With a bill imminent next week Tuesday, important details are slowly emerging. One such important detail is that the bill may have a cut-off date for those who can become legal. According to a Seattle Times article today Immigration plan sets 2011 cutoff for path to legalization, the Gang of 8 Senators have apparently agreed that anyone who entered the US after December 31, 2011, will be barred from legalizing under comprehensive immigration reform. In other words, if you entered the US 15 months ago, you could benefit from comprehensive immigration reform. Read the article at the above link to get more information.
But what if you or someone you know entered the US last month, or 6 months ago, or even a year ago who became illegal? What happens to that person. Inevitabley, this cut-off date would of exclude a great number of undocumented aliens, resulting in a group of people who will have no resolve to their status. Having such a group will ultimately create a similar and circular problem to what we have today. Why such a cut-off date? To me, it makes sense that the cut off date is the date the bill is either announced or comes into effect, or even December 31, 2012. It will be interesting to see what the Senators’ reasoning is.
We are lucky to be in a moment of history where comprehensive immigration reform will happen. However, once this law passes, it is unlikely we will see any updates/reform in decades to come. The importance of getting this right cannot be underestimated.
In any event, remember, when the bill is presented, there will be much debate and continued negotiations. Whatever form the bill will have at the time it is presented, it is almost certain that some of the terms will change according to discussions in Congress. Here is a reminder of how a bill becomes law. So, now is the time to get your voice heard. Call your representative to ensure your voice is heard!