Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Legal Commentary Blogs -> TalkLeft

Legal Commentary

: TalkLeft

Immigration Reform Bill Introduced

By Jeralyn

House Democrats introduced an immigration reform bill today that provides a path to legalization for the undocumented. It's called the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP). In addition to some border security measures, it provides for:

• Improving Conditions of Detention:This section includes measures to:

[More...]

• Improve secure alternative to detention programs.
• Prohibit unnecessary detention of refugees.
• Protect family unity by prohibiting the separation of families with children and increasing protections for detained parents, guardians, and caregivers.

Another section calls for increasing protections during enforcement activities to ensure due process and other protections during enforcement activities. It would:

• Repeal the 287(g) program and clarifies that only the federal government has the authority to enforce federal immigration law.

• Provide temporary visas and work authorization for detained workers when they have been targeted by their employer for asserting their rights if they agree to pursue labor claims against their employer. Expands U visa protections for whistleblowers.

As to providing a path to legalization for the undocumented:

Title IV. Legalizing Undocumented Immigrants: The bill creates a legalization program for qualified undocumented immigrants (and their spouses and children):

Those who qualify would receive a conditional nonimmigrant visa which is valid for six years. This visa allows legalized immigrants with work and travel authorization and protection from removal. To qualify, an applicant must:

• Establish they have been in the U.S. illegally before December 15, 2009.
• Attest to having made contributions to the U.S. through employment, education, military service, or other volunteer/community service (with exemptions for minors, persons with disabilities, the elderly, or other unusual circumstances).
• Pay an application fee and a $500 fine.
• Not have any convictions for a felony or for three or more misdemeanors.

Certain immigrants who are in removal proceedings, facing removal, or ordered to depart voluntarily would be able to apply for legalization.

There's a lot more, this is a great start and a bill that deserves our support.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on December 15, 2009 (boomark / email).