jchan
12-08 12:15 PM
In thi case you can only get GC if you remain alive while serving the US Army. Remember they want to put you in front of the enemy first before they pu their citizens.
If you die you will get citizen directly, not a bad deal is it? :D
If you die you will get citizen directly, not a bad deal is it? :D
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akkakarla
09-01 04:45 PM
Then, I am unlucky then...Can you check your message please...i got interviewed in 10/2005 in Boston and once again in July 2008. They mentioned it is pending visa number available..
bowbow
10-29 12:01 PM
My FP was done on 10/17 but no LUD.how often they update status online?
We gave for fingerprints 5 days back but our LUD on I-485 is not yet updated. Is this common?
I-485 receipts from NSC.
Most of my friends LUD is updated within 2 days of giving finger prints.
Please post your experiences.
We gave for fingerprints 5 days back but our LUD on I-485 is not yet updated. Is this common?
I-485 receipts from NSC.
Most of my friends LUD is updated within 2 days of giving finger prints.
Please post your experiences.
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waitingnwaiting
11-29 10:22 AM
This is where our problem lies. People once they are greened completely forget the troubles and "never ever" look back. Many of us (either directly or as dependents) have been greened and have reached very high positions but never feel the need to help out. I am wondering whether it is because we have failed to ask their help??
Instead on focussing on senators and congressmen/women (which IV members are already doing) would it be worthwile to prepare a list of influential (political, business, scientists) immigrants (particularly chinese and Indians) and then getting their help/input to our cause??
First people who do not have greencard should support.
Right now we do not even have 1% of those people part of IV
Instead on focussing on senators and congressmen/women (which IV members are already doing) would it be worthwile to prepare a list of influential (political, business, scientists) immigrants (particularly chinese and Indians) and then getting their help/input to our cause??
First people who do not have greencard should support.
Right now we do not even have 1% of those people part of IV
more...
rockstart
04-16 01:52 PM
You can appeal the decision and other stuff to get temporary repreive. But its your decision. Say if your GC gets denied for criminal past or for failing one of the rules set up then whether you are on AOS or H1-B it is pretty much end of story for you. The only advantage you have being in H1 is you get time to wrap up your stuff in US leasurely till your H1 is valid because I am sure by the time your GC is denied you will also have exhausted your 6 years on H1 and so your next H1 extension will also get denied. There is nothing you can do in case of criminal past to negate it. If AOS is denied for 140 related issues yes there is a second chance. But the decision is entirely yours
gcisadawg
09-09 02:57 AM
I just renewed my H1B visa for another 3 years, and I also have an approved advance parole document. If I leave the US before my H1B visa is stamped in my passport and re-enter the country using my AP, do I lose my H1B status? (that's what my attorney says)
How about my the H4 of my wife? She is already using EAD, so if we re-enter the country should she use the AP document or the H4 visa?
This is way too confusing...
If you enter thru AP, you would become a parolee. You can use H1B to continue to work for the GC sponsoring employer. After your return, If you file an extension or your H1B is amended or transferred and if that petition is approved, you would re-gain your non-immigrant H1B status.
How about my the H4 of my wife? She is already using EAD, so if we re-enter the country should she use the AP document or the H4 visa?
This is way too confusing...
If you enter thru AP, you would become a parolee. You can use H1B to continue to work for the GC sponsoring employer. After your return, If you file an extension or your H1B is amended or transferred and if that petition is approved, you would re-gain your non-immigrant H1B status.
more...
spulapa
08-05 01:35 PM
It auto-converts all H1Bs and EADs into Green Cards effective immediately. :)
Pappu ke muh mein ghee shakar... :D
Pappu ke muh mein ghee shakar... :D
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Ramba
03-28 10:03 AM
The research for this was conducted by the content team of IV. And as regards the big websites, Rajeev Khanna, Bender's online Matthew Oh all have provided references to IV's doc. So no need for any attorney to explain to the IV core team about this, since most of them have agreed and appreciated our efforts!
ragz4u,
I was watching C-span fully. I did not see any amentments to instate Ac21 provision to eliminate hard country quota. Is there any update? Is there any possibilty for amendment from any senatore in floor discussion? Please post the procedings in this issue, as I feel this may be ignored by senaters due to the controversial guest worker program.
By the way is there any differnce between 202a3 and 202a5?
ragz4u,
I was watching C-span fully. I did not see any amentments to instate Ac21 provision to eliminate hard country quota. Is there any update? Is there any possibilty for amendment from any senatore in floor discussion? Please post the procedings in this issue, as I feel this may be ignored by senaters due to the controversial guest worker program.
By the way is there any differnce between 202a3 and 202a5?
more...
GC_1000Watt
03-28 01:02 PM
Hi all ,
Me and my husband are planning india trip in jun or july this year for 2-3 weeks.We both need to get our visas stamped in New Delhi .
We are short on time and our native places are far .So to save time and keep the window for passport arrival if approved or any problems ,postal delays..I was thinking to get visa-interview-date the day we land to delhi.
So here is the probelm,travelling with heavy bags ,international baggage is unsafe and difficult.
What would be the travel tips ?
Our plan is-
1.To stay in some hotel in delhi the day we land( if we reach in evening) and go to stamping next day.
Where to stay? Should we go to consulate with all international luggageand directly travel for native or keep in hotel room, come back later for it ,is it safr options?
Traveeling is also difficult
2.Then for there on ,what transport ,bus,delux bus,train ,or flight to take to chandigarh.
what ever is easiest for us ?
For regular bus(i know is pretty fast,5-6 hrs) ,we have to go to ISBT and keep lugaage on top of bus...i dont know about seats...availability .
For deluxe, never travelled so need tips.
Or better to take train ,go to railway station.
I dont know if domestic flgihts allow that much of baggage option, do they allow international luggage ,something like through checkin.
Please throw in your valuable suggestions to make our trip easy and better usage of time.
Hi there!
The biggest challenge for you here would be to get the Visa interview date matching with your travel itinerary. You do not have a real choice in terms of getting Visa interview date of your choice. Also visa dates for July will get open only in June and you probably will book your tickets etc well in advance, and therefore it's kind of difficult to get the Visa interview date as per your schedules.
For baggage thing though, I guess airports have locker facilities available where you can put your luggage.They will charge you on hourly basis. Please find out about that.
Domestic flights will most probably allow you to carry international luggage if you show them your boarding pass/eticket to confirm that you are an international traveler
Good luck!.
Me and my husband are planning india trip in jun or july this year for 2-3 weeks.We both need to get our visas stamped in New Delhi .
We are short on time and our native places are far .So to save time and keep the window for passport arrival if approved or any problems ,postal delays..I was thinking to get visa-interview-date the day we land to delhi.
So here is the probelm,travelling with heavy bags ,international baggage is unsafe and difficult.
What would be the travel tips ?
Our plan is-
1.To stay in some hotel in delhi the day we land( if we reach in evening) and go to stamping next day.
Where to stay? Should we go to consulate with all international luggageand directly travel for native or keep in hotel room, come back later for it ,is it safr options?
Traveeling is also difficult
2.Then for there on ,what transport ,bus,delux bus,train ,or flight to take to chandigarh.
what ever is easiest for us ?
For regular bus(i know is pretty fast,5-6 hrs) ,we have to go to ISBT and keep lugaage on top of bus...i dont know about seats...availability .
For deluxe, never travelled so need tips.
Or better to take train ,go to railway station.
I dont know if domestic flgihts allow that much of baggage option, do they allow international luggage ,something like through checkin.
Please throw in your valuable suggestions to make our trip easy and better usage of time.
Hi there!
The biggest challenge for you here would be to get the Visa interview date matching with your travel itinerary. You do not have a real choice in terms of getting Visa interview date of your choice. Also visa dates for July will get open only in June and you probably will book your tickets etc well in advance, and therefore it's kind of difficult to get the Visa interview date as per your schedules.
For baggage thing though, I guess airports have locker facilities available where you can put your luggage.They will charge you on hourly basis. Please find out about that.
Domestic flights will most probably allow you to carry international luggage if you show them your boarding pass/eticket to confirm that you are an international traveler
Good luck!.
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maheshf
02-20 09:00 PM
bump
more...
gsc999
01-10 01:57 PM
Thanks Y'all for the inputs !
Iam going to Houston tomorow for getting my fresh passport, hope I get it in couple of hours so that I can go to French embassy and get my transit visa too. :(
----
I recently travelled to India via Munich on Lufthansa. I was told by my ticketing agent that I will need a German transit visa. I looked at the info. on German constulate's website and did some reasearch, I didn't need one.
I suggest, you get one to be on the safer side. For other readers, if you are on H1B and if your transit time is 2 to 3 hours and you travel on the same airlines (there are other issues e.g. the terminal is same etc.), than you don't need a transit visa but always call in and check with the appropriate constulate.
Iam going to Houston tomorow for getting my fresh passport, hope I get it in couple of hours so that I can go to French embassy and get my transit visa too. :(
----
I recently travelled to India via Munich on Lufthansa. I was told by my ticketing agent that I will need a German transit visa. I looked at the info. on German constulate's website and did some reasearch, I didn't need one.
I suggest, you get one to be on the safer side. For other readers, if you are on H1B and if your transit time is 2 to 3 hours and you travel on the same airlines (there are other issues e.g. the terminal is same etc.), than you don't need a transit visa but always call in and check with the appropriate constulate.
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gg_ny
09-06 02:29 PM
Happened to us in May. Mine came after a week, but the dates were the same for both of us. I think it would not hurt to walk along with your spouse and try to do a walk-in.
Dear All,
I just received a FP notice for my wife scheduled for Sep 19, 2007. I have not received mine yet (I am the primary applicant), I have a few questions regarding this. Please help me if you have any information.
1. Is it normal for the primary applicant to not receive FP notice at the same time as dependent?
2. Can my wife get it done without me getting an FP notice?
3. Can I get my FP done on the same day as my wife even though I did not receive my FP notice?
4. I have filed for I-485, EAD and AP, will we both receive an FP notice for all 3 applications or it is just one FP for all applications?
Please help us with your expertise. Thank you very much for all your time.
PD: Aug 2005
EB3 INDIA
Nebraska
Dear All,
I just received a FP notice for my wife scheduled for Sep 19, 2007. I have not received mine yet (I am the primary applicant), I have a few questions regarding this. Please help me if you have any information.
1. Is it normal for the primary applicant to not receive FP notice at the same time as dependent?
2. Can my wife get it done without me getting an FP notice?
3. Can I get my FP done on the same day as my wife even though I did not receive my FP notice?
4. I have filed for I-485, EAD and AP, will we both receive an FP notice for all 3 applications or it is just one FP for all applications?
Please help us with your expertise. Thank you very much for all your time.
PD: Aug 2005
EB3 INDIA
Nebraska
more...
house Red, Black and White Kitchen
spicy_guy
10-21 06:42 PM
I am not a Lawyer, just advising based on my knowledge / experience:
You can certainly change job (Since you have EAD, I am assuming here that you have approved I-140 and filed for I-485 for more than 180 days). AC-21 (its a law) allows you to port your job when you have approved I-140 and I-485 is filed for more than 180 days.
The job has to be "same or similar" need not be same. The word "same or similar" is not defined in the law, but you can use O*Net classification. The O*Net classification is the code under which your labor petition was filed. Then use O*net website to see the proposed job you are looking at is similar to the O*Net classification your labor was filed for. Its little bit confusing how to use O*Net but if you Google AC-21 you will find enough literature / articles posted by lawyers. Better yet, one of the IV member have wrote whole blog on that (you would have to find that, as I don't remember).
The new job don't need to be restricted within geographic area where your original labor was filed for (you can work anywhere in the USA).
The new employer is not required to prove ability to pay.
There is no upword salary restriction, but if the pay difference is significant then USCIS may take a look at it in detail just to verify that the new job falls within "same or similar" category.
You will have to find a good lawyer (you can do yourself as well) to write AC-21 letter to USCIS. I have seen people suggesting that you don't have to do that, USCIS may never get that into your file. If they you don't send AC-21 letter or it never gets to your file, they will send you RFE to prove that you still have "same or similar" job offer. They may also send you NOID or deny your case, but you can file motion to reopen (obviously using a qualified attorney) and they will most probably approve your case.
And finally, your existing employer can't revoke your approved I-140 (if its over 180 days).
Hopefully this is helpful!
Just curious! I think with the new job one can start EB2 Process and port the existing PD. right?
You can certainly change job (Since you have EAD, I am assuming here that you have approved I-140 and filed for I-485 for more than 180 days). AC-21 (its a law) allows you to port your job when you have approved I-140 and I-485 is filed for more than 180 days.
The job has to be "same or similar" need not be same. The word "same or similar" is not defined in the law, but you can use O*Net classification. The O*Net classification is the code under which your labor petition was filed. Then use O*net website to see the proposed job you are looking at is similar to the O*Net classification your labor was filed for. Its little bit confusing how to use O*Net but if you Google AC-21 you will find enough literature / articles posted by lawyers. Better yet, one of the IV member have wrote whole blog on that (you would have to find that, as I don't remember).
The new job don't need to be restricted within geographic area where your original labor was filed for (you can work anywhere in the USA).
The new employer is not required to prove ability to pay.
There is no upword salary restriction, but if the pay difference is significant then USCIS may take a look at it in detail just to verify that the new job falls within "same or similar" category.
You will have to find a good lawyer (you can do yourself as well) to write AC-21 letter to USCIS. I have seen people suggesting that you don't have to do that, USCIS may never get that into your file. If they you don't send AC-21 letter or it never gets to your file, they will send you RFE to prove that you still have "same or similar" job offer. They may also send you NOID or deny your case, but you can file motion to reopen (obviously using a qualified attorney) and they will most probably approve your case.
And finally, your existing employer can't revoke your approved I-140 (if its over 180 days).
Hopefully this is helpful!
Just curious! I think with the new job one can start EB2 Process and port the existing PD. right?
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cnachu2
02-04 01:15 PM
Yes i did. It was the same way for my dad when i was on H-1B.
I sent him the copies of my 140, 485, and EAD and also an employment letter from my new employer , as i have used AC-21.
He was asked what i am doing and he told them i am working for XYX company and has also filed his GC. The office said all the best to him and granted my dad a 10 year multiple visa. If you have any questions, please send me a message.
I hope this helps.
GO IV GO. TOGETHER WE CAN.
Hi,
I am also planning to send papers for my father. now i am on AOS with I485, i changed the employer, but didn't file AC21. will it be an issue if i send papers to my father without filing AC21? You says you used AC21, that means did you file AC21?
Thanks,
Chandra.
I sent him the copies of my 140, 485, and EAD and also an employment letter from my new employer , as i have used AC-21.
He was asked what i am doing and he told them i am working for XYX company and has also filed his GC. The office said all the best to him and granted my dad a 10 year multiple visa. If you have any questions, please send me a message.
I hope this helps.
GO IV GO. TOGETHER WE CAN.
Hi,
I am also planning to send papers for my father. now i am on AOS with I485, i changed the employer, but didn't file AC21. will it be an issue if i send papers to my father without filing AC21? You says you used AC21, that means did you file AC21?
Thanks,
Chandra.
more...
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RRG
07-11 05:46 PM
Now that we have the people aware through Flowers, we can go for the big kill.
Advertize in Newspapers in D.C., State capitals or National newspapers
We can contribute ti IV and IV can advertize.
Half page ad with facts, events and Rep. Lofgren letter.
Nothing works better than mass media awareness
What do you think IV?
Advertize in Newspapers in D.C., State capitals or National newspapers
We can contribute ti IV and IV can advertize.
Half page ad with facts, events and Rep. Lofgren letter.
Nothing works better than mass media awareness
What do you think IV?
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willIWill
06-16 12:54 PM
Vinzak, You have to take into consideration the recaptured visas of the 90's applied in the period 00-06. If I remember correctly the earlier recapture was signed in 2000 by Pres. Clinton . If we exclude those recaptured numbers the actuals are much lesser. Hope this helps.
more...
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485Question
11-21 12:23 PM
Enjoy
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Munna Bhai
10-18 04:23 PM
Can someone please post all the documents required for filing AC21 ?
You don't need any document to invoke AC21, if you are on H1b, do the H1b transfer based on I-485 receipt and if you are using EAD, just go and join other company.
You will receive RFE, at that time you need to show that you have paystub,experience letter etc and you have used AC21(180 days pending).
You don't need any document to invoke AC21, if you are on H1b, do the H1b transfer based on I-485 receipt and if you are using EAD, just go and join other company.
You will receive RFE, at that time you need to show that you have paystub,experience letter etc and you have used AC21(180 days pending).
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fromnaija
07-18 06:11 PM
Photographs are not big-deal. USCIS will RFE for them.
Hi,
I am in the same situation too, my lawyer misplaced my wife photographs, but still went ahead and send the documents to USCIS.
Even i am worrying what would happen with my application.
LK
Hi,
I am in the same situation too, my lawyer misplaced my wife photographs, but still went ahead and send the documents to USCIS.
Even i am worrying what would happen with my application.
LK
sobers
02-10 10:55 AM
It is important because this article distinguishes "skilled" immigration versus "unskilled" immigration. This country needs more of the former as enounced several times by leaders of industry, academia and politics, but the latter issue is somewhat controversional because of its largely "illegal" nature in the U.S.
Regardless, this goes to show policy makers here need to be 'smart' and enourage 'smart' people to contribute to this country, as the Europeans are starting to do now...
EU's New Tack on Immigration
Leaders Talk Up 'Brain Circulation' To Cure Shrinking Work Force
By JOHN W. MILLER
February 10, 2006; Page A8
BRUSSELS -- Faced with a shrinking work force, Europe's leaders are looking for ways to attract talented foreigners, even as some countries on the Continent close their borders to other immigrants willing to work for lower wages.
Plans touted by Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini, the man charged with developing common immigration policies for the European Union, range from a new EU-wide "green card" that would allow skilled workers already in the 25-nation bloc to change countries without extra paperwork, to special temporary permits for seasonal workers.
"The U.S. and Australia have stricter rules, but they get the right people to immigrate, and once they're in, they integrate them, and give them benefits, education and citizenship" much faster than in the EU, Mr. Frattini said in an interview. Europe's work force is expected to shrink by 20 million people between now and 2030, according to the European Commission, and businesses complain regularly about a shortage of highly skilled personnel, even as unemployment rates in many EU countries remain high.
In Mr. Frattini's vision, a North African engineer could go to work in Europe, earn good money and return regularly to his hometown to start and maintain a business. Immigration policy in Europe is still up to individual countries. To sell the idea, Mr. Frattini uses the term "brain circulation" to counter accusations of a "brain drain" -- a phrase often used to criticize rich countries for sucking the talent and stalling the development of poor regions.
The challenge for Mr. Frattini is that in the face of pressure from unions and politicians worried about losing jobs to lower-wage newcomers, most EU national governments are jittery about welcoming more immigrants. Only three of the 15 Western European EU nations, for example, have opened their labor markets to the bloc's eight new Eastern European states.
While some countries are likely to resist opening their labor markets until forced to do in 2011, attitudes might be changing. Last weekend French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy echoed many of Mr. Frattini's ideas and proposed special immigration permits for skilled workers.
Plans to attract more immigrants are also a tough sell in developing countries that would lose their graduates and scientists. Mr. Frattini argues that successful migrants benefit their home economies when they work in Europe, because money they send home is an important part of many poor nations' gross domestic products.
In concrete terms, Mr. Frattini says the EU would promote brain circulation by including non-EU citizens in job databases and funding language and job-training courses in immigrants' home countries. Mr. Frattini also wants to develop work visas that will allow immigrants to return to start businesses in their home countries, without losing the right to work in Europe.
Some economists are skeptical. It is often difficult for immigrants to return home, and if economic conditions were good enough to merit investment, they probably wouldn't have left in the first place. "People left for a reason," says Jean-Pierre Garson, an economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The International Monetary Fund says immigrants dispatched $126 billion to their home countries in 2004 -- up from $72.3 billion in 2001 -- but there aren't any official figures on how much immigrants invest in businesses in their native countries.
So, would brain circulation work? Some immigrants say they agree in theory that investing accomplishes more than cash remittances. Anecdotal evidence suggests investments that pay off require patience, hands-on involvement, start-up capital and participation by local residents.
"Building is better," says Eric Chinje, a World Bank official living in Virginia who until recently had returned every two years to his hometown of Santa, Cameroon, with bags stuffed with dollars. "I'd take $5,000 and distribute among 100 to 200 people," he says. Three years ago, the 50-year-old Mr. Chinje set up a microcredit bank with the condition that villagers buy shares in the bank. Hundreds did, by getting money from relatives overseas, he says.
The bank started in April 2004 with a capital base of $50,000. So far, it has lent money to a cooperative to fund a storage facility and a truck to carry fruits and vegetables to city markets.
For an investment to really take off and make the kind of impact sought by Mr. Frattini, immigrant entrepreneurs say they need capital and connections.
Kemal Sahin came to Germany in 1973 from a small mountain village in central Turkey. He started the company he now runs, Sahinler Group, one of Europe's biggest textile companies. Mr. Sahin employs 11,000 people, including 9,000 at plants in Turkey, where he started moving production in 1984 to take advantage of skilled, inexpensive labor. His knowledge of Turkish, local customs and regulations allowed him to set up an efficient operation, he says. "I was familiar with how things work in Turkey, and it was easier for me than for my German colleagues to invest there."
--Andrea Thomas in Berlin contributed to this article.
Write to John W. Miller at john.miller@dowjones.com1
Regardless, this goes to show policy makers here need to be 'smart' and enourage 'smart' people to contribute to this country, as the Europeans are starting to do now...
EU's New Tack on Immigration
Leaders Talk Up 'Brain Circulation' To Cure Shrinking Work Force
By JOHN W. MILLER
February 10, 2006; Page A8
BRUSSELS -- Faced with a shrinking work force, Europe's leaders are looking for ways to attract talented foreigners, even as some countries on the Continent close their borders to other immigrants willing to work for lower wages.
Plans touted by Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini, the man charged with developing common immigration policies for the European Union, range from a new EU-wide "green card" that would allow skilled workers already in the 25-nation bloc to change countries without extra paperwork, to special temporary permits for seasonal workers.
"The U.S. and Australia have stricter rules, but they get the right people to immigrate, and once they're in, they integrate them, and give them benefits, education and citizenship" much faster than in the EU, Mr. Frattini said in an interview. Europe's work force is expected to shrink by 20 million people between now and 2030, according to the European Commission, and businesses complain regularly about a shortage of highly skilled personnel, even as unemployment rates in many EU countries remain high.
In Mr. Frattini's vision, a North African engineer could go to work in Europe, earn good money and return regularly to his hometown to start and maintain a business. Immigration policy in Europe is still up to individual countries. To sell the idea, Mr. Frattini uses the term "brain circulation" to counter accusations of a "brain drain" -- a phrase often used to criticize rich countries for sucking the talent and stalling the development of poor regions.
The challenge for Mr. Frattini is that in the face of pressure from unions and politicians worried about losing jobs to lower-wage newcomers, most EU national governments are jittery about welcoming more immigrants. Only three of the 15 Western European EU nations, for example, have opened their labor markets to the bloc's eight new Eastern European states.
While some countries are likely to resist opening their labor markets until forced to do in 2011, attitudes might be changing. Last weekend French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy echoed many of Mr. Frattini's ideas and proposed special immigration permits for skilled workers.
Plans to attract more immigrants are also a tough sell in developing countries that would lose their graduates and scientists. Mr. Frattini argues that successful migrants benefit their home economies when they work in Europe, because money they send home is an important part of many poor nations' gross domestic products.
In concrete terms, Mr. Frattini says the EU would promote brain circulation by including non-EU citizens in job databases and funding language and job-training courses in immigrants' home countries. Mr. Frattini also wants to develop work visas that will allow immigrants to return to start businesses in their home countries, without losing the right to work in Europe.
Some economists are skeptical. It is often difficult for immigrants to return home, and if economic conditions were good enough to merit investment, they probably wouldn't have left in the first place. "People left for a reason," says Jean-Pierre Garson, an economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The International Monetary Fund says immigrants dispatched $126 billion to their home countries in 2004 -- up from $72.3 billion in 2001 -- but there aren't any official figures on how much immigrants invest in businesses in their native countries.
So, would brain circulation work? Some immigrants say they agree in theory that investing accomplishes more than cash remittances. Anecdotal evidence suggests investments that pay off require patience, hands-on involvement, start-up capital and participation by local residents.
"Building is better," says Eric Chinje, a World Bank official living in Virginia who until recently had returned every two years to his hometown of Santa, Cameroon, with bags stuffed with dollars. "I'd take $5,000 and distribute among 100 to 200 people," he says. Three years ago, the 50-year-old Mr. Chinje set up a microcredit bank with the condition that villagers buy shares in the bank. Hundreds did, by getting money from relatives overseas, he says.
The bank started in April 2004 with a capital base of $50,000. So far, it has lent money to a cooperative to fund a storage facility and a truck to carry fruits and vegetables to city markets.
For an investment to really take off and make the kind of impact sought by Mr. Frattini, immigrant entrepreneurs say they need capital and connections.
Kemal Sahin came to Germany in 1973 from a small mountain village in central Turkey. He started the company he now runs, Sahinler Group, one of Europe's biggest textile companies. Mr. Sahin employs 11,000 people, including 9,000 at plants in Turkey, where he started moving production in 1984 to take advantage of skilled, inexpensive labor. His knowledge of Turkish, local customs and regulations allowed him to set up an efficient operation, he says. "I was familiar with how things work in Turkey, and it was easier for me than for my German colleagues to invest there."
--Andrea Thomas in Berlin contributed to this article.
Write to John W. Miller at john.miller@dowjones.com1
paskal
05-31 10:44 PM
guys please do take a moment with the webfax if you have not already done so, this effort to spread our point of view and gain visibility with lawmakers is critical. if you have some time you can actually fax legislators from every state!