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PagePresident Bush’s Immigration Proposal
In early January 2004, President George W. Bush proposed changes to America’s immigration laws that would include potential benefits to members of the Irish and Irish-American communities. In fact, many people who are undocumented in the United States status may be able to legalize their status. The process will allow individuals to obtain temporary residence status in the U.S., after establishing, among other requirements, an offer of work in the United States. However, in the days since the President’s announcement there has been -- and remains -- much confusion as to what this proposal means.
Here are some Questions and Answers about the proposed program:
No. This is NOT an "amnesty" program. The outlines of the plan will require each applicant to demonstrate an offer of work. Other eligibility requirements will likely be imposed on visa applicants. However, details are not clear, and the terms of the legislation are still being drafted and negotiated.
2. What Did President Bush Propose?
The President proposed a temporary worker program whereby a person with an offer of employment would be able to live and work in the U.S., and would be able to travel abroad and return to the U.S. It is not known how long the status would last, or how such temporary residence status might be renewed.
3. Can Undocumented People Qualify?
Yes. Part of the program is designed to allow undocumented individuals already in the U.S. to legalize or regularize their status. There will be an extra fee required for an applicant who is undocumented, compared to someone who applies for this status from outside the U.S.
Not now!!!! The program is not yet effective. It is only a proposal. For this idea to become law, it must be approved by a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as by a majority of the U.S. Senate. The House and Senate are collectively known as "Congress". After Congress approves the bill, it is forwarded to the President for signature, whereby the bill is enacted into law.
5. When Will Congress Approve the Program?
Maybe never. There is no guarantee that Congress will approve the President’s proposal. It is possible that the House and the Senate may approve differing versions of the program. Unless those differences are eliminated and resolved, the proposal cannot be presented to the President for approval. If Congress’ version is not acceptable to the President, he may reject or "veto" the measure. The Congress may override the President’s veto with a super-majority vote.
6. Should I Come to the U.S.? Now?
No. There is no incentive for anyone to come to the U.S. now to apply for this program. Temporary residence status can be obtained by individuals both in and outside the U.S. There are dangers in coming to the U.S. now. Stringent inspection procedures exist which make it difficult for someone to enter the U.S. without clear proof of his or her purpose in traveling. Being rejected for a visa or admission now may later adversely affect an application for temporary residence, if the program becomes effective.
Though you cannot apply for temporary residence status at this time, there are some things you may wish to do to help prepare for a future application under the proposed visa program.
Prepare or update your CV or resume. You may need to show your work history, or a certain level of prior employment.
Keep reading newspaper reports (both American and Irish) about the progress of the President’s plan.
Read on-line updates on the EIIC’s web-page, www.eiic.org.
Attend information seminars to be held by the EIIC.
Scout out potential employers who would be willing to provide written proof of your offer of employment.
(A) Note that current employment in the U.S. will likely be acceptable. If an employer is not willing to confirm such an offer of work, that may not be acceptable under this program.
(B) Work offers should be taken seriously: you will likely be required to actually work for the person who offers you work. You may need to prove your actual employment at a later time to keep your status.
(C) It is not known whether self-employed individuals, or individuals with an uncooperative employer, will be able to participate in this program.
8. Where Can I Go for More Information?
Keep reading newspapers, both American and Irish-American, for developments. Final information about the President’s proposal may not be available for many months. Always keep in touch with the EIIC and other reputable organizations for updates. Log onto the EIIC’s web-site, www.eiic.org for news, and attend the EIIC’s information seminars which will be held periodically.