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There is NO Amnesty Program!
How to Document Your Stay in the US
It is possible that in a few years, the United
States Congress will approve a program to normalize the immigration
status ('legalization' or 'amnesty') of persons who are currently
living and/or working in this country without immigration papers.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO
POINT OUT THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO REGULARIZATION PROGRAM
(December 2003). |
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Nevertheless, we recommend that persons who
reside or work in the United States without immigration papers begin
to document their stay in this country so that in the event there is
a regularization (legalization or amnesty), they are prepared to
demonstrate the length of their stay. It is very likely that
any regularization will require applicants to prove they have been
residing in this country for a certain period of time, as was also
the case during the 1986 amnesty.
Additionally, it is likely that other requirements of the amnesty
will include demonstrating that one has worked and paid taxes in
this country. for this reason, we recommend that you keep
proof of income from employment and pay income taxes. In order
to pay taxes, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS.)
Remember: THERE IS STILL NO AMNESTY
PROGRAM, but it is worth the effort to be prepared by collecting
the necessary documents now.
We recommend that you start a file with some
of the following documents that will help to demonstrate the length
of your stay in this country. The person intending to apply
for a possible future amnesty should have at least one dated
document with their name on it for every three-month period they
reside in the United States. If possible, each family member
should have a separate file.
Examples of documents:
| Rent receipts
for an apartment |
Paycheck stub
or other proof of payment |
| A copy of a
rental agreement for an apartment |
Dated letters
from your employed (for example, regarding medical insurance) |
| A receipt for
a rental deposit |
Report cards
from schools |
| A real
estate title |
Awards and certificates
from educational institutions |
| Mortgage
payment receipts |
High school diplomas |
| Telephone
bills |
Medical records |
| Utility (gas,
water, electricity) bills |
Receipts from remittances |
| Income tax returns with W2
forms |
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Prepared the by
Immigrant Legal Resource
Center |
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PLEASE NOTE:
Immigration law and regulations change
frequently. In order to protect yourself you should make sure that
you understand the laws and how they apply to you. If you
have questions about your status, you should consult an expert.
If
you would like help from Ms. Chappell-Daly,
please contact her.
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