Spoke to Senators/Congressman (NH) office

kewl

Registered Users (C)
Spoke to Senators / Congressman (NH) office

Guys,

Here is an update about my call to area senators/congressman...

I called to Senator Judd Gregg (R - NH) office (DC & New Hampshire) and talked with immigration head regarding this horrible employment based immigrant visa retrogression issue. Explained them about our frustration and stressful life, inability to apply I485/EAD/AP, 7-8 years wait for 3rd stage, no work authorization for dependent, can't take major decisions, visa hassals even we are legal, law-abiding people and paying taxes and helping US economy etc etc. They said THEY ARE AWARE OF VISA RETROGRESSION ISSUE AND GETTING CALL FROM VARIOUS PEOPLE since last 2 weeks (which is really really good!). She noted down conversation and concenrn on EB retrogression, how horribly I (and others) are affected and said she will pass our concerns to Senator and see how senator can help on this to resolve the issue. I also mentioned that same EB retrogression problem happend in past and solved by Congress by change in law (recapturing of previous years unused visas). So urged them to take appropriate measure to solve the issue this time (by Increasing annual quota of EB immigrant visas, recapturing unused visas, Removing per country limit or adjusting based on population ratio, Counting primary applicant only from visa quota, Allow to file I485/EAD/AP, etc.).

Then I called Senator John Sununu (R - NH) office. Initially they misunderstood visa retrogression with delay due to security check. But then I explained them and then they understood the exact nature of the problem. He will talk with Senator and contact me back as New Hampshire resident.

I also called to office of congressman Charlie Bass and talked with his head of immigration for 20 minutes. She listened with great interest and understood the problem throughly. She sympethise the frustration due to retrogression. She said she will start working on issue this afternoon and talk with Congressman about the issue.

I also called to Senator Ed Kennedy's office and convey our concerns.

All senators/congressman offices said it will encourage them (and will encourage to take action to resolve the issue eventually) if we (more and more people) call about retrogression issue. So guys... please don't wait...call now...every phone call will definately encourage them further, put the issue on their higher priority and solve it at the earliest. Also by calling them, you can eliminate possiblity of any confusion or misunderstanding of EB visa retrogression issue with illegal immigrants problem in "Immigration Reform bill", H-1B visa or backlog, security check, etc.

I also sent FAX to above senators/congressman as well as all members of senate judiciary committee.

SO PLEASE CALL THEM. I believe calling them will make our voice much
more effective along with sending email/fax/letters.


FYI, Please focus on employment visa retrogression issue, rather than just supporting "Immigration Reform Bill". As major portion of "Immigration Reform Bill" covers solution for illegal immigration, I have seen many instances where Senators/Congressman totally misunderstood the request (they understood that we are supporting illegal immigrants and asking for its solution) by merely supporting this bill. Once explained the retrogression problem throughly (either in call or by email), we could point out a section in "Immigration Reform Bill" and "immigration relief provisions" of budget bill which can alleviate visa retrogression. Also point out to them importance of removing per country limit to solve retrogression issue.

I have attached sample letter. Please modify according to your situation and send to your senators/congressman, judiciary committee, president, industry leader and others. There is hearing on "Immigration Reform Bill" on Oct 18 and "immigration relief provisions" meeting somewhere after that by Senate judciary committee. Check this out...
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?p=1266570#post1266570

-------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE SUPPORT LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND REMOVAL OF RETROGRESSION ON ALL EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREENCARD

PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AT

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/techworkers/
http://www.isnamerica.org

UNITED WE STAND
-------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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Greatttttttt work. Could you please post the link of contact of Senators and Congress persons?

Thanks



kewl said:
Guys,

Here is an update about my call to area senators/congressman...

I called to Senator Judd Gregg (R - NH) office (DC & New Hampshire) and talked with immigration head regarding this horrible employment based immigrant visa retrogression issue. Explained them about our frustration and stressful life, inability to apply I485/EAD/AP, 7-8 years wait for 3rd stage, no work authorization for dependent, can't take major decisions, visa hassals even we are legal, law-abiding people and paying taxes and helping US economy etc etc. They said THEY ARE AWARE OF VISA RETROGRESSION ISSUE AND GETTING CALL FROM VARIOUS PEOPLE since last 2 weeks (which is really really good!). She noted down conversation and concenrn on EB retrogression, how horribly I (and others) are affected and said she will pass our concerns to Senator and see how senator can help on this to resolve the issue. I also mentioned that same EB retrogression problem happend in past and solved by Congress by change in law (recapturing of previous years unused visas). So urged them to take appropriate measure to solve the issue this time (by Increasing annual quota of EB immigrant visas, recapturing unused visas, Removing per country limit or adjusting based on population ratio, Counting primary applicant only from visa quota, Allow to file I485/EAD/AP, etc.).

Then I called Senator John Sununu (R - NH) office. Initially they misunderstood visa retrogression with delay due to security check. But then I explained them and then they understood the exact nature of the problem. He will talk with Senator and contact me back as New Hampshire resident.

I also called to office of congressman Charlie Bass and talked with his head of immigration for 20 minutes. She listened with great interest and understood the problem throughly. She sympethise the frustration due to retrogression. She said she will start working on issue this afternoon and talk with Congressman about the issue.

I also called to Ed Kennedy's office and convey our concerns.

All senators/congressman offices said it will encourage them (and will encourage to take action to resolve the issue eventually) if we (more and more people) call about retrogression issue. So guys... please don't wait...call now...every phone call will definately encourage them further, put the issue on their higher priority and solve it at the earliest. Also by calling them, you can eliminate possiblity of any confusion or misunderstanding of EB visa retrogression issue with illegal immigrants problem in "Immigration Reform bill", H-1B visa or backlog, security check, etc.

I also sent FAX to above senators/congressman as well as all members of senate judiciary committee.

SO PLEASE CALL THEM. I believe calling them will make our voice much
more effective along with sending email/fax/letters.


FYI, Please focus on employment visa retrogression issue, rather than just supporting "Immigration Reform Bill". As major portion of "Immigration Reform Bill" covers solution for illegal immigration, I have seen many instances where Senators/Congressman totally misunderstood the request (they understood that we are supporting illegal immigrants and asking for its solution) by merely supporting this bill. Once explained the retrogression problem throughly (either in call or by email), we could point out a section in "Immigration Reform Bill" and "immigration relief provisions" of budget bill which can alleviate visa retrogression. Also point out to them importance of removing per country limit to solve retrogression issue.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE SUPPORT LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND REMOVAL OF RETROGRESSION ON ALL EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREENCARD

PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AT

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/techworkers/
http://www.isnamerica.org

UNITED WE STAND
-------------------------------------------------------------------
 
contacting the immigration person

Kewl,

Again, thanks a lot for your efforts. I am trying to make calls also. How does one get hold of the person in charge immigration matters in the respective senator's office. Should I ask for such a person or ask to speak to his chief of staff ?

MDGUTS
 
Call their office and request them that you would like to talk with 'Head of immigration'. Usually every senator/congressman's office has immigration staff (atleast one or more people) handling matters/issues related to immigration for people in their constituency.

MDGUTS1307 said:
Kewl,

Again, thanks a lot for your efforts. I am trying to make calls also. How does one get hold of the person in charge immigration matters in the respective senator's office. Should I ask for such a person or ask to speak to his chief of staff ?

MDGUTS
 
Tips on how to write to congressmen/senators

I found some tips on how to write to congressmen/politicians. It is as follows:

CONTACT
When Writing Your Congressional Representatives

Your correspondence with your Representatives and Senators is important, and therefore should not be underestimated. Indeed, such correspondence is a responsibility, even an obligation you should assume when you elect a public official. After all, how can your elected members of Congress effectively represent you if you fail to inform them of your views? Many representatives and senators recognize that letters, emails, and faxes they receive from voters back home are among their best sources for learning and understanding the views of their constituents.

Writing effective letters to your elected representatives is not difficult. A well-worded and factually persuasive letter can cause an elected official to review or reevaluate his or her position on an issue. Such correspondence has been known to cause a change in position or vote. Communicating your support on an issue, also can reinforce and strengthen a representative's position and gives him or her visible evidence of constituent support.

Here are some basic guidelines to follow when you sit down to write:

Why Write?

To express your views on an issue and to help your elected representatives understand your position as a constituent.
To solicit his/her views and position on issues.
To seek a commitment on an issue.
To seek assistance and support as a constituent.
To seek information or ask questions.
To express appreciation for a job well done or for a particular vote.
Important Courtesies

Be friendly, politicians are human too.
Be polite.
Be reasonable, don't ask for the impossible.
Don't threaten, especially with your vote.
Don't demand a final or immediate commitment, legislation is a complicated process.
Be appreciative, say "thank you", especially when you agree with a vote or position.
Format

Address your letter properly; the recipient's name and address should be on the letter and envelope.
Proper spellings of the names are located on this page.
Always write legibly or type if possible; it's preferred that you just use one side of your paper.
Make sure your full return address is written on the letter and on the envelope since envelops are often separated from their letter.
Sign your letter above your printed or typed name. It is often difficult to read people's signatures; this will ensure correct spelling of your name.
Keep a copy of your correspondence and any material that you include for your personal records.
Content

Send a personal letter IN YOUR OWN WORDS. These are far more effective than letters from an obvious mass mailing campaign. Avoid any appearance of a form letter. Remember: it is your opinion that your representative is interested in.
State your reason for writing; be specific!
Express yourself clearly.
Be brief and to the point.
Discuss only one subject, don't confuse the issue.
Identify subject clearly; give name of legislation and bill number if known. (Remember that some 20,000 bills are introduced in Congress).
Strategy

Be constructive, help seek a solution.
Share your expertise, if knowledgeable on a certain issue, describe your expertise.
Avoid becoming a "pen pal"; don't write merely for the sake of writing.
After stating your position, ask for his/her position on the legislation or issue.
Don't send carbon copies to your other elected representatives; each one deserves a personal letter.
Be patient; if you don't receive a response in a reasonable time, send a follow-up note and enclose a copy of your original letter.
If the response that you receive seems noncommittal or evasive, politely write back for clarification.
Timing of Your Correspondence

Timing is important; write when your views can have the greatest impact. If writing about a specific bill. Write while the bill is in committee: thus, there is still time for effective action.
When public hearings are anticipated and it seems appropriate, request that your elected representative testify in support of your position as a constituent.
Monday and Friday usually have the heaviest mail, so try to time receipt of your letter between Tuesday and Thursday.
Remember: Be Brief: Be Clear, and Be Courteous.
 
VISA Retrogression issue and delay of Greencard by 6-7 years

Sent letters to all Senators.
Hope they consider our request.

Guys.... You can do this with few clicks. :)
 
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Bravo Kewl

Its an excellent effort to raise our voice to be heard by all the core people who may in some shape or form contribute their share in making laws. I found the letter very formal and impressive and was thinking for a long time to draft one. But you came out with a very formal words, bold yet polite words to convey our plight. Out of all the solutions you have listed out, my take would be to focus more on the proposal which has been under discussion lately. The proposal which would allow us to file I140/EAD/AP. I think this would timely free us from the shackles of this bonded slavery. Please correct me if I am wrong, but my take would be to work on something which is apparently feasible. Since this topic is already on the front burner and is undergoing discussion, I would emphasize more on it.

I have been a silent spectator of this great forum with excellent ppl, always ready to help. My knowledge is limited to what I read on this forum. Please pardon me if I am stepping any toes here. I also think the letter needs some corrections, like typo's and broken statements. If we decide to use this format to rings the bells, lets fix it and use this as a template for sake of consistency.

Again, Good job Kewl....Let the fire burn to carry the momentum

Regards,
 
I would appreciate if you correct those typos & broken statement and re-post the letter again so everyone else can use it. Thanks.

Is_GC_a_mirage? said:
I also think the letter needs some corrections, like typo's and broken statements. If we decide to use this format to rings the bells, lets fix it and use this as a template for sake of consistency.
Regards,
 
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