ROYBAL-ALLARD SPONSORS BILL TO LEGALIZE IMMIGRANTS LIVING AND WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard today joined the House Minority Leader, Richard Gephardt, at a press conference to announce the introduction of the Earned Legalization and Family Unification bill. Congresswoman Roybal-Allard is a primary co-sponsor of the legislation.

"This legislation will ensure that hard-working, law-abiding, tax-paying immigrants are able to adjust their status and live legally in the United States," said Roybal-Allard. "These immigrants contribute to our communities and our economy, but have been relegated to the fringes of society because of their legal status. Passage of this bill will permit families to live and work without fear of being separated from their families."

To qualify for legalization under this legislation, an immigrant must meet the following criteria:

• at least five years residency in the United States,
• at least two years of work history in the United States,
• proof of payment for all federal and state taxes, or a commitment to pay an outstanding tax liability,
• a background check by the FBI, INS, and local police,
• a medical examination,
• proof that s/he has not been a public charge, and
• a minimum understanding of English and a knowledge of the history of the United States, or enrollment in a course of study to acquire this knowledge.

In addition, the Earned Legalization and Family Unification bill includes key elements of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard's bill to help undocumented immigrant students. It allows students to apply for adjustment of status if they have been in the country for five years, remain in school, and show good moral character.

"Many of these talented children have lived in this country for the majority of their lives," said Roybal-Allard. "Yet thousands of them are unable to receive a college education or find a job because of their immigration status. As a result, our country is losing the benefit of their talent and potential contributions."

"This legislation is especially important now when the nation is experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in careers such as nursing, teaching and computer engineering," added Roybal-Allard. "By legalizing their immigration status we allow some of our countries best and brightest students gain a college degree and become full participants of our society."

Finally, the bill would reduce the backlog of applications at the Immigration and Naturalization Service by removing immediate relatives from the world-wide cap.

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Congresswoman Roybal-Allard
Washington, D.C., Office: 2330 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Phone: (202) 225-1766. Fax: (202) 226-0350.
District Office: 255 E. Temple St., Ste. 1860, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3334. Phone: (213) 628-9230. Fax: (213) 628-8578.