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May 31, 2001 (rev.) INS Implements Legalization Provision of the LIFE Act WASHINGTON The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will publish an interim rule in the Federal Register tomorrow, June 1, 2001, allowing applicants of three long-standing class action lawsuits to apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident. This rule implements the legalization provision, Section 1104, of the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act and Section 1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments (LIFE Act) enacted on December 21, 2000. An estimated 440,000 individuals may be eligible to apply for this benefit, termed LIFE Legalization, which addresses three separate class-action lawsuits that were filed in the late 1980s challenging INS implementation of the legalization provisions of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. "LIFE Legalization provides relief for a number of individuals seeking to become lawful permanent residents, but it is not a general amnesty program for all persons unlawfully in the United States," said Acting Commissioner Kevin D. Rooney. "It applies only to those persons who were unsuccessful in applying for a legalization program that existed about 13 years ago, and who subsequently applied for class membership in the CSS, LULAC or Zambrano lawsuits to argue that they were incorrectly denied legalization or that they were discouraged from applying." To be eligible for LIFE Legalization, applicants must:
Eligible persons will have a one-year period to apply for the LIFE Legalization program. The application period begins on June 1, 2001, and ends on May 31, 2002. They may apply from within the United States or from abroad. All prospective applicants must first read the supplementary instruction sheet, Form I-485 Supplement D and then mail in a completed Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with all required documentation, the $330 filing fee plus the $25 fingerprinting fee (unless exempt from fingerprinting). Applications must be postmarked on or before May 31, 2002. The LIFE Act also provides employment authorization and protection from several grounds of removal to certain spouses and children of persons who are eligible to apply for LIFE Legalization. To be eligible for these benefitstermed Family Unity benefitsapplicants must:
Eligible persons will be able to apply for Family Unity benefits at any time beginning on June 1, 2001. To apply for Family Unity benefits, applicants should mail in a completed Form I-817 (Application for Family Unity Benefits) along with required documentation, and the $120 filing fee plus $25 fingerprinting fee (unless exempt from fingerprinting). Where to Apply All applications related to LIFE Legalization or Family Unity benefits should be mailed to the following post office box (P.O. Box) address: U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Additional Information and Forms Additional information and application forms regarding LIFE Act benefits including the supplementary instruction sheet, Form I-485 Supplement Dare available on the INS Web site www.ins.gov> (forms can be downloaded from the site), or by calling the INS toll-free customer telephone service: 1-800-375-5283. "Those who have concerns about their eligibility for LIFE Act benefits should be cautious to avoid unscrupulous immigration practitioners. They should contact a licensed attorney or a legal service provider recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals," urged Acting Commissioner Rooney. (A list of legal service providers recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals is available on the Internet site www.usdoj.gov/eoir under "Pro Bono Program.") INS |
Last Modified 02/20/2003