anu_t
06-16 01:11 AM
http://grassley.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.View&PressRelease_id=5428
GRASSLEY CONTINUES WORK TO CLOSE H-1B AND L VISA LOOPHOLES
WASHINGTON -- Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin today continued their quest to ensure that American workers are protected, and that companies who bring in foreign workers are complying with the law.
The Senators today sent a letter to Emilio Gonzalez, the director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, asking more questions about how the agency is addressing fraud and abuse in the H-1B visa program.
Earlier this month, the Senators sent letters to the top 9 foreign-owned companies to determine the companies' usage of H-1B visas. Today's letter comes on the heels of responses received from several of the foreign companies.
"From the responses we've received thus far, it�s evident that American workers are in the minority at these companies. I expect Citizenship and Immigration Services to take a hard look at their recruiting methods to make sure they are complying with the law," Grassley said. "We cannot just increase the annual allocation of visas without understanding how companies are using them."
"We've begun to question how many companies are complying with H-1B visa requirements," Durbin said. "I look forward to hearing back from Director Gonzalez on what the government is doing to enforce the law."
At this time, Grassley and Durbin will not be releasing the information received from the companies.
Here is a copy of the letter to Gonzalez.
June 13, 2007
The Honorable Emilio T. Gonzalez
Director
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20529
Dear Director Gonzalez:
Recently, we asked the foreign-based companies who obtain the most H-1B visas to answer questions regarding their workforce, wages, recruitment efforts, and usage of H-1B visas in the United States. Our letters were intended to learn more about how some companies are using the H-1B visa program. We remain concerned that the H-1B and L visa programs are facilitating the displacement of Americans by cheaper foreign workers. We continue our effort to understand how the H-1B and L visa programs are being used by U.S. and foreign-based companies, and therefore request that you provide details related to these programs.
Under current law, H-1B-dependent employers are required to attest that they have not displaced comparable workers in the United States before hiring a foreign worker. They must also make a good faith effort to recruit Americans first.
The responses to our letters to foreign-based H-1B users have led us to question how many companies are currently defined as H-1B-dependent, and if these employers who depend on H-1B visa holders are being adequately monitored for compliance with H-1B program requirements. While we understand that the Department of Labor has primary jurisdiction over H-1B dependent employers, we would like to understand your agency�s role in ensuring compliance with laws regarding displacement and recruitment.
We have also become concerned about the use of L visas by companies who also use large numbers of H-1B visas. Many companies are allowed to bring in L visa workers through a Ablanket petition,@ which is approved by USCIS. While the blanket petition is meant to simplify the process, we fear that some foreign workers may be approved for visas by the Department of State without proper oversight by USCIS, which has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with L visa program requirements.
In order to better understand the nature of the L visa program, we need to have access to better statistics. We would like to know how many L visas are approved each year, and what companies use the program. We would also like to know more about the use of the blanket petition for L visa holders, and USCIS=s ability to monitor individual visa holders who are allowed entry into the United States on a blanket petition.
Finally, we are concerned about the level of fraud monitoring of the H-1B and L visa programs. While we understand that the Fraud Detection and National Security unit is analyzing and writing an assessment of the H-1B program, we are concerned that abuse of both programs is not being addressed adequately. Given that the immigration bill before the Senate includes a provision to allow USCIS to divert special funds to other operations, we would like to know how many dollars have been used specifically for H-1B and L fraud efforts. We also seek more details about how these investigations are being handled within the Department.
Given these concerns, we respectfully ask that the following answers be provided to us by Wednesday, June 20, 2007.
H-1B Dependent Employers
$ Please explain the process of identifying employers as H-1B dependent employers pursuant to INA Section 212(n)(3).
$ How many companies are defined by USCIS to be AH-1B dependent@ employers?
$ How are these H-1B dependent employers being monitored, if at all, by USCIS?
Blanket L Visa Petitions
$ How many L visas have been approved each year since 2000?
$ Please provide lists of companies that have used the L visa program for each of the two most recently available years, and how many visas each company has obtained in each year.
$ Since USCIS has primary jurisdiction over blanket petitions and visa policies, what role has been delegated to the Department of State and how is your agency ensuring that aliens under the blanket petition are being properly screened before entering the U.S.?
$ What role, if any, does USCIS play in monitoring the approval of L visas covered by blanket petitions?
$ Please provide an explanation of USCIS=s ability to track individual L visa holders who are allowed entry into the United States on visas covered by a blanket petition.
Investigations of Fraud and Abuse
$ Annually, what has been the total amount of funds deposited into the Fraud Prevention and Detection Account under INA Section 286(v) since it was established? Of this amount, what amount has been provided to the Department of Homeland Security under 286(v)(2)(B)?
$ How have the funds provided pursuant to 286(v)(2)(B) been used in FY2005, FY2006, and thus far in FY2007? How many funds have not been expended in a given year?
$ How does USCIS plan to spend the remaining funds left in FY2007?
$ How many total fraud and abuse referrals have been sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the last two years? How many of these referrals, to your knowledge, have been pursued? How many referrals, to your knowledge, are pending? Please provide any further details about specific cases or referrals to ICE that may be helpful to understanding the process within the Department.
$ Please provide examples of recent investigative referrals to ICE dealing with H-1B or L visas. Please explain any referrals in the last two years that have not been pursued or that have been closed, and provide information on how many are currently pending.
While we anticipate your concerns about providing such information to us by Wednesday, June 20th, we must stress the fact that the U.S. Senate is considering comprehensive legislation that would change immigration policies for years to come. The H-1B and L visa programs must be better understood before further action is taken on this bill. We appreciate your cooperation in providing us with input in the next week.
Please contact XXXXXXXX if you have any questions regarding this matter. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator United States Senator
GRASSLEY CONTINUES WORK TO CLOSE H-1B AND L VISA LOOPHOLES
WASHINGTON -- Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin today continued their quest to ensure that American workers are protected, and that companies who bring in foreign workers are complying with the law.
The Senators today sent a letter to Emilio Gonzalez, the director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, asking more questions about how the agency is addressing fraud and abuse in the H-1B visa program.
Earlier this month, the Senators sent letters to the top 9 foreign-owned companies to determine the companies' usage of H-1B visas. Today's letter comes on the heels of responses received from several of the foreign companies.
"From the responses we've received thus far, it�s evident that American workers are in the minority at these companies. I expect Citizenship and Immigration Services to take a hard look at their recruiting methods to make sure they are complying with the law," Grassley said. "We cannot just increase the annual allocation of visas without understanding how companies are using them."
"We've begun to question how many companies are complying with H-1B visa requirements," Durbin said. "I look forward to hearing back from Director Gonzalez on what the government is doing to enforce the law."
At this time, Grassley and Durbin will not be releasing the information received from the companies.
Here is a copy of the letter to Gonzalez.
June 13, 2007
The Honorable Emilio T. Gonzalez
Director
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20529
Dear Director Gonzalez:
Recently, we asked the foreign-based companies who obtain the most H-1B visas to answer questions regarding their workforce, wages, recruitment efforts, and usage of H-1B visas in the United States. Our letters were intended to learn more about how some companies are using the H-1B visa program. We remain concerned that the H-1B and L visa programs are facilitating the displacement of Americans by cheaper foreign workers. We continue our effort to understand how the H-1B and L visa programs are being used by U.S. and foreign-based companies, and therefore request that you provide details related to these programs.
Under current law, H-1B-dependent employers are required to attest that they have not displaced comparable workers in the United States before hiring a foreign worker. They must also make a good faith effort to recruit Americans first.
The responses to our letters to foreign-based H-1B users have led us to question how many companies are currently defined as H-1B-dependent, and if these employers who depend on H-1B visa holders are being adequately monitored for compliance with H-1B program requirements. While we understand that the Department of Labor has primary jurisdiction over H-1B dependent employers, we would like to understand your agency�s role in ensuring compliance with laws regarding displacement and recruitment.
We have also become concerned about the use of L visas by companies who also use large numbers of H-1B visas. Many companies are allowed to bring in L visa workers through a Ablanket petition,@ which is approved by USCIS. While the blanket petition is meant to simplify the process, we fear that some foreign workers may be approved for visas by the Department of State without proper oversight by USCIS, which has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with L visa program requirements.
In order to better understand the nature of the L visa program, we need to have access to better statistics. We would like to know how many L visas are approved each year, and what companies use the program. We would also like to know more about the use of the blanket petition for L visa holders, and USCIS=s ability to monitor individual visa holders who are allowed entry into the United States on a blanket petition.
Finally, we are concerned about the level of fraud monitoring of the H-1B and L visa programs. While we understand that the Fraud Detection and National Security unit is analyzing and writing an assessment of the H-1B program, we are concerned that abuse of both programs is not being addressed adequately. Given that the immigration bill before the Senate includes a provision to allow USCIS to divert special funds to other operations, we would like to know how many dollars have been used specifically for H-1B and L fraud efforts. We also seek more details about how these investigations are being handled within the Department.
Given these concerns, we respectfully ask that the following answers be provided to us by Wednesday, June 20, 2007.
H-1B Dependent Employers
$ Please explain the process of identifying employers as H-1B dependent employers pursuant to INA Section 212(n)(3).
$ How many companies are defined by USCIS to be AH-1B dependent@ employers?
$ How are these H-1B dependent employers being monitored, if at all, by USCIS?
Blanket L Visa Petitions
$ How many L visas have been approved each year since 2000?
$ Please provide lists of companies that have used the L visa program for each of the two most recently available years, and how many visas each company has obtained in each year.
$ Since USCIS has primary jurisdiction over blanket petitions and visa policies, what role has been delegated to the Department of State and how is your agency ensuring that aliens under the blanket petition are being properly screened before entering the U.S.?
$ What role, if any, does USCIS play in monitoring the approval of L visas covered by blanket petitions?
$ Please provide an explanation of USCIS=s ability to track individual L visa holders who are allowed entry into the United States on visas covered by a blanket petition.
Investigations of Fraud and Abuse
$ Annually, what has been the total amount of funds deposited into the Fraud Prevention and Detection Account under INA Section 286(v) since it was established? Of this amount, what amount has been provided to the Department of Homeland Security under 286(v)(2)(B)?
$ How have the funds provided pursuant to 286(v)(2)(B) been used in FY2005, FY2006, and thus far in FY2007? How many funds have not been expended in a given year?
$ How does USCIS plan to spend the remaining funds left in FY2007?
$ How many total fraud and abuse referrals have been sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the last two years? How many of these referrals, to your knowledge, have been pursued? How many referrals, to your knowledge, are pending? Please provide any further details about specific cases or referrals to ICE that may be helpful to understanding the process within the Department.
$ Please provide examples of recent investigative referrals to ICE dealing with H-1B or L visas. Please explain any referrals in the last two years that have not been pursued or that have been closed, and provide information on how many are currently pending.
While we anticipate your concerns about providing such information to us by Wednesday, June 20th, we must stress the fact that the U.S. Senate is considering comprehensive legislation that would change immigration policies for years to come. The H-1B and L visa programs must be better understood before further action is taken on this bill. We appreciate your cooperation in providing us with input in the next week.
Please contact XXXXXXXX if you have any questions regarding this matter. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator United States Senator
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samcam
05-23 10:53 AM
Good job Salil..
vrbest
05-07 04:09 PM
Soft LUD means the date changed but no message content change..
Hard LUD means both date and message changed..
THanks for the information. Now its little encouraging. could you clear one of my other questions.. whats the difference between LUD and soft LUD. I logged in the USCIS website
and i see the date changed at the LUD to 04/28/2009. What is that is that a soft lud or LUD
Thanks
Hard LUD means both date and message changed..
THanks for the information. Now its little encouraging. could you clear one of my other questions.. whats the difference between LUD and soft LUD. I logged in the USCIS website
and i see the date changed at the LUD to 04/28/2009. What is that is that a soft lud or LUD
Thanks
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cool_cat
09-26 05:11 PM
Hi, My application for I485 was received by Texas service centre. I have not received my RN and neither is my check has been cashed yet. I am confused looking at the online dates at www.USCIS.gov. Is there anyone who filled on 2nd of july and have not heard back from USCIS.
Thanks!
Thanks!
more...
vin13
01-16 11:52 AM
Yes, it would be part of the lottery system (for company C)
Yes, there is a chance of H1 not going through.
It is as good as you applying for the H1-B for the first time.
Yes, there is a chance of H1 not going through.
It is as good as you applying for the H1-B for the first time.
walking_dude
10-23 11:03 AM
I have created this thread to communicate and track MI chapter activities on creation of eGroups to serve the needs of the MI chapter
1) Data on 10/20 meet has been compiled and documented. Minutes of the Meeting will be provided to the attendees soon through a secure eGroup (files/document section)
2) Work in progress to provide a secure, trusted E-group which provides the best features available to our community. Pilot groups have been created in Yahoo and Google to study the features, ease of use and ease of management (for the mods).
Results so far
Google
---------
Pros :
1) New.
2) Has stacked thread view similar to Gmail.
3) Ease of use (not much functionality to confuse users).
4) Supports HTML pages and also commenting on those pages. Google search available to search the threads.
5) New, hence not blocked in many offices ( esp mine :))
Cons :
1) Buggiest of the three! (I created a 'Restricted' group. None of the links are working)
2) Key features such a Polls, Database missing.
3) Limited management options.
Yahoo
---------
Pros :
1) Stable
2) Lots of management options. Powerful
3) Powerful member features - Polls, Database
Cons:
1) Old/dated
2) Text only ( unless you send E-mails externally)
3) Options could be overwhelming to a new user!
4) Blocked in many offices ( E-mails can still be received. Other features like Polls, Database need to be accessed from home)
Right now, per my experience so far - Yahoo seems the best option. Let me know your ideas.
And once we decide on a platform
1) I need 2-3 days to setup the group to meet groups needs and expectations.
2) MI meet attendees will be sent invitations to join the group.
3) Others who responded to the Meet invitation but couldn't attend will be contacted to check if they wish to join the group
4) MI chapter eGroups successfully launched!
1) Data on 10/20 meet has been compiled and documented. Minutes of the Meeting will be provided to the attendees soon through a secure eGroup (files/document section)
2) Work in progress to provide a secure, trusted E-group which provides the best features available to our community. Pilot groups have been created in Yahoo and Google to study the features, ease of use and ease of management (for the mods).
Results so far
---------
Pros :
1) New.
2) Has stacked thread view similar to Gmail.
3) Ease of use (not much functionality to confuse users).
4) Supports HTML pages and also commenting on those pages. Google search available to search the threads.
5) New, hence not blocked in many offices ( esp mine :))
Cons :
1) Buggiest of the three! (I created a 'Restricted' group. None of the links are working)
2) Key features such a Polls, Database missing.
3) Limited management options.
Yahoo
---------
Pros :
1) Stable
2) Lots of management options. Powerful
3) Powerful member features - Polls, Database
Cons:
1) Old/dated
2) Text only ( unless you send E-mails externally)
3) Options could be overwhelming to a new user!
4) Blocked in many offices ( E-mails can still be received. Other features like Polls, Database need to be accessed from home)
Right now, per my experience so far - Yahoo seems the best option. Let me know your ideas.
And once we decide on a platform
1) I need 2-3 days to setup the group to meet groups needs and expectations.
2) MI meet attendees will be sent invitations to join the group.
3) Others who responded to the Meet invitation but couldn't attend will be contacted to check if they wish to join the group
4) MI chapter eGroups successfully launched!
more...
Dustinthewind
01-05 07:33 AM
@thomachan72 - Thank you! Great idea on the trailer with dialogues! Our goal was to create an engaging, relatively fast paced and high level quick Teaser first to get people's attention and then release a Trailer with dialogues just like you mentioned in a few weeks. So the main full film trailer will come out late January/early February. Stay tuned.
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nousername
03-31 05:47 PM
Your 180 days start from the day your I-94 expired. And yes, 2 weeks or 4 weeks over stay will make a difference. Next time when you enter the country or at the Visa office they might ask you the reason.
You did nit clarify if your partner is a US citizen, PR or visa holder. That might help in giving you some additional advise.
You did nit clarify if your partner is a US citizen, PR or visa holder. That might help in giving you some additional advise.
more...
mpadapa
08-04 03:36 PM
Based on what you have said. She is not even entitled for EAD, because U, mentioned that she got married after 485 was filed by here spouse. If the spouse had added her as dependent after marriage then she can derive EAD and AP benefits. Also if she is a dependent on his 485 there should be some concrete evidence (divorce papers) for him to drop her out of the dependent status.
We need much more info to help out.
1. What is immigration status currently? She can file for a I-485 if her labor has been approved. If she is on H4, then there is nothing she can do.
..............?
--She is on H4
2. Is she a dependent on her husbands I-485? If so, then she dosen't need to file 1-485 again, she can get her EAD.
..............?
--He had filed his 485 before she got married to him.
We need much more info to help out.
1. What is immigration status currently? She can file for a I-485 if her labor has been approved. If she is on H4, then there is nothing she can do.
..............?
--She is on H4
2. Is she a dependent on her husbands I-485? If so, then she dosen't need to file 1-485 again, she can get her EAD.
..............?
--He had filed his 485 before she got married to him.
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number30
03-27 10:16 AM
As i can work only 240 days from my I94 expiry date, i can't work after July 2010
so am planning to go to India to attend the embassy as soon as possible.
Thanks in Advance,
Satya.
240 days only in case of Pending. Do not stay over 180 days.
so am planning to go to India to attend the embassy as soon as possible.
Thanks in Advance,
Satya.
240 days only in case of Pending. Do not stay over 180 days.
more...
Ramkumar
04-29 05:10 PM
# When you did your H1 transfer, how many years you got extension?
Ans: I got laid off Nov'30th 2009 from Company A. I joined company B on first week of Dec' 2009. I think they were filed my H1B transfer at that time. As per Company B policy they can apply only 2 years. so that I got two extension.
# What are the documents that you sent to COMPANY B?
Ans: I provided as usual all regualr documents.(3 months salary slip, H1B approval doc,etc)
# When employer A is good to take you back to his company before filing 485 why are you filing labour again!!!, I understand that for safer side you were filing labour again, I am trying to know does employer A should revoke 140 since we left him (Is this rule / Law to revoke 140's of non existing employee!!!)
Ans: Company A is very good support for all employee. still now they didn't revoke my I-140. I spoke to Company A attorney they said, will not revoke my I-140. If chance come back, definitley they rehire me back.
Ans: I got laid off Nov'30th 2009 from Company A. I joined company B on first week of Dec' 2009. I think they were filed my H1B transfer at that time. As per Company B policy they can apply only 2 years. so that I got two extension.
# What are the documents that you sent to COMPANY B?
Ans: I provided as usual all regualr documents.(3 months salary slip, H1B approval doc,etc)
# When employer A is good to take you back to his company before filing 485 why are you filing labour again!!!, I understand that for safer side you were filing labour again, I am trying to know does employer A should revoke 140 since we left him (Is this rule / Law to revoke 140's of non existing employee!!!)
Ans: Company A is very good support for all employee. still now they didn't revoke my I-140. I spoke to Company A attorney they said, will not revoke my I-140. If chance come back, definitley they rehire me back.
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saurav_4096
10-02 03:08 PM
the RFE was on Ability to Pay
If the company is making profit and they are paying salary as specified in LC. I think you be good after appealing.
If the company is making profit and they are paying salary as specified in LC. I think you be good after appealing.
more...
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karthiknv143
05-22 11:51 AM
People will be filing their I-485, not their EAD. EAD is something one gets after the 1-485 application has been pending for 6 months :)
You are wrong in what you are stating. It is filed together with your 485 appln
You are wrong in what you are stating. It is filed together with your 485 appln
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antihero
11-27 12:51 AM
I recently used the AP to enter the US. There were no issues in the US. However, the immigration official in India had some confusion trying to understand the AP. I had to show him a letter that my company's lawyer had given me listing the details of the AP and that I could use it for entering the US.
Hi Guru,
So did you have any other US visa in your passport, or were you carrying just AP document?
Hi Guru,
So did you have any other US visa in your passport, or were you carrying just AP document?
more...
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HereIComeGC
03-26 11:06 AM
I will go first: 50%
:p
:p
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chunky
07-26 03:04 PM
My company filed my green card and have applied for 485 for me and my wife on July 19 with July visa bulletin reinstated. We have also applied for AP and EAD for my wife. We both are on H1 at this time. My wife' job is going to end by month end.
Does she need to file change of status to H4 or it is fine to stay in US with AOS pending status.
My 140 is still pending
Does she need to file change of status to H4 or it is fine to stay in US with AOS pending status.
My 140 is still pending
more...
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Anders �stberg
July 15th, 2004, 06:55 PM
I can't stop thinking about how the picture would have looked with the mother bird in focus and the young OOF... it didn't occur to me at the time but it would have been very cool to try to preset focus for the approaching bird... I hope they are still there tomorrow...
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number30
07-23 07:54 PM
I'm in a similar predicament as well. I'm on EAD and 485 is pending, can I claim unemployment benefits?
Only problem is that, it will become a documented proof of your current unemployment. Otherwise it is just insurance. Dependents can go that safely. Primary I am not sure.
Only problem is that, it will become a documented proof of your current unemployment. Otherwise it is just insurance. Dependents can go that safely. Primary I am not sure.
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gcisadawg
04-07 03:41 PM
jnraajan,
Thanks for your reply! We surely dont want to jeopardize the ability of her to visit us again! We may have to stick to the original expiry date then!
Would taking an Infopass appointment help?
Other Folks,
Pls. let me know if there are other feedback.
rgds,
gcisadawg
Thanks for your reply! We surely dont want to jeopardize the ability of her to visit us again! We may have to stick to the original expiry date then!
Would taking an Infopass appointment help?
Other Folks,
Pls. let me know if there are other feedback.
rgds,
gcisadawg
u.misc
02-01 09:47 AM
Dear all,
I am sorry to post here. I know this is wrong but don't know where to go to. My husband does not have any idea about how to invest his money. Could someone please help me and tell me how you can diversify your savings as an NRI for a safe secure future?
I rely on him for all this but I get no help.
Thank you for your support.
Again, my apologies.
BUY AND READ THE BOOK TITLED:
"INVESTMENT FOR DUMMIES" whose GC is in process and priority date in backlogged due to retrogression and by the way married to husband who's cash pooping machine but can't figure out what to do with money.
Its along title but you sure can get a good deal on amazon.
I am sorry to post here. I know this is wrong but don't know where to go to. My husband does not have any idea about how to invest his money. Could someone please help me and tell me how you can diversify your savings as an NRI for a safe secure future?
I rely on him for all this but I get no help.
Thank you for your support.
Again, my apologies.
BUY AND READ THE BOOK TITLED:
"INVESTMENT FOR DUMMIES" whose GC is in process and priority date in backlogged due to retrogression and by the way married to husband who's cash pooping machine but can't figure out what to do with money.
Its along title but you sure can get a good deal on amazon.
kartikiran
07-31 12:00 PM
when I am not even able to enjoy the humor present in this thread...
Waiting since March 25th 2002...:(
Waiting since March 25th 2002...:(
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