Crystal ball gazing, part 2 04/27/07
Expanding on last week’s entry…
HLG believes that there is an increasingly good chance that the retrogression is solved in next 3-4 months via Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). The approximate time frame would be this: the House announced their CIR proposal (called Strive Act) in March.
We have heard from several sources that the Senate is set release their version in early May. Their version (like the Senate’s) is a broad proposal and has bi-partisan support. The Senate has formally set the last two weeks of May aside for immigration debate. There is a very good chance that the Senate actually passes a bill in late May/ early June.
And that’s where it gets trickier. The key is that the House continues the momentum and pushes through a bill in June. If they do, Congress will have to take both bills to committee, which is the process whereby the Congress irons out the differences between the bills. The expectation is that the differences will be minor. The President will surely sign the bill since he’s been a CIR proponent since Day One of his presidency.
Putting all of this together it is more likely than not that we have a CIR bill in July/August. All of that having been said, we’re not only relying on CIR. There is a continuing push for a “bridge,” which is a small piece of legislation to immediately, but temporarily, end the retrogression and bridge the gap until the full CIR can get passed into law. The odd-reality is that the more likely CIR looks, the less likely the bridge looks.
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48 Responses to this article
if what u sya is true..then chris u will get a smooch on the lips…..complimentary….better than what richard gere did in india……hehehe
just woke up, went right away to this website! good morning, good news! still crossing my fingers and will continue to pray…thanks HLG, more power!!! jb,rn
Hi HLG,
Thanks a lot for the update. Would you please explain more about why the “bridge” is less likely? Is there any chance of bridge legislation getting passed before CIR?
-TMA
I’m not as elated as you guys are. Noboday knows what will happen to CIR. And it is wrong to connect the passing of CIR with that of the bridge bill. The bridge bill only makes what CIR promises come earlier if CIR passes. If CIR cannot pass, bridge bill will pass anyway as there is a shortage of nurses in this country. Waiting for CIR is too long and uncertain for people.
Thanks for the update… Let us continue to pray that this retrogression ends… My family suffered a lot and ending this situation gave them a chance to be happy and secured. LLP, RN
I do not trust anybody now. Again Again Senate is not going to pass schedule A bill until another Tsunami comes in US. It is shame. I do not mean that I am praying for Tsunami though.
Dear HLG,
Since you’ve the crystal ball
, I’m disturbed by these possibilities, once CIR is passed that is, do you think
1) Schedule A or
2) Some non-immigrant visa
will be available? I appreciate your comments.
Thanks.
May I ask if there is a special provision that includes schedule A occupations that might involve certain actions such as recapturing of unused visas to help the health care crisis? Thank you for the update and more power to HLG.
This is always the first site that I check every morning and evening looking for news. I cannot help but hang onto every word…Would you push your chances above 60% of CIR passing in August or keep it at 60%? I am a nurse and my recruiter never helps me or sends me updates. Just tells me hi and hope you are okay waiting for retrogression end. I really hope this will end this summer and I can start RN job in NY in fall since my kid needs to start kindy. Thank u so very much.
RN in KOrea
hi! thanks for the updates..nway,how true that Sen.cornyn withdraw his amendment S.761?is he not pushing the SKIL bill?thanks!
Hi HLG,
Its good news, but still most of the RNs sitting outside of USA are prefer to pass Bridge legislation bill prior to CIR, because Several nurses are even completed counsilate interview and waiting for the visa number and their family has been suffering from last November onwards. And also we don’t know actaul time for passing CIR bill and come the visa numbers in effective. So please try to push bridge legislation bill and get it pass before satrting the summer vacation and we all hope that HLG can do it. We all are praying for it.
RN, Vineetha Sujanan
I hope that indeed, something tangible gets passed come June..anyway, again as I’ve said a thousand times before, no matter how this turns out, THANKS HLG for the crusade…JAD, Dgte.Phil
We should accept the fact the it is the Americans who are calling the shots!!
Be positive and pray that God will influence them in their decision!
And we should be thankful that there is Hammond Law Group
I strongly believe that I can set my foot on American (mainland) soil.
May the force be with you HLG!
To the naysayers,
You do not need to go to advocacy blogsite like this or any websites/blogs discussing similar things. You can always go to other countries and do it ASAP. Anyway, you do not believe that retrogression will lifted anytime soon, right? Don’t waste your time ranting in blogsites like this. And nobody is connecting the ‘bridge bill’ w/ CIR, they are obviously different. There will be no ‘bridge bill’ approved until the CIR would be approved or the opposite of it but it is but prudent that ‘bridge bills’ be introduced every so often just in case nothing happens w/ CIR. Again, if you honestly don’t believe anything will happen positively anytime soon then do not bother ranting in blogsites like this, you are only making it hard for yourself and annoying a lot of people in the process.
Thanks for update HLG…:)
Mary Kennedy
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
Dear HLG,
If Americans truly stick to their words to gain trust and professionalism… I hope that this CIR and bridge legislation news that should be passed this year will not become a false reassurance.If not, I can truly conclude that most of you are playing with someone’s anger and fear.
Thanks
hello everyone,
does anyone here heard bout the immigration act if has been approved? my friend asked me something bout the immigration bill, if will work out then she said that family members are no longer included in the new immigration law? how true is it?nurses knew that family are included in the immigrant and that’s my worry if this is true…
hlg, pls clarify….thanks
rn
Well its been 178 days since retro has begun..We’ve waited so long on this..Hope it will be resolved soon..or even sooner than we expect it. Prayers move mountains…Lets hold on guys!
CIR will pass in my opinion.But not on its original form.It will be a compromise for the pros and cons.A lot of provisions will be dropped,added or revised but those pertaining to Sched A workers will be retained since it is not controversial.The nursing shortage cannot be ignored.A lot of foreign nurses are already on the pipeline towards working in the US just awaiting visa availability and they are a part of the solution for this shortage.
Faith in God!
nono
I too agree with last post, CIR is not to be relied on. We must get relief by no later than end of May or else I feel many of us nurses outside US will have lost hope due to election 08 politics. HLG does good to keep us current, but they are not magicians. Only large campaign contributions solve problems in USA political world.
Why should we continue to push bridge legislation?
With the ongoing debates on CIR and STRIVE, it is less likely that the US legislation will consider any immigration bill outside CIR. But we have to remember that Comprehensive Immigration Reform has been discussing since 2004, and nothing passed yet! No matter how promising this time is, we need a backup plan. Is nurse shortage is a must solve problem in United States? If so, what is the chance that a remediation bill will be passed once the CIR failed this summer? Thank you HLG.
THank you HLG!!!
Yes!!! Me too is not that much elated of the news… lets face the fact that it is very clear that the case of Schedule A retrogression is being used by the proponents of CIR… If not how come they cannot passed the bridge bill… Were not that stupid!!! This politician wants to pass the CIR because the illegal aliens will gave their votes on 2008…But don’t they realize that we too RN’s who stuck on our final visa process are also voter’s!!!
Philippine RN
if the CIR bill is passed, would it provide visas?
as how i understand the bill, it only exempts schedule a quota, is the CIR enough for the retrogression to be lifted?
or do we need an allocation of visa numbers?
just my 2 cents.
please clear things out HLG or anybody. thanks a lot.
Ever draft version of CIR that I have seen calls for Schedule A occupations — PTs and RNs — to be exempt from the general EB visa quotas. In other words, readers should assume that passing CIR will end retrogression for nurses and PTs.
Also, I think we’ve mentioned this a few times, but it bears worth repeating: we are still trying to push a bridge visa bill for Schedule A. However, as the odds for CIR increase, the bridge becomes less likely. This is because the politicians REALLY want CIR to work and don’t want to waste precious time on smaller laws if they can get many immigration issues solved in one massive bill.
Finally, direct to the first commentor on this entry: is the kiss from Shilpa Shetty or from you???
-Chris
thanks for answering my question sir chris, it is clear to me now, well waiting for a few more months won’t hurt…
but it would be better if the bridge legislation is pushed and approved…
endure my fellow nurses, endure.
let’s just pray and pray…God Bless us all.
Bush presses Congress on immigration
WASHINGTON – President Bush urged lawmakers on Saturday to come together on the complex and emotional issue of immigration, calling it “a critical challenge” now before the nation.
“We need a system where our laws are respected. We need a system that meets the legitimate needs of our economy. And we need a system that treats people with dignity and helps newcomers assimilate into our society,” he said in his weekly radio address. “We must address all elements of this problem together, or none of them will be solved at all.”
There are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the country, and passions run high on what to do about them. Bush wants to establish a temporary worker program for some of them and create a path to citizenship — albeit a difficult one — for many. He says it is unrealistic to propose that millions of people be deported.
What he likes to call comprehensive immigration reform was once Bush’s top domestic priority.
But the president was stymied by members of his own party, who controlled Congress until January. While business and industry are demanding more low-wage workers, many conservatives reject the president’s approach as putting the interests of illegal immigrants before those of American workers.
The Senate passed a plan last May that would allow illegal immigrants a chance at citizenship and create a temporary guest worker program for new arrivals. But the proposal died in the House, where tough new border security measures were the priority.
Last October, Bush signed a get-tough bill that authorized 700 additional miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Since then, the White House has been emphasizing that new efforts along the border are having an impact, while quietly looking for bipartisan compromise on broader legislation. Bush says he is determined to enact something — and it is one the few issues on which he might be able to claim victory with Congress in Democratic hands.
He gave that effort a renewed push by devoting his radio address to the topic, and making it the subject as well of a commencement speech he was giving Saturday afternoon at Miami Dade College in Florida.
Bush said the talks are bearing fruit, persuading some who had doubts about comprehensive reform to now be open to it.
“I know convictions run deep on the matter of immigration. Yet I am confident we can have a serious, civil and conclusive debate,” the president said. “Our nation deserves an immigration system that secures our borders and honors our proud history as a nation of immigrants.”
One approach that grew out of the initial talks between the White House and Capitol Hill would still give illegal immigrants a path to citizenship, although it would be much tougher than a Senate-approved measure. The new approach would require fines, trips back home, long waits and hefty penalties. Conservatives still called it overly permissive, essentially amnesty for illegal behavior.
Most national polls show Americans are overwhelmingly supportive of an immigration overhaul that would allow those here illegally to stay, work and earn their way to legal status.
source:
By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070428/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_21;_ylt=AqcUp7vUTqIeesqfso6eE3wGw_IE
The Bridge should be named “The Contingency Bridge”.
CONTINGENCY is a must. We cannot rely on the inabilities or lack of effective action by Congress to impede the already unforeseen consequences of Retrogression. For Schedule A, the bridge connects stupidity and rationality. Without it, we remain on the “stupidity” side of the equation. One which I am becoming more familiar after the last retrogression in 2005.
Our sourcing company has over 100 RN’s (with another 100 plus in process) who have been waiting months to get their visa numbers stamped to finally gain entrance and work at various Hospitals throughout the United States. Others, already here, are unable to bring their families (spouses and children) to the US from their country of origin.
For Schedule A (RN’s and PT’s) WHAT IS THERE TO LOOSE by not providing a contingency? Plenty !
1) After hurdling for a year or more over all the prerequisites to gain final entry into the US Healthcare Workforce as an RN or PT (NCLEX, CGFNS, IELTS, TOEFL/TSE, State Regulatory License, NPTE, etc.) they get the door slammed shut because of an absurd way in which US visa numbers are allocated AND / OR counted.
2) These RN’s and PT’s have changed their lives to get here (US). They have sacrificed their personal life and professional careers. The longer Retrogression goes unresolved the more irreparable financial and psychological damage will occur.
What does the US have to loose ? Even More !
1) The RN’s and PT’s who have been waiting, and continue to wait, have other opportunities around the globe (with much less stringent requirements and/or immigration regulations). They will quickly take positions elsewhere in the world. The Healthcare Shortage is not unique to the US. Many may never come the US as a result of Retrogression.
2) Hospitals have no-where else to go for resources. There is a clear inability to provide requisite supply to meet demand. This is a demographic reality. The “Perfect Storm” has been established and documented by the US Government (Federal and State), Industry Associations, Private Enterprise, etc. Several factors exist such as: The Aging of the US Population, The Aging of the RN Workforce (currently at 50yrs old), The lack of Nurse Educators.
3) For each RN and/or PT that is denied entry, the US Healthcare system will spend an additional $4,800 per month and rising every month (into perpetuity) in an attempt to staff the position. Not good for a nation that has, by far, the most expensive healthcare on the planet.
4) OUR HEALTHCARE ! The “Weapons of Mass Destruction” (please excuse the metaphor) are being held by our own Government. It is their inability to intervene and address the issue head on. The “Mass Destruction” will occur at US Hospitals. Perhaps it is the ego’s of our Congressmen who want their version of CIR Approved. In the meantime, hospital beds will remain vacant due to RN Shortages, hospitals will continue to bleed expenses and possibly go out of business, Medicare/Medicaid will be directly effected, Patient Safety will be negatively impacted, RN Turnover and RN Vacancies will increase. I think I could write a book on the indirect impact of the aforementioned.
5) US Businesses involved in providing these services to Hospitals and Healthcare Companies will be severely impacted. I saw many go out of business in 2005, I see many that have left or plan to close doors as Retrogression progresses.
We are greatly mistaken if we acquiesce to ability of Congress to pass CIR later this summer. More importantly, what happens if they cannot agree and we enter 2008 which is a Presidential election year ? Answer: Congressional Gridlock.
Congress needs to take prudent action and deliver a temporary “Contingency” to Retrogression. There are over 60,000 plus Unused Visa Numbers that can be allocated (10,000 more than in 2005). This can provide the “temporary fix” until CIR gets resolved and passed. It will cost US Taxpayers NOTHING. On the contrary it will save lives, money and aggravation. This is a “NO BRAINER” and a win, win, win all around. On the other hand, everyone looses in nothing gets resolved.
Ignorance is not bliss.
John Haines
jhaines@dshealthcare.org
This blog’s edition is quite a good relief for me… and all nurses hoping for the US visa.
HLG, thanks for the update.
Nurses, don’t be sad…just keep on praying. Don’t spoil our hopes here with your pessimistic attitudes. A little sooner we will get all of these tangible.
pinoy rn
Bush Says He Is Winning Immigration Overhaul Support
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p…MK8&refer=home
correct link
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=akTlfu6iVMK8&refer=home
I completely agree with Mr. John Haines. The picture he portraits is very true and clearly is not going to benefit the US. The top men need to shed their ego and do something constructive to lift the retrogression ASAP. The clock is ticking away and the US health industry will be in a sad state of affairs before anyone realizes. So it is best to use the unused Visas and the bridge legislation is a must right now to save the industry.
Good work HLG! MY dear co-nurses, never never be hopeless. I believe that God has plan for all of us. Everything thst is happening is within His will.
Just keep on praying!!!
Pinay…
Great news! More power!!!
Dear HLG,
You stated that you continue your efforts to pass bridge legislation. Can you be more specific (as specific as possible) on what efforts you currently have underway?
I think the bridge is a better option than CIR, for the simple reason that Congress can hardly agree on anything (they have passed no significant legislation this year on ANYTHING). Their partisanship is bitter and they behave like children (each protecting his/her little realm of power rather than doing what is good for America and Americans).
Thanks!
I also totally agree with John Haines’ comments. Well done.
We are all heavily banking on CIR whithout making much effort pushing forward for bridge legislation.
Recapturing unused Visas should be the main priority as it was in 2005. Circumstances have not changed much since 2005 anyway, there’s still an accute shortage of Nurses in the USA with all the damaging side effects cited by John.
CIR should not take up much of our time and energies. It will take a hell lot of time to be passed into law.
Nurses cannot afford to wait any longer as their careers and livelihoods are hanging on the hook.
Everyones motto should be:
‘End retrogression NOW’
‘End retrogression NOW’
what will happen to those who already filed as Schedule A, and working on EAD but havent received any information about Green card?
For all of Us Nurses hanging on the “edge of waiting” … We do agree with Mr. John Haines… We do need a bridge legislation for the unused visas…We do hope some of our great senators and congressmen are thinking of this kind of thinking!!!
Pinoy USRN
We Completely agree with Mr. Haines…Thank you!!! for that wonderful thought…We hope that these senators & Congressmen are Listening!!!
Thanks HLG
Philippine RN
Yeah even I have the same question as the other commenter here. What will happen to someone with EAD and no GC. Would it be different for them if “Bridge Bill” gets passed or CIR becomes law ?
Dear HLG,
Hi Sir Chris kindly show the comments of Mr. Haines to all those important persons that your will meet… This might help our cause!!!
All the best HLG!!!
Mabuhay!!!
RN
Everybody…………. did you check the visa category 3? This month it jumped by 1 year. If it continues @ the same rate each month by 1 year we are not that much far. If you file I485 in August 1 2006, we talking about anoter 3-4 months. CIR or another schedule A bill may take more than 4 moths to be in effective. Anybody is thinking about it?
Thanks
do not look into visa bullletin!.
There are thousands other than nurses with PD somewhere near to that. 2005 visa capturing jumped nurses ahead of others and all those were in USa now. we will not come nowhere near now even if it is advanced some years. Only legislation is the solution for us!
You are talking nothing but rubbish, and your claim makes no sense. You need to do lot of homework to make an assessment that the visa number will jump by 1 year in 1 month. You need to go to the same visa bulletin, and start browing the archive to see what has happened in the past and where we stand now.
Dear HGL,
You mentioned that one of your attorney is going to DC to talk about Bridge Legislation.
Can we have some info on when he/she is bounding to DC?
More power to you and your team.
Its May 1st and there are going to be immigrants rally through out the nation but the point we are talking is Legal Vs Illegal immigrants. We support CIR but i hope this retrogression will be taken care with “BRIDGE” that you and your team are pursuing.
Thanks,
Hooray Mr. John HAines! Thats the spirit that we needed all this time!
Keep on fighting for a contingency plan! While we support the approval of CIR, immediate relief of retro is what we need right now.
Bridge bill should be the immediate remedy to the nurses/PTs mayhem.No one loses for using the extra visas that can easily be recaptured.More power to HLG!
RN,Kenya
I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Haines. The hospital I work at has an amazing amount of turnover. It is a great place to work with good pay and good working conditions, but that does not stop the turnover one bit. The manager hires nurses as fast as she can, but people leave even faster. It is like trying to fill up a leaky bucket. It’s too bad that the average American is unaware of this situation and what it is costing them. If they were, perhaps the politicians would see the seriousness of the problem and take action.
Like me, many nurses on student visas (OPT work auth) will be forced to leave once it expires since no visas are available for green cards.