NEW USCIS OMBUDSMAN NAMED

Michael Dougherty will fill the position recently vacated by Prakash Khatri, the long-serving previous ombudsman. Dougherty's bio can be found here.

Comments

[AD]

Last year's senate bill was a disastrous bill for legals. Kyl had to take the mantle on as Mccain was running for office. Its not like he wanted to take it on.

As USC said, it will be difficult to achieve the standards Mr Khatri set. That said, What s wrong with the actual green card production process? Are you kidding me? Aren't there any better issues for the OB to conduct a post mortem on rather than whether the machinery is producing 100 widgets per minute or not and US mail is delivering 100% of the GC with out failure.

For example, Why not ask USCIS about how many numbers they have used so far in the wake of last years VB gate? Now Dont tell me that OB comes in after the fiscal year ends. The visa numbers dont wait.

[USC]

"Well, what, exactly, is objectionable about the Ombudsman's"

Quite, frankly, he is unfit for the job. He comes from a government service background while for an Ombudsman position you need someone who is versed in immigration law and is familiar with INS' inefficencies, iow, an immigration lawyer.

"I seem to recall Kyl being the chief Republican champion of last year's comprehensive reform bill."

Yes, he was responsible for all the provisions that the legals found objectionable.

[EB3]

Dougherty's appointment and background have been well known for a while now, so I'm also surprised by the posting. The March 4 DHS press release clearly states it: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1204720623164.shtm. Also, Dougherty is currently in the position and has been on the job since March, so it is inaccurate to say he "will" fill the position. So what can one expect from someone who worked for Kyl? Well, what, exactly, is objectionable about the Ombudsman's teleconference on the Green Card production process? Are there similar complaints about his recommendation last month that USCIS clarify its refund of fees procedures and provide customers with a way to track the status of a refund? I seem to recall Kyl being the chief Republican champion of last year's comprehensive reform bill.

[Greg Siskind]

The bio was just posted for the first time by DHS yesterday.

[AD]

Wasn't this appointment made like a month ago. I am surprised why you are reporting now. You know what the new OB held a conf call
"How the actual green card creation process (from the machinery) is working for you?" What can you expect from some one who has worked for Jon Kyl?

[USC]

This seems to be a bad appointment as far as immigrants are concerned. This "dude" is likely to side with INS over the aggrieved.