Immigration in USA

Understanding USA Immigration and the USCIS Strategic Plan

2009-01-18T15:00:00.006-05:00

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States of America.

The USCIS Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for the organization, identifying who we are, where we want to go, and at the theory level, how we will get there.

The agency has an extensive list of documents that outlines, explains and details goals and functions.

Links to USCIS Files

Stakeholder Engagement (72KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/stakeholder_engagement.pdf

USCIS Accomplishments (203KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/uscis_accomplishments.pdf

Strategic Plan Framework (69KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/strategic_plan_framework.pdf

Core Values (33KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/core_values.pdf

Plan, Purpose and Structure (264KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/plan_purpose_and_structure.pdf

Goals and Objectives Definitions (75KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/goals_and_objectives_definitions.pdf

Goal 1: Strengthen the Security and Integrity of the Immigration System (212KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/goal1.pdf

Goal 2: Provide Effective Customer-Oriented Immigration Benefit and Information Services (147KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/goal2.pdf

Goal 3: Support Immigrants’ Integration and Participation in American Civic Culture (96KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/goal3.pdf

Goal 4: Promote Flexible and Sound Immigration Policies and Programs (223KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/goal4.pdf

Goal 5: Strengthen the Infrastructure Supporting the USCIS Mission (217KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/goal5.pdf

Goal 6: Operate as a High-Performance Organization that Promotes a Highly Talented Workforce and a Dynamic Work Culture (113KB PDF)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/goal6.pdf

Individuals interested in immigration into the USA can benefit by understanding the purpose, goals and function of the agency that regulates the immigration process.

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Immigration in USA BLOG URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/
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About the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

2008-11-03T09:20:00.007-05:00

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the US government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States of America.

USCIS establishes immigration services, policies and priorities to continue the American history as a nation of immigrants.

To accomplish this, USCIS "adjudicates" the petitions and applications of potential immigrants such as: Immigrant visa petitions, Naturalization petitions and Asylum and refugee applications.

The two priorities of the USCIS are to promote national security and continue to improve immigration services.

USCIS was created as a separate bureau by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Director of USCIS reports directly to the Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security.
Immigration services formerly provided by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) transitioned into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under this new U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) department on March 1, 2003.

To read more about USCIS go to:http://www.uscis.gov/aboutus

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Immigration in USA BLOG URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/
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Jobs that qualify for USA Visas

2008-10-09T09:00:00.007-04:00

Many American professions are still struggling to fulfil quotas for professionally qualified and highly trained staff.

There is a critical difference between the professions which need to attract more workers and professions where it’s easier for a foreign national to obtain a visa and obtain a work permit and residence status.

If you already have permission to live and work in the USA, the most in demand professions in terms of employers needing people to fill them include: Sales representatives, Teachers, Mechanics and machine operators, Managers, executives, accountants, Truck drivers and Delivery contractors. It is almost impossible for foreign nationals to qualify their visa applications with these professions.

Immigrants can increase their chances of securing a visa as a foreign national to work in the USA if you work in IT, nursing, teaching or are suitably qualified and have experience in working in certain engineering occupations.

With 4,000 colleges and universities in the US, the demand for college professors is very high and they often look to overseas nationals to fill them.

It’s even estimated that by 2012, there will be a shortfall of around a million qualified nurses. Qualified, highly experienced nurses will be very much in demand in the USA.

If you’re a pharmaceutical researcher it’s also a lot easier to secure a job as a foreign national in the USA.

With the recent economic collapses in the USA economy - immigration will be very difficult with only specific skills being accepted into the USA work force with the increasing pool of unemployed USA workers from layoffs and plant closings.

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Immigration in USA BLOG URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

Links to additional USA Blogs
USA Immigration --Career Training in USA-Jobs in the USA--University in USA--ESL in the USA--English Schools in USA--College in USA-

2008 USA Green Card Lottery Information

2008-04-20T18:09:00.005-04:00

People not eligible for 2008 USA Green Card Lottery

People born in the following countries were not eligible to participate in DV-2008: Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born, excluding Hong Kong S.A.R. and Taiwan), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Korea, the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

Total Applicants for the 2008 USA Green Card Lottery

Over 6,400,000 applicants registered for the DV-2008 program during the 60-day application period that ran from 12:00 AM on October 4, 2006, until midnight, December 3, 2006.

Total Winners for the 2008 USA Green Card Lottery

Approximately 96,000 applicants have been registered and notified and may now make an application for an immigrant visa. Some of the 50,000 persons registered will not pursue their cases to visa issuance so this larger figure should insure that all DV-2008 numbers will be used during fiscal year 2008 (October 1, 2007 until September 30, 2008)

The next Official USA Green Card lottery will start to be advertised in August 2008.

Important Notice: Application Processing Fees for Immigrant Visas Increased from $335 to $355 starting January 1, 2008. Applicants who have paid the current $335 fee prior to January 1, 2008 will not be required to make up the difference and pay the higher fee even if their application is actually processed after January 1, 2008.

Link to Official Forms

Visa Forms

DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
DS-1648 Application for A, G, or NATO Visa
DS-117 Application to Determine Returning Resident Status [ 279 Kb]
DS-156-E Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application [ 233 Kb]
DS-156-K Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application [ 217 Kb]
DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application [ 205 Kb]
DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant [ 296 Kb]
DS-230 Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration [ 378 Kb]
DS-1981 Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child [ 88 Kb]
DS-3023 Public Voucher for Language Services [ 334 Kb]
DS-3032 Choice of Address and Agent [ 172 Kb]
DS-3035 J-1 Visa Waiver Review Application [ 225 Kb]
DS-3052 Nonimmigrant V Visa Application [ 173 Kb]
DS-4034 Class A Non-immigrant Visa Referral [ 204 Kb]
DSP-122 Supplemental Registration for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program [ 117 Kb]

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Immigration in USA BLOG URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

Links to additional USA Blogs
USA Immigration --Career Training in USA-Jobs in the USA--University in USA--ESL in the USA--English Schools in USA--College in USA-

The USA H-2B Visa

2008-04-08T15:46:00.005-04:00

The H-2B Visa is an employer sponsored work visa. Your H-2B visa is only valid while employed by the company listed on your visa. It is the document that was issued to you by the consular officer at your local United States Consulate. The H-2B Visa is the sticker that is affixed to your passport. You cannot obtain an H-2B Visa stamp within the United States.

The H-2B Visa allows you to:

Work in the United States from the beginning date to the end date of the period authorized by the USCIS

Work in the position and for the employer listed on your visa sticker

Apply for a Social Security number in the United States

This visa does not allow you to:

Work as a domestic, au pair, or in the medical field

Work for any other employer than the one at which you were placed. This means that you may not legally work for a second employer or find a different employer. If you leave the position listed on your visa, it will no longer be valid. If you leave your position permanently to find another job, visit friends or family, or travel, your visa will no longer be valid.

Travel: H-2B visa holders are entitled to a 10 day grace period to leave the United States once the visa expires. If you are interested in traveling during the course of your employment, arrangements must be made with your employer.

Emergencies:
Check your H-2B Visa to see if you are issued an “M” or “Multiple Entry” visa. This means that you may enter the United States as many times as necessary before the expiration date on your visa. If your visa has a number under the word “entries,” this means that you are only allowed to enter the United States that many times.

Depending on the circumstances and the terms of your visa, you should be able to return to the United States to resume work. We recommend that employers write a letter for you stating that you will still be eligible for employment upon your return.

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Immigration in USA BLOG URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

Links to additional USA Blogs
USA Immigration --Career Training in USA-Jobs in the USA--University in USA--ESL in the USA--English Schools in USA--College in USA-

USA Immigration Employment Standards

2008-04-08T13:43:00.003-04:00

USA Immigration Employment Standards

All Americans have rights as a worker in the United States. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against you because of your immigration status, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Some of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) laws and regulations

Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA)
Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA)
Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA)
Copeland "Anti-Kickback" Act
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA)
Executive Order 11246
Executive Order 13201
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA)
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (Mine Act)
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA)
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Mass Transit Employee Protections
McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA)
Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 503
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)
Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act (PCA)
Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN)
Whistleblower Protections

To contact the USA Department of Labour
http://www.dol.gov/index.htm

U.S. Department of Labor
Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210

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Immigration in USA Blog URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

There over 6000 universities in the USA. There is a mixture of private universities, public universities, corporate sponsored and church sponsored universities. We will present information for prospective university students interested in USA universities.

Links to additional USA Blogs
USA Immigration --Career Training in USA-Jobs in the USA--University in USA--ESL in the USA--English Schools in USA--College in USA-

Welcome to the United States

2008-03-16T21:40:00.006-04:00

Visitors to the United States information from: Task Force on New Americans

WelcometoUSA.gov is the U.S. Government’s official web portal for new immigrants. This web portal is an initiative of the Task Force on New Americans, a federal partnership created to strengthen the efforts of federal, state, and local agencies in providing immigrants the information they need to embrace the common core of American civic culture, learn English, and fully become American.

The US Federal Government has a variety of resources.

Welcome to the United States Main Page
http://www.welcometousa.gov/

FOR RECEIVING COMMUNITIES
The following links offer resources to the organizations and individuals that assist immigrants in their receiving communities, including adult educators, public libraries, and volunteers.
http://www.welcometousa.gov/for_receiving_communities/default.htm

IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
The following links will help answer a wide range of questions and concerns about immigration and citizenship.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), federal agency responsible for the administration of immigration services and benefits.

To schedule an appointment with USCIS.
Information about USCIS field offices.
Information on immigration forms.
To review case status online.
For Immigrants/Permanent Residents
Rights and Responsibilities
Finding Legal Assistance
For Refugees and Asylees
Naturalization Information
Naturalization Test Study Materials

Go to:
http://www.welcometousa.gov/Immigration_citizenship/default.htm

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Immigration in USA Blog URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

There over 6000 universities in the USA. There is a mixture of private universities, public universities, corporate sponsored and church sponsored universities. We will present information for prospective university students interested in USA universities.

Getting to and Leaving the U.S.

2008-02-23T22:45:00.005-05:00

Official information and services from the U.S. government

Entering the U.S. - Visitors information Link Page
http://www.usa.gov/visitors/arriving.shtml

U.S. Embassies - Find the U.S. embassy in your country.

Visas - UnitedStatesVisas.gov is the official source of information about U.S. visa policy and procedures.

Prepare for Your Visit - Plan your visit; pack smart; know what to expect

Border Entry into the United States by Foreign Nationals - U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides identification requirements, forms, and instructions for visitors to the United States.

Border Wait Times for Entering the U.S. - Average wait times for incoming travelers at major U.S. border crossings

Health Information for Travelers to North America - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control provides information about disease risks for travelers and other public health information for each state.

Convert Currency to U.S. Dollars - The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides current and historical currency exchange rate information.

U.S. Paper Currency – Denominations, Faces, and Backs - Learn which portraits and images appear on the various kinds of U.S. paper currency.

U.S. Coins – Denominations, Faces, and Backs - Learn which portraits and images are shown on the different kinds of U.S. coins.

Foreign Visitors Driving in the U.S. - Quick facts for foreign visitors about driving in the United States.

Weather in the U.S. - The official U.S. government website for weather forecasts

Permanent Residence in the U.S. - Ways to get a "green card". A "green card" gives you official immigration status (Lawful Permanent Residency) in the United States.

Departing the U.S.

I-94 Arrival-Departure Record FAQs - The Arrival-Departure Record is used to document a traveler's admission into the U.S., including date of arrival, visa classification, and the date the authorized stay expires.

Filling out Form I-94
Easy instructions to complete Form I-94, which is issued to non-immigrants who need a non-immigrant visa or who are visa exempt

Register Your Personal Items Before Leaving the U.S. - This certificate from U.S. Customs provides proof of ownership for certain taxable goods, and may waive customs duties when returning to the United States.

Visitors to the United States information from: Office of Citizen Services and Communications

Office of Citizen Services and Communications Overview
The Office of Citizen Services and Communications consolidates all of GSA’s citizen-centered activities into a single organization, providing American citizens access to information and services they require from their government in whatever medium they prefer—the Internet, email, telephone, fax, or print. The office also offers a full range of communication services to the media, other federal agencies, commercial partners, and GSA associates.

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Immigration in USA Blog URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

There over 6000 universities in the USA. There is a mixture of private universities, public universities, corporate sponsored and church sponsored universities. We will present information for prospective university students interested in USA universities.

Visitors to the United States USA.GOV Website

2008-02-12T21:19:00.004-05:00

Visitors to the United States USA.GOV Website

The maim Page Link
http://www.usa.gov/

The first major Link is About the USA
http://www.usa.gov/visitors/about.shtml

This page lists USA Information and links to specific topics

Anyone visiting or immigrating to the USA can learn from these pages

America - The State Department tells America's story. Learn about American life, culture, and foreign policy.

American Flag - Learn interesting facts about the U.S. flag.

American Holidays - The United States celebrates many holidays—some that we share with other countries, and others that are uniquely American.

American National Anthem - The Star Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States.

Constitution of the United States and Treasured U.S. Documents - Learn more about the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, Bill of Rights, and more.

Facts about the United States - Get information on geography, people, government, economy, and more from the CIA World Fact Book.

Government Departments and Agencies - View an organizational directory of the U.S. government.

Help for New Immigrants - WelcometoUSA.gov is the gateway for new immigrants to find information on how to settle in the United States.

History, Culture, and Art of the United States - Museums, libraries, genealogy, ethnic traditions...

Immigration and Citizenship - Visas, green card lottery, immigration reform, international adoption...

International Relations - U.S. foreign policy and service abroad

Maps of the United States - Print reference and outline maps of the United States.

Population of the United States - The population clock provides real-time estimates of the number of U.S. residents.

Quick Facts about the United States - U.S. capital, motto, largest cities, border countries, highest and lowest points, national bird and flower...

Weather in the United States - Get weather forecasts and warnings, information on air quality, record temperatures, maps, and more.

ZIP Codes in the United States - Search for U.S. ZIP codes by city, full or partial address, or company name; and find all cities within a ZIP code.

Visitors to the United States information from: Office of Citizen Services and Communications

Office of Citizen Services and Communications Overview
The Office of Citizen Services and Communications consolidates all of GSA’s citizen-centered activities into a single organization, providing American citizens access to information and services they require from their government in whatever medium they prefer—the Internet, email, telephone, fax, or print. The office also offers a full range of communication services to the media, other federal agencies, commercial partners, and GSA associates.

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Immigration in USA Blog URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

There over 6000 universities in the USA. There is a mixture of private universities, public universities, corporate sponsored and church sponsored universities. We will present information for prospective university students interested in USA universities.

Sorting Through Immigration Maze on the Internet

2008-02-12T20:26:00.002-05:00

The Internet is an absolute goldmine of information, but knowing where to start and how to judge the accuracy of the information you access is a skill that can be learnt in no time.

A golden rule of Internet research is to always begin at the beginning and that usually means tracking down the most official site related to the information you need. In the case of immigration, the most official site is a government one. Government information on immigration is the first stop and only then should you start searching for other sites on immigration set up, for example, by community information centers or by people who have been through immigration before you and can now pass on their valuable advice.

Starting with the US Government's FirstGov.gov website you can search for all sorts of information related to your immigration inquiries.

Following that, Uscis.gov is the US Citizenship and Immigration services website and has a comprehensive list of all accredited community-based organizations that can provide assistance to would-be immigrants. You can also learn everything you need to know about citizenship preparation services, you can browse and download citizenship materials and tests.

The Bcis.gov website belongs to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can download immigration and naturalization forms and be informed about the process of immigration and citizenship.

Also, the American immigration center's US-immigraiton.com website is packed with various Do-It-Yourself kits, which you can download. These DIY kits can help you prepare for you immigration exam and your immigration interview. The website offers practical advice on what you should do to get ready for your immigration application.

And finally, there's the Immigration Portal at www.ilw.com, which has newsletters and access to immigration information and lawyers.

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.your-new-country.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

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Blog URL
http://immigration-in-usa.blogspot.com/

Career Training in USA for professional and technical jobs includes construction, manufacturing, computers, technology, technicians, technical, engineering support, business training, office skills, data entry, office administration, bookkeeping, marketing and sales.