Both the US and Germany had long weekends. After looking at my counters, I saw that someone at a nearby German university looked at my posts. And the one next on the list gives me some hope. n021.dhs.gov = somebody at the Department of Homeland Security. Perhaps, one of my attempts to reach a politician had led to this, and I am glad it did. If that somebody looks back here, I would like to address that person directly.
Dear DHS Staffer -
I am really glad you made it here. Perhaps you work for USCIS or some other unit dealing with immigration. I can assure you I am a real person, yet I am no threat to the US. If you were asked to look at my credibility, you may wish to report this. Of course, I trust that if you need to find out more about me such as phone numbers and other details, this should not be too difficult.
20 years ago, back in the days of East German communism, I stepped into the US embassy's library / cultural center in East Berlin to have a look at forbidden books promoting freedom of thought and democratic values. I am sure that the East German Stasi secret service knew about it, and there might still be some documentation in their files. Back then, I already liked the United States as a country of freedom. I would never have thought where this would lead me to. Dear DHS Person, if you have access to the Stasi files, maybe you can even find me there.
Ironically, it might now be more difficult visiting a US embassy than under the watching eye of the Stasi, how times have changed ....
Obviously, I am aware that visitors from n021.dhs.gov frequent many websites, and there is already speculation about that to be found when typing the domain name into Google.
---
Just asked AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) for a position or help.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Senate comes closer to abolishing H1B
digg.com The United States Senate has yesterday taken aim to effectively destroy the H1B, slapping a 5000 Dollar fee on all new H1B as well as renewals and adjustments. While I can now be glad I will never be again an H1B slave, I can now also be sure that there is no way back to the US to my daughter through any legal immigration path. No H1B means no employment-based GC anymore either. No Green Card lottery anymore. Decreased family immigration. The US is looking ahead to a bright agricultural future as millions of skilled immigrants will now be forced to abandon the US. All in exchange for amnesty for illegals. Illegals will at the most pay a one-time penalty fee ($5000) and can then stay in the US and work in any job. H1B applications will be tagged at $5000 a shot each. I wonder why are they not honest and just say: closed door = no more foreigners can work or live for any reason in the United States from now on?
Democrats and Co have proven they are only for past illegal immigrants, and nobody is for legal immigrants.
Watch out USA for me taking aim at your human rights record even further.
--
I used the online contact form of Sens. Sanders, Cornyn, and Kennedy to oppose this CIR and ask for relief for international divorce families.
--
Michelle Malkin®, are you sleeping?
Democrats and Co have proven they are only for past illegal immigrants, and nobody is for legal immigrants.
Watch out USA for me taking aim at your human rights record even further.
--
I used the online contact form of Sens. Sanders, Cornyn, and Kennedy to oppose this CIR and ask for relief for international divorce families.
--
Michelle Malkin®, are you sleeping?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Draft Bill: International Divorce Immigration Relief Act (IDIRA)
Since nothing ever happens without taking initiative, here a draft bill.
Sign this as a petition!!
Digg it!
Draft Bill Proposal
International Divorce Immigration Relief Act (IDIRA)
The purpose of this law is to allow children regular, meaningful contact to both parents, also where families become separated over international boundaries in times of globalization. It also improves the ability of parents to financially support children legally residing in the United States, for example, allowing a parent living in a underdeveloped country with low pay to help in the upbringing of the minor child.
Definitions: Eligible Visa Applicants are:
Biological or adoption parents of a minor child, if
a) the child, as well as the custodian or parent living with the child, are US citizens or long-term permanent residents or non-immigrants lawfully present in the United States
b) the child was born to, or adopted by the applicant while the applicant was lawfully present in the United States as a long-term permanent resident or non-immigrant visa holder
c) the marriage resulted in divorce or separation with the child legally remaining in the United States
d) the applicant left the United States according to immigration law and was not deported
The parent or custodian residing in the United States with the minor child may not have to be a US citizen.
In addition, a parent of a minor child if the child was born or adopted into the family outside the United States but where one custodial parent (whether US citizen or not) has since lawfully relocated with the child to the United States, is also eligible.
Terms of the visa:
The visa is for three years, indefinitely renewable until the minor child reaches age 21. It allows unrestricted, yet temporary work in the United States and the accumulation of social benefits. Child support as ordered by family courts will have to be paid or the visa may be revoked. The visa holder is considered a potential legal immigrant and may switch to other visa categories and apply for Green Card, e.g by self-sponsoring. If the minor child has left the United States permanently or reached age 21, renewal is not possible.
When the applicant files for this visa, immigration officials will check the immigration or citizenship status of the US-residing custodian and the minor child, as well as divorce documentation. If the parent or custodian lawfully residing in the United States has unlawfully taken the minor child to the United States (kidnapping) and if that person is not a US citizen all immigration benefits may be revoked and that person may have to be ordered to leave the United States to the country where the applicant resides. This may be waived if not in the best interest of the child. In the latter case, the new parent visa shall be granted to the applicant.
Sign this as a petition!!
Digg it!
Draft Bill Proposal
International Divorce Immigration Relief Act (IDIRA)
The purpose of this law is to allow children regular, meaningful contact to both parents, also where families become separated over international boundaries in times of globalization. It also improves the ability of parents to financially support children legally residing in the United States, for example, allowing a parent living in a underdeveloped country with low pay to help in the upbringing of the minor child.
Definitions: Eligible Visa Applicants are:
Biological or adoption parents of a minor child, if
a) the child, as well as the custodian or parent living with the child, are US citizens or long-term permanent residents or non-immigrants lawfully present in the United States
b) the child was born to, or adopted by the applicant while the applicant was lawfully present in the United States as a long-term permanent resident or non-immigrant visa holder
c) the marriage resulted in divorce or separation with the child legally remaining in the United States
d) the applicant left the United States according to immigration law and was not deported
The parent or custodian residing in the United States with the minor child may not have to be a US citizen.
In addition, a parent of a minor child if the child was born or adopted into the family outside the United States but where one custodial parent (whether US citizen or not) has since lawfully relocated with the child to the United States, is also eligible.
Terms of the visa:
The visa is for three years, indefinitely renewable until the minor child reaches age 21. It allows unrestricted, yet temporary work in the United States and the accumulation of social benefits. Child support as ordered by family courts will have to be paid or the visa may be revoked. The visa holder is considered a potential legal immigrant and may switch to other visa categories and apply for Green Card, e.g by self-sponsoring. If the minor child has left the United States permanently or reached age 21, renewal is not possible.
When the applicant files for this visa, immigration officials will check the immigration or citizenship status of the US-residing custodian and the minor child, as well as divorce documentation. If the parent or custodian lawfully residing in the United States has unlawfully taken the minor child to the United States (kidnapping) and if that person is not a US citizen all immigration benefits may be revoked and that person may have to be ordered to leave the United States to the country where the applicant resides. This may be waived if not in the best interest of the child. In the latter case, the new parent visa shall be granted to the applicant.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Roller coaster goes on
So from far away I read that the Senate has passed the bill to be debated for 2 weeks. I hope this will not mean closed doors for future return to the US. Immigrationvoice.org is opposing, I oppose it for some of the same, some unique reasons. It plainly is not fair to reward those ignoring the laws if penalizing those who followed the law, and if cementing human rights violations with either.
Nothing in for people who failed but have good reason to want to try again.
What is in store for future H1B people, who knows. Also wonder what happens to people waiting for GC just a short time, whether they will have to start again. Hope that the Wisconsin senators (Democrats) do something good.
Nothing in for people who failed but have good reason to want to try again.
What is in store for future H1B people, who knows. Also wonder what happens to people waiting for GC just a short time, whether they will have to start again. Hope that the Wisconsin senators (Democrats) do something good.
New contacts
Today I contacted the most prestigious German news magazines, DER SPIEGEL, STERN, FOCUS, DIE ZEIT, as well as several leading father's rights organizations. This is a first step in two more directions. Soon I will follow up on calling Senate offices.
I also posted on a newspaper forum in Rochester NY: Democrat & Chronicle
I welcome the visitors from Reuters and from the US Census Bureau! Hope you can make something of it!
.... Contacted ACLU ....
Another postcript. I called the local offices of Senators Kohl and Feingold in Wisconsin. Couldn't reach my contacts, but especially calling in Middleton which was my home for so long and where my daughter lives makes me so sad. I wish they would do something for people like me. Can anyone imagine how it is to constantly live in fear on H1B because there is always no research grant to keep going much longer, then lose child and wife and home, and then legally leave, and then the country closes the door further? These were my past 4 years or so of life.
I also posted on a newspaper forum in Rochester NY: Democrat & Chronicle
I welcome the visitors from Reuters and from the US Census Bureau! Hope you can make something of it!
.... Contacted ACLU ....
Another postcript. I called the local offices of Senators Kohl and Feingold in Wisconsin. Couldn't reach my contacts, but especially calling in Middleton which was my home for so long and where my daughter lives makes me so sad. I wish they would do something for people like me. Can anyone imagine how it is to constantly live in fear on H1B because there is always no research grant to keep going much longer, then lose child and wife and home, and then legally leave, and then the country closes the door further? These were my past 4 years or so of life.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Three Challenges
Challenge 1 - Dear Readers!
Anyone in a similar boat - I want to hear from you, read from you! Write your own stories and post them everywhere. There must be other international divorced couples that CIR will affect. There must be other people stuck by H1B regulations and families falling apart. Go fight! I am from East Germany - I tell you if I had been stuck on one side of the border and my child on the other I would have fought as well 30 years ago. I am not intimidated by the USA, you should not be either! Make your voice heard!
Challenge 2 - Dear US Media!
I think you should be ashamed if you do not report fair and balanced on both sides of issues. There isn't just the poor illegal immigrants! Liberal, conservative, progressive, whatever, none of you feel for the ones that legally tried to stay in the US. BTW Just a thought - if 12, 20 million get amnesty, how about adding just a few temporary yet flexible work visas (might just be 10.000 or so) to the parents of minor citizens if the minor citizen was born during legal stays of the parent? I could ask this the politicians who would not listen. Will you not listen either?
Challenge 3 - Dear Michelle Malkin!
You are such an avid, young, and so conservative blogger and columnist. How I hated some of your syndicated columns in the University of Tennesee student newspaper. We are about the same age. I read you have kids, too. Pick up my story, rip it apart if you wish, but pick it up! You have my e-mail, it is posted below here as well.
Dirk
PS - Dear Anyone who hates the United Nations! Keep on hating them. If the US was a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, I would have brought a complaint against the US! This is possible for citizens of member states!
PS2 - The parent visit visas are also only for parents of citizens over 21 who sponsor that parent and post bail. Great! No nothing for somebody who is divorced and left the US and a minor child behind. Good bye! (.........) the USA. That is what I think now. And that merits points system seems to demand one has to take another TOEFL! As a PhD from a US university, too? How do you suppose I received a PhD in Biology - speaking Mandarin? No merit points either for having minor children in the US - but merit points for BEING an adult foreign child of a citizen! This is such an aweful legislation. What is such a merit about that? The word divorce doesn't even exist in the draft! Get divorced and you are out! Why is that - no divorces in the US? Immigrants never divorce? Divorce is not Christian? Or just IGNORANCE!
Anyone in a similar boat - I want to hear from you, read from you! Write your own stories and post them everywhere. There must be other international divorced couples that CIR will affect. There must be other people stuck by H1B regulations and families falling apart. Go fight! I am from East Germany - I tell you if I had been stuck on one side of the border and my child on the other I would have fought as well 30 years ago. I am not intimidated by the USA, you should not be either! Make your voice heard!
Challenge 2 - Dear US Media!
I think you should be ashamed if you do not report fair and balanced on both sides of issues. There isn't just the poor illegal immigrants! Liberal, conservative, progressive, whatever, none of you feel for the ones that legally tried to stay in the US. BTW Just a thought - if 12, 20 million get amnesty, how about adding just a few temporary yet flexible work visas (might just be 10.000 or so) to the parents of minor citizens if the minor citizen was born during legal stays of the parent? I could ask this the politicians who would not listen. Will you not listen either?
Challenge 3 - Dear Michelle Malkin!
You are such an avid, young, and so conservative blogger and columnist. How I hated some of your syndicated columns in the University of Tennesee student newspaper. We are about the same age. I read you have kids, too. Pick up my story, rip it apart if you wish, but pick it up! You have my e-mail, it is posted below here as well.
Dirk
PS - Dear Anyone who hates the United Nations! Keep on hating them. If the US was a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, I would have brought a complaint against the US! This is possible for citizens of member states!
PS2 - The parent visit visas are also only for parents of citizens over 21 who sponsor that parent and post bail. Great! No nothing for somebody who is divorced and left the US and a minor child behind. Good bye! (.........) the USA. That is what I think now. And that merits points system seems to demand one has to take another TOEFL! As a PhD from a US university, too? How do you suppose I received a PhD in Biology - speaking Mandarin? No merit points either for having minor children in the US - but merit points for BEING an adult foreign child of a citizen! This is such an aweful legislation. What is such a merit about that? The word divorce doesn't even exist in the draft! Get divorced and you are out! Why is that - no divorces in the US? Immigrants never divorce? Divorce is not Christian? Or just IGNORANCE!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The Neglect of Human Rights Principles by the United States (and only a few other nations)
According to the UNHCR website, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The Convention was entered into force in 1990. Since then, almost all United Nations members have ratified the Convention.
There are two prominent exceptions. One is the failed state, Somalia. Perhaps there wasn't a government to ratify it. Or some fundamentalist reason exists not to ratify it.
The other country not to ratify is a nation that often defies the United Nations and fears to be bound by international agreements possibly detrimental to itself. That country is the United States of America. Perhaps, some fundamentalist notion in itself is at play in the United States as well. Not surprisingly, the Homeschoolers oppose it! The companionship of Somalia and the United States indeed is striking!
Now let's see, what this means. I am now just talking about this in regards to immigration reform.
Article 9:
"States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child...."
Okay, "competent" autorities implies for example the court that declared me divorced. Giving primary custody to the other parent. Whether in the best interest of the child has little to do with immigration reform as that court has no influence on immigration status of parents. That court cannot force me to remain with my child in the US (e.g. against USCIS demands). In a way, unfortunately.
"States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child's best interests."
In my case, and likely and hopefully in many cases, the court will wish to preserve the contacts of minor children to both parents. Yet, in placing immigration law above this, the States Party (United States) does not respect this right. Well, again, the United States is not bound to this as it did not ratify the Convention. How clever! And how shameful for this human rights champion!
Now I am not just gonna bash the United States here. Some other countries ratified, but with objections basically nullifying this article.
Germany:
Not surprisingly, Germany has the most protracted, long phrases on how it deals with the Convention (Korea's below is just a short "no" to provisions). In Red here those objections and restrictions that in effect also make children of international divorce to second class children not allowed to have the other parent:
Upon signature: Declaration:
"The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany reserves the right to make, upon ratification, such declarations as it considers necessary, especially with regard to the interpretation of articles 9, 10, 18 and 22."
Upon ratification: Declarations:
....The planned measures include, in particular, a revision of the law on parental custody in respect of children whose parents have not married, are permanently living apart while still married, or are divorced. The principal aim will be to improve the conditions for the exercise of parental custody by both parents in such cases as well. The Federal Republic of Germany also declares that domestically the Convention does not apply directly. It establishes state obligations under international law that the Federal Republic of Germany fulfils in accordance with its national law, which conforms with the Convention.
The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is of the opinion that article 18 (1) of the Convention does not imply that by virtue of the entry into force of this provision parental custody, automatically and without taking into account the best interests of the respective child, applies to both parents even in the case of children whose parents have not married, are permanently living apart while still married, or are divorced. Such an interpretation would be incompatible with article 3 (1) of the Convention. The situation must be examined in a case-by-case basis, particularly where the parents cannot agree on the joint exercise of custody.
...
Nothing in the Convention may be interpreted as implying that unlawful entry by an alien into the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany or his unlawful stay there is permitted; nor may any provision be interpreted to mean that it restricts the right of the Federal Republic of Germany to pass laws and regulations concerning the entry of aliens and the conditions of their stay or to make a distinction between nationals and aliens.
--
Japan:
The Government of Japan declares that paragraph 1 of article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child be interpreted not to apply to a case where a child is separated from his or her parents as a result of deportation in accordance with its immigration law.
--
Korea:
The Republic of Korea considers itself not bound by the provisions of paragraph 3 of article 9, paragraph (a) of article 21 and sub-paragraph (b) (v) of paragraph 2 of article 40.
--
Iceland:
With respect to article 9, under Icelandic law the administrative authorities can take final decisions in some cases referred to in the article. These decisions are subject to judicial review in the sense that it is a principle of Icelandic law that courts can nullify administrative decisions if they conclude that they are based on unlawful premises. This competence of the courts to review administrative decisions is based on article 60 of the Constitution.
--
The countries of the former Yugoslavia withdrew earlier reservations on Article 9.1.
--
To summarize: Somalia and the United States did not ratify the Convention. Hence, immigration law can separate children from parents permanently. Germany has made reservations that effectively mean the same thing - yet the constitutional court meanwhile has ruled that deportation is not possible for parents of citizens (in German). Japan specifically states that immigration law trumps childrens rights, Korea without specification also feels not bound to Article 9. Iceland finally also states reservations that may mean the same. Hence, the core rogue nations in regards to human rights of children are about a handful!
Now dear reader you may understand my anger at the Comprehensive Immigration Reform if it does not implement relieve for broken families. Families broken because of failed immigration policies.
There are two prominent exceptions. One is the failed state, Somalia. Perhaps there wasn't a government to ratify it. Or some fundamentalist reason exists not to ratify it.
The other country not to ratify is a nation that often defies the United Nations and fears to be bound by international agreements possibly detrimental to itself. That country is the United States of America. Perhaps, some fundamentalist notion in itself is at play in the United States as well. Not surprisingly, the Homeschoolers oppose it! The companionship of Somalia and the United States indeed is striking!
Now let's see, what this means. I am now just talking about this in regards to immigration reform.
Article 9:
"States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child...."
Okay, "competent" autorities implies for example the court that declared me divorced. Giving primary custody to the other parent. Whether in the best interest of the child has little to do with immigration reform as that court has no influence on immigration status of parents. That court cannot force me to remain with my child in the US (e.g. against USCIS demands). In a way, unfortunately.
"States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child's best interests."
In my case, and likely and hopefully in many cases, the court will wish to preserve the contacts of minor children to both parents. Yet, in placing immigration law above this, the States Party (United States) does not respect this right. Well, again, the United States is not bound to this as it did not ratify the Convention. How clever! And how shameful for this human rights champion!
Now I am not just gonna bash the United States here. Some other countries ratified, but with objections basically nullifying this article.
Germany:
Not surprisingly, Germany has the most protracted, long phrases on how it deals with the Convention (Korea's below is just a short "no" to provisions). In Red here those objections and restrictions that in effect also make children of international divorce to second class children not allowed to have the other parent:
Upon signature: Declaration:
"The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany reserves the right to make, upon ratification, such declarations as it considers necessary, especially with regard to the interpretation of articles 9, 10, 18 and 22."
Upon ratification: Declarations:
....The planned measures include, in particular, a revision of the law on parental custody in respect of children whose parents have not married, are permanently living apart while still married, or are divorced. The principal aim will be to improve the conditions for the exercise of parental custody by both parents in such cases as well. The Federal Republic of Germany also declares that domestically the Convention does not apply directly. It establishes state obligations under international law that the Federal Republic of Germany fulfils in accordance with its national law, which conforms with the Convention.
The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is of the opinion that article 18 (1) of the Convention does not imply that by virtue of the entry into force of this provision parental custody, automatically and without taking into account the best interests of the respective child, applies to both parents even in the case of children whose parents have not married, are permanently living apart while still married, or are divorced. Such an interpretation would be incompatible with article 3 (1) of the Convention. The situation must be examined in a case-by-case basis, particularly where the parents cannot agree on the joint exercise of custody.
...
Nothing in the Convention may be interpreted as implying that unlawful entry by an alien into the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany or his unlawful stay there is permitted; nor may any provision be interpreted to mean that it restricts the right of the Federal Republic of Germany to pass laws and regulations concerning the entry of aliens and the conditions of their stay or to make a distinction between nationals and aliens.
--
Japan:
The Government of Japan declares that paragraph 1 of article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child be interpreted not to apply to a case where a child is separated from his or her parents as a result of deportation in accordance with its immigration law.
--
Korea:
The Republic of Korea considers itself not bound by the provisions of paragraph 3 of article 9, paragraph (a) of article 21 and sub-paragraph (b) (v) of paragraph 2 of article 40.
--
Iceland:
With respect to article 9, under Icelandic law the administrative authorities can take final decisions in some cases referred to in the article. These decisions are subject to judicial review in the sense that it is a principle of Icelandic law that courts can nullify administrative decisions if they conclude that they are based on unlawful premises. This competence of the courts to review administrative decisions is based on article 60 of the Constitution.
--
The countries of the former Yugoslavia withdrew earlier reservations on Article 9.1.
--
To summarize: Somalia and the United States did not ratify the Convention. Hence, immigration law can separate children from parents permanently. Germany has made reservations that effectively mean the same thing - yet the constitutional court meanwhile has ruled that deportation is not possible for parents of citizens (in German). Japan specifically states that immigration law trumps childrens rights, Korea without specification also feels not bound to Article 9. Iceland finally also states reservations that may mean the same. Hence, the core rogue nations in regards to human rights of children are about a handful!
Now dear reader you may understand my anger at the Comprehensive Immigration Reform if it does not implement relieve for broken families. Families broken because of failed immigration policies.
Two more media contact attempts
(Just 46 readers in 13 hours: readership is slow today on a weekend day, and most people come from DSL IPs rather than corporate office IPs; hope the site will gain momentum again monday.)
--
Number who supported the Open Letter as a petition: PetitionOnline Count
digg.com
Now I contacted an unnamed columnist of Newsweek, and I did contact Michelle Malkin. I know she would be anti-immigrant being the daughter of immigrants herself, but it would be interesting to see how she justifies the rewarding of the illegals and the kicking out of legals (or diminishing ways to immigrate legally for any reason) at the same time. If she ignores my mail, I will note that, if she attacks me, I don't care this gives me publicity as well.:
My message to Mrs Malkin:
we may strongly disagree on certain things politically, but nevertheless I find it important you are informed of my own stance for immigration reform, and how I think this rewarding of illegal behavior and at the same time shutting out much of legal immigration is extremely enraging me.
You have permission to quote this anywhere you want.
Please, take a look at my story on
http://immigrationparentsreform.blogspot.com/ and links throughout!
I think the US should be ashamed of how it treats those that follow the rules, lose their families through it, and now take all hopes of supporting children (US citizen) of divorce by more than peanut money from the lost father overseas.
This is no different than the wall erected by the Communists in Germany - and I endured that. Now I will not be silenced.
My message to Mrs Malkin:
we may strongly disagree on certain things politically, but nevertheless I find it important you are informed of my own stance for immigration reform, and how I think this rewarding of illegal behavior and at the same time shutting out much of legal immigration is extremely enraging me.
You have permission to quote this anywhere you want.
Please, take a look at my story on
http://immigrationparentsreform.blogspot.com/ and links throughout!
I think the US should be ashamed of how it treats those that follow the rules, lose their families through it, and now take all hopes of supporting children (US citizen) of divorce by more than peanut money from the lost father overseas.
This is no different than the wall erected by the Communists in Germany - and I endured that. Now I will not be silenced.
I shall fight on!
The US can separate families without this, just by not accepting international consensus that parents and minor children belong together, which appears to be cemented with the CIR.
.Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
Dirk Krueger
Shame USA for this piece of legislation!
The White House posted that the Green Card Lottery is also disbanded, and as they proudly state on White House Immigration Reform page, parent immigration will be capped (needless to say, only rich adult children may sponsor), and parents are now allowed to have special visas to visit citizen children. The Lottery was almost my last hope to get back to the US. It is great how they reward those illegal ones and boot everybody else. I see it now really this way - the US immigration system has destroyed my family, and now taken much of my ability to support my daughter more than just with financial peanuts. SHAME USA!!!!!
--
The following was also posted at German IndyMedia and Madison IndyMedia.
--
This I just wrote to Congress:
Dear Senators and House Representatives for Madison, WI; Committees on the Judiciary and Foreign Relations,
The President and the media reported a breakthrough in immigration reform.
As it appears, it will amount to legalizing all people that remained illegally in the country January 1, 2007, rewarding them with benefits an H1B visa holder never had. While a preferrable immigration based on education points will be introduced, in general, all legal ways to immigrate will be severely decreased in visa numbers, and perhaps also categories of eligible applicants. In addition, no provision deals with broken families.
The only change I see there is a new visa category for repeated visits by parents of minor US citizens, but no amendment of work visas to enable participation in the lives of children in divorces. This will perpetuate the shameful US way of dealing with international divorces involving minor US citizens - I repeat THEIR citizens. In addition, should EU-US negotiations on airline passenger data fail and the visa waiver regulations be stopped, not only will the tourism industry suffer by the long waits for visa interviews and the Open Skies agreement will become useless, but also the ability of divorced foreign parents to see their children will be further hampered.
I quote from http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/immigration/:
"FACT: Visas for parents of U.S. citizens are being capped, while visas for
siblings and adult children are eliminated."
I strongly protest the currently known bits of the comprehensive immigration reform as it rewards illegal immigrants, and further damages the hopes of legal immigrants, and of members of broken legacy families of the failed US immigration system.
Sincerely, on behalf of my citizen daughter
Dirk Krueger
PhD (Tennessee 2002)
Please note I will post this, without mentioning your e-mail addresses, on
immigrationparentsreform.blogspot.com
and
immigrationvoice.org
--
The following was also posted at German IndyMedia and Madison IndyMedia.
--
This I just wrote to Congress:
Dear Senators and House Representatives for Madison, WI; Committees on the Judiciary and Foreign Relations,
The President and the media reported a breakthrough in immigration reform.
As it appears, it will amount to legalizing all people that remained illegally in the country January 1, 2007, rewarding them with benefits an H1B visa holder never had. While a preferrable immigration based on education points will be introduced, in general, all legal ways to immigrate will be severely decreased in visa numbers, and perhaps also categories of eligible applicants. In addition, no provision deals with broken families.
The only change I see there is a new visa category for repeated visits by parents of minor US citizens, but no amendment of work visas to enable participation in the lives of children in divorces. This will perpetuate the shameful US way of dealing with international divorces involving minor US citizens - I repeat THEIR citizens. In addition, should EU-US negotiations on airline passenger data fail and the visa waiver regulations be stopped, not only will the tourism industry suffer by the long waits for visa interviews and the Open Skies agreement will become useless, but also the ability of divorced foreign parents to see their children will be further hampered.
I quote from http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/immigration/:
"FACT: Visas for parents of U.S. citizens are being capped, while visas for
siblings and adult children are eliminated."
I strongly protest the currently known bits of the comprehensive immigration reform as it rewards illegal immigrants, and further damages the hopes of legal immigrants, and of members of broken legacy families of the failed US immigration system.
Sincerely, on behalf of my citizen daughter
Dirk Krueger
PhD (Tennessee 2002)
Please note I will post this, without mentioning your e-mail addresses, on
immigrationparentsreform.blogspot.com
and
immigrationvoice.org
Friday, May 18, 2007
Some progress
My statistics (the counter) is giving some good news. People looked at the site coming from US governmental servers and state government servers; from the World Bank! Welcome someone at FOX News as well! Anyone in a similar boat - unite and fight! Equal treatment for illegals and legals, and family unification for everyone!
Number who supported the Open Letter as a petition: PetitionOnline Count
Looks good on Google as well, getting easier to find this story, e.g. just now "Letter President May 13" suffices to hit it on top of the list. Thank you all visitors!
PS - Dear Unknown Visitor from the Red Cross - if you work for the Red Cross, this is a humanitarian issue as well. Thank you!
Number who supported the Open Letter as a petition: PetitionOnline Count
Looks good on Google as well, getting easier to find this story, e.g. just now "Letter President May 13" suffices to hit it on top of the list. Thank you all visitors!
PS - Dear Unknown Visitor from the Red Cross - if you work for the Red Cross, this is a humanitarian issue as well. Thank you!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Posted at Indymedia
Well, now the Open Letter is posted at IndyMedia, especially since neither the Capitol Times nor TIME Magazine responded yet.
German IndyMedia
Madison WI IndyMedia
I also contacted the Progressive Magazine in Madison, WI asking for an OpEd opportunity.
PetitionOnline.com
digg.com
Last year, I have contacted every single one TV station in Madison, both newspapers, the national TV networks, several newspapers in major cities, The Nation, TIME, and Newsweek. Amazingly, not a single one responded. I did get a response from the German consulate in Chicago saying they can't do anything, of course. And one from the Green Party of Germany with no further follow-up after informing me which parlamentarian will be notified.
For one, I don't believe anymore in the distinction of liberal and conservative, that silly American thing. On certain issues, there just is ignorance. Fathers rights is ignored by a lot of so-called liberals and leftists. This is not to say that fathers rights might be pro-immigrant voices either, yet I have met some extremely nice and helpful people there - thank you Joe of Wisconsin Fathers for Children and Families.
It just happens to be I don't believe in inevitable destinies. I mean, some human construct like immigration laws is not something biologically inevitable such as death. So I am not gonna calm down and shut up! Be aware - I endured communism, and I am not intimidated by any crap capitalism poops.
This counter is just showing how many people read the Open Letter at this site alone:
German IndyMedia
Madison WI IndyMedia
I also contacted the Progressive Magazine in Madison, WI asking for an OpEd opportunity.
PetitionOnline.com
digg.com
Last year, I have contacted every single one TV station in Madison, both newspapers, the national TV networks, several newspapers in major cities, The Nation, TIME, and Newsweek. Amazingly, not a single one responded. I did get a response from the German consulate in Chicago saying they can't do anything, of course. And one from the Green Party of Germany with no further follow-up after informing me which parlamentarian will be notified.
For one, I don't believe anymore in the distinction of liberal and conservative, that silly American thing. On certain issues, there just is ignorance. Fathers rights is ignored by a lot of so-called liberals and leftists. This is not to say that fathers rights might be pro-immigrant voices either, yet I have met some extremely nice and helpful people there - thank you Joe of Wisconsin Fathers for Children and Families.
It just happens to be I don't believe in inevitable destinies. I mean, some human construct like immigration laws is not something biologically inevitable such as death. So I am not gonna calm down and shut up! Be aware - I endured communism, and I am not intimidated by any crap capitalism poops.
This counter is just showing how many people read the Open Letter at this site alone:
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Links to already compiled contacts with politicians and media
As a general rule, I will not post any communication here which is not addressed from / to elected officials or their staffers (the latter only with hiding personal information), government agencies or publicly known figures in the media world.
President George W. Bush (CC President Bill Clinton):
Senator Herb Kohl:
Senator Russ Feingold:
Representative Tammy Baldwin:
Gov. Jim Doyle of Wisconsin:
Representative Tancredo and Newsanchor Brokaw:
Both Green Party of Germany and Consulate General:
President George W. Bush (CC President Bill Clinton):
Senator Herb Kohl:
Senator Russ Feingold:
Representative Tammy Baldwin:
Gov. Jim Doyle of Wisconsin:
Representative Tancredo and Newsanchor Brokaw:
Both Green Party of Germany and Consulate General:
Monday, May 14, 2007
TIME Magazine asked for an OpEd
Also I contacted TIME Magazine to use my open letter. If no response, I will go to other media outlets.
"Dear Time Magazine,
please consider the publication or use of my Open Letter to President Bush (e.g. as an OpEd), which I have also sent in part to the Bill Clinton foundation. I keep track of the contacts on a blog (http://immigrationparentsreform.blogspot.com). If I do not hear from you, I will also ask Newsweek or other print media.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely
Dirk Krueger"
---
At the same time, I started to post correspondence online, and also asked FAIR, Fair Media Council, and Madison Indy Media for coverage. The latter may be a way to write another editorial on the issue ...
As of May 19, no media has taken up the issue.
"Dear Time Magazine,
please consider the publication or use of my Open Letter to President Bush (e.g. as an OpEd), which I have also sent in part to the Bill Clinton foundation. I keep track of the contacts on a blog (http://immigrationparentsreform.blogspot.com). If I do not hear from you, I will also ask Newsweek or other print media.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely
Dirk Krueger"
---
At the same time, I started to post correspondence online, and also asked FAIR, Fair Media Council, and Madison Indy Media for coverage. The latter may be a way to write another editorial on the issue ...
As of May 19, no media has taken up the issue.
William J. Clinton Foundation asked for help
My letter to President Bush was also sent to Bill Clinton's Foundation
(www.clintonfoundation.org) which states that its mission is:
"to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence"
which seems very appropriate.
(www.clintonfoundation.org) which states that its mission is:
"to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence"
which seems very appropriate.
Open Letter to the President, May 13, 2007
The Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington DC, 20500
USA
Subject: Open Letter - Immigration policy, divorce, and separated children
Dear Mr. President,
As a concerned father of a resident US Citizen living in Wisconsin I would like to write and comment on the state of the US immigration system and on the debated changes. I do not write for inappropriate favoritism, yet my interest in these affairs obviously is based on personal experience. Also, after years of living in the US, returning to East German home turf is not like home anymore; I feel as much American as European.
Originally I came to the US in 1998 to pursue a PhD in graduate school, entering the University of Tennessee. This is where I also met my past wife, another German expatriate. This is where I fevered with the US when the horrible news of 9/11 unfolded, and I fevered with the Americans during presidential campaigns. To be honest, I felt more at ease with the opponent side, but I understand and honor how America is run.
Moving on to Wisconsin, and onto marrying my German co-expatriate, I progressed through a series of postdoctoral appointments, working under H1B conditions and restrictions. Times for my supervisors in basic science were not easy, so due to lack of funds and my own inability (postdoctoral and non-resident status) to qualify for US grants I did not get any stable job. My wife meanwhile had the fortune of finding a good corporate employer who also started sponsoring her Green Card. We moved into our own new house, and had a baby. However, my inability to land a lasting job helped bring about the collapse of our marriage against my will. Shortly after the birth of our daughter, after a last minute effort to stay for her birth, I was divorced and removed in a state of depression and disbelief. As foreseen, I still could get no Green Card sponsoring job, and my time permitted on H1B neared its ultimate end. I had no other way but leaving when also a job offer in Germany came. I did not dare staying on as illegal alien, which would not just be inappropriate, but devastating for my future life, career, and thus relationship to my infant daughter.
After 9 years of spotless residency and having paid all taxes, I am back in Germany to a bumpy new start, while my daughter just turned 2. Perhaps I will never see her again. I would not dare begging the US for changes had I not an innocent daughter there who is otherwise damned to grow up fatherless. While the public fears “anchor babies” I can only say that done according to the law, there is no such category of human. My daughter may, if she still knows me, wishes so and can afford it, apply for a Green Card for me in distant 19 years when I am old and unproductive for US society, while instead, she would need me now. “Anchors” may perhaps only help people already illegal.
I am aware that I may have made wrong choices in my scientific career path, place I moved to, choice of partner. In economically instable times and times of relative equality of women, high divorce rates are expected. Society at large may not be to blame for the countless personal tragedies. Yet it is the laws and societal circumstances where such tragedies unfold.
I have learned that the United States has not ratified the US 1) Convention on the Rights of the Child. The latter states in Article 9 that children shall not be separated from parents against their will. I assume that even an infant without expressed will would not wish to be separated from a parent. Germany, according to a 2005 Supreme Court ruling, may not anymore deport divorced parents of children residing in the country. Brazil, according to Resolution 36, also grants residency to foreign parents of dependent children.
The United States has countless, often uneducated illegal immigrants. If their status is improved by the famous path to citizenship, or left unchanged, I believe that the US would do well to also treat educated foreigners with proper relations in the US better. Especially those foreign natives that have followed all rules should be treated at least equally.
The H1B regulations as well as Green Card delays are constantly endangering families. For example, it is near impossible to switch jobs easily. On paper, if for any reason a job, in academia hence also research money, runs out, one has 24 hours to leave. I myself could not visit friends and family, or research conferences outside the US, for several years, because of the short periods of funding and the extended waits for visa interviews. Obviously this has further damaged family life as well as career options. And if marriages between citizens and foreigners, or two foreigners with citizen children, fail under such conditions, the children will likely lose a parent.
The state of the immigration system is shameful for the United States, the self-declared champion of human rights. I myself have earned an advanced US degree, both benefiting from US tax money and giving back to society, and in the least with giving the US another citizen. Insecure times, and my wish to preserve my family and staying where my ex-wife was given her the chance for her Green Card, have meant that I am losing all.
Now I have vowed to myself to keep fighting. As a father of a citizen who is not intending to be that dreaded deadbeat father, I feel myself both entitled, and required to fight for a change. I am in touch with the staffers of congressmen Kohl, Feingold, Kennedy, and congresswoman Baldwin, and will document my fight and contact with media on the internet. Unfortunately, while covering equally sad immigrant stories such as that of Madison’s Asmeret Yosef, the unfortunate Antje Croton case, or foreign widows of deceased citizens, the story of a divorced father is less to the media outlets, perhaps already not favorable to father’s rights. Thus, I must engage myself on the internet, and with open letters.
If I ever am able to move back to the US after my middle age, I could only do so if there is a reasonable chance of succeeding there in the job market, otherwise I would risk homelessness in either country at old age. Unless also, the US is granting more relaxed work visas to parents of citizen children born innocently during legal residency times of a parent. Basically, I wish there was a visa category that allows switching positions, e.g. in times of economic downturn (for example, research funding hardships), to related, lesser jobs. I do not demand citizenship or Green Card if not appropriate, but for the sake of my child, I would like something near to it. Yet, as I have said, I do not see this as a fight for just myself. In these times of globalization, there are countless sad international divorce stories and will be.
Please, Mr. President, help the innocent dependents of a failed visa policy! Urge congress for a balanced, facetted immigration law encompassing both national security and the morals and family values you as a professed Christian nation adhere to. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely
Dr. Dirk Krueger
--
1) It was meant to write UN (United Nations).
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington DC, 20500
USA
Subject: Open Letter - Immigration policy, divorce, and separated children
Dear Mr. President,
As a concerned father of a resident US Citizen living in Wisconsin I would like to write and comment on the state of the US immigration system and on the debated changes. I do not write for inappropriate favoritism, yet my interest in these affairs obviously is based on personal experience. Also, after years of living in the US, returning to East German home turf is not like home anymore; I feel as much American as European.
Originally I came to the US in 1998 to pursue a PhD in graduate school, entering the University of Tennessee. This is where I also met my past wife, another German expatriate. This is where I fevered with the US when the horrible news of 9/11 unfolded, and I fevered with the Americans during presidential campaigns. To be honest, I felt more at ease with the opponent side, but I understand and honor how America is run.
Moving on to Wisconsin, and onto marrying my German co-expatriate, I progressed through a series of postdoctoral appointments, working under H1B conditions and restrictions. Times for my supervisors in basic science were not easy, so due to lack of funds and my own inability (postdoctoral and non-resident status) to qualify for US grants I did not get any stable job. My wife meanwhile had the fortune of finding a good corporate employer who also started sponsoring her Green Card. We moved into our own new house, and had a baby. However, my inability to land a lasting job helped bring about the collapse of our marriage against my will. Shortly after the birth of our daughter, after a last minute effort to stay for her birth, I was divorced and removed in a state of depression and disbelief. As foreseen, I still could get no Green Card sponsoring job, and my time permitted on H1B neared its ultimate end. I had no other way but leaving when also a job offer in Germany came. I did not dare staying on as illegal alien, which would not just be inappropriate, but devastating for my future life, career, and thus relationship to my infant daughter.
After 9 years of spotless residency and having paid all taxes, I am back in Germany to a bumpy new start, while my daughter just turned 2. Perhaps I will never see her again. I would not dare begging the US for changes had I not an innocent daughter there who is otherwise damned to grow up fatherless. While the public fears “anchor babies” I can only say that done according to the law, there is no such category of human. My daughter may, if she still knows me, wishes so and can afford it, apply for a Green Card for me in distant 19 years when I am old and unproductive for US society, while instead, she would need me now. “Anchors” may perhaps only help people already illegal.
I am aware that I may have made wrong choices in my scientific career path, place I moved to, choice of partner. In economically instable times and times of relative equality of women, high divorce rates are expected. Society at large may not be to blame for the countless personal tragedies. Yet it is the laws and societal circumstances where such tragedies unfold.
I have learned that the United States has not ratified the US 1) Convention on the Rights of the Child. The latter states in Article 9 that children shall not be separated from parents against their will. I assume that even an infant without expressed will would not wish to be separated from a parent. Germany, according to a 2005 Supreme Court ruling, may not anymore deport divorced parents of children residing in the country. Brazil, according to Resolution 36, also grants residency to foreign parents of dependent children.
The United States has countless, often uneducated illegal immigrants. If their status is improved by the famous path to citizenship, or left unchanged, I believe that the US would do well to also treat educated foreigners with proper relations in the US better. Especially those foreign natives that have followed all rules should be treated at least equally.
The H1B regulations as well as Green Card delays are constantly endangering families. For example, it is near impossible to switch jobs easily. On paper, if for any reason a job, in academia hence also research money, runs out, one has 24 hours to leave. I myself could not visit friends and family, or research conferences outside the US, for several years, because of the short periods of funding and the extended waits for visa interviews. Obviously this has further damaged family life as well as career options. And if marriages between citizens and foreigners, or two foreigners with citizen children, fail under such conditions, the children will likely lose a parent.
The state of the immigration system is shameful for the United States, the self-declared champion of human rights. I myself have earned an advanced US degree, both benefiting from US tax money and giving back to society, and in the least with giving the US another citizen. Insecure times, and my wish to preserve my family and staying where my ex-wife was given her the chance for her Green Card, have meant that I am losing all.
Now I have vowed to myself to keep fighting. As a father of a citizen who is not intending to be that dreaded deadbeat father, I feel myself both entitled, and required to fight for a change. I am in touch with the staffers of congressmen Kohl, Feingold, Kennedy, and congresswoman Baldwin, and will document my fight and contact with media on the internet. Unfortunately, while covering equally sad immigrant stories such as that of Madison’s Asmeret Yosef, the unfortunate Antje Croton case, or foreign widows of deceased citizens, the story of a divorced father is less to the media outlets, perhaps already not favorable to father’s rights. Thus, I must engage myself on the internet, and with open letters.
If I ever am able to move back to the US after my middle age, I could only do so if there is a reasonable chance of succeeding there in the job market, otherwise I would risk homelessness in either country at old age. Unless also, the US is granting more relaxed work visas to parents of citizen children born innocently during legal residency times of a parent. Basically, I wish there was a visa category that allows switching positions, e.g. in times of economic downturn (for example, research funding hardships), to related, lesser jobs. I do not demand citizenship or Green Card if not appropriate, but for the sake of my child, I would like something near to it. Yet, as I have said, I do not see this as a fight for just myself. In these times of globalization, there are countless sad international divorce stories and will be.
Please, Mr. President, help the innocent dependents of a failed visa policy! Urge congress for a balanced, facetted immigration law encompassing both national security and the morals and family values you as a professed Christian nation adhere to. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely
Dr. Dirk Krueger
--
1) It was meant to write UN (United Nations).
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Getting active
Today I have contacted Capitol Times, the liberal Madison newspaper, as well as staffers of Congressmen/women Feingold, Kohl, Kennedy, and Baldwin. Will see if the newspaper sees it fit to finally publish a letter to the editor.
Also, a copy of things posted so far is on my new site alice-dsl.net/dkruegerknox where I also plan to post all previous and future communication. Also reposted on the MSNBC Board "In the Shadow of the American Dream" (MSNBC Message Board). Mr. Tom Brokaw and US Rep. Tancredo of course did not see fit to respond about my story when I contacted them earlier.
The fight is on!
---
MSNBC Board:
Hi all, I am back here, now posting from Germany after the US government forced me to abandon my US citizen child. Somebody above posted that this never happens to whites, but I assure you it does.
Please browse there - those stories and blogs I am writing, and I am in touch with US senate staffers now, and will keep fighting! What a shame, not even Brazil is doing what the US is doing to foreign parents of citizens!!!!
Also, a copy of things posted so far is on my new site alice-dsl.net/dkruegerknox where I also plan to post all previous and future communication. Also reposted on the MSNBC Board "In the Shadow of the American Dream" (MSNBC Message Board). Mr. Tom Brokaw and US Rep. Tancredo of course did not see fit to respond about my story when I contacted them earlier.
The fight is on!
---
MSNBC Board:
Hi all, I am back here, now posting from Germany after the US government forced me to abandon my US citizen child. Somebody above posted that this never happens to whites, but I assure you it does.
Please browse there - those stories and blogs I am writing, and I am in touch with US senate staffers now, and will keep fighting! What a shame, not even Brazil is doing what the US is doing to foreign parents of citizens!!!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Contacted Congress again
Well I do live in Germany now, yet it is hard to fit in here as well. In some ways I now feel American and not German, in spite of the partly miserable experience I had in the US. Anyways I hang on. For now, I just note I gave a sign of life to the Wisconsin congress(wo)men:
"herewith I would like to inform you of my new address. As your Middleton and DC staffers might remember, I am the father of a US citizen in Middleton WI and have moved away back to Germany after divorce and no possibility to keep working on H1B in the US. I still feel responsible to urge for changes in the legal immigration system to allow people with infants in the US to immigrate legally for the support of their children, especially if they have lived in the US legally and obtained advanced US degrees. Please do not use the above address this form requires me to enter, but note my new home address: ..."
"herewith I would like to inform you of my new address. As your Middleton and DC staffers might remember, I am the father of a US citizen in Middleton WI and have moved away back to Germany after divorce and no possibility to keep working on H1B in the US. I still feel responsible to urge for changes in the legal immigration system to allow people with infants in the US to immigrate legally for the support of their children, especially if they have lived in the US legally and obtained advanced US degrees. Please do not use the above address this form requires me to enter, but note my new home address: ..."
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