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Update: I think I'm going to appeal this. Reading through everything you all posted it sounds like my situation might have some gray areas worth fighting for. At minimum I need to understand exactly what they consider misconduct in my case.
Been through this 3 times with plant closures. The dread comes from knowing that factory shutdowns create a flood of claims all at once, which overwhelms the system. Plus manufacturing workers often have complex situations - shift differentials, overtime calculations, health insurance continuations through union plans. NYS Department of Labor has to verify all of that before approving benefits.
The older workers probably remember when the system was even worse. These days it's actually not terrible if you stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements. Just make sure you're logging your job search activities properly in the system.
honestly the whole immigration system is so unpredictable these days that even if unemployment technically shouldn't matter, you never know what officer you'll get. my friend got questioned about everything during her interview, even stuff that wasn't supposed to be relevant
While there's always some uncertainty in immigration cases, unemployment insurance really is treated differently than public assistance programs. The key distinction is that UI benefits are based on your previous work history and contributions, not financial need. As long as you're meeting the income requirements for sponsorship and can demonstrate ongoing efforts to find employment, this shouldn't be a significant concern for the adjustment of status case.
Also remember to report ANY income you earn during unemployment on your weekly claims, even if it's just $20 from a side gig. NYS Department of Labor will find out eventually and then you'll owe back all the benefits plus penalties. Better to be honest upfront.
Julian Paolo
Don't get your hopes up too high. The whole unemployment system is designed to make it as hard as possible to actually get benefits. They'll find any excuse to deny your claim or make you jump through hoops. I know people who worked for years and still got denied for stupid technicalities.
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Ella Knight
•That's really discouraging but good to know what I might be dealing with. Better to have realistic expectations I guess.
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William Schwarz
Just to add - you also need to register with the NYS job portal and document your job search activities. They require you to actively look for work and can ask for proof. It's not just free money, you have to show you're trying to find employment.
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