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"We need men who can dream of things that never were."
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--John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
US Democratic politician (1917 - 1963)
    
Hi All!  I hope everyone has had a great Friday! I have been so very busy these last few days both at home and at work that I have not been able to do much posting until now.  Dylan (my 8 yr old) has been going to work with me the last two days  as Judi has been on vacation this week. I was unaware she was taking her vacation this week (my hubby either forgot to tell me or I just did not write it down if someone DID tell me.. LOL). Although taking Dylan meant I was a little distracted at work, I did get a lot done -- and Dylan did a good job doing some work for me and Susie -- as well as keeping himself entertained. 
Wednesday was a super long day for me, starting at 9:30 a.m. and continuing until I got home at 11:00 pm... Susan and I were invited to a client's dinner party where we got to meet his family for the first time, as well as finally meet (in person, that is) his employer's human resources coordinator, with whom we have communicated with for over three years in order to get our client's permanent residence case approved. Although we both admitted to one another that we would rather be doing other things (like spending time with our families), we did end up having a lovely evening.
For those of you who are unaware (and MOST are not aware, sadly), the process for obtaining permanent residence through employment is a long and arduous process, typically taking anywhere from 3 to 5 years. There are several avenues through which an employer can sponsor an employee for permanent residence depending on the type of position (whether a scientist, faculty member, professor, nurse, computer programmer/analyst, marketing analyst, civil engineer, etc.)  And, although we have clients pursuing these various avenues, a particular expertise/specialty of our firm in this field of law is pursuing permanent residence for those who are considered "outstanding researchers/scientists" and/or those whose work is considered to be "in the national interest."
Yet, despite the fact that our country sorely needs scientists and researchers AND that we have a shortage of American Ph.D. candidates in our own universities, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the "INS") makes someone with such a meritorious case basically jump through numerous hoops (often not even following their own regulations) for an approval.
I do not mean to be rude or condescending -- but most people are simply ignorant when it comes to issues related to immigration.  YES, in stark contrast to the 'anti-immigration' rhetoric/propoganda that makes its way through the U.S. media on a fairly routine basis, and which unfairly skews and distorts  the TRUE picture of immigration by publicizing those undeserving FEW ----and believe me, there are only a few----who have fraudulently made it through our immigration system ---(such as the infamous 9-11 hijackers/killers who were able to obtain F-1 student visas) ---"immigration" to the U.S. is quite a difficult and arduous process -- and is oftentimes not even a near possibility for those MANY who do not meet the specific criteria (and for those also who DO meet the criteria but are arbitrarily rejected!).
Our firm has done numerous Outstanding Researcher/Professor visa petitions and National Interest cases, obtaining green cards for scientists doing high-level research in such fields as cancer, AIDS, alzheimers, drug delivery, water/air quality/resources, shipboard power systems, etc. etc.
The client whose green card we were celebrating on Wednesday night is a high-level geologist specializing in geophysics, performing work that benefits our national defense as well as public health and safety issues. His groundbreaking research in seismic imaging technology is the topic of of countless journal articles and have been the subject of several presentations at international professional conferences.
His contributions have already assisted in delineating voids under highways; subsidence-prone areas beneath houses and proposed electric generating facilities; detecting buried pits, trenches, and pipes; characterized the near-surface under the Smart Weapons Testing Range at a remote site on the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Grounds; and has uncovered numerous tunnels. In fact, hundreds of commercial contractors, university educators, and researchers use software and techniques that have been the direct result of research by this particular scientist.
To me, as a mere citizen of the U.S., it is painfully obvious and apparent that our country NEEDS to try to KEEP and retain individuals like this client!!! And, as a participant in this field for 13 years, I have seen first-hand how numerous post-doctoral researchers from other countries have contributed enormously to the U.S.' achievements in science and technology.
And, it is my opinion that the U.S. continues to be in dire need of such talented and energetic people for our current and future prosperity. Dr. P left his homeland behind for this country to conduct important scientific research that will directly benefit our country, the United States! Undoubtedly, it will truly be THIS country’s loss if we are ultimately deprived of those with Dr. P's unique talents and contributions.
Even in these days (post 9-11) when a more restrictive attitude towards immigration is manifesting itself, the last thing we as a nation should want to do is restrict the access of the very best and the brightest working in cutting-edge fields of science.  In fact, when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/USCIS denies a scientist of Dr. P's caliber "permanent residence" status, they are also denying OUR country the benefits of his genuine talent and expertise.
Sadly, (although our firm is very successful in this area and has a reputation for its successes -- having never lost a case) many such scientists are denied, sometimes because their evidence was improperly presented -- but often times based on the arbitrary manner in which the USCIS makes these determinations.
In fact, the USCIS often does not follow their own rules and regulations -- and many of these 'rejected' scientists simply relocate to a country that appreciates and BEGS them for their expertise, such as Australia or Canada (rather than spend their time and money taking their case to federal court --following a long USCIS appeal process)!!  The bottom line: these scientists will bring honor and prosperity to whatever nation earns their permanent allegiance. So, why shouldn't that country be the U.S.?
Well, I have to say that this post turned out quite long... I just thought I would share a 'different' picture/perspective on the subject of immigration -- the perspective that is totally hidden and not broadcast through the media airwaves!!
::EDIT:: zenday came up with the idea of a 'day of silence' in support of our friends in England tomorrow (Sunday). pepsiluver made this lovely graphic for this day of silence:
Peace and Love to All!
--Lisa
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