krishnam70
11-20 03:51 PM
Generally speaking, it is always better to re-enter on nonimmigrant visa than on AP. This is because when one re-enters on non-immigrant visa, one receives a non-immigrant status, which is great. H4 is not dependent on EAD or vice versa. Remember, to loose H4 visa status you need to brake immigration law or do something that violates the immigration law. Technically speaking, if one works on EAD, one does not brake any law due to the EAD being valid. So yes, she can re-enter on h4, receiving H-4 status, and still work as long as EAD is valid. This is a gray area, but as per my attorney it is allowable due to the vague nature of the INA (Immigration and Naturalization Act), which states, that one looses non-immigrant status when one "works without authorization." However, think about it. If one is on H-4, one works on EAD at the same time, one does not loose non-immigrant status because such a person performs "authorized employment" through valid EAD.
Regards,
Right on the money.
Regards,
Right on the money.
wallpaper funny photos for facebook
srinivasj
05-18 01:34 PM
I read those threads....I appreciate his efforts and patience in doing it...those articles are though provoking..
it is not random fun or irrelevant topics..
it is not random fun or irrelevant topics..
sundevil
03-23 12:19 PM
RIP .....
The report does not say that they were not wearing seat belts.
Folks,
I read in this (http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=170404&catid=3) report that none of the 4 students were wearing seat belts. Please always wear your seat belts.
My prayers are with their families
The report does not say that they were not wearing seat belts.
Folks,
I read in this (http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=170404&catid=3) report that none of the 4 students were wearing seat belts. Please always wear your seat belts.
My prayers are with their families
2011 pictures pictures for facebook
Ann Ruben
01-26 10:05 PM
The officer who interviewed you was absolutely incorrect. If you have maintained valid H-1B status you are NOT required to obtain an Advance Parole in order to travel without abandoning your AOS application.The following text from the USCIS Adjudicator's Field Manual makes this clear:
__________________________________________________ ______________
USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual, Chapter 23.2
…….(2) Exceptions to the General Rule .
Certain applicants for adjustment of status before USCIS are not considered to have abandoned their applications simply by having departed from the U.S., even if they did not obtain an advance parole prior to their departure. The following aliens fall within the exceptions to the general rule:
(A) H and L Nonimmigrants with “Dual Intent.”
Under 8 CFR 214.2(h)(16)(i) and 8 CFR 214.2(l)(16) , H-1B, H-1C, L-1A, and L-1B nonimmigrants, and their dependent family members in H-4 or L-2 nonimmigrant classification, may be eligible to maintain and extend their nonimmigrant status while their applications for permanent residence under section 245 of the Act remain pending. The approval of a labor certification or preference visa petition or the filing of an adjustment of status application may not be the basis for a denial of an application for extension of stay by an H-1B, H-1C, or L-1 nonimmigrant or an application for change of status within the H-1B, H-1C, or L-1 classifications.
As long as an H-1B, H-1C, and L-1 nonimmigrant remains compliant with his or her nonimmigrant classification, including restrictions on periods of stay, changes in employers, and conditions of employment, the mere fact that he or she has filed an application for adjustment of status does not render him or her ineligible for an extension of nonimmigrant status. Similarly, the mere fact than an alien has filed an application for adjustment of status does not make him or her ineligible for nonimmigrant classification as an H-1B, H-1C, or L-1.
Under 8 CFR 245.2a(4)(ii)(C) , H-1/H-4 or L-1/L-2 nonimmigrant adjustment of status applicants who are not in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings are not required to seek advance parole to travel abroad. They may be readmitted to the United States in the same status they maintained at the time of their departure, provided that they are able to demonstrate to the immigration officer at a port of entry that they:
• remain eligible for H-1/H-4 or L-1/L-2 classification,
• are in possession of a valid H-1/H-4 or L-1/L-2 nonimmigrant visa (if a visa is required), and
• are coming to resume employment with the same employer for whom they had been authorized to work as an H-1 or L-1 nonimmigrant (or, in the case of dependents, the spouse or parent through whom they received their H-4 or L-2 status is maintaining his or her H-1 or L-1 status).
If there has been a recent change of employer or extension of stay, the applicant, in order to comply with the third requirement noted above, must have evidence of an approved I-129 petition in the form of a notation on the nonimmigrant visa indicating the petition number and the employer’s name, or a notice of action, Form I-797, indicating approval.
__________________________________________________ _______________________________________________As you can see, there is no requirement that the AOS application be employment based. The regulation, 8 CFR 245.2a(4)(ii)(C) clearly applies to all H-1/H-4 and L-1/L-2 nonimmigrants, and not just those adjusting status based on employment.
Ann
__________________________________________________ ______________
USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual, Chapter 23.2
…….(2) Exceptions to the General Rule .
Certain applicants for adjustment of status before USCIS are not considered to have abandoned their applications simply by having departed from the U.S., even if they did not obtain an advance parole prior to their departure. The following aliens fall within the exceptions to the general rule:
(A) H and L Nonimmigrants with “Dual Intent.”
Under 8 CFR 214.2(h)(16)(i) and 8 CFR 214.2(l)(16) , H-1B, H-1C, L-1A, and L-1B nonimmigrants, and their dependent family members in H-4 or L-2 nonimmigrant classification, may be eligible to maintain and extend their nonimmigrant status while their applications for permanent residence under section 245 of the Act remain pending. The approval of a labor certification or preference visa petition or the filing of an adjustment of status application may not be the basis for a denial of an application for extension of stay by an H-1B, H-1C, or L-1 nonimmigrant or an application for change of status within the H-1B, H-1C, or L-1 classifications.
As long as an H-1B, H-1C, and L-1 nonimmigrant remains compliant with his or her nonimmigrant classification, including restrictions on periods of stay, changes in employers, and conditions of employment, the mere fact that he or she has filed an application for adjustment of status does not render him or her ineligible for an extension of nonimmigrant status. Similarly, the mere fact than an alien has filed an application for adjustment of status does not make him or her ineligible for nonimmigrant classification as an H-1B, H-1C, or L-1.
Under 8 CFR 245.2a(4)(ii)(C) , H-1/H-4 or L-1/L-2 nonimmigrant adjustment of status applicants who are not in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings are not required to seek advance parole to travel abroad. They may be readmitted to the United States in the same status they maintained at the time of their departure, provided that they are able to demonstrate to the immigration officer at a port of entry that they:
• remain eligible for H-1/H-4 or L-1/L-2 classification,
• are in possession of a valid H-1/H-4 or L-1/L-2 nonimmigrant visa (if a visa is required), and
• are coming to resume employment with the same employer for whom they had been authorized to work as an H-1 or L-1 nonimmigrant (or, in the case of dependents, the spouse or parent through whom they received their H-4 or L-2 status is maintaining his or her H-1 or L-1 status).
If there has been a recent change of employer or extension of stay, the applicant, in order to comply with the third requirement noted above, must have evidence of an approved I-129 petition in the form of a notation on the nonimmigrant visa indicating the petition number and the employer’s name, or a notice of action, Form I-797, indicating approval.
__________________________________________________ _______________________________________________As you can see, there is no requirement that the AOS application be employment based. The regulation, 8 CFR 245.2a(4)(ii)(C) clearly applies to all H-1/H-4 and L-1/L-2 nonimmigrants, and not just those adjusting status based on employment.
Ann
more...
GCNirvana007
04-07 03:40 PM
Hi,
My client is a TARP fund received bank.I am planning to go India for 3 weeks in may.My visa expires in Aug09.
I have new H1 extension for 3 years.
--If I go for visa stamping will it be a problem as I am workig for TARP received bank.
--If I don't go for visa stamping and planning to comeback with old visa, will it be a problem at Port Of Entry as my client is TARP received bank and I am on H1B.
There is no rule in paper yet not to allow H1B workers in TARP to enter USA. Having said that, you belong into the category of every other legal H1B immigrant.
My client is a TARP fund received bank.I am planning to go India for 3 weeks in may.My visa expires in Aug09.
I have new H1 extension for 3 years.
--If I go for visa stamping will it be a problem as I am workig for TARP received bank.
--If I don't go for visa stamping and planning to comeback with old visa, will it be a problem at Port Of Entry as my client is TARP received bank and I am on H1B.
There is no rule in paper yet not to allow H1B workers in TARP to enter USA. Having said that, you belong into the category of every other legal H1B immigrant.
lostinbeta
11-18 02:38 AM
Damn that Bob.... if he keeps getting votes he is going to beat me!!!
Oh wait... Bob is beating me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CRAP!!!!
:beam:
Oh wait... Bob is beating me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CRAP!!!!
:beam:
more...
chi_shark
06-24 05:56 AM
Yes I am still waiting. No luds other than the ones for supporting documents.
Same here.
I applied on May 18th and my EAD expires on Aug 10th. There were three SLUDs in a row two weeks after I applied, and there is no update after that.
Did you notice any LUDs in your case? Are you still waiting for a decision? Please update.
Same here.
I applied on May 18th and my EAD expires on Aug 10th. There were three SLUDs in a row two weeks after I applied, and there is no update after that.
Did you notice any LUDs in your case? Are you still waiting for a decision? Please update.
2010 Facebook Tag, Tag For Facebook
ImmInd
12-01 12:38 PM
Yes! I have my H1-B Case Filing Receipt Notice with EAC number.
I see the same message (as you posted) when I tried to see the status first time around Mid Nov. I thought it may take few days or a week to appear online (based on the past). But, same message till now!!
Something is not linked right and may be due to some upgrade USCIS were doing in last few months. Not Sure!!!
I see the same message (as you posted) when I tried to see the status first time around Mid Nov. I thought it may take few days or a week to appear online (based on the past). But, same message till now!!
Something is not linked right and may be due to some upgrade USCIS were doing in last few months. Not Sure!!!
more...
FredG
July 18th, 2004, 07:48 AM
Welcome aboard Brandon. Hope you enjoy it here. I agree with Gary's comments. The flower benefited from a little sharpening.
Gary, I think I did something similar. I couldn't tell if you masked it or not. In PS, I first selected all the sky with the magic wand, then expanded that selection 3 pixels, then put a 3 pixel feather on it, then inverted the selection so all the greenery was selected with a soft edge. I then put an adjustment layer bumping up the saturation. Finally, I filled the above selection with black on the adjustment layer's mask so the bump only applied to the sky. From there, it's a matter of taste for how much saturation is desired.
Gary, I think I did something similar. I couldn't tell if you masked it or not. In PS, I first selected all the sky with the magic wand, then expanded that selection 3 pixels, then put a 3 pixel feather on it, then inverted the selection so all the greenery was selected with a soft edge. I then put an adjustment layer bumping up the saturation. Finally, I filled the above selection with black on the adjustment layer's mask so the bump only applied to the sky. From there, it's a matter of taste for how much saturation is desired.
hair pictures for facebook tagging.
nlalchandani
01-11 11:55 AM
My wife has her name changed in the local county (Judge's order and a name change certificate)
She may start a job on EAD (has maiden name)..
Any clues on the process to make similar change in EAD, AP +passport (We would travel soon too), Pending 485 (so that her GC approval comes with the new name)
Has someone changed names for EAD, AP, 485..
She may start a job on EAD (has maiden name)..
Any clues on the process to make similar change in EAD, AP +passport (We would travel soon too), Pending 485 (so that her GC approval comes with the new name)
Has someone changed names for EAD, AP, 485..
more...
san3297
03-23 08:34 AM
Hi,
I currently have a lowtraffic website with no ads.I am planning to add some adds like googleads,yahoo adwords etc..The thing is i need to give them my ssn while regestering for them and payment check will be made on my personal name.As iam currently on H1 i am in dilemma whether i can take this payments or not.Does anyone aware of dos and donots in this case.Thank you.
I currently have a lowtraffic website with no ads.I am planning to add some adds like googleads,yahoo adwords etc..The thing is i need to give them my ssn while regestering for them and payment check will be made on my personal name.As iam currently on H1 i am in dilemma whether i can take this payments or not.Does anyone aware of dos and donots in this case.Thank you.
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willigetgc?
09-24 10:21 AM
my problem with these hearings is that they play soccer with the interests of immigrants. There are pro and anti immigrant views in discussion.
Enforcement is all about closing the borders and deporting immigrants. But why do we not see hearings to discuss and introduce bills that fine the employers and put them in jail if they hire an undocumented? But nobody, not even the anti-immigrant groups are pushing for such a bill. A lot of undocumented problem will be solved if employers cannot hire undocumented. We call immigrants as illegal, but why can't we use the same standard for employers who illegally hire undocumented?
Secondly when they talk about legalization, there is no country limits for them. But as soon as we talk about removing country limits in front of the same people, we hear talks about diversity etc.
Overall immigration is more about politics, votes than actually solving a problem. If these folks are serious about fixing a problem, a lt could have been done till now. We need to hear more action than just talk.
hypocrisy at its best!
Enforcement is all about closing the borders and deporting immigrants. But why do we not see hearings to discuss and introduce bills that fine the employers and put them in jail if they hire an undocumented? But nobody, not even the anti-immigrant groups are pushing for such a bill. A lot of undocumented problem will be solved if employers cannot hire undocumented. We call immigrants as illegal, but why can't we use the same standard for employers who illegally hire undocumented?
Secondly when they talk about legalization, there is no country limits for them. But as soon as we talk about removing country limits in front of the same people, we hear talks about diversity etc.
Overall immigration is more about politics, votes than actually solving a problem. If these folks are serious about fixing a problem, a lt could have been done till now. We need to hear more action than just talk.
hypocrisy at its best!
more...
house Facebook Tag, Tag Facebook,
vxg
09-18 04:09 PM
vxg...I disagree with your statement that "stamp...can be forged'. Anything can be forged (e.g. passport, money). If the I-551 is legit what do you have to be afraid of?
wandmaker is correct. Take infopass, tell them you may have to travel soon and get the stamp. I've done it...nothing wrong with that. By the way, since your I-485 is approved, your AP is no longer valid and you should not use it.
What is stated came from my lawyer and a friend of mine ran into trouble in India where immigration folks gave him hard time and did not believe the stamp when he was returning. At US entry point you will be OK with stamp however you need approval notice as local office will not stamp passport without you having the notice.
wandmaker is correct. Take infopass, tell them you may have to travel soon and get the stamp. I've done it...nothing wrong with that. By the way, since your I-485 is approved, your AP is no longer valid and you should not use it.
What is stated came from my lawyer and a friend of mine ran into trouble in India where immigration folks gave him hard time and did not believe the stamp when he was returning. At US entry point you will be OK with stamp however you need approval notice as local office will not stamp passport without you having the notice.
tattoo today for photo tagging.
ImmigrationAnswerMan
07-08 10:37 PM
Anil:
Yes your company can file an H-1B for you even if you choose to appeal the denial of the L petition.
You will continue to be in Unlawful Presence while your L appeal is pending. If the appeal is denied and you have accrued more than 180 days of unlawful presence you will not be able to leave and apply for a new visa abroad.
I cannot answer the questions of whether you should appeal the L or whether you would be eligible for an H-1B without having a full consultation with you and seeing all your documents.
Yes your company can file an H-1B for you even if you choose to appeal the denial of the L petition.
You will continue to be in Unlawful Presence while your L appeal is pending. If the appeal is denied and you have accrued more than 180 days of unlawful presence you will not be able to leave and apply for a new visa abroad.
I cannot answer the questions of whether you should appeal the L or whether you would be eligible for an H-1B without having a full consultation with you and seeing all your documents.
more...
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msp1976
01-09 03:31 PM
1. Do I Need an airport transit visa since iam travelling via France ?
Depends on the airline..Air India would let you board...Other airlines may not allow you to board.I have heard of cases some people getting sent back from airport.Do not know anyone firsthand..Air India told my wife that they would not deny boarding and anything happens in Paris that is her risk.She got the transit visa from french consulate just to be on the safer side...noone came to check it when plane at paris.
2. How long will it take to get my fresh passport if I applied over the counter on emergency system (Tatkaal)
Faster in US in India consulate that in India offices..At least NY is fast
3. Can I travel with an expired H4 visa ?
The only requirement for exiting the US is I-94...Usually they just take it and not even look at it....You can travel to a destination outside US...They would let you leave...No coming back without valid visa..
You can travel inside the US...Just keep the USCIS application receipt copy with you....You can show that copy as proof that you are making attempts to maintain legal status..
Depends on the airline..Air India would let you board...Other airlines may not allow you to board.I have heard of cases some people getting sent back from airport.Do not know anyone firsthand..Air India told my wife that they would not deny boarding and anything happens in Paris that is her risk.She got the transit visa from french consulate just to be on the safer side...noone came to check it when plane at paris.
2. How long will it take to get my fresh passport if I applied over the counter on emergency system (Tatkaal)
Faster in US in India consulate that in India offices..At least NY is fast
3. Can I travel with an expired H4 visa ?
The only requirement for exiting the US is I-94...Usually they just take it and not even look at it....You can travel to a destination outside US...They would let you leave...No coming back without valid visa..
You can travel inside the US...Just keep the USCIS application receipt copy with you....You can show that copy as proof that you are making attempts to maintain legal status..
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waitin_toolong
10-26 12:49 PM
her I-485 was filed befoer Oct 1st and she plans to use EAD. She need not have worked a single day or earned a single paycheck. She can enter using AP or H4.
Withdrawing H1 is a good gesture thats all.
Withdrawing H1 is a good gesture thats all.
more...
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jcrajput
10-16 11:41 AM
I am a July 2nd filer with PD of OCT 2006. I am planning to switch my employer using EAD. Should I notify USCIS with AC21? What is my best option? What is the risk?
I appriciate your help.
Thank you
I appriciate your help.
Thank you
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anilsal
12-28 09:37 AM
I think it was the period when the formal retrogression phenomenon started.
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wonderlust
07-18 05:20 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience! I have been worried...
Good luck to you.
W
Good luck to you.
W
mybid2003
01-09 04:37 PM
Similar most common agreement with most of us is that, we cannot directly or indirectly join direct/indirect client for a period of 12 months. (I don't have the agreement right in front of me). But I think you get the picture. If not, I can post in detail in the evening.
In such case, lets say I completed my project at client A thru company A. Four months after leaving the client place (while working at Client B thru same Company A), I get the offer directly from the client A for a permanent position. (Company A still has big presence at client A. Would I be able to join Client A without any hassle? OR is it a waste of time/money to try this option?
Also can anyone also please let me know how to if I can join higher compensation package with invoking AC21 OR transferring the H1? (I am in 8th year of my H1 and have an EAD). Can we have additional job responsibilities than what is listed in the LC?
Pls let me know.
Thanks in Advance!!!
In such case, lets say I completed my project at client A thru company A. Four months after leaving the client place (while working at Client B thru same Company A), I get the offer directly from the client A for a permanent position. (Company A still has big presence at client A. Would I be able to join Client A without any hassle? OR is it a waste of time/money to try this option?
Also can anyone also please let me know how to if I can join higher compensation package with invoking AC21 OR transferring the H1? (I am in 8th year of my H1 and have an EAD). Can we have additional job responsibilities than what is listed in the LC?
Pls let me know.
Thanks in Advance!!!
MerciesOfInjustices
09-30 12:15 AM
link is broken
Here is the complete article, I think -
The Element of Surprise
To help combat the terrorism threat, officials at Los Angeles International Airport are introducing a bold new idea into their arsenal: random placement of security checkpoints. Can game theory help keep us safe?
Web exclusive
By Andrew Murr
Newsweek
Updated: 1:00 p.m. MT Sept 28, 2007
Sept. 28, 2007 - Security officials at Los Angeles International Airport now have a new weapon in their fight against terrorism: complete, baffling randomness. Anxious to thwart future terror attacks in the early stages while plotters are casing the airport, LAX security patrols have begun using a new software program called ARMOR, NEWSWEEK has learned, to make the placement of security checkpoints completely unpredictable. Now all airport security officials have to do is press a button labeled "Randomize," and they can throw a sort of digital cloak of invisibility over where they place the cops' antiterror checkpoints on any given day.
Developed by computer scientists at the University of Southern California and believed to be the first program of its kind to be used at an airport, ARMOR aims to thwart terror plots during the early, surveillance phase. Typical plots start when would-be attackers begin watching their target "18 months to four years prior to an attack" to look for security weaknesses, says James Butts, deputy executive director of law enforcement at Los Angeles World Airports, which runs LAX and other city-owned airports. "Part of it is to look for patterns in the deployment of assets. We're trying to block the surveillance cycle" by making the security patrols appear in unpredictable places at unpredictable times.
Randomness isn't easy. Even when they want to be unpredictable, people follow patterns. "Unconsciously, (security forces) develop predictable patrol behaviors," as Butts says. That's why the new software helps, and the folks at LAX turned to the computer scientists at USC's Viterbi School of Engineering.
The ARMOR software is the real-world product of an idea that began as an academic question in game theory. USC doctoral student Praveen Paruchuri sought to find a way for one "agent" (or robot or company) to react to an adversary who has perfect information about the agent's decisions. Using artificial intelligence and game theory, Paruchuri wrote a new, fast set of algorithms to randomize the actions of the first agent. But when he took the paper to prestigious AI conferences, nobody would publish the work. The basic reaction: great math, but so what? "They said, 'We don't see a practical use for it'," says Milind Tambe, the USC engineering professor who led the ARMOR team. "It was very disappointing."
But LAX officials saw things differently. Under a mandate from L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to improve airport security, they were on the lookout for new ideas. So when a former FBI agent named Erroll Southers, who works at a USC security program funded by the Department of Homeland Security, told LAX officials about it, they agreed to meet with the USC team in April. Over the summer grad students fed vast amounts of classified data about the airport's facilities into the program, and ARMOR started running in August, according to Butts.
The nation's fifth-biggest airport is "one of the top targets on the West Coast," says Butts. The "millennium plot" of December 31, 1999, aimed to set off explosives at LAX. Federal agents broke up the plot when they arrested Algerian Ahmed Ressam entering the U.S. from Canada with a car laden with explosives. He was later convicted on terrorism charges. On July 4, 2002, an Egyptian immigrant named Hesham Hadayet opened fire at the El Al counter at LAX, killing two and wounding four.
Airport officials have at least one new task for the software. Soon ARMOR will begin jumbling the placement of the bomb-sniffing canine patrols too, says Butts. Other potential uses are too secret to talk about. Butts says that the new random placement "makes travelers safer" and even gives them "a greater feeling of police presence" by making the cops appear more numerous. That's good for visitors, and, officials hope, bad for would-be terrorists.
� 2007 Newsweek, Inc.
Here is the complete article, I think -
The Element of Surprise
To help combat the terrorism threat, officials at Los Angeles International Airport are introducing a bold new idea into their arsenal: random placement of security checkpoints. Can game theory help keep us safe?
Web exclusive
By Andrew Murr
Newsweek
Updated: 1:00 p.m. MT Sept 28, 2007
Sept. 28, 2007 - Security officials at Los Angeles International Airport now have a new weapon in their fight against terrorism: complete, baffling randomness. Anxious to thwart future terror attacks in the early stages while plotters are casing the airport, LAX security patrols have begun using a new software program called ARMOR, NEWSWEEK has learned, to make the placement of security checkpoints completely unpredictable. Now all airport security officials have to do is press a button labeled "Randomize," and they can throw a sort of digital cloak of invisibility over where they place the cops' antiterror checkpoints on any given day.
Developed by computer scientists at the University of Southern California and believed to be the first program of its kind to be used at an airport, ARMOR aims to thwart terror plots during the early, surveillance phase. Typical plots start when would-be attackers begin watching their target "18 months to four years prior to an attack" to look for security weaknesses, says James Butts, deputy executive director of law enforcement at Los Angeles World Airports, which runs LAX and other city-owned airports. "Part of it is to look for patterns in the deployment of assets. We're trying to block the surveillance cycle" by making the security patrols appear in unpredictable places at unpredictable times.
Randomness isn't easy. Even when they want to be unpredictable, people follow patterns. "Unconsciously, (security forces) develop predictable patrol behaviors," as Butts says. That's why the new software helps, and the folks at LAX turned to the computer scientists at USC's Viterbi School of Engineering.
The ARMOR software is the real-world product of an idea that began as an academic question in game theory. USC doctoral student Praveen Paruchuri sought to find a way for one "agent" (or robot or company) to react to an adversary who has perfect information about the agent's decisions. Using artificial intelligence and game theory, Paruchuri wrote a new, fast set of algorithms to randomize the actions of the first agent. But when he took the paper to prestigious AI conferences, nobody would publish the work. The basic reaction: great math, but so what? "They said, 'We don't see a practical use for it'," says Milind Tambe, the USC engineering professor who led the ARMOR team. "It was very disappointing."
But LAX officials saw things differently. Under a mandate from L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to improve airport security, they were on the lookout for new ideas. So when a former FBI agent named Erroll Southers, who works at a USC security program funded by the Department of Homeland Security, told LAX officials about it, they agreed to meet with the USC team in April. Over the summer grad students fed vast amounts of classified data about the airport's facilities into the program, and ARMOR started running in August, according to Butts.
The nation's fifth-biggest airport is "one of the top targets on the West Coast," says Butts. The "millennium plot" of December 31, 1999, aimed to set off explosives at LAX. Federal agents broke up the plot when they arrested Algerian Ahmed Ressam entering the U.S. from Canada with a car laden with explosives. He was later convicted on terrorism charges. On July 4, 2002, an Egyptian immigrant named Hesham Hadayet opened fire at the El Al counter at LAX, killing two and wounding four.
Airport officials have at least one new task for the software. Soon ARMOR will begin jumbling the placement of the bomb-sniffing canine patrols too, says Butts. Other potential uses are too secret to talk about. Butts says that the new random placement "makes travelers safer" and even gives them "a greater feeling of police presence" by making the cops appear more numerous. That's good for visitors, and, officials hope, bad for would-be terrorists.
� 2007 Newsweek, Inc.
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