Newsletter January - February 2001

President Signs LIFE Act!!

"Illegal aliens" no longer risk being barred from the U.S. for 3 or 10 years

Changes to Immigration Laws include the following:

- Restoration of Section 245(i). Before the LIFE Act, persons who had immigration status violations (i.e., entered the U.S. illegally) could not remain in the United States to process their applications for permanent residency. With restoration of Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these persons now may pay a $1000 penalty and remain in the United States to receive the green card. Eligible people must have been physically present in the U.S. on December21, 2000, and must file a residency petition on or before April 30, 2001. Before this new law, "illegal aliens" had to leave the U.S. to pick up the green card, but could not re-enter the U.S. for three or ten years simply because they had been living illegally in the U.S

- New temporary "V" visa. Available to spouses and minor children of Lawful Permanent Residents who have been waiting more than three years for a green card; includes work permit and protection from removal proceedings.

- New temporary "K" visa expanded to spouses (and their children) of U.S. citizens who are living abroad.

Late Amnesty

Persons who filed before October 1, 2000 for class membership in one of three "late amnesty" lawsuits (CSS v. Meese, LULAC v. INS, and Zambrano v. INS) and who are eligible under LIFE Act's amended legalization provisions may apply to adjust status during a 12-month period that begins once regulations are issued. Spouses and unmarried children of the class action. Claimants will be protected from certain categories of removal and will be eligible for work authorization if they entered the United States before December 1, 1988 and resided in the United States on that date. Persons now living outside the United States and who qualify for "late amnesty" under LIFE may apply as well

NACARA

Nicaraguans and Cubans previously ineligible for NACARA because of prior deportation orders or immigration violations may now apply for NACARA relief.

What You Should Do

You may only have until April 30, 2001, or even earlier if you have been in Immigration Court proceedings, to apply for relief. Contact an Immigration Professional immediately to determine whether you or your family members qualify for relief under the LIFE Act.

THE LAW OFFICES OF HILL&Piibe is an Immigration Law Firm located in downtown Los Angeles offering services in all aspects of immigration law, with a focus on criminal law and criminal aliens, removal proceedings, asylum law, and visa work.

We are available for a free consultation on your rights under the LIFE Act!