the first RFE probably had the contract end date as Feb 28th 2009.. not sure, but that might be the reason for the second RFE. Problem is my client usually approves contracts 4 - 6 months at a time, and I currently have a valid contract till June 30th 2009, and I know it is being extended beyond that, but I can't get the proof until June... hope I get it approved this time :mad:
I was always paid more than the prevailing wage and was never put on bench... just had some unpaid vacation a couple of times (for 3 weeks each) for visiting India... I even worked on CPT and OPT back in 2004 and have the W2s for them as well... in fact, I even sent them paystubs for all of 2008... man what else do they want? my life?? :mad:
pal :)
I am in the same boat... but a little complicated. I am working for one of the big TARP funded firms as a consultant for almost a year now. I applied for h1 extension last june (my first 3 years was ending sep 30th 2008), but that application was pending forever, and I heard there were some queries with my (ex) employer (company A) for excessive use of h1bs... so applied for h1 transfer (while the first one was still pending) to company B in Dec 2008. I received a RFE asking for client letters, contracts etc, for h1b transfer application to company B in Jan 2009, for which we responded in first week of Feb 2009 with all the requested info including W2s from my first year of H1 till now.. my application was still pending as of last week, so we applied for premium processing on friday, and yesterday, I got an update saying they sent another RFE :(
I guess the contract that we sent for the first RFE probably had the contract end date as Feb 28th 2009.. not sure, but that might be the reason for the second RFE. Problem is my client usually approves contracts 4 - 6 months at a time, and I currently have a valid contract till June 30th 2009, and I know it is being extended beyond that, but I can't get the proof until June... hope I get it approved this time :mad:
I was always paid more than the prevailing wage and was never put on bench... just had some unpaid vacation a couple of times (for 3 weeks each) for visiting India... I even worked on CPT and OPT back in 2004 and have the W2s for them as well... in fact, I even sent them paystubs for all of 2008... man what else do they want? my life?? :mad:
pal :)
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rajuram
02-15 11:17 PM
Lucky you�you can make plans like these. Most folks visiting this site are stuck in retrogression. Most will be willing to do AOS or Consular Processing, even if it means going to US Consulate on the north pole, if only it were to be allowed....Best of luck, hope you have fun making this choice
260 views and not even one single opinion?
260 views and not even one single opinion?
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gc28262
09-24 10:51 AM
FB part of this bill is what makes many democrats to support this bill.
Anti-immigrants will oppose any kind of immigration ( EB as well as FB)
Anti-immigrants will oppose any kind of immigration ( EB as well as FB)
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fromnaija
12-31 08:24 PM
Hi,
I just got my 2nd 3 year extension (Nov 2006 to Nov 2009) on my H1B after completing six years.
My PD is June 2005 and I-140 approved on July 2006. I am thinking of
changing my job. I am puzzling about the following questions:
1. Can I change the job and use my 3 year extension for the next job?
2. Can I keep my PD of June 2005 if my current employer doesn't revoke
my I-140 ?
3. If I apply for GC again with new employer and get my I-140 approved , can
I keep getting 3 year extensions on that job ?
PLEASE HELP!.
Thank you,
Yes, yes and yes. Your questions have been answered many times over here.
I just got my 2nd 3 year extension (Nov 2006 to Nov 2009) on my H1B after completing six years.
My PD is June 2005 and I-140 approved on July 2006. I am thinking of
changing my job. I am puzzling about the following questions:
1. Can I change the job and use my 3 year extension for the next job?
2. Can I keep my PD of June 2005 if my current employer doesn't revoke
my I-140 ?
3. If I apply for GC again with new employer and get my I-140 approved , can
I keep getting 3 year extensions on that job ?
PLEASE HELP!.
Thank you,
Yes, yes and yes. Your questions have been answered many times over here.
more...
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crystal
09-17 01:38 PM
What is wrong if you look like grandfather , if that is the truth.
Lets accept it and move on :D
I saw those guys in the situation room. I will look like their grandfather.:mad:
Lets accept it and move on :D
I saw those guys in the situation room. I will look like their grandfather.:mad:
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snram4
01-09 07:49 PM
First of all CIR means it will take care of potential immigrants at the same time gives protection to US workers. Everyone thinks that CIR is just giving benefit for illegal and legal immigrants. But american people wanted both ways. For legailizing illegal immigrants people want future illegal immigration should be stopped that is enforcement. Pro immigrants does not like enforcement even after legailizing 12 million illegal immigrants and trying to dilute and also by putting the condition that we need more guest workers also.
Similarly our legal immigrants group want unlimited H1b and green card. They do not care about past american workers. Lawyers want more business and Corporations want easy access to low paid and highly intelligent and young workers and will be interested in getting rid of high paid persons. So they are making a big noise even because of H1B restriction though there are so many benefits in EB reform in Guitierez Bill. Because of H1b restriction only low paid H1bs and also bodyshoppers will be impacted. Really high skilled people will not have any impact as all of the restrictions can be easily met by them.
this is a fair analysis..... gutierrez doesn't care for anyone as long as there is a provision for legalization...... he doesn't care for family unity either.... he just wants "legalization"...... but he could have done this without walking on me & beating me down.... in that sense it could it be interpreted that gutierrez is a jerk.... & like grassley..... he hates people like us.....
Similarly our legal immigrants group want unlimited H1b and green card. They do not care about past american workers. Lawyers want more business and Corporations want easy access to low paid and highly intelligent and young workers and will be interested in getting rid of high paid persons. So they are making a big noise even because of H1B restriction though there are so many benefits in EB reform in Guitierez Bill. Because of H1b restriction only low paid H1bs and also bodyshoppers will be impacted. Really high skilled people will not have any impact as all of the restrictions can be easily met by them.
this is a fair analysis..... gutierrez doesn't care for anyone as long as there is a provision for legalization...... he doesn't care for family unity either.... he just wants "legalization"...... but he could have done this without walking on me & beating me down.... in that sense it could it be interpreted that gutierrez is a jerk.... & like grassley..... he hates people like us.....
more...
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Dhundhun
05-31 12:51 AM
I e-filed my EAD renewal yesterday and got the reciept copy.
Now what are the documents i should send USCIS? Do you guys have the list of documents to be mailed for EAD renewal?
We have couple of threads covering it.
1. Copy of I485
2. Copy of both side of EAD (and for faster processing, upper part of mailer, in which EAD came)
3. Copy of Passport Photo page and last Visa Page (Serves as federal id)
4. Copy of DL (other id)
5. EAD filing receipt copy
In one or two business days, you may be able to see on line status and LUDs. Soon you should be receiving paper receipt followed by FP notice.
Now what are the documents i should send USCIS? Do you guys have the list of documents to be mailed for EAD renewal?
We have couple of threads covering it.
1. Copy of I485
2. Copy of both side of EAD (and for faster processing, upper part of mailer, in which EAD came)
3. Copy of Passport Photo page and last Visa Page (Serves as federal id)
4. Copy of DL (other id)
5. EAD filing receipt copy
In one or two business days, you may be able to see on line status and LUDs. Soon you should be receiving paper receipt followed by FP notice.
girlfriend Re: Bikes for fat people
vts31
10-17 06:47 PM
my icon is a GIF animation. i made it in Flash. fairly small. thanx for the mention Doll :)
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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.
mrcmic
07-24 06:38 PM
I am in the same boat with you.
485 package was delivered by UPS on NSC and the tracking number shows it delivered on the morning of June 08.
However, until this moment there is still no receipts annd check is not cashed.
As Canadian_Dream suggest, we just have to wait a little more time and if still no result, I will submit another copy for the application.
485 package was delivered by UPS on NSC and the tracking number shows it delivered on the morning of June 08.
However, until this moment there is still no receipts annd check is not cashed.
As Canadian_Dream suggest, we just have to wait a little more time and if still no result, I will submit another copy for the application.
yabadaba
04-22 03:08 PM
What's the deal here? I think this info is posted a lot of times. Any reason to post it again? Just trying to find reason.
its good to see data like this after a while...if nothing else...it provides a snapshot of where we are.
its good to see data like this after a while...if nothing else...it provides a snapshot of where we are.
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