US Immigration Reform Bill: A call to action for Kenyans in US

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

As we are all aware, there is a pending Immigration bill at Capitol Hill and it  needs the attention of all of us. This is an immediate CALL To ACTION.
This bill was introduced in the Senate and is receiving some fast action. It will be introduced on the floor for debate as early as this week, maybe tomorrow.
As Kenyans, we need to join other communities in support of this bill ( Senate Bill S.744 – The 2013 Immigration Reform Bill)
Here are several things that you can do:
1. Contact your two Senators and ask for their support of the bill.
Please read the document below to have a good understanding of the bill. You can either call or email their office.

Here is the link to their contact: http://www.senate.gov/general/resources/pdf/senators_phone_list.pdf or http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
2. Sign the Petition to Support the Bill…click the link below http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-congress-to-support-immigration-ref…
3. Here is a draft of a letter you can send to your Senator. Please address it to your Senator.

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To:
The U.S. Senate
I am writing today to voice my support for the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) bill, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S. 744). Our nation needs a 21st century immigration policy to remain globally competitive. Today, our colleges and universities are not producing enough American graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. The Senate’s CIR bill will enable American companies to hire a modest number of highly skilled foreign-born workers, while also addressing our long-term talent needs through creating a new STEM fund that will be paid for by business fees—not taxpayers—on visas and green cards. This fund will benefit students and communities throughout the U.S. By tying high-skilled immigration reform with a STEM education fund, the Senate’s CIR legislation will help American students, workers, and their families by expanding economic opportunities.
I urge you to support this legislation to help move our nation forward.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
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4. Finally forward this message to all Kenyans you know in the US.
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- From the Embassy in of Republic of Kenya in Washington, DC.
STATUS OF SENATE COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL April 16, 2013, the “Gang of Eight,” a bipartisan group of Senators, including Senators Schumer, McCain, Durbin, Graham, Menendez, Rubio, Bennet, and Flake, introduced a Senate bill S.744 “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes.
April 19, 2013, Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings on the proposal.
May 9, 2013, the Senate Judiciary Committee began offering amendments to change the bill, a process known as the “mark-up.”
May 21, 2013, after considering nearly 200 amendments, the Judiciary Committee voted to approve S. 744 as amended, sending the bill to the debate and consideration on the Senate floor.
June 11, 2013, the Senate voted 85-12 in favor of beignning debate of the bill on the Senate floor.
Brief summary of the provisions of the bill that may affect the Kenyan immigrants in the U.S.

• After the Secretary of Homeland Security creates a list of border-enforcement goals, undocumented immigrants can immediately apply for a “registered provisional immigrant” (RPI) status. To qualify for RPI status, individuals cannot have a felony of three or more misdemeanors, must have lived in the U.S. since before December 31, 2011, must hold a job and pay a $500 fine and back taxes. After 10 years, RPIs will be eligible for permanent resident status (“Green Card”). A path to citizenship for this group is estimated to take a total of 13 years, and include a total of $2,000 in fines as well as payment of back taxes, a clean criminal record, a steady work history, and knowledge of English and civics.
• Individuals who have already been deported will be eligible to apply to come back to the U.S. if they have a parent or child who is a citizen or permanent resident.
• There will be a five year citizenship path for certain immigrants brought here illegally as children (DREAMERs) who meet additional requirements.
• Agricultural workers who have conducted substantial agricultural work in the US for at least two years will receive a blue card and can apply for a green card after 5 years. There will also be a new agricultural guest worker program.
• There will also be an increase in visas for high-skilled workers. The H1-B visa program will be expanded significantly to attract high- skilled workers, from the current 65,000 to at least 110,000 per year, and up to 180,000 if there is employer demand. Some individuals with extraordinary abilities and in other needed skills-categories will be exempt from these caps.
• In regards to low skilled workers, there will be a new “W-visa” program for 20,000 low-skilled guest workers, beginning in 2015, rising to 75,000 workers by 2019. This new visa will add an immigration option for persons who do not have specialized skills or degrees.
• Within 2-5 years of enactment (depending on how many individuals a company employs), employers will be required to “E-verify” every employee’s legal status. Persons caught working illegally will be deported immediately.
• The Diversity Visa Program as well as visas for siblings of US citizens will be eliminated under this program, therefore, reducing family immigration options in the future.

PREPARATION LIST
Congress has not passed a bill yet, however, it is important to prepare your documents necessary ahead of time. The following is a general list of documents the US government may likely require for any immigration petitions or applications. It is general in nature and is not intended to be an exhaustive list for each individual’s case.
1. Proof of Identity
a. Birth Certificate
b. Valid/Current Passport(s)
c. National ID
d. Drivers License
e. School ID
f. Military ID
g. Any other US government issued identification
2. Proof of Entry into the United States
a. The Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94)
b. Crewman Landing Permit (Form I-95)
3. Proof of Residency/Presence in the United States
a. Immigration Documents
b. Government Records
c. Medical Records
d. Employment Records (dates, names and addresses of places worked)
e. Tax Records
f. Military Records
g. School Records
h. Religious Records
i. Housing records (dates and addresses of rental, mortgage, utility bills, money order receipts)
j. Club Memberships
4. Proof of Tax Filings
a. Tax Records (Proof of filings is very important. If you do not have copies, call the IRS for a free transcript order at 1-800-908-9946. If you do not have a social security number, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number by calling 1-800-829-1040. It is never to late to file back taxes. Contact a tax professional if you need assistance in filing your taxes.)
5. Criminal Records
a. Certified copies of court docket records
b. FBI records with fingerprints (if necessary)
6. Cost of Filing
a. Application fees
b. Fines
c. Attorney’s fees (if necessary)
For more information on S.744 and a list of amendments, visit http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/.
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya does not engage in the practice of law. This information is subject to change according to United States Immigration and Nationality laws. As such, it may not apply to all persons or all situations, and should not be construed as legal advice. If you find yourself in a legal situation please consult with an attorney before taking action.