We all know the economy isn't exactly thriving these days. Job security can feel a little shaky. But layoffs are common, and most tech workers can find a new job pretty quickly.
However, if you're in the States on a specialized visa, getting laid off means you have 10 days to pack up and get out of the country. When the company sends out notice that there may be layoffs, and that individuals will get notice in the next few days, panic sets in.
Friends of mine are in this situation right now. Waiting to find out if they have to pull their kids out of school and get flights, and pack the house. If the immigration laws made it easier for couples to both be granted work status, they wouldn't be facing this problem. If she could legally work here, they'd have time for him to secure a new position (which must be very specific research)and transfer his visa to the new company. But as things are, they may be back in England in two weeks.
Update: Fortunately, for my friends, he didn't loose his job in this round of lay-offs. So there is hope. The sadest thing is that the research is really important, and could save lives. So, I'm glad they get to stay for both selfish and altruistic reasons. I'm glad my friends get to stay, and that the research continues.
Monday, November 3, 2008
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4 comments:
Yeah, that's too bad. I don't know why folks are so nuts about immigration. It's been that way throughout much of our history, and our laws reflect the schizophrenic outlook that American society has long had about the issue.
Considering we're nearly all descended from immigrants, the arguments against immigrants who want to work and raise families seem more than a little hypocritical. A more historical perspective would also tell us that many countries have greatly benefited from drawing the best and brightest and hardest-working.
Just one more of many things that need to be fixed in the U.S., but in the meantime it's our loss, too.
Do you realize Google is posting a "Yes on Prop 8" advert in your google sense space ?
anonymous, thank you for alerting me. It took some time, but managed to get the ad blocked...unless they change their domain :(
Gordon, I'm not sure they originally intended to emigrate. He's a research scientist, and was offered the position here while in the UK. But because of immigration policies, they're trapped in this awful condition of uncertainty.
It seems like we could do better, on all fronts, when it comes to immigration policies. There's got to be a better way.
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