Is there a New Amnesty?
by: Northwest Justice Project
There are rumors about a new amnesty. The truth is that currently THERE IS NO NEW AMNESTY PROGRAM.
The History
After three years of negotiating over immigration and labor issues, the United Farm Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (UFW), and a coalition of agricultural employers in the United States reached an agreement on a proposition that could become law. If the proposition becomes law, it would offer many farm laborers the opportunity to become legalized.
For the proposition to become law, it still has to gain a majority vote from both houses of Congress and be signed by the president of the United States. There could be many changes during this process.
BE CAREFUL: Don't pay anyone to help you with the proposed amnesty! There is no process for applying for amnesty at this time. There will be no application process until the proposition becomes law.
Some terms of the amnesty proposal which will be discussed by Congress are:
· A legalization program for undocumented farm workers who can demonstrate that they have worked in farm labor for at least 575 hours (or 100 days) during a consecutive 12 month period between March 1, 2002 and the 31st of August, 2003.
· A qualifying worker would be considered a temporary resident, with the right to work and to cross the border.
· To become a permanent resident, the worker would have to comply with various additional requirements, including the following:
o The worker would have to work a minimum of 360 days in agriculture between the 1st of September, 2003 and the 31st of August, 2009. There would be requirements as to how many of these hours could be accumulated in each year.
What should I do now in case the proposition becomes law?
· Keep your proof of employment: Keep all of your check stubs, payment receipts, record of hours worked or other documents that can help prove that you are eligible.
· Wait for the final decision of the legislature. Remember, the details could change before it becomes law.
· Meanwhile: don't pay anyone who promises to put your name on a special list or prepare a supposed application for "amnesty", because at this time THERE DOES NOT EXIST any list or any application form.
8150EN
This publication provides general information concerning your rights and
responsibilities. It is not intended as a substitute for specific legal advice.
This information is current as of the date of its printing, October 2003.
© 2003 Northwest Justice Project ? 1-888-201-1014, TTY 1-888-201-9737
(Permission for copying and distribution granted to Washington State Access to Justice Network and to
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