CIR myths were prevalent in 2007 when the White House issued a myth debunking fact sheet. Seems like not too much has changed.
When it came to comprehensive immigration reform, the White House had (and still does today) its fair share of myths to battle. For instance, one of the most prevalent myths back then was that by putting an end to the waiting period for family members to get their permanent residence would wind up in 900,000 new residents every year, plus those who had already applied before the reform. To say that the staggering number of projected residents upset many would be an understatement of major proportions
The facts in this instance are that CIR (then and now) is intending to end the waiting period in 8 years. To get to that point, it means 240,000 permanent residents will be used from other categories and that 200,000 will be added each year for 8 years. Of course at the rate CIR is “not” moving, this may not come to pass anytime soon.
In 2007, people thought border security wouldn’t be enforced and that the necessity of having to hire immigrants in the US illegally wouldn’t be enforced. It’s quite clear border security “is” being enforced, perhaps even to the point of overkill and enforcement in other areas isn’t an issue either. You only have to read the newspaper about immigration raids to figure that out.
At one time Americans thought Z Visa applicants wouldn’t have to pay a sanction for entering the US illegally or for overstaying illegally. The truth today is that everyone who applies pays a sanction for each dependent beneficiary in addition to USCIS filing fees. There is usually a state filing fee as well and the price can often be as high as $2,000 for each application.
Another fairly popular myth then and now is that CIR will mean a higher tax for businesses to follow the new rules and regulations. The actual fact here is that CIR means a new verification system to check an applicant’s status. If the business uses the verification system, they will not face sanctions, as they are then following the law.
Along the same lines as the “higher taxes for business” is the myth that CIR won’t be enforced against employers who don’t follow the law. On the contrary, there are hefty sanctions in the reform package that range from $5,000 to $25,000 per infraction and per person found hired and working illegally.
As with anything you want information on, it’s best to just do the research yourself and find out what the “real” truth is and not believe what you hear.
Sally Odell – Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, PA is an immigration lawyer in Miami with immigration law offices in Orlando and Miami Florida. To learn more, visit http://www.rifkinandfoxisicoff.com.
Sally Odell – Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, PA is an immigration lawyer in Miami with immigration law offices in Orlando and Miami Florida. To learn more, visit http://www.rifkinandfoxisicoff.com.
