By Paul Djurisic

PROPOSED IMMIGRATION BILL CALLED "SOLVE" WOULD BRING LEGALIZATION TO NEARLY ALL CURRENT IMMIGRANTS

On May 4, 2004, A new immigration bill was proposed in the House of Representatives that would grant legalization to many immigrant residents currently illegal in the United States. The proposed law has several elements that make it attractive to those hoping to remain in the U.S. permanently. The important provisions are provided below:

• Immigrants who have been here for five (5) or more years on date of introduction (May 4, 2004) and can demonstrate 2 years in aggregate of employment (including self-employment) in the U.S. and payment of taxes would be eligible for legalization. The principal applicant's spouse and unmarried children under 21 are also eligible. These applications will be adjudicated outside the caps/numerical limitations on visas.
• Grounds of inadmissibility related to undocumented status would be waived.
• Applicants shall undergo criminal background checks and medical examination, and register with the Selective Services. They shall also be able to travel and work with authorization while application is pending.
• Applicants shall demonstrate an understanding of English and civics, or be pursuing a course of study to achieve such understanding.
• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall not use the applicant's information for any purpose other than to make a determination on the application, unless they have committed fraud or are a national security threat (confidentiality).
• Bill provides for administrative and judicial review for denials of an application.
• Applicants in the U.S. on the date of introduction (5/4/04) but here less than five years or without the requisite work history shall be eligible (after a thorough background check) for transitional status (TS) of 5 years. Qualifying TS immigrants shall be able to work with authorization and travel abroad. After 2 additional years of work in aggregate, they, too, shall be eligible for adjustment of status.

All United States citizens are encouraged to contact their Senators and Representatives and urge them to vote in favor of the SOLVE bill. Call today!

Paul Djurisic is a SBBA Director who practices in Chicago and is an immigration specialist.

He can be reached at (312) 630-0066