Asking this question is very important because an individual must always be knowledgeable about his or her immigration status and how it could change. Even though as attorneys we have been taught to always answer questions with “it depends on your situation,” this question has a very simple answer. The answer is the following: if you are or know of a person that could apply for Deferred Action, then you and those you know should apply. It is that simple.
The truth is that—thanks to Deferred Action—Immigration Reform has obtained the “fuel” required to “start the race.” And, actually, Immigration Reform will be most beneficial to those who have already obtained Deferred Action, rather than to those who decided to wait for an immense overhaul to the immigration laws.
But how could the new Immigration Reform help those who have already obtained their Deferred Action? In one word: positively. Congress is still proposing amendments to the Immigration Reform—as of now, 300 changes have been proposed. Of those changes, many will impact individuals who already hold their Deferred Action or those who will become eligible to apply soon. For example, a proposed amendment by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) would allow certain Deferred Action beneficiaries to apply for Permanent Residency, or “Green Card.” Also, this would allow them to obtain government resources, according to a proposed amendment by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), as incentives to go to college, start businesses, or be involved in other economic opportunities that benefit the entire community.
And how could the new Immigration Reform impact those who do not have a legal status? Here, we do say: it depends. It could be that the new Immigration Reform would give the status of Registered Provisional Immigrant, or RPI. The RPI status, as it says the name itself, would be temporary—and we hope—it could give an option to become permanent. Also, it is likely that the status will be accompanied by a blue card that would distinguish it from other immigration statuses.
Although it can seem obvious, Immigration Reform is nothing more than a proposed law which will have to develop over time to know whether it will affect you, your family, or your friends. We do know that those who have obtained their Deferred Action will be positively affected, but some parts of this Immigration Reform could withhold some necessary benefits to others. For example, Senator Rafael Edward Cruz (R-Texas) proposed that those who have spent any amount of time as undocumented in the United States be forbidden from becoming American Citizens under any circumstances. Also, Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) proposed that immigrants’ children who obtain the RPI status, not be allowed to receive government assistance such as to supplement food and to supplement medical attention.
Thanks to the popularity of the Immigration Reform and the news about the “Gang of 8,” many are looking for legal help for their immigration situation—and because President Barack Obama and his administration have positively placed immigration in the agenda. However, there is nothing concrete about when the Immigration Reform will become law.
Call us at (317) 236-0486 for a free consultation. We are Griffith Law Group and are here to serve you. Remember, A NOTARY IS NOT AN ATTORNEY, and inexperience help can hurt you rather than help you.