On June 28, the U.S. Senate voted 68 to 32 passing immigration reform bill S. 744. The bill now has to go to the House of Representatives where it will be voted on within the next months. If the House passes that bill, the proposed immigration reform would be approved.
Attorney Mark Alvarez has been following the news about immigration reform in the past months and shares some of his expertise with SLCC.
“Sooner or later by economic and political reasons, the government will have to carry out immigration reform. The fundamentals indicate that Congress will pass immigration reform this year, but it would be implemented in 2014,” wrote Alvarez in a message. “Participation has been very important. There’s still a way to go, but I think it’s time to start preparing.”
The proposal of the immigration reform bill contains several changes regarding border security, the system of family and employment visas, citizenship and the treatment of immigrants.
“S.744 would give all undocumented people, who can demonstrate that they qualify for the legalization program, a provisional registration status for six years. You could apply for renewal for another six years. After 10 years with registration and provisional status, people may apply for permanent residence. Three years later, they could apply for citizenship,” wrote Alvarez. People may obtain permits and social security numbers.
The costs of immigration reform bill S.744 have not been set yet, but Alvarez gives an idea about the fines that will be implemented.
“It is not known at this time the exact costs of the immigration reform, but let me give you an idea and perhaps an orientation of the fines. The first fine will be $500, but there will be additional costs. The residency process would cost from $1,500 up to $2,000,” wrote Alvarez. “Deferred action has a cost of $465. Legalization would be more complicated than deferred action but perhaps, not as much as the process of residency. With that being said, the government could add additional cost to the process.”
Alvarez said all the students and people who apply under the new immigration reform would have the possibility to travel outside the U.S.
“The immigration reform envisages trips for all those who qualify. They could stay in their countries a few months, but we must exercise caution at this time,” wrote Alvarez.
According to Alvarez, whether or not students who benefit from the reform will be able to apply for financial aid depends on the state and on other bills.
“I hope that the reform encourages people to explore other education and training programs,” wrote Alvarez.
The complete interview with attorney Mark Alvarez
What is the United States giving exactly in this possible Immigration Reform?
The proposal of the Immigration Reform contains several changes regarding border security, the system of family and employment visas, citizenship and the treatment of immigrants.
S.744 would give all undocumented people that can demonstrate that qualify for the legalization program, a provisional registration status for six years. You could apply for renewal for another six years. After 10 years with registration and provisional status, people may apply for permanent residence. Three years later could apply for citizenship.
Could it be permanent?
It’s called provisional registration status. In other words it would be equivalent to a permanent status as long as the person renews it.
When is the voting taking place?
The voting in the U.S. Senate took place on June 28th 2013, 68 votes in favor and 32 against. It was approved by a wide margin and will now move to the House of Representatives. It is expected a vote in that House within a few months.
Does it have real chances of being approved?
Sooner or later by economic and political reasons, the government will have to carry out an Immigration Reform. The fundamentals indicate that Congress will pass the Immigration Reform this year but it would be implemented in 2014. Participation has been very important, there’s still way to go but I think it’s time to start preparing. I give 90% the likelihood of approval of the Immigration Reform this year but it would be implemented months later in 2014.
Will they be giving residency of temporal permits?
No residency yet, it would be a provisional status. People may obtain permits and social security numbers. This effectively would lead to a permanent status if the person were to renew their status.
What is going to happen to all those students who benefited from the Deferred Action?
They would continue with the Deferred Action but most of them will have an accelerated path to residency and citizenship. They will be exempt from the fines that will be for entering the U.S. without documents. Deferred Action is a temporary fix status, Immigration Reform would give permanence.
Will Students be able to go back to their original countries to visit in case the Immigration Reform is approved?
The Immigration Reform envisages trips for all those who qualify, not only students.
They could stay in their countries a few months but we must exercise caution at this time.
Approximately how much will the process cost?
It is not known at this time, but let me give you an idea and perhaps an orientation of the fines. The first fine will be 500$ but there will be additional costs. The residency process would cost 1,500 up to 2,000$ adding payments to the government. Deferred Action had a cost of 465$. Legalization would be more complicated than deferred action, but perhaps, not as much as the process of residence. With that being said, the government could add additional cost to the process.
Will students who already have their work permit through the deferred action have an easier path?
Those who qualify for the “DREAM ACT” in immigration reform would have an accelerated path to residency. With that being said, deferred action is different from the “DREAM Act”. There may be differences depends on the details of each case. The advantage of some with deferred action is that it will serve as important evidence in their applications for legalization under the reform.
Could students apply for Financial Aid?
The answer may vary depending on the state and depending on other bills. I hope that the Reform encourages people to explore other education and training programs.
