CIR ASAP legislation brief Summary

As you may know, congressman Luis Gutierrez introduced Comprehensive immigration reform in December 15th, 2009.

Since the actual bill carries 644 pages, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium summarize key bullet points of the CIR bill, specifically focus on legalization persons who brought to the U.S. before age of 16.

Here is the following:

The Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) Act of 2009 has special rules for persons brought to the United States Before the Age of 16:

1) exempt from paying $500 fine if brought before the age of 16, have resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years, and were 35 years of age or less at tim application under CIR ASAP

2) eligible for accelerated LPR status upon graduation from high school upon completion of two years of college or military service OR or employment for at least two years prior to date of application (full-time,  part-time, or seasonally).

3) eligible for naturalization three years after date of LPR status is granted.

4) sec. 411 calls for the repeal of section 505 of the “Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996″ – in other words, gives states less reason to cite federal law to deny undocumented students in-state tuition benefits

Requirements for earned legalization (specific eye towards undocumented young people):

1) Demonstrate contribution to the United States through employment, education, military service, or voluntary or community service, where applicable. Exemptions: 1) undocumented people under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and 2) individual brought to the U.S. before the age of 16, have resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years, and were 35 years of age or less at tim application under CIR ASAP

2)  Complete criminal and security background checks

3)  Establish registration under the Selective Service (if applicable)

4)   Meet English and civics requirements. Graduation from a U.S. high school or receipt of an equivalency degree will meet the English proficiency requirement

5)  Undergo a medical examination

6) Pay all taxes (same exemptions as #1)

7) Show admissibility to the U.S