Frequently Asked Questions On Immigration
Late Amnesty
Late-amnesty
applicants can finally apply for permanent residence. You have until May 31, 2002, to send
your application to the INS.
"Late amnesty" refers to permanent residence (green card) applications filed
late under the 1986 legalization program. The U.S. federal courts forced the INS to extend
the original deadline of May 4, 1988. The courts found, that the INS had improperly
discouraged people from applying.
Many late-amnesty applicants have been waiting more than 10 years to get permanent
residence. The INS estimates that up to 440,000 people may qualify, though my guess is
that the number is substantially less.
Under the Legal Family Equity Act, people who filed for amnesty before Oct. 1, 2000, under
the CSS vs. Meese, LULAC vs. INS, or Zambrano vs. INS cases can get permanent residence.
To qualify, you must have applied for a green card under one of these cases before Oct. 1,
2000.
And, like all other legalization applicants, you must have 'come to the United States
before Jan. 1, 1982, and lived here in an unlawful status until at least May 4, 1988. You
must also pass a U.S. citizenship language and civic knowledge test (or be taking a course
in these subjects).
Apply for late amnesty by filing INS form 1-485, Application to Regioar Permanent
Residence Of Adjust Status, a new form I-485 Supplement D, INS form G-325A, Biographical
Information, two immigration photos (three-quarter profile with your right ear showing),
and a filing fee of $330 plus $25 for fingerprints. You may apply for employment
authorization using INS form 1-765, Application for Employment Authorization (fee - $100),
and travel permission using INS form 1-131, Application for Travel Document, (fee $95).
You must file your LIFE Legalization application by mail. Send your application,
certified mail/return receipt requested to: VS-Immigration and Naturalization Service, PO.
Box 7219, Chicago, Ill. 60607-7219.
You can get th'e forms and more information at the INS Web site www.ins.com, or by calling
the INS at (800) 375-5283.
(By Alan Wernick)
 
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