Bills, Rules & Politics

[idliman]

With a 50-50 split in senate, the senate Judiciary committee will be chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin. I think they will push DACA legislation. Fairness reform bill is a well defined low hanging fruit. Wonder how IV will play this as Durbin is a seasoned politician, who unfortunately does not like fairness bill. Anyway, welcome to a brand new America where the Democrats have the trifecta of power. They control the legislative calendar for the next two years. Expect stimulus-3 checks in the first quarter.

I want to see the VB jump starting with March bulletin. The cake might already been baked for Feb VB. I hope they do not waste GCs that spilled from FB.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

With a 50-50 split in senate, the senate Judiciary committee will be chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin. I think they will push DACA legislation. Fairness reform bill is a well defined low hanging fruit. Wonder how IV will play this as Durbin is a seasoned politician, who unfortunately does not like fairness bill. Anyway, welcome to a brand new America where the Democrats have the trifecta of power. They control the legislative calendar for the next two years. Expect stimulus-3 checks in the first quarter.

I want to see the VB jump starting with March bulletin. The cake might already been baked for Feb VB. I hope they do not waste GCs that spilled from FB.

Yeah DACA will be priority number one. I hope... seriously hope that they somehow do something, anything about relieving the backlog, and I don't think redistribution is the answer and also don't think increasing visas directly is the answer because it will be used against them endlessly. The best option would be to remove counting dependents and as they take most of the EB visas now and it would indirectly increase the allocation.

[smuggymba]

With a 50-50 split in senate, the senate Judiciary committee will be chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin. I think they will push DACA legislation. Fairness reform bill is a well defined low hanging fruit. Wonder how IV will play this as Durbin is a seasoned politician, who unfortunately does not like fairness bill. Anyway, welcome to a brand new America where the Democrats have the trifecta of power. They control the legislative calendar for the next two years. Expect stimulus-3 checks in the first quarter.

I want to see the VB jump starting with March bulletin. The cake might already been baked for Feb VB. I hope they do not waste GCs that spilled from FB.

Kamala Harris is a co-sponsor on the fairness bill so hopefully the VP can talk to Durbin and bring it back on the table. We will now see the true intent of the democrats - President himself has said the country caps should go / Kamala is a co-sponsor / senate and house under dems.

[vsivarama]

Kamala Harris is a co-sponsor on the fairness bill so hopefully the VP can talk to Durbin and bring it back on the table. We will now see the true intent of the democrats - President himself has said the country caps should go / Kamala is a co-sponsor / senate and house under dems.

I doubt that Durbin will do anything about it. It's like the dog who caught up with the car and now does not know what to do. He may yet surprise us by doing the right thing. But we should not let up the pressure to bring the bill up for vote in the next congress once it's reintroduced.

[jimmys]

We will now see the true intent of the democrats - .

You want to see democrats' intent to help legal employment immigrants, again? If you spent enough time in this country and followed democrats closely, you would know the answer.

I doubt Fairness bill that ONLY helps legal employment immigration will get approved in the next two years. If anything, the fairness will get clubbed into CIR bill and will see no light.

It's a great time for DACA and other legal/illegal immigration issues. But, it remains to be seen what Sen. Joe Manchin has to say about key issues in a 50-50 Senate.

The swamp will be re-created in DC and the Government will follow their interests, again.

[qesehmk]

I think people need to keep realistic perspective. This will be the best way get things done.

1) First time in US history a president has promised something very specific to a specific group of immigrants. This is not a wish. This is very specific agenda item.
2) First time in US history we have a part Indian American person who without any doubt will be extremely sympathetic to the idea of fairness and justice.
3) However we also must understand that Biden government has many bigger fish to fry other than immigration. Even within immigration family immigration is a bigger constituency and will take precedence.
4) Realistically any immigration bill have bigger chance in first 2 years.

So if I were a strategist I will start working now with the goal to get something done from mid 2021 to end 2022. I think dems will put this to bed but EB-I needs to come across as reasonable intelligent negotiators and not as spoiled entitled brats.

I think the other group's advocacy falls in the second category and we must desist that kind of approach. Country cap removal is in sight. Stay optimistic.

[jimmys]

The Indian Americans in Biden's administration will bring exactly what the Indian Americans in the previous democratic governments' brought, that is NOTHING to the table. Stop dreaming. You're going to be in the current admin like how you were in the 2009-2017 Obama admin which is "No one gives a s*** about you". Be wise and don't expect anything.

Also, make sure the democrats in the Congress just don't pass a bill that retains FB 2021 FY spillover with FB for 2022 FY. The probability for this to happen is way higher than Fairness bill getting introduced.

Public charge rule may be rescinded NOT because it's new to employment based legal immigration. It may rather be rescinded due to the fact it affects IR/FB immigrants.

[qesehmk]

Patience. As I said first time in history a presidential candidate is committed to removing country caps.

[Pundit Arjun]

Patience. As I said first time in history a presidential candidate is committed to removing country caps.

Will be happy if they do put nation first and then politics.
Democrats or republicans - I have witnessed only vote bank politics thus far. There may be a gem of a politician here or there but 1 gem cant change anything...

Now that the Dems control the congress, lets hope and pray that they work towards improving the nation and its people

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness" - Desmond Tutu

[qesehmk]

Will be happy if they do put nation first and then politics.
Democrats or republicans - I have witnessed only vote bank politics thus far. There may be a gem of a politician here or there but 1 gem cant change anything...

Now that the Dems control the congress, lets hope and pray that they work towards improving the nation and its people

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness" - Desmond Tutu

Vote bank politics is a good thing. Think about it. Would you rather have Koch or Ambani or Adani driving government policy? Or would you rather have groups that represent people drive government policy?

The reality is always somewhere in the middle. Sometimes (in fact quite often) even the biggest think tanks are driven by billionairres. But I am ok with that too because as long as a think tank is advocating good public policy it is all good.

I believe in politics as a way of public service and both in India and US there are good politicians. The difference is that in US politicians actually do control administration which limits any corruption. In India the administration controls government and public policy and hence they engage mindlessly in corruption and get away with it. But I digress!

[AceMan]

Vote bank politics is a good thing. Think about it. Would you rather have Koch or Ambani or Adani driving government policy? Or would you rather have groups that represent people drive government policy?

The reality is always somewhere in the middle. Sometimes (in fact quite often) even the biggest think tanks are driven by billionairres. But I am ok with that too because as long as a think tank is advocating good public policy it is all good.

I believe in politics as a way of public service and both in India and US there are good politicians. The difference is that in US politicians actually do control administration which limits any corruption. In India the administration controls government and public policy and hence they engage mindlessly in corruption and get away with it. But I digress!

I always feel it is disingenuous for people like us who left India for greener pastures of developed economies and comment about inefficiencies of Indian politicians. I have personally met multiple young leaders from different states few years back who came here for world parliament meet and they were determined and knowledgeable.

[qesehmk]

I always feel it is disingenuous for people like us who left India for greener pastures of developed economies and comment about inefficiencies of Indian politicians. I have personally met multiple young leaders from different states few years back who came here for world parliament meet and they were determined and knowledgeable.

Ace - I agree that India's new generation is more knowledgeable and confident. As long as they steer clear of anything that divides india along any lines, India will have bright future.

As per us who left India - Having an opinion is an act of love. Where is there is no love there indifference! Isn't it?

[AceMan]

Ace - I agree that India's new generation is more knowledgeable and confident. As long as they steer clear of anything that divides india along any lines, India will have bright future.

As per us who left India - Having an opinion is an act of love. Where is there is no love there indifference! Isn't it?

I have to tell you some facts I have noticed. My family in the past were predominantly congress supporters who had a nationalistic view. However I see all those great people whom I looked upon growing up along with new generation have totally turned to saffron. Among my family group I have seen only the people who are abroad are still holding to the India when and where we left. And any time we try and say something in the group, I have seen the 20 something nephews and nieces have no qualms in calling us absconders of mother land. It is more like your funds are needed for some charity shows and family activities where these people run the show.

The India I left nearly 2 decades back is different from what I am seeing now. I am not sure the love we are showing the country is valued by them.

[qesehmk]

I have to tell you some facts I have noticed. My family in the past were predominantly congress supporters who had a nationalistic view. However I see all those great people whom I looked upon growing up along with new generation have totally turned to saffron. Among my family group I have seen only the people who are abroad are still holding to the India when and where we left. And any time we try and say something in the group, I have seen the 20 something nephews and nieces have no qualms in calling us absconders of mother land. It is more like your funds are needed for some charity shows and family activities where these people run the show.

The India I left nearly 2 decades back is different from what I am seeing now. I am not sure the love we are showing the country is valued by them.

Sad but true.

[alpha0]

I have to tell you some facts I have noticed. My family in the past were predominantly congress supporters who had a nationalistic view. However I see all those great people whom I looked upon growing up along with new generation have totally turned to saffron. Among my family group I have seen only the people who are abroad are still holding to the India when and where we left. And any time we try and say something in the group, I have seen the 20 something nephews and nieces have no qualms in calling us absconders of mother land. It is more like your funds are needed for some charity shows and family activities where these people run the show.

The India I left nearly 2 decades back is different from what I am seeing now. I am not sure the love we are showing the country is valued by them.

Most 20 somethings i know back in india want to migrate to western world at first available opportunity.

Reg country cap removal, i feel it will not be a standalone bill in this congress, but will be part of some sort of mini CIR. And that too will not happen atleast till summer (or till covid restrictions are gone and economy is limping back to normalcy).

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

I have to tell you some facts I have noticed. My family in the past were predominantly congress supporters who had a nationalistic view. However I see all those great people whom I looked upon growing up along with new generation have totally turned to saffron. Among my family group I have seen only the people who are abroad are still holding to the India when and where we left. And any time we try and say something in the group, I have seen the 20 something nephews and nieces have no qualms in calling us absconders of mother land. It is more like your funds are needed for some charity shows and family activities where these people run the show.

The India I left nearly 2 decades back is different from what I am seeing now. I am not sure the love we are showing the country is valued by them.

Yeah I second that. The India we left behind is gone and we can only reminisce about it as we get older. All is not bad though, millions upon millions have been lifted out of poverty and have some better prospects. Change is going to be slow but it's definitely happening. It's only visible in infrastructure and other things but hopefully the mentality of the people will also slowly change.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

I guess IV better take down the Durbin is Racist and other propaganda cr*p down. He will be Chairman of the Sen Judiciary Committee now .

[AceMan]

Yeah I second that. The India we left behind is gone and we can only reminisce about it as we get older. All is not bad though, millions upon millions have been lifted out of poverty and have some better prospects. Change is going to be slow but it's definitely happening. It's only visible in infrastructure and other things but hopefully the mentality of the people will also slowly change.

The quality of life has definitely improved. I used to recall the LA t shirts and my first converse shoe given to me as a teenager by my cousin in 80's. I could barely stand the snide remarks about India being dirty by my uncle and aunt, but we had no choice other than keeping quiet. Generally the reward of seeing their back used to 100 Rs in late 80's and that was a princely 300 rs. during my college days. With more cousins and family going out my mid 90's the tips reached around to 1000 Rs a year which was a great amount when you did not have any habits like smoking or drinking.

Since demonetization the baksish for immediate family kids pre teens are 2 K and multiples of 2000 for teens.

People in India are now much more optimistic and more positive.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

The quality of life has definitely improved. I used to recall the LA t shirts and my first converse shoe given to me as a teenager by my cousin in 80's. I could barely stand the snide remarks about India being dirty by my uncle and aunt, but we had no choice other than keeping quiet. Generally the reward of seeing their back used to 100 Rs in late 80's and that was a princely 300 rs. during my college days. With more cousins and family going out my mid 90's the tips reached around to 1000 Rs a year which was a great amount when you did not have any habits like smoking or drinking.

Since demonetization the baksish for immediate family kids pre teens are 2 K and multiples of 2000 for teens.

People in India are now much more optimistic and more positive.

The funniest aspect when it comes to visiting India for me is the coins! I visit maybe 2 weeks once every 2 years and every time I go they all seemed to have changed! While I am sorting out what coin is what, the shopkeepers look at me like I am a numskull.

[AceMan]

Reg country cap removal, i feel it will not be a standalone bill in this congress, but will be part of some sort of mini CIR. And that too will not happen atleast till summer (or till covid restrictions are gone and economy is limping back to normalcy).

Ideally a one time deal of half a million EB based GC to clear out the legal people waiting in the country would be the best thing to happen followed by the country cap removal. If they are normalizing DACA this would be the best thing to happen for EB.

[qesehmk]

One more time - the mystery of Unanimous Consent - unveiled.

Pelosi used UC to force Pence to invoke Article 25 (to declare president unfit for office). GOP objected. End of discussion.

This way Pelosi got GOP on record to have failed to remove a dangerous president.

Lesson - once again this proves that UC is frequently used to score political points knowing fully well it is going to fail.

Advocacy my foot. I have never ever set foot on capitol and I figured this out on my own and these immigration traitors cozy upto GOP to bash Durbin.

As you can see I am never ever going to let this go until the stupid jerks apologize to Durbin for falsely holding him responsible for GOP's S386 fiasco. Durbin is a perfectly pro immigration - good senator. It was GOP who used UC to hold S386 knowing fully well it had no future if UC was invoked.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

One more time - the mystery of Unanimous Consent - unveiled.

Pelosi used UC to force Pence to invoke Article 25 (to declare president unfit for office). GOP objected. End of discussion.

This way Pelosi got GOP on record to have failed to remove a dangerous president.

Lesson - once again this proves that UC is frequently used to score political points knowing fully well it is going to fail.

Advocacy my foot. I have never ever set foot on capitol and I figured this out on my own and these immigration traitors cozy upto GOP to bash Durbin.

As you can see I am never ever going to let this go until the stupid jerks apologize to Durbin for falsely holding him responsible for GOP's S386 fiasco. Durbin is a perfectly pro immigration - good senator. It was GOP who used UC to hold S386 knowing fully well it had no future if UC was invoked.

IV has not tweeted a single thing since Dec 18. For someone who supposedly cares about high skilled immigrants, there were several consequential things that have happened since then: The votes were officially certified by Congress and Biden WILL be the next POTUS, the Democrats swept the Georgia Senate races and now can actually pass legislation without begging Republicans. All IV did was collect $496,000 based on the UC passed by Mike Lee...

[jimmys]

One more time - the mystery of Unanimous Consent - unveiled.

Pelosi used UC to force Pence to invoke Article 25 (to declare president unfit for office). GOP objected. End of discussion.

This way Pelosi got GOP on record to have failed to remove a dangerous president.

Lesson - once again this proves that UC is frequently used to score political points knowing fully well it is going to fail.

Advocacy my foot. I have never ever set foot on capitol and I figured this out on my own and these immigration traitors cozy upto GOP to bash Durbin.

As you can see I am never ever going to let this go until the stupid jerks apologize to Durbin for falsely holding him responsible for GOP's S386 fiasco. Durbin is a perfectly pro immigration - good senator. It was GOP who used UC to hold S386 knowing fully well it had no future if UC was invoked.

Just your opinion. Complete misunderstanding of the actual events happened. Durbin pro-immigrant? Nice try.

[jimmys]

IV has not tweeted a single thing since Dec 18. For someone who supposedly cares about high skilled immigrants, there were several consequential things that have happened since then: The votes were officially certified by Congress and Biden WILL be the next POTUS, the Democrats swept the Georgia Senate races and now can actually pass legislation without begging Republicans. All IV did was collect $496,000 based on the UC passed by Mike Lee...

Which legislation you are talking about? Remember the name Joe Manchin. He's against $2000 and Trump's impeachment. Democrats won a couple of senate seats in Georgia that they don't need. Good luck passing any immigration bills in the senate. UC or otherwise.

I'm not sure even Bernie Sanders will help passing any immigration bill that only benefits Indian nationals.

[qesehmk]

IV has not tweeted a single thing since Dec 18. For someone who supposedly cares about high skilled immigrants, there were several consequential things that have happened since then: The votes were officially certified by Congress and Biden WILL be the next POTUS, the Democrats swept the Georgia Senate races and now can actually pass legislation without begging Republicans. All IV did was collect $496,000 based on the UC passed by Mike Lee...

Advocacy needs money. So I understand that part.

But it is unconscionable that even now they haven't formally apologized to Sen. Durbin.