EndlessWait
12-06 07:35 AM
Hello I opened 2 SRs 4 weeks ago. Yesterday I got two notices from USCIS.
My wife got finger printing notice but my notice says that "USCIS will notify me of biometrics when the appointment is available". Its so weird. I'm the prime applicant. Anybody any ideas? My lawyer said wait for 1 month. I spoke to USCIS customer service and they said wait for next month and open another SR.
My case was filed at NSC , then went to CSC and then transferred to NSC.
Anybody any ideas? Have they heard of cases where dependants are getting FP while Primary is waiting.
My wife got finger printing notice but my notice says that "USCIS will notify me of biometrics when the appointment is available". Its so weird. I'm the prime applicant. Anybody any ideas? My lawyer said wait for 1 month. I spoke to USCIS customer service and they said wait for next month and open another SR.
My case was filed at NSC , then went to CSC and then transferred to NSC.
Anybody any ideas? Have they heard of cases where dependants are getting FP while Primary is waiting.
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dsneyog
01-15 09:03 AM
You are really lucky! I guess since my application was fresh I could not efile. Or I read many posts about how paper filing is way to go to get faster approvals. I think with USCIS everything seems unpredictable.
I am really hoping that mine comes soon.
I e-filed my AP application on Dec 29 at TSC and got the approval email yesterday ... Got approved in 2 weeks.
I am really hoping that mine comes soon.
I e-filed my AP application on Dec 29 at TSC and got the approval email yesterday ... Got approved in 2 weeks.
indianabacklog
08-06 07:09 AM
My case cannot be processed under CSPA, because the form I-824 was not filed within one year of the visa becoming available.
but i have a valid point mentioned after the follwing subject. please check if the point is valid.
ACC TO SUBJECT: CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT: ALDAC #2
REF: (A) 02 STATE 163054 (B) 02 STATE 123775
-------
If the principal applicant adjusted status in the U.S. and a derivative is applying for a visa abroad to
follow-to-join, then the date on which the derivative will be considered to have sought LPR status for
purposes of satisfying CSPA Section 3 will generally be the date on which the principal (acting as the
derivative beneficiary's agent) filed the Form I-824 that is used to process the derivative's following to
join application. Therefore, in cases involving a derivative seeking to follow to join a principal who adjusted
in the U.S., the derivative can benefit from the CSPA if the principal filed a Form I-824 for the beneficiary
within one year of a visa becoming available (i.e., within one year of the case becoming current or petition
approval, whichever is later). The instructions to Form I-485 (the adjustment application) advise aliens
adjusting status in the U.S. who have derivatives abroad to file a Form I-824 for such derivatives, and the
I-485 Form indicates that that Form I-824 can be filed simultaneously with the Form I-485
(READ MORE FROM http://guangzhou.usconsulate.gov/cspa.html )
I NEED HELP AND I THINK THERE IS ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE OF THINGS.
IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY ANY ANY ANY WAY???
CAN THEY APPROVE IF I REQUEST THEM ?
WHAT IS the way out?
I checked the visa bulletin from august 2003 to the dates when it was current for our category E3.
I have found this point please have a look and determine if there is a chance?
VISA WAS AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST 2003 TO JUNE 2005.
ACC TO LAW FORM i-824 SHOULD BE FILED WITHIN 1 YEAR OF VISA AVAILIABILITY.
SINCE THE I-824 WAS FILED ON AUGUST 2005 WHICH COMES WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE
JUNE 2005. SO IS IT A VALID POINT TO BE ELEGIBLE TO PROCESSED UNDER CSPA?
ALSO there is a last hope
A 221(g) refusal will not be considered a "final determination," regardless of whether it occurred within
a year of August 6, 2002 or earlier. (The only exception to this would be if the alien's case was ultimately
terminated under INA 203(g) for failure to make reasonable efforts to overcome to 221(g) refusal. A
203(g) termination will be considered a "final determination.")
AND VISA AVAILIBLITY IS THE DATE WHEN THE PRIORITY DATES BECAME CURRENT OR THE DATE WHEN I-140 WAS APPROVED.
WITH this OR option in above line we can also consider the visa availibity date as the date when priority dates were current
Please correct me.
You do not give the date when the I140 was approved? This is the only thing as I see it that can make a difference. Also, when did you file your I485?
but i have a valid point mentioned after the follwing subject. please check if the point is valid.
ACC TO SUBJECT: CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT: ALDAC #2
REF: (A) 02 STATE 163054 (B) 02 STATE 123775
-------
If the principal applicant adjusted status in the U.S. and a derivative is applying for a visa abroad to
follow-to-join, then the date on which the derivative will be considered to have sought LPR status for
purposes of satisfying CSPA Section 3 will generally be the date on which the principal (acting as the
derivative beneficiary's agent) filed the Form I-824 that is used to process the derivative's following to
join application. Therefore, in cases involving a derivative seeking to follow to join a principal who adjusted
in the U.S., the derivative can benefit from the CSPA if the principal filed a Form I-824 for the beneficiary
within one year of a visa becoming available (i.e., within one year of the case becoming current or petition
approval, whichever is later). The instructions to Form I-485 (the adjustment application) advise aliens
adjusting status in the U.S. who have derivatives abroad to file a Form I-824 for such derivatives, and the
I-485 Form indicates that that Form I-824 can be filed simultaneously with the Form I-485
(READ MORE FROM http://guangzhou.usconsulate.gov/cspa.html )
I NEED HELP AND I THINK THERE IS ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE OF THINGS.
IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY ANY ANY ANY WAY???
CAN THEY APPROVE IF I REQUEST THEM ?
WHAT IS the way out?
I checked the visa bulletin from august 2003 to the dates when it was current for our category E3.
I have found this point please have a look and determine if there is a chance?
VISA WAS AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST 2003 TO JUNE 2005.
ACC TO LAW FORM i-824 SHOULD BE FILED WITHIN 1 YEAR OF VISA AVAILIABILITY.
SINCE THE I-824 WAS FILED ON AUGUST 2005 WHICH COMES WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE
JUNE 2005. SO IS IT A VALID POINT TO BE ELEGIBLE TO PROCESSED UNDER CSPA?
ALSO there is a last hope
A 221(g) refusal will not be considered a "final determination," regardless of whether it occurred within
a year of August 6, 2002 or earlier. (The only exception to this would be if the alien's case was ultimately
terminated under INA 203(g) for failure to make reasonable efforts to overcome to 221(g) refusal. A
203(g) termination will be considered a "final determination.")
AND VISA AVAILIBLITY IS THE DATE WHEN THE PRIORITY DATES BECAME CURRENT OR THE DATE WHEN I-140 WAS APPROVED.
WITH this OR option in above line we can also consider the visa availibity date as the date when priority dates were current
Please correct me.
You do not give the date when the I140 was approved? This is the only thing as I see it that can make a difference. Also, when did you file your I485?
2011 Cute Sunflower Backgrounds.
pak
10-08 03:22 PM
I am on F-1 applied I-485 and I-765 (EAD) on July 3 but there is no RN till yet. Can I apply for OPT-EAD which USCIS process in 11 weeks?????
more...
belmontboy
01-18 02:58 PM
Chances for an audit are 95%:(
do u have any source for this?
If you don't, you should learn not to give answers that you don't know.
do u have any source for this?
If you don't, you should learn not to give answers that you don't know.
gcadream
12-10 07:43 AM
Its so depressing & frustrating Not to see any movement in EB2 dates. For the past 3 months there had been no movement in the EB2 dates. Every time I open with a hope that something will happen but its the same shit each time.
Don't know when this wait for GC will be over, friend of mine who spend equal or may be less time as me in UK had now got the PR of UK, some who went to AUS, S'Pore got PR within 1 yr and same with Canada...but this US is the only sucking place with screwed up policies which benefits only the business and govts.
Don't know when this wait for GC will be over, friend of mine who spend equal or may be less time as me in UK had now got the PR of UK, some who went to AUS, S'Pore got PR within 1 yr and same with Canada...but this US is the only sucking place with screwed up policies which benefits only the business and govts.
more...
fxok425
01-10 03:16 PM
Visa number is allocation depending on country of birth. Country of citizenship doesn't matter. So if your country of birth is one of the retrogressed countries then you have to wait for long time to get a I-485 visa number.
My husband was born in Switzerland, I was born in China. I borrowed my husband's nationality to submit 485 and 140 concurrently. from the replies above, my case should follow Switzerland, not China. Is that correct? Thanks.
My husband was born in Switzerland, I was born in China. I borrowed my husband's nationality to submit 485 and 140 concurrently. from the replies above, my case should follow Switzerland, not China. Is that correct? Thanks.
2010 Desktop Wallpaper: Summer
sathyaraj
10-26 12:06 PM
canmt: pl see the responses below
sathyaraj:
* Could you explain which address you sent the AR-11 initially and how did you manage to change to new address using USPS?
You need to fill AR-11 online in uscis.gov. you do not need to send it any where. You can submit change of address notification with USPS either online or by submitting form available in USPS stores.
* Did you get any confirmation from USCIS on both occasions?
Yes. USCIS will send you mails confirming that your address has been changed. But you need to be sure that you are when you submit
* Did you call USCIS customer service and update them with your new address after sending them AR-11?
It is fine to do it online. Even if you call and tell them, they will ask you to do it online only.
sathyaraj:
* Could you explain which address you sent the AR-11 initially and how did you manage to change to new address using USPS?
You need to fill AR-11 online in uscis.gov. you do not need to send it any where. You can submit change of address notification with USPS either online or by submitting form available in USPS stores.
* Did you get any confirmation from USCIS on both occasions?
Yes. USCIS will send you mails confirming that your address has been changed. But you need to be sure that you are when you submit
* Did you call USCIS customer service and update them with your new address after sending them AR-11?
It is fine to do it online. Even if you call and tell them, they will ask you to do it online only.
more...
shri22
11-12 04:18 PM
Can you please tell me, when was this announced? Is this a new rule ?
I think people converting from F1 to H1 go to mexico.
I think people converting from F1 to H1 go to mexico.
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Munna Bhai
01-18 12:38 PM
Last time there was a recession (2001/2002), INS denied a lot of employment based immigrant petitions because they asked companies why they could not hire American programmers who were laid off. This happened people I personally know from reputed companies such as Sun Microsystems. I don't mean to sound negative, but do you think this will happen again? After being in the queue for so many years, the possibility is real.
They can't deny anyone who has filed I-485 because you have already crossed labor + I-140. Yes, they will ask for latest financial report for ability of pay etc. I do know that lot of company stopped processing of GC during that time.
Why the hell they don't stop H1bs rather than targetting people who already filed GC.
They can't deny anyone who has filed I-485 because you have already crossed labor + I-140. Yes, they will ask for latest financial report for ability of pay etc. I do know that lot of company stopped processing of GC during that time.
Why the hell they don't stop H1bs rather than targetting people who already filed GC.
more...
learning01
04-07 12:11 PM
new H1 and H1 visa renewal are done in all US embassies in Canada.
1. Look out for dates, after registering and paying fees. USD 9.50 for one appointment of one, two, three .... members.
2. Dates are not available, but are released around 20th in bult; also, check out each hour.
3. Allow 30 days for Canadian TRV (temporay visitors visa) to come in mail
4. Go for visa interview.
I did all the above, but had to cancel Vancouver appointment for lack of leave from a very good and generous employer ( I am in operations). Any other questions, please feel free to PM me.
Are they now allowing to get a H1/H4 stamping done in Canada instead of going back to home country ?
1. Look out for dates, after registering and paying fees. USD 9.50 for one appointment of one, two, three .... members.
2. Dates are not available, but are released around 20th in bult; also, check out each hour.
3. Allow 30 days for Canadian TRV (temporay visitors visa) to come in mail
4. Go for visa interview.
I did all the above, but had to cancel Vancouver appointment for lack of leave from a very good and generous employer ( I am in operations). Any other questions, please feel free to PM me.
Are they now allowing to get a H1/H4 stamping done in Canada instead of going back to home country ?
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LostInGCProcess
09-02 10:57 AM
There is place in the I-9 , Alien Authorized to work unitll, you need to provide the H1 information instead of the EAD information. Also instead of Alien#, you need to provide Admissible # which is on I-94 of new H1B. When some one submit I-9 form you need to show the Passport and you H1B copy. That way you are sure that you are using H1B.
You are absolutely correct. But say, I have EAD, want to use it from next month, October. How do you do, even though your H1 is valid till, say, july 2011? That's the question.
Do you inform USCIS? What factor changes the status from H1 to EAD on your, say, new job cause i want to work on EAD rather then H1?
You are absolutely correct. But say, I have EAD, want to use it from next month, October. How do you do, even though your H1 is valid till, say, july 2011? That's the question.
Do you inform USCIS? What factor changes the status from H1 to EAD on your, say, new job cause i want to work on EAD rather then H1?
more...
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ItIsNotFunny
09-23 10:15 AM
I don't get it - where are the rest of the 2468 members?
Can we send out a blast (through Pappu) to everyone on this forum?
Our need will be felt much more strongly is ALL of us participate - right guys? I'm kind of shocked that the number is only 32!!!!
Those are the people who don't deserve GC!
Can we send out a blast (through Pappu) to everyone on this forum?
Our need will be felt much more strongly is ALL of us participate - right guys? I'm kind of shocked that the number is only 32!!!!
Those are the people who don't deserve GC!
tattoo Sky Landscapes Summer
jsb
02-02 10:21 AM
Pappu - Can we also ask all the users to update the amount of taxes they've paid in 2008 (now that everyone is filing for their returns)? There seems to be a negative campaign against us that somehow we don't need to pay taxes and we are a burden on local entities.
Also, if possible, can we track how many of us are willingly capable of purchasing a home as a bargain chip for GC. I believe that we are capable of stimulating this economy and it'll be for everyones good, including US Citizens.
Cheers
Praveen
"Temporary Workers" have to pay not only Federal and State taxes, but Medicare and Social Security taxes too, which for a true temporary worker is just a donation for who live or will live permanently in the US.
It is a double standard. You are a temporary worker with limited rights, but when question of paying taxes comes, IRS considers H1, L1 etc. as "US Person", which means they have to declare their world income and pay taxes to the US govenment on all of it. Moreover, if you don't contribute to SS for 40 quarters (10 years), you get nothing back when you retire. You pay for Medicare, but will get nothing unless you are a legal resident when you are eligible for medicare.
Also, if possible, can we track how many of us are willingly capable of purchasing a home as a bargain chip for GC. I believe that we are capable of stimulating this economy and it'll be for everyones good, including US Citizens.
Cheers
Praveen
"Temporary Workers" have to pay not only Federal and State taxes, but Medicare and Social Security taxes too, which for a true temporary worker is just a donation for who live or will live permanently in the US.
It is a double standard. You are a temporary worker with limited rights, but when question of paying taxes comes, IRS considers H1, L1 etc. as "US Person", which means they have to declare their world income and pay taxes to the US govenment on all of it. Moreover, if you don't contribute to SS for 40 quarters (10 years), you get nothing back when you retire. You pay for Medicare, but will get nothing unless you are a legal resident when you are eligible for medicare.
more...
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gxtrader
10-10 03:50 PM
I got my GC on 09/18/07. Now my consulting company (how sponsored my GC) is having issues with the client and client is thinking to terminate the contract.
Client want to bring me to there pay roll. In other words they are offering my permanent position.
My consulting company does not have immediate opening for me.
It is not even a month that I got my GC. And I am with the same consulting company for about 6.5 years now.
Please help me. What should I do? If I accept the offer will I get problem at citizenship stage? If I do not accept offer I will loose job and I don't know how much time I have to wait till my consulting company find job for me.
Reminds me of the story about a mighty elephant who's been tied w/ a thin chain since t'was a baby. It just stopped trying to escape coz it's been conditioned that effort is futile though it can easily snap the chain. Run my friend...you're a CHEETAH now!!! :) Kudos!
Client want to bring me to there pay roll. In other words they are offering my permanent position.
My consulting company does not have immediate opening for me.
It is not even a month that I got my GC. And I am with the same consulting company for about 6.5 years now.
Please help me. What should I do? If I accept the offer will I get problem at citizenship stage? If I do not accept offer I will loose job and I don't know how much time I have to wait till my consulting company find job for me.
Reminds me of the story about a mighty elephant who's been tied w/ a thin chain since t'was a baby. It just stopped trying to escape coz it's been conditioned that effort is futile though it can easily snap the chain. Run my friend...you're a CHEETAH now!!! :) Kudos!
dresses and Desktop Backgrounds.
gc_chahiye
09-27 02:05 AM
Actually, I don't think there really is a ROW is there? Isn't it just that 193 country columns isn't practical.
actually as and when a country hits the 7% per-country limit or in general becomes a big consumer of visas, it gets its own column.
China for instance has been in and out. In 1999 it was its own column, became part of ROW in 2002 and now again has its own column:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1350.html
Dominican Republic was there in 1995, but is now part of ROW:
http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/visa_bulletin/9502bulletin.html
actually as and when a country hits the 7% per-country limit or in general becomes a big consumer of visas, it gets its own column.
China for instance has been in and out. In 1999 it was its own column, became part of ROW in 2002 and now again has its own column:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1350.html
Dominican Republic was there in 1995, but is now part of ROW:
http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/visa_bulletin/9502bulletin.html
more...
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rajenk
02-11 02:22 PM
Call and ask them how can they do this huge mistake and they will issue one for you as well !
My older son got a cut on his right thumb yesterday and I was putting a bandage on it and my younger one came and said - " I want also a bandage. Why only him ? Why can't I have it ? " Would you pl answer him ?
Do you think you are trying to help me here.... I have posted a real question and would like to get some real answers who had got in such a similar situation.
This isn't funny. Stop your rubbish sarcastic replies, will you....
My older son got a cut on his right thumb yesterday and I was putting a bandage on it and my younger one came and said - " I want also a bandage. Why only him ? Why can't I have it ? " Would you pl answer him ?
Do you think you are trying to help me here.... I have posted a real question and would like to get some real answers who had got in such a similar situation.
This isn't funny. Stop your rubbish sarcastic replies, will you....
girlfriend and Desktop Backgrounds.
easygoer
05-14 02:32 PM
Shujaat,
Your lawyer is right. You need one single degree evaluation that match your labor requirements for education. Experience not included for education requirements.
Your lawyer is right. You need one single degree evaluation that match your labor requirements for education. Experience not included for education requirements.
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nixstor
12-07 10:35 PM
Please send message to all your friends on your social networking websites like
Orkut, facebook, myspace etc. I know how much time people spend on orkut.
Here is a sample message
Guys,
Just wanted to let you know, if you are not already aware of the bill that provides relief to the Green Card situation is tied to an appropriations bill by Sen Cornyn. Here are some links that can give you more info about whats going on regarding our future in USA. Express your support over the phone and email.
Call your senators/congressman. Login and send web faxes asap.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2483
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2484
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_iv_webfax&task=getContactDetails&Itemid=46
You can get senators and congressman for your state and district at senate.gov and house.gov respectively by punching in your zip code.
Pass this message to your buddies whom you think it would be useful.
Orkut, facebook, myspace etc. I know how much time people spend on orkut.
Here is a sample message
Guys,
Just wanted to let you know, if you are not already aware of the bill that provides relief to the Green Card situation is tied to an appropriations bill by Sen Cornyn. Here are some links that can give you more info about whats going on regarding our future in USA. Express your support over the phone and email.
Call your senators/congressman. Login and send web faxes asap.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2483
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2484
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_iv_webfax&task=getContactDetails&Itemid=46
You can get senators and congressman for your state and district at senate.gov and house.gov respectively by punching in your zip code.
Pass this message to your buddies whom you think it would be useful.
redgreen
03-14 12:14 PM
So what exactly is meant by this switching? How/What does it affect? Where or how you/company/USICS decide whether you are on H1 or EAD?
Thanks coopheal, desi3933.
But in case of switching from H1b to EAD (while working for H1b/GC sponsoring employer), there is no termination, changes in the employee�s eligibility or change in job duties. So no requirement to cancel H1b.
Thanks coopheal, desi3933.
But in case of switching from H1b to EAD (while working for H1b/GC sponsoring employer), there is no termination, changes in the employee�s eligibility or change in job duties. So no requirement to cancel H1b.
GCOP
12-08 02:03 PM
Friends, I already have expressed the views regarding Recapturing/ temporarily increasing Employment Based Visa Numbers for Greencard, on change.gov website . I have been getting E-mails from Transition Team. I have pasted this recent E-mail which is about Meeting with Transition Team. I think, IV Core Team members or/and people living around Chicago area should arrange meeting with Transition Team, and express and suggest our ideas regarding Recapture/Temporarily Increase EB greencard Numbers to clear the backlog.
Your seat at the table
From: John D. Podesta, Obama-Biden Transition Project (info@obamabidentransitionproject.org)
Sent: Sat 12/06/08 10:30 AM
Everyday, we meet with organizations that present ideas for the Transition and the incoming Obama-Biden Administration. In past transitions, meetings like this have been held behind closed doors.
Not anymore. Today, every Obama-Biden Transition staff member received a memo outlining the "Seat at the Table" Transparency Policy. I've included a copy of it below.
The policy is pretty simple: the people and groups we're meeting with, the subjects of the meetings, and any documents shared in the meetings will now be made available on Change.gov. Most importantly, the American public can weigh in with comments or their own materials.
Read the memo and watch our "Seat at the Table" video:
This is our latest step toward a more transparent and accessible Transition. We look forward to benefitting from the many more voices that will now be a part of the decision-making process.
Thank you,
John
John D. Podesta
Co-chair
The Obama-Biden Transition Project
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMORANDUM
From: John Podesta
To: All Obama-Biden Transition Project Staff
Date: December 4, 2008
Re: "Seat at the Table" Transparency Policy -- EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Overview:
As an extension of the unprecedented ethics guidelines already in place for the Obama-Biden Transition Project, we take another significant step towards transparency of our efforts for the American people. Every day, we meet with organizations who present ideas for the Transition and the Administration, both orally and in writing. We want to ensure that we give the American people a "seat at the table" and that we receive the benefit of their feedback.
Accordingly, any documents from official meetings with outside organizations will be posted on our website for people to review and comment on. In addition to presenting ideas as individuals at www.change.gov, the American people deserve a "seat at the table" as we receive input from organizations and make decisions. In the interest of protecting the personal privacy of individuals, this policy does not apply to personnel matters and hiring recommendations.
Scope:
The following information will be posted on our website:
1. Documents: All policy documents1 and written policy recommendations from official meetings2 with outside organizations.
2. Meetings: The date and organizations represented at official meetings in the Transition headquarters or agency offices, with any documents presented as noted above.
This scope is a floor, not a ceiling, and all staff are strongly encouraged to include additional materials. Such materials could include documents (recommendations, press releases, etc.) presented in smaller meetings or materials or made public by the outside organization without a connection to an official meeting.
If you have any questions as to whether documents should be included, please email [REDACTED].
Process:
Prior to an official meeting with an outside organization or organizations, Obama-Biden Transition Project staff members will inform attendees that any documents provided will be posted on our "Seat at the Table" website found at www.change.gov. Suggested language for email invitations is: "By presenting or submitting any document at a meeting with the Obama-Biden Transition Project, you agree to allow the document to be made public and posted on www.change.gov." At the completion of each meeting or upon receipt of such documents, Transition staff will provide the documents to [REDACTED] with the date of the meeting, a list of the organizations in attendance, and the topic of the meeting.
Notes:
1) This policy does not apply to non-public or classified information acquired from the Agency Review Process and internal memorandum.
2) An "official meeting" is defined as a meeting with outside organizations or representatives of those organizations to which three or more outside participants attend.
Your seat at the table
From: John D. Podesta, Obama-Biden Transition Project (info@obamabidentransitionproject.org)
Sent: Sat 12/06/08 10:30 AM
Everyday, we meet with organizations that present ideas for the Transition and the incoming Obama-Biden Administration. In past transitions, meetings like this have been held behind closed doors.
Not anymore. Today, every Obama-Biden Transition staff member received a memo outlining the "Seat at the Table" Transparency Policy. I've included a copy of it below.
The policy is pretty simple: the people and groups we're meeting with, the subjects of the meetings, and any documents shared in the meetings will now be made available on Change.gov. Most importantly, the American public can weigh in with comments or their own materials.
Read the memo and watch our "Seat at the Table" video:
This is our latest step toward a more transparent and accessible Transition. We look forward to benefitting from the many more voices that will now be a part of the decision-making process.
Thank you,
John
John D. Podesta
Co-chair
The Obama-Biden Transition Project
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMORANDUM
From: John Podesta
To: All Obama-Biden Transition Project Staff
Date: December 4, 2008
Re: "Seat at the Table" Transparency Policy -- EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Overview:
As an extension of the unprecedented ethics guidelines already in place for the Obama-Biden Transition Project, we take another significant step towards transparency of our efforts for the American people. Every day, we meet with organizations who present ideas for the Transition and the Administration, both orally and in writing. We want to ensure that we give the American people a "seat at the table" and that we receive the benefit of their feedback.
Accordingly, any documents from official meetings with outside organizations will be posted on our website for people to review and comment on. In addition to presenting ideas as individuals at www.change.gov, the American people deserve a "seat at the table" as we receive input from organizations and make decisions. In the interest of protecting the personal privacy of individuals, this policy does not apply to personnel matters and hiring recommendations.
Scope:
The following information will be posted on our website:
1. Documents: All policy documents1 and written policy recommendations from official meetings2 with outside organizations.
2. Meetings: The date and organizations represented at official meetings in the Transition headquarters or agency offices, with any documents presented as noted above.
This scope is a floor, not a ceiling, and all staff are strongly encouraged to include additional materials. Such materials could include documents (recommendations, press releases, etc.) presented in smaller meetings or materials or made public by the outside organization without a connection to an official meeting.
If you have any questions as to whether documents should be included, please email [REDACTED].
Process:
Prior to an official meeting with an outside organization or organizations, Obama-Biden Transition Project staff members will inform attendees that any documents provided will be posted on our "Seat at the Table" website found at www.change.gov. Suggested language for email invitations is: "By presenting or submitting any document at a meeting with the Obama-Biden Transition Project, you agree to allow the document to be made public and posted on www.change.gov." At the completion of each meeting or upon receipt of such documents, Transition staff will provide the documents to [REDACTED] with the date of the meeting, a list of the organizations in attendance, and the topic of the meeting.
Notes:
1) This policy does not apply to non-public or classified information acquired from the Agency Review Process and internal memorandum.
2) An "official meeting" is defined as a meeting with outside organizations or representatives of those organizations to which three or more outside participants attend.
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