First Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill Introduced in 111th Congress
December 17, 2009, Washington, D.C. ¬ On Tuesday of this week, Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL/4th) filed the first comprehensive immigration reform bill of the 111th Congress. Known as the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP), the bill includes provisions to enhance border security, such as creating a Southern Border Security Task Force, as well as giving amnesty to undocumented immigrants.
CIR ASAP would provide undocumented immigrants who entered the United States prior to December 15th, 2009 a path to legal residency, including those who may be undergoing deportation proceedings. The process would include an application fee, $500 fine, and a background check to ensure that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors. If approved, applicants would then receive a six-year conditional nonimmigrant visa which could possibly be then replaced by a Green Card.
In addition, the CIR ASAP incorporates provisions of the DREAM Act, a prior piece of immigration legislation that would allow children of undocumented immigrants who have completed high school in the United States to apply for Green Cards. The legislation also stresses the promotion of family unity. Provisions include the reclassification of spouses and children of lawful permanent residents as immediate relatives and ensures that immediate relatives may continue their immigration petition even if the U.S. citizen who petitioned for them dies. These provisions would have a significant impact on numerous immigrant groups, including Iranian Americans.
In remarks made when introducing the bill, Congressman Gutierrez stated, “But immigrants are different in one important way. They desperately want something that far too many of us take for granted. They want to be Americans. This bill is the right way to allow these people to reach their dreams. We’ve waited too long. Now, with this bill, let’s end the blame game and turn our immigrants into Americans.”
Click here to learn more about the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009.
