ravi2patel
07-23 11:29 PM
Thanks guys..i did approach another attorney and he said i should be OK as i have a clean record, that i should not get stuck with the 'semantics' of company mergers which happens all the time.
Having said that my current attorney is not asking for more money..so i am confused. But with the Aug.17 deadline fast approaching i will at least complete the paper work and wait for further advice from you kind folks. Thanks
Having said that my current attorney is not asking for more money..so i am confused. But with the Aug.17 deadline fast approaching i will at least complete the paper work and wait for further advice from you kind folks. Thanks
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Jaime
09-05 03:51 PM
Please visit this site http://www.immigration-law.com/Canada.html . You will see that STRIVE bill is about to be introduced in both houses. Also notice that this bill is a bipartisan bill with Democrats in the lead. This increase chances of its success.
Note that though it is a comprehensive immigration reform bill but it does have some positive provisions, which greatly affect us. For example: The effective yearly green cards will be increased from 140K per year to 290K *2.5 = 725K, where 2.5 is the multiplier for spouse and children as they will be exempted from the quota.
In simple terms, priority dates will become current as soon as the bill passes.
Unfortunately, the bill needs to be passed by certain majority and there are three categories of people who will vote on this a) In favor b) Not in favor c) Haven�t decided yet. Category �C� are the ones that need to be convinced to vote in favor of the bill.
One of the goals of the Sep 18th rally is to meet with the category �c� lawmakers and try bringing then on our side. But if our number is not large enough they will most likely be voting Nay and hence defeating the bill.
So think and act�.
Excellent points! All the more reason to attend the DC rally on the 18th!
Note that though it is a comprehensive immigration reform bill but it does have some positive provisions, which greatly affect us. For example: The effective yearly green cards will be increased from 140K per year to 290K *2.5 = 725K, where 2.5 is the multiplier for spouse and children as they will be exempted from the quota.
In simple terms, priority dates will become current as soon as the bill passes.
Unfortunately, the bill needs to be passed by certain majority and there are three categories of people who will vote on this a) In favor b) Not in favor c) Haven�t decided yet. Category �C� are the ones that need to be convinced to vote in favor of the bill.
One of the goals of the Sep 18th rally is to meet with the category �c� lawmakers and try bringing then on our side. But if our number is not large enough they will most likely be voting Nay and hence defeating the bill.
So think and act�.
Excellent points! All the more reason to attend the DC rally on the 18th!
kubmilegaGC
09-11 03:52 PM
bump...
2011 i love u baby boy. i love you
marco
10-01 10:13 AM
My spouses EAD (dependent) was approved 3 weeks after mine.
So it is normal I guess.
So it is normal I guess.
more...
yabadaba
06-18 12:44 PM
thanks reno john!
BharatPremi
03-11 02:17 PM
Person "A" on H1B with 4 yrs of experience, Green Card filed, EAD received (both husband and wife), I-140 pending, Wife Dependant (has her own H1B), Wife opens a training institute.
1. Can "A" work for his wife and also get paid in check?
2. Can "A" have a second job in his wife's company and retain his original job?
3. Can "A" have a different occupation anywhere else on EAD not related to his original job role? and then can "A" get paid in check?
4. Can "A" work for his wife's company and instead wife gets the check or paid? Is that legal?
5. Can "A"'s wife open a company on EAD and also keep working on her H1B?
6. Can "A" and his wife after EAD work for 2 different jobs if the job description/roles are different?
7. Can "A" work as volunteer in his wife's company?
8. Can a software analyst working with a software company work as a trainer in a training institute on EAD with I-140 either pending or approved?
You are not DESI... How dare you to think about working for wife...Thst's not in true DESI's blood.. Wife should work for you:p:)
1. Can "A" work for his wife and also get paid in check?
2. Can "A" have a second job in his wife's company and retain his original job?
3. Can "A" have a different occupation anywhere else on EAD not related to his original job role? and then can "A" get paid in check?
4. Can "A" work for his wife's company and instead wife gets the check or paid? Is that legal?
5. Can "A"'s wife open a company on EAD and also keep working on her H1B?
6. Can "A" and his wife after EAD work for 2 different jobs if the job description/roles are different?
7. Can "A" work as volunteer in his wife's company?
8. Can a software analyst working with a software company work as a trainer in a training institute on EAD with I-140 either pending or approved?
You are not DESI... How dare you to think about working for wife...Thst's not in true DESI's blood.. Wife should work for you:p:)
more...
laksmi
02-18 02:33 PM
Is paystub needed When a person is on H1B and is out of project when AOS on 485.
I'm also in similar situation - my current project will also end by Mar 30th and its tough getting a new Project outside since my employer wants to make big money out of me (they keep fat margins) .... My H is valid till Sep 10 but it doesn't matter as soon as the current employer cancels it or asks u to go out of the country.
Do a H transfer immediately with some other company so that u remain in status...
Then file GC with that new company. GC can't be filed on your own - The PERM Labor and I-140 must need a employer and the 3rd stage I-485,EAD,AP you can file on your own.
I'm also in similar situation - my current project will also end by Mar 30th and its tough getting a new Project outside since my employer wants to make big money out of me (they keep fat margins) .... My H is valid till Sep 10 but it doesn't matter as soon as the current employer cancels it or asks u to go out of the country.
Do a H transfer immediately with some other company so that u remain in status...
Then file GC with that new company. GC can't be filed on your own - The PERM Labor and I-140 must need a employer and the 3rd stage I-485,EAD,AP you can file on your own.
2010 i love u baby boy. i love u
MArch172008
05-22 06:58 PM
As mentioned by my HR attorney applied my labour application electronically on march 17th and forwarded me a case number starting with c , so i am assuming it was appl;ied at chicago center.
Its more then two months now i did not have any update from my HR inturn from attorney.
At the time of aplying attorney did not took any signature either from me or my HR , she said we have to sign at the later stages.
My fear is I might get a query or it may go into incomplete staus as it was not filled properly.
I am not sure if it should be filed in that way ....
Let me know if i am heading in right direction ...
Its more then two months now i did not have any update from my HR inturn from attorney.
At the time of aplying attorney did not took any signature either from me or my HR , she said we have to sign at the later stages.
My fear is I might get a query or it may go into incomplete staus as it was not filled properly.
I am not sure if it should be filed in that way ....
Let me know if i am heading in right direction ...
more...
goel_ar
04-24 12:36 PM
I am waiting for my wife's notification. Nothing yet.
wow that was fast for general processing and general quota....i thought they hadnt started issuing receipts for them...congrats!
wow that was fast for general processing and general quota....i thought they hadnt started issuing receipts for them...congrats!
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Jerrome
04-08 02:19 PM
That must be because of EB-3 ROW. When there is huge demand everything went there. But I am more surprised with EB-2. EB-2 ROW and EB-2 Mexico were current for the entire last year ,it seems EB-2 India and China might have got more than 2800 visas definitely. Can we find how much they got for EB2 last year?
more...
chanduv23
06-16 07:53 AM
Pre adjucted is so misleading a term.....as someone else pointed out earlier in another thread.....pre adjucted does not necessarily mean you are all set to go, the moment visa becomes available you will be given one without any questions...
when the visa becomes available (10 years down the lane), we will then send out an RFE (if we choose) asking you for employment verification....and a "few" other things -:)
so what is pre adjucted.......:rolleyes:
I have seen a letter from USCIS after a congressional enquiry that the "485 is pre-adjudicated and waiting for a visa number"
when the visa becomes available (10 years down the lane), we will then send out an RFE (if we choose) asking you for employment verification....and a "few" other things -:)
so what is pre adjucted.......:rolleyes:
I have seen a letter from USCIS after a congressional enquiry that the "485 is pre-adjudicated and waiting for a visa number"
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akhilmahajan
02-23 01:40 PM
I am just curious, Are you worried about your salary going down or filing AC-21.
There are always risks involved. Its your choice what you want to do. I will request you to understand how the system works, so that when folks around here suggest you something, you can evaluate the choices based on your knowledge also.
If you think you can find a good job, then i will say keep on looking for it. Meanwhile stick with your company and see if things improve. In the end its your personal choice, as you are the one who needs to set your priorities. Also, if you can let us know your PD, then i am sure people can suggest you in a much better way.
Also, i will really appreciate if you can update your information for the tracker.
Also, please be patient and lets not use abusive language, as it is not going to help anyone.
Thanks a lot.
GO IV GO. TOGETHER WE CAN.
There are always risks involved. Its your choice what you want to do. I will request you to understand how the system works, so that when folks around here suggest you something, you can evaluate the choices based on your knowledge also.
If you think you can find a good job, then i will say keep on looking for it. Meanwhile stick with your company and see if things improve. In the end its your personal choice, as you are the one who needs to set your priorities. Also, if you can let us know your PD, then i am sure people can suggest you in a much better way.
Also, i will really appreciate if you can update your information for the tracker.
Also, please be patient and lets not use abusive language, as it is not going to help anyone.
Thanks a lot.
GO IV GO. TOGETHER WE CAN.
more...
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amitjoey
06-14 02:26 PM
I think ability to pay is at 140 stage,and that has gotten cleared.I was wondering if I could file 485 from the old company and invoke ac 21 after 181 days.
Yes, You can. Ask an attorney. Sorry I did not really mean abiliity to pay. But the previous company that files your 485 should be a valid entity in business and an offer for employment should be valid, Since you need a letter from them stating the offer is open and terms of employment. Please consult an attorney, Nobody can give you any advice since a lot of other details are unknown. Overall generally speaking, looks like you can do it.
Yes, You can. Ask an attorney. Sorry I did not really mean abiliity to pay. But the previous company that files your 485 should be a valid entity in business and an offer for employment should be valid, Since you need a letter from them stating the offer is open and terms of employment. Please consult an attorney, Nobody can give you any advice since a lot of other details are unknown. Overall generally speaking, looks like you can do it.
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morchu
05-10 09:41 PM
Maybe somebody else from here can answer from their experience. But here is what I know from my readings in USCIS press releases related to the infamous July Fiasco.
1.
On July 23rd USCIS published a QA and it specifically addresses the issue regarding Fee.
==========================
Q7: Which fees apply to I-765 and I-131 applications associated with AOS applications filed on or after July 30th under the July Bulletin?
A7. The fee of $180 for Forms I-765 and the fee of $170 for Form I-131 will remain in effect for those aliens eligible to file an employment-based adjustment of status application pursuant to July Visa Bulletin No. 107. These fees will remain in effect for all such applications filed between July 17 � August 17, 2007.
==========================
You have to keep on paying the fees for i765.
2.
What is the confusion here? Do as what the instruction says. It is pretty elaborate.
Copy of your respective passport pages.
I think there was some wiki's somewhere listing the documents to send for EAD.
3. Do as the instruction says.
HI
I am planning to file a for a fresh EAD or new EAD.
I had filed 485 on 08/06/2007.
Now I have the following questions:
1) I am confused about the filing fee for EAD. Some say Filing fee is dependent on your 485 filign date.
For example, on usics website under 'Special Instructions' it says (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=73ddd59cb7a5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D)
"If you filed a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on July 30, 2007, or after, then no fee is required to file a request for employment authorization on Form I-765. You may file the I-765 concurrently with your I-485, or you may submit the I-765 at a later date."
Does that mean I donot have to pay any fee to USICS for EAD application?
2)What are the documents I have to submit along with I-485 receipt, I-94 copy & 2 photos?
On the I-765Instr document it says
"You must submit a copy of your Federal Government-issued identity document, such as a passport showing your picture, name and date of birth; a birth certificate with photo ID; a visa issued by a foreign consulate; or a national ID document with photo and/or fingerprint.The identity document photocopy must clearly show the facial feature of the applicant and the boigraphical information."
Which document I should provide as per the above statement?
3)What is the EAD application current processing time for Nebraska as I am in California and have to apply to NSC(Nebraska)?
Thanks in advance.
1.
On July 23rd USCIS published a QA and it specifically addresses the issue regarding Fee.
==========================
Q7: Which fees apply to I-765 and I-131 applications associated with AOS applications filed on or after July 30th under the July Bulletin?
A7. The fee of $180 for Forms I-765 and the fee of $170 for Form I-131 will remain in effect for those aliens eligible to file an employment-based adjustment of status application pursuant to July Visa Bulletin No. 107. These fees will remain in effect for all such applications filed between July 17 � August 17, 2007.
==========================
You have to keep on paying the fees for i765.
2.
What is the confusion here? Do as what the instruction says. It is pretty elaborate.
Copy of your respective passport pages.
I think there was some wiki's somewhere listing the documents to send for EAD.
3. Do as the instruction says.
HI
I am planning to file a for a fresh EAD or new EAD.
I had filed 485 on 08/06/2007.
Now I have the following questions:
1) I am confused about the filing fee for EAD. Some say Filing fee is dependent on your 485 filign date.
For example, on usics website under 'Special Instructions' it says (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=73ddd59cb7a5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D)
"If you filed a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on July 30, 2007, or after, then no fee is required to file a request for employment authorization on Form I-765. You may file the I-765 concurrently with your I-485, or you may submit the I-765 at a later date."
Does that mean I donot have to pay any fee to USICS for EAD application?
2)What are the documents I have to submit along with I-485 receipt, I-94 copy & 2 photos?
On the I-765Instr document it says
"You must submit a copy of your Federal Government-issued identity document, such as a passport showing your picture, name and date of birth; a birth certificate with photo ID; a visa issued by a foreign consulate; or a national ID document with photo and/or fingerprint.The identity document photocopy must clearly show the facial feature of the applicant and the boigraphical information."
Which document I should provide as per the above statement?
3)What is the EAD application current processing time for Nebraska as I am in California and have to apply to NSC(Nebraska)?
Thanks in advance.
more...
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akred
02-25 02:25 AM
with employer B can I count that year before they filed for labor that I was under H-1b or I cannot count any experience gain before the labor was filed with employer B at all? I think that is the key question here.
You cannot count any experience gained with employer B unless it was gained while working in a different (substantially dissimilar) job.
You cannot count any experience gained with employer B unless it was gained while working in a different (substantially dissimilar) job.
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mpadapa
05-14 04:35 PM
On what basis are you saying this?
If EB folks don't want to do anything for their own benefit, there won't be any hope even after 2009. We will be over shadowed by 12 million folks once 2009 kicks in. Good luck finding a solution then.
We already have 2 bills (HR5882 and HR 5921) in the Judiciary committee, did U call U'r lawmaker and seek support from him/her.
PD's don't move forward based on ppl praying, it moves based on supply and demand. Right now the demand is very high and the supply of visa is very low. We can improve the supply situation if the bills goes through.
2009------we can see something happening.
Until then Visa Bulleting is our best hope and source
Let us pray.
If EB folks don't want to do anything for their own benefit, there won't be any hope even after 2009. We will be over shadowed by 12 million folks once 2009 kicks in. Good luck finding a solution then.
We already have 2 bills (HR5882 and HR 5921) in the Judiciary committee, did U call U'r lawmaker and seek support from him/her.
PD's don't move forward based on ppl praying, it moves based on supply and demand. Right now the demand is very high and the supply of visa is very low. We can improve the supply situation if the bills goes through.
2009------we can see something happening.
Until then Visa Bulleting is our best hope and source
Let us pray.
more...
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cinqsit
01-13 08:16 PM
Thanks a lot for the replies.
I have an infopass appointment for tomorrow. Are the infopass officers qualified to review the file and process it right away?
Nope infopass officers are not at all helpful. I found out that many are just
"half-trained" customer service reps who have access to whatever online
system USCIS uses. They can tell you if your background checks were cleared,
what your priority date is (if you have multiple I-140s) and if every thing
has been bundled together in your "A-file" or not.
I had a horrible infopass where the "officer" didnt even know what a I-140 was.
Try sending a clear letter to the ombudsman right away. Be very clear an give copies
of everything you have I-485 receipts, your PD, country of chargeability etc etc.
I did send a letter to the ombudsman in mid dec got a usual we have opened a
request with USCIS and you will get answer in 45 days 2 weeks ago. Last week
got a phone call - yes a phone call - from them last week saying they got a email from USCIS saying my case is being fowarded for adjudication and you will get a result within 30 days.
Best of luck
cinqsit
I have an infopass appointment for tomorrow. Are the infopass officers qualified to review the file and process it right away?
Nope infopass officers are not at all helpful. I found out that many are just
"half-trained" customer service reps who have access to whatever online
system USCIS uses. They can tell you if your background checks were cleared,
what your priority date is (if you have multiple I-140s) and if every thing
has been bundled together in your "A-file" or not.
I had a horrible infopass where the "officer" didnt even know what a I-140 was.
Try sending a clear letter to the ombudsman right away. Be very clear an give copies
of everything you have I-485 receipts, your PD, country of chargeability etc etc.
I did send a letter to the ombudsman in mid dec got a usual we have opened a
request with USCIS and you will get answer in 45 days 2 weeks ago. Last week
got a phone call - yes a phone call - from them last week saying they got a email from USCIS saying my case is being fowarded for adjudication and you will get a result within 30 days.
Best of luck
cinqsit
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lost_in_gc_land
01-24 01:46 PM
Hi
Am in the same situation, 221(g) yellow form Mumbai since mid-November. Still in India awaiting further indication from the consulate. Have had lawyers call DOS, have called the consulate a few times but the response is standard - awaiting feedback from Washington, no way to expedite.
Sucks...sorry you have to go through this too. Feel free to pm me if you like
Am in the same situation, 221(g) yellow form Mumbai since mid-November. Still in India awaiting further indication from the consulate. Have had lawyers call DOS, have called the consulate a few times but the response is standard - awaiting feedback from Washington, no way to expedite.
Sucks...sorry you have to go through this too. Feel free to pm me if you like
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SonnyD
10-18 03:26 PM
Congratulations brother. One of the questions they ask is- are you a member of any association or any organization.If and when they ask, this would be a good time for you to inform the officer of any volunteer work you do. Or tell them how you contribute to the community. Also tell them if you donate to charities. Just a thought.
Please only answer the questions that are asked. Answer to the point and be precise. Brother Sanju has given good advise too. Let your wife answer the question, if the Officer was asking her. Please do not try to answer for her.
Good luck and God bless
SonnyD
Please only answer the questions that are asked. Answer to the point and be precise. Brother Sanju has given good advise too. Let your wife answer the question, if the Officer was asking her. Please do not try to answer for her.
Good luck and God bless
SonnyD
nfinity
10-16 12:52 PM
If it was at 2' 16'' during the month you got LUD, it means you are stuck in name check.
~
~
eastindia
05-14 02:15 PM
Many blame immigration pressures for young man’s suicide - The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/05/10/many_blame_immigration_pressures_for_young_mans_su icide/)
MARLBOROUGH � In the grief-stricken search for answers, one thing was clear: Gustavo Rezende had hit a wall. He had dreamed of joining the military, getting a driver�s license, and becoming an American citizen.
But the 19-year-old Brazil native was in the country illegally, a hard fact that put his dreams out of reach.
At Marlborough High School, he was popular, a talented artist. Then his friends went off to college and Rezende stayed behind, stocking bottles of soda at a sports complex. He got into trouble with the law and feared deportation to a country he hardly knew.
On March 4, weeks before Rezende�s 20th birthday, police found him hanging from a tree in the woods near his house, next to Marlborough District Court.
The stunning public act, within sight of court clerks and commuters, has shaken a community and triggered an anguished cry for help from his family and friends, who believe Rezende killed himself in despair over his immigration status.
�He always said, �I�ve been here 11 years and I have no rights. . . . I have no right to a driver�s license, no right to continue studying, I have no rights to anything,��� said his mother, Deusuita, weeping on her couch, near an array of photographs of her son. She added, �I don�t want what happened to my son to happen to someone else.��
Immigrant groups have invoked Rezende�s death in the heated debate over illegal immigration. They have increasingly been pushing for Congress to pass the Dream Act, federal legislation pending since 2001 that would allow immigrant youths to apply for legal residency if they arrived in the United States before they turned 16, lived here for five years, and enrolled in college or the military.
�The story about Gustavo Rezende is one of the most compelling cases for immediate federal action to end suffering in our communities,�� said Kyle de Beausset, a 24-year-old activist who said he met last Sunday with Senator Scott Brown to urge him to support the legislation.
Others say Rezende�s death should not factor into the debate, since nobody can say why he took his own life. Though friends and family said he often worried about his immigration status, he didn�t mention it in a note he left at home saying where they could find him.
�It�s exploiting the dead,�� said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, which favors stricter controls over immigration. �You can�t second-guess that stuff because suicide is not a rational response that you can somehow adjust policy to address.��
Colin Reed, a Brown spokesman, said the senator confirmed the meeting with de Beausset and would review the Dream Act. Reed said Brown told de Beausset that he favors streamlining the process for legal immigrants but remains opposed to amnesty for those here illegally.Continued...
Health care workers say suicide is usually the result of more than one issue, such as undiagnosed depression, mental illness, or drug and alcohol problems. But, they say, undocumented youths may be at greater risk because they are ineligible for many programs that might help them.
Rezende, nicknamed �Goose,�� was born in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso and came to the United States when he was 9 with his parents and younger sister on visas they later overstayed.
In 2000, his mother applied for legal residency through work � she cooked for a Brazilian restaurant � but was denied, she said, because her boss was underpaying taxes. She vowed to continue trying, though her marriage ended because her husband wanted to go back to Brazil.
�The kids didn�t want to go,�� she said. �They liked it here as if it were their country.��
In Marlborough, a small city of tidy houses centered on two scenic lakes, Rezende grew from a chubby boy into a fit and charming teenager who loved to draw, listen to music, and hang out with friends. He and one of his best friends, Kyle Hedin, planned to open an animation company someday.
During most of his schooling, Rezende did not face questions about his immigration status because a 1982 Supreme Court ruling allows undocumented students to attend public schools. But that protection ends after high school, making him ineligible for financial aid for college.
Even before graduation, Rezende felt the pressure of his family�s predicament. He helped his mother clean offices at night, leaving little time for homework. He fell behind in school. When he was 17, police were called to his house after he argued with his sister and punched a hole in a door.
After he graduated in 2008, he tried to find work at a supermarket and fast-food restaurants � but most turned him down because he didn�t have a green card. Finally, through a friend, he found work at an ice skating complex. He also got a part-time cleaning job.
Kyle Hedin said Rezende wished he could have the same opportunities as his former classmates.
�He always said, �These kids go to school. They go to college, and they complain about it and they don�t do anything worthwhile,� �� Hedin said. �He was saying he would trade shoes with them in a heartbeat.��
In February, Marlborough police found Rezende trying to change a flat tire, while allegedly intoxicated. Police arrested him on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and driving without a license.
The March 17 hearing in the case weighed on his mind. He had been caught with a fake driver�s license from Brazil, and his mother said he feared he would be deported.
He had talked about suicide in the past, including in the weeks before his death, according to friends and the police report filed after his death.
�He had a hard time asking for help for himself,�� said Jane Hedin, Kyle�s mother. �That�s what�s heartbreaking. . . . He had so many friends he didn�t reach out to. Everybody loved him.��
Mario Rodas of the Student Immigrant Movement, an advocacy group, said immigrant youths often fear deportation if they talk about their problems. The group regularly holds support groups to help the students.
�We tell them not to give up,�� Rodas said.
Two days before he died, his mother said, Rezende couldn�t sleep. He was nauseous and called in sick to work.
The next day, his grandmother arrived for a visit from Brazil, the first time he had seen her since he left in 1999. In the early evening, Rezende hugged his grandmother, kissed his sister, and left the house carrying a rope, according to police, saying only that he �needed it.��
Police found him the next morning about 150 feet into the woods, in a tree he used to climb, a dusting of snow on the ground.
About six weeks after his death, Rezende received a letter from the US government telling him to register for the draft. It wasn�t a mistake: Federal law requires that all men ages 18-26 register with the Selective Service System, including illegal immigrants who cannot serve in the military, said agency spokesman Patrick Schuback.
Registering could help illegal immigrants if they ever apply for legal residency, he said, because it would show that they followed the law.
At home, his mother clutched the letter and wept.
�If that letter had arrived before, he would have been so happy,�� she said.
Maria Sacchetti can be reached at msacchetti@globe.com.
MARLBOROUGH � In the grief-stricken search for answers, one thing was clear: Gustavo Rezende had hit a wall. He had dreamed of joining the military, getting a driver�s license, and becoming an American citizen.
But the 19-year-old Brazil native was in the country illegally, a hard fact that put his dreams out of reach.
At Marlborough High School, he was popular, a talented artist. Then his friends went off to college and Rezende stayed behind, stocking bottles of soda at a sports complex. He got into trouble with the law and feared deportation to a country he hardly knew.
On March 4, weeks before Rezende�s 20th birthday, police found him hanging from a tree in the woods near his house, next to Marlborough District Court.
The stunning public act, within sight of court clerks and commuters, has shaken a community and triggered an anguished cry for help from his family and friends, who believe Rezende killed himself in despair over his immigration status.
�He always said, �I�ve been here 11 years and I have no rights. . . . I have no right to a driver�s license, no right to continue studying, I have no rights to anything,��� said his mother, Deusuita, weeping on her couch, near an array of photographs of her son. She added, �I don�t want what happened to my son to happen to someone else.��
Immigrant groups have invoked Rezende�s death in the heated debate over illegal immigration. They have increasingly been pushing for Congress to pass the Dream Act, federal legislation pending since 2001 that would allow immigrant youths to apply for legal residency if they arrived in the United States before they turned 16, lived here for five years, and enrolled in college or the military.
�The story about Gustavo Rezende is one of the most compelling cases for immediate federal action to end suffering in our communities,�� said Kyle de Beausset, a 24-year-old activist who said he met last Sunday with Senator Scott Brown to urge him to support the legislation.
Others say Rezende�s death should not factor into the debate, since nobody can say why he took his own life. Though friends and family said he often worried about his immigration status, he didn�t mention it in a note he left at home saying where they could find him.
�It�s exploiting the dead,�� said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, which favors stricter controls over immigration. �You can�t second-guess that stuff because suicide is not a rational response that you can somehow adjust policy to address.��
Colin Reed, a Brown spokesman, said the senator confirmed the meeting with de Beausset and would review the Dream Act. Reed said Brown told de Beausset that he favors streamlining the process for legal immigrants but remains opposed to amnesty for those here illegally.Continued...
Health care workers say suicide is usually the result of more than one issue, such as undiagnosed depression, mental illness, or drug and alcohol problems. But, they say, undocumented youths may be at greater risk because they are ineligible for many programs that might help them.
Rezende, nicknamed �Goose,�� was born in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso and came to the United States when he was 9 with his parents and younger sister on visas they later overstayed.
In 2000, his mother applied for legal residency through work � she cooked for a Brazilian restaurant � but was denied, she said, because her boss was underpaying taxes. She vowed to continue trying, though her marriage ended because her husband wanted to go back to Brazil.
�The kids didn�t want to go,�� she said. �They liked it here as if it were their country.��
In Marlborough, a small city of tidy houses centered on two scenic lakes, Rezende grew from a chubby boy into a fit and charming teenager who loved to draw, listen to music, and hang out with friends. He and one of his best friends, Kyle Hedin, planned to open an animation company someday.
During most of his schooling, Rezende did not face questions about his immigration status because a 1982 Supreme Court ruling allows undocumented students to attend public schools. But that protection ends after high school, making him ineligible for financial aid for college.
Even before graduation, Rezende felt the pressure of his family�s predicament. He helped his mother clean offices at night, leaving little time for homework. He fell behind in school. When he was 17, police were called to his house after he argued with his sister and punched a hole in a door.
After he graduated in 2008, he tried to find work at a supermarket and fast-food restaurants � but most turned him down because he didn�t have a green card. Finally, through a friend, he found work at an ice skating complex. He also got a part-time cleaning job.
Kyle Hedin said Rezende wished he could have the same opportunities as his former classmates.
�He always said, �These kids go to school. They go to college, and they complain about it and they don�t do anything worthwhile,� �� Hedin said. �He was saying he would trade shoes with them in a heartbeat.��
In February, Marlborough police found Rezende trying to change a flat tire, while allegedly intoxicated. Police arrested him on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and driving without a license.
The March 17 hearing in the case weighed on his mind. He had been caught with a fake driver�s license from Brazil, and his mother said he feared he would be deported.
He had talked about suicide in the past, including in the weeks before his death, according to friends and the police report filed after his death.
�He had a hard time asking for help for himself,�� said Jane Hedin, Kyle�s mother. �That�s what�s heartbreaking. . . . He had so many friends he didn�t reach out to. Everybody loved him.��
Mario Rodas of the Student Immigrant Movement, an advocacy group, said immigrant youths often fear deportation if they talk about their problems. The group regularly holds support groups to help the students.
�We tell them not to give up,�� Rodas said.
Two days before he died, his mother said, Rezende couldn�t sleep. He was nauseous and called in sick to work.
The next day, his grandmother arrived for a visit from Brazil, the first time he had seen her since he left in 1999. In the early evening, Rezende hugged his grandmother, kissed his sister, and left the house carrying a rope, according to police, saying only that he �needed it.��
Police found him the next morning about 150 feet into the woods, in a tree he used to climb, a dusting of snow on the ground.
About six weeks after his death, Rezende received a letter from the US government telling him to register for the draft. It wasn�t a mistake: Federal law requires that all men ages 18-26 register with the Selective Service System, including illegal immigrants who cannot serve in the military, said agency spokesman Patrick Schuback.
Registering could help illegal immigrants if they ever apply for legal residency, he said, because it would show that they followed the law.
At home, his mother clutched the letter and wept.
�If that letter had arrived before, he would have been so happy,�� she said.
Maria Sacchetti can be reached at msacchetti@globe.com.
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