Touchbacks and Triggers 04/22/07
As today’s editorial in the New York Times suggests, the key issue in the CIR debate is what to do with the US’ 12 million undocumented workers. If Congress can reach a compromise between the liberals who want easy paths to legalization, and the “deport-‘em-all” conservatives, CIR will happen.
The compromise position has been in the public domain for about a year and was originally floated by Sen. Hutchison and Rep. Pence. It calls for a certain class of immigrants to have to exit the US and then legally reenter (“touchback”); the plan also liberalizes certain immigration quotas and classes when predetermined benchmarks are reached (“triggers”).
Sen. Hutchison has always been the leader in Schedule A liberalization, so it is unsurprising to see her also take a lead on the broader reform. When all is said and done she may turn out to be the unsung hero of immigration reform.
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45 Responses to this article
Dear HLG,
What about the presidential candidates, can you tell us nurses their positions on immigration. i too see todays NYT article, however, the front page has an article titled “Shifting Tone on Immigration, Candidate Giuliani Talks Tough” and the tone is not so favorable to immigrants. I fear the Virginia Tech Massacre will have bad omens for immigrants. Could you summarize the candidats positions for us nurses, thus we can encourage our friends and family to support these politicians.
God Bless your continued efforts kind sirs!
From what I gather on the NYT article, I think they’re talking about illegal immigrants. Any comments?
Yes I agree it is not up to HLG to recommend another country to visit we are all adults and should be able to make these investigations and decisions for ourselves. Also to the nurses who address all letters to the “Good Sirs”; there are female solicitors too you know.
On a more positive note I am wishing for an end to all of this soon too. I take hope in the fact that nurses are vital and the number of nurses needed in the USA every year is growing too rapidly to be ignored. Good luck everyone.
In my opinion,The shooting incedent was an individual incident and that has nothing to do with green card or citizenship. That persone has kind of phsychological problems and he committed that crime. It is not his green card or citizenship made him to do it. Any of you think,i n America, people with green card only commit these kind of crimes..? Lots of shooting incidents took place in US recently; all of them by green card holder..? When a persone commit a crime, it is not his citizenship or immigration status made him to do the crime, but his mental/phsychological mood make him to do the crime….
Thats what I feel….Why mixing it with green card…?
Rgds
Our discussion has moved more from a Schedule A relief to CIR. Do we get the hint from all the news that the only hope for nurses is through CIR. And meanwhile if ..if …if we do get to see schedule A relief(which at this point looks like a milesstone) …well then..(pause). good for us.
Not true at all. We’re encouraged by both the chances for CIR and a bridge proposal. Indeed, HLG may be sending an attorney to DC next week to meet again on the bridge proposal.
It seems to me that the debate stirred up by the Virginia Tech shootings has been about gun control, not immigration. I think only a tiny,insignificant fraction of Americans think that they need to stop legal immigration because some immigrants may be or become crazed killers. If you look at serial or mass killers over the history of the U.S., the vast majority were home grown. I think this tragedy has more to say about easy access to deadly semi-automatic weapons than immigration. Why are these deadly guns available in the first place? Why are the necessary? Target practice? Hunting? Self defense? Absolutely not. Anyways, I do not want to get too far off topic. Thanks to HLG for the hard work and updates! All the best to you. We continue to wait patiently for a break in the log jam.
Dear HLG,
If you are sending an attorney to D.C. next week, can you tell us who they are meeting with?
And what they hope that meeting will do to move the process along?
Thank you.
We’re meeting with a staffer for one of the Congressmen that we’ve listed in a prior posting.
please can you post again the name of the congressmen n senators California so my influential contacts can call them..thanks HLG more power..we will never give up!
I wrote an letter to the NY Times about the unfairness of lumping legal and illegal immigration in the same bill. I also mentioned America’s need for nurses and PTs. I cannot post it now until I hear back from the Times. I used the article from the NYT posted through this blog as a reference.
Last time I wrote about the “Broken Immigration System” it didn’t appear in the NY Times but did make it on the Korea Times daily newspaper. The head of AMCHAM wrote me a letter of support.
In addition, I hope Hammond Law is successful in this next trip to Washington D.C. so a bridge legislation can finally pass.
Have snail mailed and faxed all of key senators/congresswomen listed by HGL and have phoned Chuck Shumer’s office…will phone other offices tonight…it’s not just up to HLG to labour for us…have each of you done their little bit…can write in fax/phone numbers to save you effort if you want…let’s all satay in their minds eye
Mary Kennedy
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
//Opinion// Republicans ease position on US immigration reform
News about US Republican congressmen starting to back off from restrictive conditions they’ve earlier imposed on immigration reform legislation is good news for local nurses. This is a step forward towards the resolution of dispute over immigration reforms in the US.
Although there are plenty more hurdles ahead, at least discussions, mostly conducted in closed quarters, have been productive. A Senate vote is scheduled in May towards the creation of an immigration legislation, to which the retrogression of Schedule A jobs (such as nursing and physical therapy) is closely linked.
The immigration reform bill, the details of which has been kept under wraps while closed-door meetings have been ongoing, may include provisions concerning the retrogression or, if not, hopefully, will clear the path for pending retrogression-related bills such as the Skil bill and the Strive Act.
We have two options to reckon with. 1. CIR 2. bridge legislation
Hammond Law Group said that there is a 60% chance that any of the two can end retrogression this August.
I am happy for that as of now.
May the force be with you, HLG.
lets just all pray for a positive outcome.
again, no matter how this turns out in the end, thank you so much HLG for the brave and tireless crusade for us nurses…God Speed! JAD Dgte.Phil
Dear HLG,
Please reply to this as soon as possible,
I’ve heard that there is an amendment to bill s.761 (which is currently debated in the senate) to attach the Skill Bill to this bill,
a) Is it true?
b) What do you think of such an act?
c) it is sayed that Sections 1601 through Section 1643 from the skill bill will be included in the amendment, does it include the nurses section?
Please find out if this develpment is true…
Thanks!
keep up the good work, really appreciate what u r doing
shelly
Yes. Sen. Cornyn is trying to attach the SKIL Bill (SA 902) to S. 761. But the conventional wisdom is that it doesn’t seem likley that it will formally be attached.
Here’s to hoping that the conventional wisdom is wrong….
Hi all
I just emailed PBS regarding the retrogression and the effect of it on nursing shortage in the US.
I’m writing e-mails to the following 2 TV programs,20/20 and World news at ABC.
Write to these TV programs , let them hear your voices. Tell them your stories. Draw the media attention .Make sure that the public is aware of the problem we nurses are facing . Specially International students who are educated in the US should voice their opinions.
I think now it’s the time to let the media know about the scope of nursing retrogression. The immigration reform is going to be debated in the congress in the coming few weeks. Please be active take a step.
HLG is doing a great job but we nurses needs to do our part as well
Here are the email address to the popular news programs.
Program 20/20 :2020@abc.com
World news: wnn@abcnews.com
you can also go to following websites and email them your view and opinion about the Nursing retrogression. Pblic radio and TV is a great way to reach many american .
https://www.wgbh.org
https://www.pbs.org
Do your part, be part of the solution.
RN
I am more than willing to do my part of the solution. But I am currently a nursing student in the US with graduation date next December, no title yet. Would my writing help at all?
maria
Maria
I’m an international student in the US who is an RN.
Sure your writing will help. The goal is to make the media aware of the problem.
You will lose nothing by emailing 20/20, World new, and PBS your views about nursing shortage, and how the retrogression will effect it.
it does not hurt to write to them. You never know maybe the media will shine the light about this problem
The more the news stations and programs receive emails and letters about the situation the more they will become aware of it.
RN
International student who also is an RN
Ok, I will write then. I just worried you know, if my writing could show like double intentions to immigrate or such a thing later on.
Thanks
Dear HLG,
I am a Retro effected RN from India. Now really worried about my kids than my placement in the US. Cause it’s very difficult to get Admission in some of the Schools here in India, unless you start processing it now, which involves Donation money, fees, influence etc. etc. After paying a huge amount to get admission, then if this Retrogression Lifted, I will have to pay the School fees etc. etc. again to one of the US Schools.
My concern is will I come to know the situation about Retrogression Issue by the end of May, so that I can plan for my kids future.
Like me there are many RN’s from other countries too may have the same problem.
Please bring awareness in the US Congress/Senate about theses issues, so that they might understand a little.
Thanks to HLG
RN from India.
Rang every congressperson /senator on HLG list and was appalled to discover several staffers had zilch concept/knowledge re the foreign nurse/green card scenario…which highlighted to me that only a few of us have been making the phonecalls…the number of phonecalls adds weight to what issues staffers will alert/highlight to senators…yes I pray too,but prayer without action is empty…thank you to those guys who have made the calls/faxes…Schumer’s office said they have had a few calls… Mary Kennedy
SUGGESTED STRATEGY: One staffer recommended targeting Senator Chuck Schumer and Joseph Biden (who are senators with key positions on Immigration subcommittee )with PHONECALLS and FAXES to their offices asap…..A stray call from a nurse is pointless…WE ALL NEED to call/fax…emphasis was on faxing but calls to get passes on most definitely…emphasis ofcourse needs to be on our ability to address the USA nursing shortage and keeping same short.positive and sweet:)…I found most senator staffers(is that what we call them??) very receptive and coureous and interested in what I had to say….
WILL now hunt down number,s of above senators and post. Mary Kennedy
Joseph Biden(senator)
Phone:2022245042
Fax:2022240139
Ted Kennedy(senator)
phone:202 2244543
Fax:202 224 4543
SORRY_forgot to mention on previous post that it was actually TED Kennedy and JOSEPH Biden that the staffer emphasise we target…and target Chuck Schumer as well…
Chuck Schumer
phone:202 224 6542
fax:202 228 3027
Mary Kennedy
To the Gentleman/ldy from India,
You dont pay anything for your kids to go to school in US. Public schools are free for all children.
FYI,
The S 902 is withdrawn in senate.
source: thomos.loc.gov
” 1. S.AMDT.902 to S.761 To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase competitiveness in the United States.
Sponsor: Sen Cornyn, John [TX] (introduced 4/20/2007) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 4/24/2007 Proposed amendment SA 902 withdrawn in Senate.”
Dear HGL,
There was an amendment to Sen Cornyn’s S902.
“S.AMDT.949
Amends: S.761 , S.AMDT.902
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (submitted 4/24/2007)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE: Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for consideration. See Congressional Record for text.
TEXT OF AMENDMENT AS SUBMITTED: CR S4995-4998
COSPONSORS(1):
Sen Grassley, Chuck [IA] – 4/24/2007″
What does this mean? Sen. Cornyn S902 is withdrawn, is it because of another Amendment to S902 by Sen. Dublin.
–
thanks
We’re hearing that there will be no immigration amednments on S. 761. Also, there is no related House bill, so I’m not sure what the future of S. 761 is in any event.
Dear HGL,
We hope your attorney who is going to DC next week will come up with some good news. And i wish him/her all the best.
HGL, how about opening a petition and let all of this blog user to sign on it and forward that petition to the key Senators and HOR?
Just my 2 cents.
As always you are the hero in this field.
Thanks.
Giving all support to those who take footsteps to query the congress men and senators related to immigration of nurses.
Here is a snipet from a story by CNN’s Lou Dobbs (April 25th,2007):
“…Why does the national media conveniently and routinely neglect to report that the United States brings in more lawful immigrants than the countries of the rest of the world combined? Each year, we accept 2 million immigrants legally. We give a million legal immigrants permanent residency every year. We bestow citizenship on 700,000 people a year and provide almost half a million work-related visas a year”
Can this be true? How can it be we are all in a holding pattern with retrogression, and yet millions still manage to immigrate? HLG, does this sound right to you? These numbers sound wrong to me, perhaps even intentionally misleading.
Lou Doobs (dumb) does not know any facts about the immigration at all. I stop watching him in CNN by disconnecting my cable. If we all want to discontinue cable due to CNN announcing false representation and could get some attention on paper, I think they too will realize the impact of getting less customer will definately be the right thing to do to stop him from delibarating this nonsense. HLG should comment on this as big voice is heard simply by pulling the chain.
email Lou Doobs your view about retrogression. see if he is going to talk about them in his show.
do to CNN.COM and email Lou dobbs youe view about retrogression. See if he is goin to responsed to your comments.
Re: Lou Dobbs
My guess is, to get that 2 million number, he is lumping everybody in as “immigrants”, including people getting H1′s, TN’s and other non-immigrant work visa’s.
This kind of misleading story is not helpful to those of us waiting for retrogression to be lifted. It gives the impression that the immigration system in the U.S. is generous and open. Our experience is the opposite, the U.S. is one of THE most difficult countries to immigrate to. Shame on CNN.
Guys, guys, you are getting distracted now. Why even bothering in emailing him asking to correct his statement. He is not going to listen to it. The only thing we can do is, we need to suspend our cable indefinately unless he gives clear representation of the current immigration system. Lets create some impact, losing 1 customer is harder than making 10 customer. So focus on if we are ready to drop CNN dead, thats the only way we can see our futrue and his big mouth be shut down. Remember, we are paying to view CNN – this also means we are giving him his salary for pressing wrong news. Think guys think we can make huge difference. What happens if you dont have cable access for few months? No one is going to be in bad shape because of cable drop dead.
I think he included those thru marriage (spouse and children), refugees, lottery, etc. I used to watch his show when he talks about the illegals, but now he keeps on harping, harping and harping on the legals one too. It is really sad that they (Lou Dobbs & Co) don’t understand the whole situation.
Create Momentum for CIR: Voice Support for the STRIVE Act!
Voice Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
By: American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Thank STRIVE cosponsors and urge the rest of the House to get on board!
Simply enter your US zip code on the link provided below.
Contact Congress will determine whether your representative has cosponsored the STRIVE Act and choose the appropriate message: a thank you letter to cosponsors, or a letter urging non-cosponsors to consider sponsorship.
Take action now!
http://capwiz.com/aila2/issues/alert/?alertid=9670916
Detroix,
This is not the first CIR reform presented in House and Senate Floor. Before this there has been multiple Bills being presented and collapsed due to less support for it. Even we try to bug these congressman and senators, they are not going to listen to us. They may send few letters that I am very concerened, but in reality that is not going to happen. When they go in floor, they just forget your multiple page request, as they treat our request just like we treat unwanted JUNK emails, or even mail from USPS. There had been much done and much more to do, but no, this is not going to create any tornado.
As an immigrant we have to show what we are here for. Remember, its not the right, but the privilage. As noted, I am still trying to press if we can suspend cable to start our campaign. This will definately create some chaos as their ratings go down significantly. They will too realize the imapct of immigrant in this country in practical way. Now, we have to march the same way to get that privilage, not on street but in reality. If we could do just ONE thing, it will definately shake their chairs, and we could see some momentum, otherwise send 1000 pages of faxes, its just a waste of paper.
Emory Nursing Leader Urges U.S. to Adopt Strategies to Cure National Nurse Shortage
The future health care of millions of Americans will be compromised if the U.S. doesn’t develop innovative strategies to tackle the national nursing shortage, says Emory University nursing leader Marla Salmon, ScD, RN.
Marla E.
Salmon, ScD, RN
“Most of us assume that when we need nursing care, someone will be there to provide it,” says Dr. Salmon, dean and professor of Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. “The assumption that nurses will be there when we need them is simply no longer true. For the first time ever, this country is facing a shortage of nurses that threatens the health of each of us. And unless urgent measures are taken, this shortage will become increasingly more severe over the next 15 years.”
Dr. Salmon will address the severity of the U.S. nursing shortage and what can be done about it at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on April 25 (more information on the WHSC web site).
The national deficit of registered nurses is expected to rise to 29 percent by the year 2020, leaving a gaping shortage of more than 400,000 nurses by 2010, according to estimates.
New methods for addressing the supply, utilization and support of nurses must be adopted if the U.S. is to continue to provide quality health care in the near and long-term future to people at home and abroad, says Dr. Salmon. She supports boosting student recruitment efforts and expanding academic options available for individuals interested in nursing careers.
The U.S. is facing an unprecedented shortage of nurses that is projected to increase significantly over the next decade. That deficiency coincides with the growing care needs of baby boomers and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The shortage also is compounded by a shift in nurses leaving the workforce and fewer nurses entering the field to replace them. In addition, the demand for nurses who deliver specialized care also has risen, she adds.
To address the shortage, some U.S. hospitals and health care systems have recruited nurses from the United Kingdom and Canada, and in recent years, from the Philippines and even South Africa, where the supply of nurses is already depleted. The American Nurses Association, which represents the country’s 2.6 million registered nurses, has discouraged aggressive recruitment of foreign-trained nurses, calling it a shortsighted strategy.
Dr. Salmon agrees. “This more and more of a push to recruit less and less well-prepared nurses from countries that don’t have systems like ours,” she says. “I think there is great danger in that.”
Dr. Salmon has played significant national and international leadership roles in health policy and workforce arenas. She is former director of the Division of Nursing and Chief Nurse for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where she led key federal programs aimed at shaping the nation’s nursing work force. Dr. Salmon also chaired the National Advisory Committee on Nursing Education and Practice and was a member of the White House Task Force on Health Care Reform. (Full bio on the WHSC web site.)
Embargoed until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 25
lou dumb
thanks for clearing these matters…
let’s just pray they would resolve these retrogression issues…
detroix
Dear HLG
All I can say is that every nation is neither given for a few powerful and skillful people nor owned by anyone else because God owns every nation in the world. There is neither a powerful race nor a powerful country because everyone is endowed with same rights and should be treated with equality… for there can be no peace until everyone is treated with respect. For success of a country can never be measured by the gold, power, and resources but what a nation makes for the people. Truly, power may give inequality but life is a mirror image of our actions (the Golden rule).
Thank you