Chicago IL: FOMAA the federal umbrella platform of Kerala Associations in the USA, proudly ventured into the desperate but prudent initiative 'Legal Immigrants Federation (L.I.F.E) highlighting, advocating and educating community members on the perspectives and challenges licit, legit & documented Employment-Based immigrants are faced up with the insane Green Card backlog of 150+ years of wait time due to the Country Cap birth origin nationality quota system of US immigration. This insane injustice happening to the academically and professionally merited, professionals in the GC backlog were an eye-opener for many US citizens who attended the event in large numbers. FOMAA leadership is genuinely credited and appreciated for identifying this grey area of immigrant life and coming together to addressing it to the elected US representatives. The initiative was together in partnership with Illinois immigration Forum (IIF) and Chicago Cosmopolitan Club.
This bipartisan initiative was well attended by elected officials of both Republican & Democratic parties, is of much significance.
Republican State Chief Mr Tim Schneider, Honorable Representative Mr. Tom Morrison, of District 54 together with Mr Nimesh Jani, City Council member attended the convention.
Honorable Congressman Mr Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mr Matt Flamm, together with Ms Laddi Singh, area leaders represented the Democratic Party at the event.
Dr. Sam Pitroda, the absolute Indian icon of immigrant success in the Americas was the chief guest and enlightened the participants with his eloquent thoughts. It was double sweetened for attendees that a surprise birthday celebration was organized by FOMAA as it was Dr. Pitroda’s birthday.
Dr. Pitroda, a Scientist & Social - Gandhian activist; who’s merited with 100+ patents of inventions in electronics, assertively reminded the audience how India historically harboured the Mughals, the British, the Portuguese, the Spaniards on their trade quest; hosted the Iranian Zoroastrians while they were fleeing persecution; fostered the Polish when they escaped Nazi persecution; currently the Tibetans and the Bangla Rohingyas crediting India - the First Nation in the world be a truly prudent "Melting pot”. The diversity that India is blessed with is the true factor that helped India to produce the best-educated talent pool the global economic powerhouses could tap into.
Dr. Pitroda encouraged everyone to involve actively in the political process that, unless without participation no changes can be expected in our favour; however desperate and genuine be our cause!
Hon. Congressman Krishnamoorthi as well stressed upon the fact that a community that participate/vote, only will be counted & reckoned. This was in a way an appeal to the community from the Hon. Congressman urging all community members the importance of exercising their votes during the upcoming elections.
State Republican Chief Mr Tim Schneider, highlighted Pr. Trump’s policies favouring licit and legit merit-based immigration. Rep. Morrison, being an educator by profession underlined the alarming shortage of skilled STEM professionals in the USA & promised to represent our cause to the party higher-ups.
The convention was well attended by US citizens of Indian diaspora from across the Nation. FOMAA Gen. Secretary Mr Jose Abraham, of NY on his welcome address narrated the vision & commitment to persuade favoring this genuine cause.
This well organized and conducted event was chaired by Mr Subash George, of Chicago, IL; Mr. Sam Anto, Mr. Babloo Chacko, of Nashville, TN; Mr. Girish Sasankasekhar, of Columbus OH; Mr.
Anil Augustine, of Atlanta, GA; Mr. Sudheep Nair, of Philadelphia, PA; Mrs. Smitha Thomas, Mr. Vishakh Cherian, of Indianapolis, IN and Mr Venkatram Reddy of Chicago, IL.
The FOMAA executive meeting after the convention summoned by National General Secretary Mr. Jose Abraham, and Regional Vice President Mr. Bini Philip, resolved to proceed with continued affirmative action’s strengthening the movement. The idea put forth by Mr. John Paattapathi, on gathering US citizens’ of IL constituents’ signature and submitting an appeal to Hon. Senator Richard (Dick) Durbin, who is the only Senator opposing the bill S.386 “Fairness for High Skilled Act of 2019” which has already passed the US House with historic (365 Yeas / 65 Nays) majority, was overwhelmingly approved. Also was resolved to gather support from other diaspora communities’ support and cooperation for this genuine cause favoring our brethren.
The program was professionally emceed by Mr. Philip Nangachiveettil and Mrs. Shana Mohan. The melodious trills of Mr. Vijay Dadsena, and Mr. Sreeraj Raj added cultural vibrance to the event.
This exceptional, much needy stem put forward by FOMAA is greatly appreciated and will be a benchmark initiative to be followed by all other diaspora organizations of social relevance.
