We receive a lot of questions regarding how the immigration Reform works and who may apply or qualify for the current Reform.  We want to make it clear that there is currently no "Reform" signed by Congress or any of the Federal Branches.

 With every new administration and with changing State Laws there may soon be some sort of immigration "Reform," but again we repeat there is none at this time. When immigration "reform" comes, many hard-working people who have been living in the U.S. and contributing to the economy may be allowed to file for status.  But for right now, there is no reform, only talk. 

 If you are an immigrant who is hoping to get legal status, there are a few things that you should know:

 

  1. There are many people who will take your money for legal fees and will not be able to help you.  These people will use the word "Reform" or "Amnesty" in the present tense, as if there is a law in place, when in fact they are just taking your money.  Some are "notarios", some are paralegals and maybe even lawyers.  Some of them will take your money in order to cheat you, because it is easy money to them. Others truly want to help, but can't help you yet because the law has not yet changed.  When in doubt please seek several opinions from reputable people in order to fully understand what the current immigration laws are and how they apply to you directly.     
  1. Please be warned, if you file papers prematurely, you could harm your case, especially if you have an unusual situation in your history.  Unusual situations could include being stopped by immigration in the past, someone else using your name or identity and then getting in trouble with the law, having a visa that ran out and then leaving and reentering the country, and many other issues.  In some cases, you could even get deported if you file too early or don't file properly.   
  1. Don't wait to file if you don't have to.   Some people are waiting for the "reform", but they don't know that they can file for status NOW.   If you are married to a U.S. citizen, have a parent, sibling, or child over 21 who are already a U.S. citizen, or were adopted by a U.S. citizen before age 16; you might be able to file now.  You may also be able to file now if you have been here since January 1, 1972, or if you had previous immigration filings years ago, and were not turned down. 
  2. Right now, there is no reform.  As of today, July 6, 2010, the reform has not yet come.  Most people will need to wait for that reform in order to file.  Here are some helpful hints:

 

    1. Have a consultation, if you feel you need it. 
    2. If you decide to seek a legal consultation now, be sure that you are listening to a person or organization that is honest and is not practicing law illegally.
    3. If you have questions that you need answered right away, have a consultation with an immigration lawyer.    Getting answers now can help you understand your options and decide how to handle certain areas of your life while you are waiting for the immigration laws to change.   An attorney can warn you about things that could harm your case later.
    4. Gather your own information that is specific to your own case, and be sure that you are doing your best to plan for your future.  Make sure you have copies of any important document; birth certificates, marriage certificates, employment records.  Keep them, save them as they may be useful and needed later.
    5. If you decide to pay for more than the consultation appointment, find out exactly what that attorney is going to do for you and when, and if it is worth paying for now, or if you should wait for the reform to actually arrive before you decide who to hire and how much to pay.