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'The lure of the United States continues'

The Walchand Hirachand Hall in the Indian Merchants Chamber, Mumbai is choc-o-bloc with hopeful aspirants.

With a shared goal of immigration to the United States- "the land of dreams", they listen intently to Cyrus Nallaseth, president of the United States Lawyers' Association.

A member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association, Nallaseth has over 16 years of experience in the legal and immigration field.

In Mumbai, he is addressing a seminar on immigration to the United States and Canada. Kanchana Suggu catches up with him to find out about the immigration scenario post September 11.

Has immigration to the United States been affected post September 11?

I have read reports that H1 applications have fallen. But I think the reason could also be the tech sector meltdown and the global slowdown which happened even before the September 11 attacks. But the market is beginning to pick up now. The lure for the US still continues. The economy may revive by the second of third quarter next year.

How has the scenario changed for students wanting to go abroad and study?

United States Senator Dianne Feinstein proposed a bill which would make it tougher for students to go on F1 visas. But the bill was shelved. However, I am not too sure about the higher level of scrutiny at the Indian consulate and whether it is more difficult for Indian students to get visas for the US. There have been a few isolated instances about discrimination and racism with respect to Indian students in the US. Inspite of this, the student applications have not fallen.

But what would you say to the fear among aspiring immigrants?

America is a country of immigrants. The fear will die down.

Recently, the British government changed its law permitting students studying there to work upto three years after having completed their education.

America doesn't often look at other countries. There is a heavier demand for the US. American universities are best in the world. In any case, students are allowed a one year post completion training after graduation. If the student gets a job and the employer is willing to sponsor him, he can get a visa for upto six years. In the meantime, he can apply for a green card. So that makes it seven years in all after graduation in America as compared to Britain's three years.

What are your views on illegal immigration?

There are a lot of advertisements in newspapers assuring indefinite stay in the United States. But I think you cannot guarantee immigration. Such advertisements are very misleading. If a person is caught staying illegally in America for more than six months, he will be barred from the country for three years and if he is caught staying illegally for more than a year, then there is a ten year bar on him. I think such rules should crimp illegal immigration.

What about business opportunities in the US?

Getting funding and capital in America is easier. The interest rates on loans are relatively lower.

YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ:
Part I: Immigrating to the United States
Part II: Immigrating to Canada
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EXTERNAL LINK:
Law Offices of Cyrus S. Nallaseth

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