By Anil Augustine, Atlanta GA
NEW YORK (TIP): On this historic era of immigration momentum in American contemporary times, the congressional bill HR.1044/S.386 being at the verge of success as well the probable uncertainties there in; FOMAA L.i.F.e -the advocacy initiative of Malayalee diaspora, invoked and earned promises of support from NY State Senator Hon. Kevin Thomas. Sen. Kevin, heartily appreciated the audacity and vision of Malayalee diaspora, patriotically coming forward assisting and reaching out to brethren suffering the agony of systemic abuse -GC backlog. It is noteworthy that FOMAA is the only diaspora Federal Association to have an advocacy initiative favoring this worthy a cause affirmatively impacting future Americans as well the Citizens mutually. Sen. Kevin assertively noted that we all are American immigrants; the only difference might be the time we or our forefathers are blessed in reaching the shores of this blessed land!
FOMAA leadership apprised Hon. Senator about the challenges faced by legitimate immigrants under the existing legacy law with Nationality based quota system aka Country Quota in Employment Based immigration. This law yields extremely length wait-time in obtaining Green Cards (GC), the permanent residency pathway to USA resulting indescribable agony and inequality among licit immigrants from large populous nations in both Family Based and Employment Based immigration to USA. It’s worthwhile noting that there is no Country Quota while issuing work visas – the only legitimate pathway for any merited skilled professional to immigrate USA.
For Indians, the USCIS statistics denotes a grueling wait-time of 50 to 170 years, for anyone applying for GC as of this day; depending upon the Employment Category Employer applies the GC application. India being the largest credentialed talent-pool for American knowledge, Health, Education and Technology industry workforce and proven entrepreneurial success. Unduly advantaged with the Country Quota rule, folks from other countries (ROW) possess GC swiftly (6 months). In this era where Merit, Skill & credentials matters, no-one should be accounted based on country of birth. The GC delays results impacts dependent children aging-out at 21years; primary applicants unable change jobs during the GC process time and inability to visit friends & family back in India.
Honorable Congresswomen Zoe Lofgren, (D) of CA introduced the Bill HR.1044 “Fairness for the High-Skilled Immigrants act of 2019”. This bipartisan bill had 116 original cosponsors, further yielded to a total 311 Hon. Congressmen sponsoring it and the bill passed the US House with a historic 365 ‘yea’ to a 65 “Nay” vote obtaining a historic mandate of success in July 2019.
The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Honorable Senator Mike Lee, (R) of UT, earned 14 original cosponsors to a total of 36. (Vice President Elect Hon. Sen. Kamala Harris is one of the original cosponsors of S.386). This bill was passed the Senate with unanimous consent on this December 2nd, however, will have to go back to the House for reconciliation on the amendments incorporated by Hon. Senators Durbin, IL and Scott, FL, that the bill gets approval signed by President Trump, for it to becoming the law.
The current congressional term ends by January 3rd, 2021; however, December 18th being the last day for Congress to be in session, essentially the US House and Senate should approve the bill by this week. Towards accomplishing and avoiding uncomfortable circumstances Hon. Sen. Lee, and Hon. Rep. Lofgren, the sponsors of the bill in the respective chambers are said to be efforting to attach the bill to the Omnibus spending Bill by reconciling the stipulations.
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