On April 16, 2013, the Senate Gang of 8, consisting of 4 republican senators and 4 democratic senators, introduced S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This bill is the first step towards creating an immigration system that will meet the needs of the U.S. economy, businesses, and the undocumented who strive to integrate or have integrated into our society and worked very hard to build a better life for themselves and their families.
The Senate voted to pass S. 744 on June 27, 2013. Immediately after the bill was passed, the Republican controlled House of Representative declared that this bill would not be accepted in the house. Instead the House committees in the past year have taken to a piecemeal approach to immigration reform passing several immigration bills none of which address the overall legal status, including a pathway to citizenship, for the 11 million plus undocumented immigrants in the USA. However, a compromise to achieve immigration reform is not impossible based on recent remarks by both parties. Stay tuned. We will keep you posted on important legislation developments from Washington.
What you should do to prepare for immigration reform?
An immigration reform plan has not been approved yet and it could take many more months. While we are waiting for Congress to approve immigration reform, undocumented immigrants should start preparing for reform by collecting the following documents listed below which are only a sample and not exclusive of the kinds of documents that may be needed for reform:
Identity Documents
Birth certificate, a photo identification (ID) or, passport, school or military ID, identification document from your country of origin like a matricula consular, or any U.S. document with your name and photo, like a driver’s license or ID.
Documents Proving Entry to the United States
Immigration record or documents with your date of entry, passport with admission stamp (Form I-94/I-95/I-94W), or travel records.
You can also use medical records (including immunization record) or school records to show that you entered the USA before the date required by reform.
Presence and Residence in the United States
You should have records for the past 10 years. Proof of presence with names, dates and addresses on immigration documents, government records, medical records, military records, employment records, religious or community organizations records, insurance policies, tax records, etc. Bank receipts, financial records, credit card receipts, money order receipts, rental agreements, deeds, mortgages, utility bills and club memberships, etc.
Tax Filings
If you do not have copies of your past filings, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)at 1-800-908-9946 to order a transcript for free.
If you have not filed your taxes, ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) by calling 1-800-829-1040 and file them.
Employment History
Record dates, names, and addresses of the places where you have worked.
Possible English Knowledge Requirement
You may have to take a basic English course or exam.
Application Fee and Fines
Start saving money for the application fee and for any fines.
Also save money in case you need it for an attorney.
Record Keeping
Record all of this information in a notebook, keep the original documents, and store them in a safe place.