vijjus
06-11 12:40 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/11/world/europe/11cnd-prexy.html?hp
SOFIA, Bulgaria, June 11 � As he heads home from an eight-day European swing to face a hostile Congress, President Bush lashed out today at Democrats for scheduling a vote of no confidence on his attorney general, and vowed to get his stalled immigration legislation passed, saying, �I�ll see you at the bill signing.�
SOFIA, Bulgaria, June 11 � As he heads home from an eight-day European swing to face a hostile Congress, President Bush lashed out today at Democrats for scheduling a vote of no confidence on his attorney general, and vowed to get his stalled immigration legislation passed, saying, �I�ll see you at the bill signing.�
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kola
05-04 01:48 PM
Hi Madhuri,
Do you have any more information regarding this.
I am in the same boat .
My LC got approved through perm in my 6th year
and I140 applied and pending .
6th year expires in Sept06.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Do you have any more information regarding this.
I am in the same boat .
My LC got approved through perm in my 6th year
and I140 applied and pending .
6th year expires in Sept06.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
pd_recapturing
04-04 03:25 PM
It also talks about 180 days rule. On the other hand, they are still sending denial notices to ppl whose 140 have been revoked by the employer.
"In most cases, the job offer in the Form I-140 must remain valid and available to the alien beneficiary until s/he obtains permanent resident status. In some limited circumstances, the law allows adjustment applicants to change employers without interrupting their eligibility for adjustment of status if the Form I-140 has been approved and the adjustment application has been pending for at least 180 days. USCIS recognizes that some workers may want to take advantage of this provision in the law and has increased its emphasis on processing the underlying employer petitions independent of the availability of a visa for the finalization of the adjustment of status application"
"In most cases, the job offer in the Form I-140 must remain valid and available to the alien beneficiary until s/he obtains permanent resident status. In some limited circumstances, the law allows adjustment applicants to change employers without interrupting their eligibility for adjustment of status if the Form I-140 has been approved and the adjustment application has been pending for at least 180 days. USCIS recognizes that some workers may want to take advantage of this provision in the law and has increased its emphasis on processing the underlying employer petitions independent of the availability of a visa for the finalization of the adjustment of status application"
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waltz
08-24 10:17 AM
Wisconsin Public Radio www.wpr.org
You can listen online
For Program On: Friday, August 24, 2007 at 9:00 AM
According to a new report, the U.S. suffers from �brain drain� because many skilled, foreign-born workers can�t get resident visas. After nine, Kathleen Dunn talks with one of the researchers. Guest: Vivek Wadhwa, founder, Chairman, and CEO of Relativity Technologies. Executive in Residence/Adjunct Professor, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University. www.kauffman.org
You can listen online
For Program On: Friday, August 24, 2007 at 9:00 AM
According to a new report, the U.S. suffers from �brain drain� because many skilled, foreign-born workers can�t get resident visas. After nine, Kathleen Dunn talks with one of the researchers. Guest: Vivek Wadhwa, founder, Chairman, and CEO of Relativity Technologies. Executive in Residence/Adjunct Professor, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University. www.kauffman.org
more...
nozerd
02-26 09:14 AM
Where is the best place to learn Peoplesoft ? What is future scope of Peoplesoft ? Also where is a good place to learn SAP or Oracle Financials ?
Do local Univ or Community colleges - Computer Science or MIS departments offter these classes ? Does one need to learn C to learn these applications ?
My only prior programming experience is in Basic and Fortran languages eons ago.
Do local Univ or Community colleges - Computer Science or MIS departments offter these classes ? Does one need to learn C to learn these applications ?
My only prior programming experience is in Basic and Fortran languages eons ago.
siddar
09-04 01:41 PM
This is as per USCIC:
06/05/08. Previous editions will be accepted only for medical exams conducted before August 1, 2008. Medical exams conducted on or after August 1, 2008, require use of the 06/05/08 edition (link at bottom of page).
Goto www.uscis.gov and click on 'Immigration Forms' and scroll down for I-693.
06/05/08. Previous editions will be accepted only for medical exams conducted before August 1, 2008. Medical exams conducted on or after August 1, 2008, require use of the 06/05/08 edition (link at bottom of page).
Goto www.uscis.gov and click on 'Immigration Forms' and scroll down for I-693.
more...
stucklabor
07-14 10:50 AM
Pappu is right. At this point, no one knows when the SKIL bill will be debated, or if support for it is strong enough that it can even be brought to the floor.
The core team has said this N times and let me say it for the N+1th time. We DON'T HAVE any timelines. All we can do is try to influence but we are a small part of the puzzle. The House and Senate leadership decide what they want to do, based on the larger picture.
We are 5000 members, only 1000 contributing. Is it any wonder that things are at such a pass?
BTW, Pappu, your link didn't work for me.
The core team has said this N times and let me say it for the N+1th time. We DON'T HAVE any timelines. All we can do is try to influence but we are a small part of the puzzle. The House and Senate leadership decide what they want to do, based on the larger picture.
We are 5000 members, only 1000 contributing. Is it any wonder that things are at such a pass?
BTW, Pappu, your link didn't work for me.
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pappu
10-23 11:45 AM
I think 485 processing is not dependent on PD being current. It is only the adjudication or final approval for which the PD needs to be current.
All 485 processing takes place based on it's receipt date and after it is complete the application is put on hold for approval untill the PD becomes current for that application.
Yes. Pre-Adjudications can happen regardless (dates current or not). However having a pre-adjudicated file has no consequence on immigration benefits unless your dates are current. When the dates become current for the applicant, the file is pulled for allotment of visa number.
I will correct my post to be more specific.
All 485 processing takes place based on it's receipt date and after it is complete the application is put on hold for approval untill the PD becomes current for that application.
Yes. Pre-Adjudications can happen regardless (dates current or not). However having a pre-adjudicated file has no consequence on immigration benefits unless your dates are current. When the dates become current for the applicant, the file is pulled for allotment of visa number.
I will correct my post to be more specific.
more...
amitga
04-27 06:00 PM
Hagel Introduces Legislation to Deal with Illegal Immigrants Living in the U.S.
So, on the Illegal side we have:
Senate Bill: Hagel with The Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007
House Bill: Flake with the STRIVE
On the Legal and High-Tech side we have:
Senate Bill: Cornyn with SKIL Bill
House Bill: Shadegg with SKIL Bill
Senate Discussion: Last two weeks of May 2007.
Let the engines start.
Are they going to discuss all the bills in last week of May or just the Hagel Bill.
So, on the Illegal side we have:
Senate Bill: Hagel with The Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007
House Bill: Flake with the STRIVE
On the Legal and High-Tech side we have:
Senate Bill: Cornyn with SKIL Bill
House Bill: Shadegg with SKIL Bill
Senate Discussion: Last two weeks of May 2007.
Let the engines start.
Are they going to discuss all the bills in last week of May or just the Hagel Bill.
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chanduv23
04-08 04:06 PM
I have asked this question for 3rd straight day and yet no answer. Is it some kinda secret deal?. Thought its a public forum.
Come on my friend, Admins are like you and me. They are not having any magic wands. You may want to post your concerns in the public forum or the best thing is to contact your State chapter representative who will conduit you to the Admins.
These are tough times, so hang in there. IV is committed for our cause.
Come on my friend, Admins are like you and me. They are not having any magic wands. You may want to post your concerns in the public forum or the best thing is to contact your State chapter representative who will conduit you to the Admins.
These are tough times, so hang in there. IV is committed for our cause.
more...
nixstor
02-23 02:14 PM
my case was recieved Dec 07. (H1B extension)
The website says they're processing Dec 21
However checking my case status, it still says received and pending
How come?
The processing times are just a rough estimate. Most of the times H4 extensions are approved along with H1 extensions. There is a 1 month difference between these two. I think it might got to do some thing it as well. Call USCIS and ask them. There might not be a better response but sometimes you get lucky and talk to a Immigration officer.
The website says they're processing Dec 21
However checking my case status, it still says received and pending
How come?
The processing times are just a rough estimate. Most of the times H4 extensions are approved along with H1 extensions. There is a 1 month difference between these two. I think it might got to do some thing it as well. Call USCIS and ask them. There might not be a better response but sometimes you get lucky and talk to a Immigration officer.
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mugwump
12-07 04:41 PM
I was worried because in the application, the admissions advisor was asking em to fill SSN & Visa status information. I was a bit worried to give that information if that is going to be voilated in any way.
You will be fine, i am on H1 and doing my MS part time!!
You will be fine, i am on H1 and doing my MS part time!!
more...
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rongha_2000
10-02 01:17 PM
Thank you.. THis is very helpful.
You do not have to apply for new SSN but do the following taken from SSA website:
If your work eligibility has changed or if have become a U.S. citizen, you must apply for a replacement card. Your replacement card will no longer read �Not Valid for Employment,� but you will retain the same Social Security number.
To get a replacement card:
Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us documents proving your:
Immigration status;
Work eligibility; and
Identity.
Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
We will mail your number and card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents.
For details about the type of evidence you must provide, see Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-10096) or Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.
You do not have to apply for new SSN but do the following taken from SSA website:
If your work eligibility has changed or if have become a U.S. citizen, you must apply for a replacement card. Your replacement card will no longer read �Not Valid for Employment,� but you will retain the same Social Security number.
To get a replacement card:
Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us documents proving your:
Immigration status;
Work eligibility; and
Identity.
Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
We will mail your number and card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents.
For details about the type of evidence you must provide, see Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-10096) or Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.
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rakesh_uvce
10-10 09:01 AM
hi mpadapa,
I couldnt find that question. Do you know aapprox what time after the conference call started or the name of the guy who posted that question?
thanks
I couldnt find that question. Do you know aapprox what time after the conference call started or the name of the guy who posted that question?
thanks
more...
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binadh
10-07 10:19 AM
Mine was filed by Fragomen in June and responded to audit in November as well. If your case was filed by Fragomen you have no option but the wait. Sorry to disappoint you, but I am in exactly the same situation.
Mine was not filed by Fragomen, and it is still pending for more than 15 months. So, I don't think there is anything we can do about it. To rub it in a little more - I am on EB2-ROW. So, Labor is holding everything......
:mad:
Mine was not filed by Fragomen, and it is still pending for more than 15 months. So, I don't think there is anything we can do about it. To rub it in a little more - I am on EB2-ROW. So, Labor is holding everything......
:mad:
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gconmymind
04-10 06:10 PM
its funny. everyone is talking about recession, weak dollar, foreclosures, job cuts , etc etc. but the number of h-1b applications continues to rise each year (last year it was 123k, this year it is 163k).
isn't this a funny and/or strange statistic ? :confused:
anyway, i wish all applicants the best. i was in the same position last year and i know how it feels. hopefully, uscis is better prepared to handle this volume, after last years experience.
-a
There should be stricter provisions on starting dates for approved H1s. There is no compulsion for a company to use an approved H1 if it doesn't want to. Companies apply in anticipation of demand and will eat their losses (H1/lawyer fee only. They will generally not send an employee to USA until they find a project) if they dont find a project. This is especially true of service based companies, desi or otherwise. Development companies like Microsoft, Google, etc. will not aply for H1 in April and ask the candidate to start in, say, March of next year. I think they will need to start applying for their overseas employees based on demand at their US work location in the future so they dont lose out in the hunt for talent..
It will be interesting to see how many H1s actually start working within 90 days, 1.e. by 1st Jan. If they dont, it clearly means (in most cases, in my opinion) there was no real demand...
Increasing the quota will do no good...I think the lottery is here to stay for a while. Goodluck to everyone in the lottery!
isn't this a funny and/or strange statistic ? :confused:
anyway, i wish all applicants the best. i was in the same position last year and i know how it feels. hopefully, uscis is better prepared to handle this volume, after last years experience.
-a
There should be stricter provisions on starting dates for approved H1s. There is no compulsion for a company to use an approved H1 if it doesn't want to. Companies apply in anticipation of demand and will eat their losses (H1/lawyer fee only. They will generally not send an employee to USA until they find a project) if they dont find a project. This is especially true of service based companies, desi or otherwise. Development companies like Microsoft, Google, etc. will not aply for H1 in April and ask the candidate to start in, say, March of next year. I think they will need to start applying for their overseas employees based on demand at their US work location in the future so they dont lose out in the hunt for talent..
It will be interesting to see how many H1s actually start working within 90 days, 1.e. by 1st Jan. If they dont, it clearly means (in most cases, in my opinion) there was no real demand...
Increasing the quota will do no good...I think the lottery is here to stay for a while. Goodluck to everyone in the lottery!
more...
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edaltsis
11-12 10:26 AM
One of my friends got his H1 Transferred w/o pay stub. It depends on the lawyer, some can manage to get this done and it also depends on USCIS officer who deals your case. Try to hire a good lawyer and they should be able to help you out.
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santb1975
02-16 02:06 PM
Abhijitp, We badly need volunteers too. We are counting on gsc999's presence here to get our chapter active again. We have lot of work to do in So.Cal to get all our members to participate in our chapter activities again. We will give it a good try.
This is awesome!
Gsc999 we promise to do our best here too... we badly need volunteers, though.
This is awesome!
Gsc999 we promise to do our best here too... we badly need volunteers, though.
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keerthi
07-14 08:32 AM
Hello Ruben,
I have forwarded my employer's email to you. Also, I have sent it through this forum's private messaging. Please check and let me know.
Thanks.
I have forwarded my employer's email to you. Also, I have sent it through this forum's private messaging. Please check and let me know.
Thanks.
akkakarla
08-05 06:04 PM
Step 1: You will be called for interview by random picking of applications,if the person is arrested and answered yes to if you ever got arrested(95% of the cases will be interviewed,if the people gets suspicision about the applicant and/or sponsoring company.
Step 2: The applicant will be notified about transfer of I485 petition to the local office in email. This stops all LUD's on the case and they pretty much dependent on the local office communication and no updates on their case online.
Step 3: The Local offices will schedule the interview based on the workload and the processing timelines.They will not stop interviewing because of the retrogression.
Step 4: They send out the interview letters either to attorney and/or applicant 2-3 weeks ahead and they specifically mention in block letters the documents they are looking for in addition the original documentation submitted.
Step 5: Attend the interview and make sure to take all the necessary documents listed below:
1 The AOS interview notice letters
2 Passport, I-94s
3 EADs (latest and expired)
4 The fingerprint interview notice letters
5 Letter from old-employer-name
6 new-employer-name Employee varification letter
7 new-employer-name pay-stubs for current and past year
8 new-employer-name Consultant varification letter
9 Marriage Certificate
10 Birth Certificates
11 Couple of Marriage Photographs
12 Degree certificates/transcripts
13 The receipts of last fingerprint
14 Copy of I-485 transfer notice to local office (least Important)
15 Copy of I-485 receipt notice
16 Copy of documents when we applied for I-485 ( if available)
17 Copy of Letter from old-employer-name to INS written on 2/12/2002 with I-485 app.
18 Copy of I-140 approval notice ( if available)
19 Copy of Labor Approval ( if available)
20 W2 and Tax Returns
21 Employee/W2 wages List
22 Latest bank statements and utility bills
To the best of my knowledge these are the documents I may miss one or two.
Step 6: Once the interview is completed and the officer is satisfied with the documents and answers he will take the passports and check for the visa number to the A#. If he feels some discrepancy they will say that they will send the decision in mail which means we need to embrace for anything.
Step 7: If the visa number is issued from DOS he will then stamp the passport with I551 stamping and the card will be sent in week or two. If the decision is being sent in mail it generally(30%-70% of the times is rejection or asking for additional proof).
PS: It is not adviseable to reschedule the interview date. Once the date is reschedule one has to be prepared for long periods of time.It is good to get it done and get the moneky of our backs.
If you really need to reschedule the interview that is already scheduled one MUST MAKE SURE that the USCIS Local Offices are updated and get a written confirmation if possible otherwise the case will be considered abandoned.
Step 2: The applicant will be notified about transfer of I485 petition to the local office in email. This stops all LUD's on the case and they pretty much dependent on the local office communication and no updates on their case online.
Step 3: The Local offices will schedule the interview based on the workload and the processing timelines.They will not stop interviewing because of the retrogression.
Step 4: They send out the interview letters either to attorney and/or applicant 2-3 weeks ahead and they specifically mention in block letters the documents they are looking for in addition the original documentation submitted.
Step 5: Attend the interview and make sure to take all the necessary documents listed below:
1 The AOS interview notice letters
2 Passport, I-94s
3 EADs (latest and expired)
4 The fingerprint interview notice letters
5 Letter from old-employer-name
6 new-employer-name Employee varification letter
7 new-employer-name pay-stubs for current and past year
8 new-employer-name Consultant varification letter
9 Marriage Certificate
10 Birth Certificates
11 Couple of Marriage Photographs
12 Degree certificates/transcripts
13 The receipts of last fingerprint
14 Copy of I-485 transfer notice to local office (least Important)
15 Copy of I-485 receipt notice
16 Copy of documents when we applied for I-485 ( if available)
17 Copy of Letter from old-employer-name to INS written on 2/12/2002 with I-485 app.
18 Copy of I-140 approval notice ( if available)
19 Copy of Labor Approval ( if available)
20 W2 and Tax Returns
21 Employee/W2 wages List
22 Latest bank statements and utility bills
To the best of my knowledge these are the documents I may miss one or two.
Step 6: Once the interview is completed and the officer is satisfied with the documents and answers he will take the passports and check for the visa number to the A#. If he feels some discrepancy they will say that they will send the decision in mail which means we need to embrace for anything.
Step 7: If the visa number is issued from DOS he will then stamp the passport with I551 stamping and the card will be sent in week or two. If the decision is being sent in mail it generally(30%-70% of the times is rejection or asking for additional proof).
PS: It is not adviseable to reschedule the interview date. Once the date is reschedule one has to be prepared for long periods of time.It is good to get it done and get the moneky of our backs.
If you really need to reschedule the interview that is already scheduled one MUST MAKE SURE that the USCIS Local Offices are updated and get a written confirmation if possible otherwise the case will be considered abandoned.
jkays94
05-04 02:17 PM
Here are the relevant parts of the transcript (http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0605/03/acd.01.html) :
COOPER: Rising gas prices aren't the only thing causing heartburn this election year. Immigration reform is close behind. The battle at the border has spread into the heartland and across the country. Some politicians already paying the price. Ahead, we'll get a reality check from the best political team around.
Plus, a brazen break in the border. They've actually poured concrete here and they've formed steps which makes it easier for whoever was bringing drugs into the United States, actually climb up through the tunnel.
Tunnel built by drug runners. We showed it to you back in January. Now there's a new development in the story. What's going to happen to the tunnel? We'll bring you the latest next on 360.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Those pictures, of course, from Monday's massive immigration demonstrations. Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants and their supporters in the streets. They wanted to show their economic power. They hoped that would translate into political power. But now some critics are saying it's actually had the opposite effect, creating a backlash. And in at least one city so far the issue has already cost a Mayor his job. Here's CNN's Candy Crowley.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CANDY CROWLEY, SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: This is where day laborers, mostly immigrants, legal and not, hang out looking for work in Herndon, Virginia. It may not look like an election issue, but last night, voters threw out their mayor and two city council members who pushed for the day labor center. This is the new mayor.
STEVE DEBENEDITTIS, HERNDON VIRGINIA MAYOR-ELECT: Welcome immigrants, but they have concerns, valid concerns, about illegal immigration.
CROWLEY: Fewer than 3,000 people voted in Herndon. Just about 24 hours after the nation watched hundreds of thousands of immigrants, legal and not, demonstrate across the country.
FRANK SHARRY, EXEC. DIR., NATIONAL IMMIGRATION FORUM: I've never known a politician who wasn't attracted to a large crowd. And these have been some pretty large crowds.
CROWLEY: True enough, it was evidence that the immigrant community can galvanize itself. The question is, to what end? Congress is reading the tea leaves.
SEN. HARRY REID, (D) MINORITY LEADER: I personally believe very, very fervently that they have helped, helped picture this issue in the minds of the American people in a positive fashion.
CROWLEY: Tea leaf reading is not an exact science, particularly in an election year where frankly democrats would be better off if the republican-led congress did nothing.
SHARRY: I think the congress is going to have a lot of explaining to do if they don't end this session with a good comprehensive bill.
CROWLEY: Republicans desperate for something to tout as accomplishment, anxious not to alienate core conservative voters, are afraid the demonstrations harden conservative opposition to anything that smacks of a break for illegals. SEN. MEL MARTINEZ, (R) FLORIDA: I believe at the end of the day we'll see that it really had a negative effect and it backfired on those of us who are trying to move forward something that is comprehensive but yet in middle course.
CROWLEY: Senator Mel Martinez of Florida says since Monday's demonstrations calls to his office have run 10 to 1 against his bill providing tougher border security and a pathway to citizenship after hurdles are jumped.
JOHN FUNU, WALL STREET JOURNAL: The boycott has so heated up the measure that we're not going to have any bill this year. It's simply poisoned the well.
CROWLEY: As Washington lawmakers struggle with the political weight of all those demonstrations --
SEN. JOHN CORNYN, (R) TEXAS: It wasn't clear exactly what the message was. And I think in some ways it tended to polarize people.
CROWLEY: Herndon, Virginia, is already discussing changes to ensure the day labor center cannot be used by illegals. The problem with tea leaves is, you never know which ones to read. Candy Crowley, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, earlier I spoke with Candy Crowley along with John Roberts and John King, part of the best political team on television.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: John Roberts, what are the prospects for getting immigration reform this year?
JOHN ROBERTS, SR. NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That would depend on who you talk to. Some republicans who want to put a good spin on this say that it's possible that they can get it done. It might even be possible that they could get it done by the August recess. Other people including the White House are much more pessimistic about it saying they don't expect anything to happen until after the November election.
COOPER: Candy, I mean could these demonstrations really have backfired and derailed a compromised deal, even among those who support some sort of reform?
CROWLEY: Absolutely. I mean, the problem really is, first of all, the politics are that the democrats would rather have the issue at this point because it's an election year than a bill. The republicans would like a bill because it will be an accomplishment, but they have problems with their conservative core. And the people we talked to said listen, the demonstrations backfired. It left -- people looked and said well they're not working, and they're out demonstrating. You know, fair or not, the conservative core sort of toughened up. It seemed to have hardened both sides of this debate. COOPER: John King, a lot of talk, too about all the Mexican flags out in the street. Obviously there were a lot of American flags where organizers really tried to get American flags out there. But that certainly angers a lot of people. What are you hearing from the people you talked to in Washington?
JOHN KING, CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, that tactic, as Candy just noted, there is a backfiring from these demonstrations. And that tactic in particular has emboldened conservatives. Remember the key question here is, if they can get a bill through the senate, can they then get the house to embrace a more liberal immigration policy? The house members, most are from safe conservative districts. And back home in their districts they didn't feel all that much pressure to begin with. And what they are saying now is that this sends an anti-American signal.
If these people want legal status in the United States, they should be holding American flags, they should be demonstrating for rights in the United States not celebrating Mexico or El Salvador. So to that degree, while the masses in the streets certainly showed the emerging political power and potential political power of the Latino vote, that symbol has helped the opponents of this measure especially in the house. It has simply stiffened the resolve of conservatives who say no to any new broad immigration reform.
COOPER: Rising gas prices aren't the only thing causing heartburn this election year. Immigration reform is close behind. The battle at the border has spread into the heartland and across the country. Some politicians already paying the price. Ahead, we'll get a reality check from the best political team around.
Plus, a brazen break in the border. They've actually poured concrete here and they've formed steps which makes it easier for whoever was bringing drugs into the United States, actually climb up through the tunnel.
Tunnel built by drug runners. We showed it to you back in January. Now there's a new development in the story. What's going to happen to the tunnel? We'll bring you the latest next on 360.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Those pictures, of course, from Monday's massive immigration demonstrations. Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants and their supporters in the streets. They wanted to show their economic power. They hoped that would translate into political power. But now some critics are saying it's actually had the opposite effect, creating a backlash. And in at least one city so far the issue has already cost a Mayor his job. Here's CNN's Candy Crowley.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CANDY CROWLEY, SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: This is where day laborers, mostly immigrants, legal and not, hang out looking for work in Herndon, Virginia. It may not look like an election issue, but last night, voters threw out their mayor and two city council members who pushed for the day labor center. This is the new mayor.
STEVE DEBENEDITTIS, HERNDON VIRGINIA MAYOR-ELECT: Welcome immigrants, but they have concerns, valid concerns, about illegal immigration.
CROWLEY: Fewer than 3,000 people voted in Herndon. Just about 24 hours after the nation watched hundreds of thousands of immigrants, legal and not, demonstrate across the country.
FRANK SHARRY, EXEC. DIR., NATIONAL IMMIGRATION FORUM: I've never known a politician who wasn't attracted to a large crowd. And these have been some pretty large crowds.
CROWLEY: True enough, it was evidence that the immigrant community can galvanize itself. The question is, to what end? Congress is reading the tea leaves.
SEN. HARRY REID, (D) MINORITY LEADER: I personally believe very, very fervently that they have helped, helped picture this issue in the minds of the American people in a positive fashion.
CROWLEY: Tea leaf reading is not an exact science, particularly in an election year where frankly democrats would be better off if the republican-led congress did nothing.
SHARRY: I think the congress is going to have a lot of explaining to do if they don't end this session with a good comprehensive bill.
CROWLEY: Republicans desperate for something to tout as accomplishment, anxious not to alienate core conservative voters, are afraid the demonstrations harden conservative opposition to anything that smacks of a break for illegals. SEN. MEL MARTINEZ, (R) FLORIDA: I believe at the end of the day we'll see that it really had a negative effect and it backfired on those of us who are trying to move forward something that is comprehensive but yet in middle course.
CROWLEY: Senator Mel Martinez of Florida says since Monday's demonstrations calls to his office have run 10 to 1 against his bill providing tougher border security and a pathway to citizenship after hurdles are jumped.
JOHN FUNU, WALL STREET JOURNAL: The boycott has so heated up the measure that we're not going to have any bill this year. It's simply poisoned the well.
CROWLEY: As Washington lawmakers struggle with the political weight of all those demonstrations --
SEN. JOHN CORNYN, (R) TEXAS: It wasn't clear exactly what the message was. And I think in some ways it tended to polarize people.
CROWLEY: Herndon, Virginia, is already discussing changes to ensure the day labor center cannot be used by illegals. The problem with tea leaves is, you never know which ones to read. Candy Crowley, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, earlier I spoke with Candy Crowley along with John Roberts and John King, part of the best political team on television.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: John Roberts, what are the prospects for getting immigration reform this year?
JOHN ROBERTS, SR. NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That would depend on who you talk to. Some republicans who want to put a good spin on this say that it's possible that they can get it done. It might even be possible that they could get it done by the August recess. Other people including the White House are much more pessimistic about it saying they don't expect anything to happen until after the November election.
COOPER: Candy, I mean could these demonstrations really have backfired and derailed a compromised deal, even among those who support some sort of reform?
CROWLEY: Absolutely. I mean, the problem really is, first of all, the politics are that the democrats would rather have the issue at this point because it's an election year than a bill. The republicans would like a bill because it will be an accomplishment, but they have problems with their conservative core. And the people we talked to said listen, the demonstrations backfired. It left -- people looked and said well they're not working, and they're out demonstrating. You know, fair or not, the conservative core sort of toughened up. It seemed to have hardened both sides of this debate. COOPER: John King, a lot of talk, too about all the Mexican flags out in the street. Obviously there were a lot of American flags where organizers really tried to get American flags out there. But that certainly angers a lot of people. What are you hearing from the people you talked to in Washington?
JOHN KING, CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, that tactic, as Candy just noted, there is a backfiring from these demonstrations. And that tactic in particular has emboldened conservatives. Remember the key question here is, if they can get a bill through the senate, can they then get the house to embrace a more liberal immigration policy? The house members, most are from safe conservative districts. And back home in their districts they didn't feel all that much pressure to begin with. And what they are saying now is that this sends an anti-American signal.
If these people want legal status in the United States, they should be holding American flags, they should be demonstrating for rights in the United States not celebrating Mexico or El Salvador. So to that degree, while the masses in the streets certainly showed the emerging political power and potential political power of the Latino vote, that symbol has helped the opponents of this measure especially in the house. It has simply stiffened the resolve of conservatives who say no to any new broad immigration reform.
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