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Church Aids New INS Legalization Program

Episcopal News Service. January 29, 1987 [87021]

NEW YORK (DPS, Jan. 29) -- Saying "Thousands of undocumented people in communities across the United States, including many members of Episcopal parishes, will look to the Church for advice in the important step of legalizing their immigration status," late last year Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning wrote to all bishops with preliminary information on the new Immigration Reform and Control Act, signed into law Nov. 6, and on the Church's response.

Among the provisions of the new law is a legalization program for persons who have been continuously undocumented and resident in the U.S. since Jan. 1, 1982. The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, which is certified for immigration work by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Board of Appeals, has, for some time, been engaged in discussion with that organization as to the actual procedures for implementing the legalization provisions.

While the plans for legalization procedures have not yet been finalized, the Immigration and Naturalization Service has issued some initial "Do's and Don'ts for Employers, Potential Applicants" and has asked its outreach participants to disseminate these as widely as possible. Among the most important of these are that employers should not discharge present employees or refuse to hire new ones based upon foreign appearance or language, and that potential applicants should not apply to INS now -- applications will not be accepted until May 5, 1987 -- and should beware of persons promising legalization and charging fees for this -- only INS can grant legalization.

An Episcopal Church Center Working Group on Migration Concerns has been established by the Presiding Bishop. Convened by the Rev. Canon Samir J. Habiby, the Fund's executive director, and chaired by Marion M. Dawson, the Fund's assistant director for migration affairs, it has representation from several Church Center units and "ethnic desks." This group will be coordinating the Church's participation in the legalization program.

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

Do's and Don'ts for Employers, Potential Applicants

The Immigration and Naturalization Service is currently in the initial planning stages of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Until INS begins the implementation stages, employers and potential legalization applicants may want to follow the suggestions listed below:

1.

General Recommendations for Employers Be alert for compliance information from the government during the six-month education period. State intention to hire only legal workers. Inform all newly hired employees that when guidelines are received they must provide proof of work eligibility. Do not discharge present employees or refuse to hire new employees based on foreign appearance or language. Assist applicants for legal status under the legalization or agricultural worker programs who request summaries of employment history to help prove their residence.

2.

General Information for Potential Legalization Applicants Watch and listen to English and non-English newspapers, radio and TV for information on applying for legalization. Do not contact INS now. No applications will be accepted by INS until May 5, 1987. Watch and listen for information regarding making contact with local voluntary agencies, such as a church or local community or ethnic group or an attorney for information or assistance in applying for legalization. INS will certify organizations authorized to provide assistance. Begin compiling documents and other information that will help prove your continuous residence in the U.S. since prior to Jan. 1, 1982. These could include: employment related documents, utility payments, tax, school or medical records and recent receipts. Do not attempt to prove residence by using false documents. Documentation will be checked closely. Fraud could result in penalties, including ineligibility to legalize, deportation, fines and imprisonment. Legalization can only be granted by INS. Beware of persons charging fees and promising they can obtain legalization.