Immigration Newsletter – June 2013
Skepticism and Fundamental Differences – Of the four pillars for comprehensive immigration reform that the “Gang of Eight” Senators have introduced, the legalization of the 11 million undocumented foreign nationals remains the major hurdle and a key for the Senate Bill 744 (SB 744), the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and the Immigration Modernization Act, to pass this summer. SB 744 allows the 11 million undocumented foreign nationals to register for a temporary status known as registered provisional immigrant (RPI) status. With RPI status, the foreign nationals for a period of 6 years are granted lawful status for authorized work and travel in the United States. This 6 year period may be renewed along with certain requirements. After 10 years of RPI status and when certain conditions are met, RPI applicants will be eligible for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident. The conditions that are set for RPIs to become lawful permanent residents are premised upon 2 triggering mechanisms: border security and reduction of immigrant visa backlogs that currently exist.