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 2019â€. 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.
For the success of HR.1044/S/386 FOMAA earnestly collaborated with many South-Asian diaspora associations as well exerted its advocacy efforts reaching out to Honorable leaders of both the chambers of law. Specifically obtaining the goodwill support of Hon. Senior Senator Chuck Schumer, being critical FOMAA Leadership liaison with Hon. Sen. Kevin Thomas, of NY State. FOMAA President Mr. Aniyan George, Joint Treasurer Mr. Biju Thonikadavil, FOMAA L.i.F.e. General Secretary Mr. Girish Shashankshekar, National Coordinator Mr. Vaishakh Cherian attended the Zoom’inar yesterday.
Eminent Esq. Stephanie Scarborough, FOMAA endorsed legal counsel candidly apprised the socio-legal implications and positive impacts of this bill affirmatively. Further Mr. Girish S. elaborated on to the personal and individual perspectives of the backlogged families. Esq. Scarborough expressed her confidence that if Sen. Kevin, succeeds convincing Sen. Schumer, that could be of much pleasant outcome, sooner. Herewith FOMAA gratefully recognize the immense professional goodwill value Esq. Scarborough is enabling FOMAA members vide timely consultations, virtual updates and broadcasts informing contemporary affairs on US immigration.
https://scarboroughlaw.com/
Mr. Jose Abraham, FOMAA General Secretary of the previous service term, and the L.i.F.e Founding Board Director was instrumental as well assumed the primary advocacy personnel in liaising with Mr. Ajith Kochukudiyil Abraham, the Counsel of Hon. Sen. Kevin Thomas.
Critical functions of FOMAA L.i.F.e are administrated by Mr. Sam Anto (Chairman), Mrs. Smitha Thomas (Chairperson), Mr. Sudheep Nair (Jt. Sectary), Mr. Anil Augustine (PR), and Mr. Babloo Chacko (FOMM Regional V.P).
Appreciably instituted during the service term 2018 - 2020 leadership, FOMAA Legal Immigration Forum (L.i.F.e.) debuted with the National Immigration Convention, on November 2019. This bipartisan diaspora event was graced by Eminent InfoTech Scientist Dr. Sam Pitroda, as the Keynote speaker and Hon. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) IL, Republican Party IL, State Chairman Mr. Tim Schneider, and many State Rep and Senators from IL. Chaired by Mr. Subash George, then FOMAA Regional delegate, this event was a definite milestone of the journey of the S.386 during the grueling year long hold by Hon. Senator Dick Durbin.
National President Mr. Aniyan George leads a consortium of diaspora associations in taking up this cause to the next level. Recently along with Immigration Federation an advocacy initiative led by Mr. Venkatram (Ven) Reddy of Chicago, a mass appeal effort cosigned by 22 expat associations was submitted to all the 435 Hon. Representative Leaders of the US House, favoring and representing this burning cause of our diaspora. FOMAA having a devoted immigration advocacy platform was honored representing Malayalee diaspora.
The FOMAA National Cabinet officials Mr. T. Unnikrishnan (General Secretary), Mr. Thomas T. Oomman (Treasurer), Mr. Pradeep Nair (Vice President), Mr. Jose Manakattu (Jt. Secretary), Mr. Biju Thonikadavil (L.i.F.e. Executive Board officio & FOMAA Jt. Treasurer) expressed wholehearted support and appreciations to this timely perspective.
