IMMIGRATION IN THE NEWS

Comprehensive Immigration Reform: This is the subject of a lot of debate at this time as the Senate undertakes its evaluation and vote on overhauling the immigration system of this country. While this program is undergoing Congressional action, it is worthwhile to review the key points thus far.

The President's Strategy For Comprehensive Immigration Reform

President Bush noted that a new comprehensive immigration reform bill must address and accomplish five clear objectives in order to be successful:

• Continue efforts to improve border security;

• Provide employers with better tools to help verify work eligibility status of their employees;

• Create a temporary work program that allows foreign workers to legally enter the United States to fill jobs that Americans are not taking;

• Resolve “without amnesty and without animosity” the status of illegal immigrants already residing in the United States; and

• Uphold “the American tradition of the melting pot” by helping foreigners to assimilate into American society and learn to speak and write the English language;

“We must address all elements of this problem together, or none of them will be solved at all,”  the president said.

President Bush remains optimistic about the possibility of passing comprehensive immigration legislation this year, saying: “We've been addressing our differences in good faith, and we're building consensus. Coming together on a good bill that includes all five elements, we will make America more secure. We will make our economy more competitive, and we will show the world that America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time.”

It is hoped that indeed, at this time, all parties will work together for a reform to our badly-broken immigration system.

Other items in the news: Recent changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act, Sections 328 and 329, have created new provisions for military personnel to naturalize via a streamlined process. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Certain Reserve Components of the National Guard, and Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve can all benefit from this legislation. Changes include: only one year of active duty required (versus the previous three); no filing fee, and expedited processing.

We would be pleased to consult with you regarding these exciting new opportunities to legalize and obtain U.S. citizenship.

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