W. P. G. and P. S. M. House Bill 1885 memo to Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. and S.L.K., March 13, 2002

Memo To: RLE, SLK From: WPG, PSM Re: H.R. 1885 extension of section 245(i) provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act Date: 3/13/2002 TALKING POINTS This is not a wide open “Amnesty” for illegal immigrants; An immigrant must already be qualified, through either family relation or a filed labor certification, prior to 8/15/2001 to qualify for 245(i); Any individual who is here illegally, but who satisfies the first criteria, pays a stiff $1000 penalty and is allowed to stay in the U.S. while INS processes their application; otherwise the individual would be required to go overseas for 3 or 10 years to apply. This bill simply allows the rest of the paper work to go through the INS, it must be filed by November 30, 2002 or 120 after INS issues rules for filing the paper work; Individuals who are here legally do not pay the $1000 fine; and All applicants are subject to in depth security screening and background checks. • This bill was passed overwhelmingly (336-43) on May 2 1 , 200 1 . The Senate failed to act until September. The House was scheduled to review the Senate amendments and take a vote on September 11, 2001. • The President asked for Congressional leadership on this bill, and the House responded. • Further, the House used this opportunity to pressure the Senate into addressing outstanding, common sense reform to the immigration process by forcing the Senate to address H.R. 3525 which the House passed in December. • H.R. 3525 requires “biometric” visas and improved computer systems to track immigrants and requires schools to report foreign students when they do not register for classes. *Note: In the Is' session of the 105"’ Congress RLE voted on a procedural motion for H.R. 2267, Roll call 541, to instruct House Conferees to disagree with a Senate amendment to the FY 1998 CJS bill that permanently extended 245(i).