President Voices Support for INA Section 245(i)
Posted May 10, 2002

President George W. Bush once again voiced his support for an extension of Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This section, reinstated briefly by the LIFE Act, expired on April 30, 2001. Essentially, it allows the beneficiaries of employment- or family-based filings to overcome procedural barriers in adjusting status to permanent residence (green card), who would otherwise be prevented because of their improper entry into the U.S. or other status violations. It is not an amnesty. It simply allows people who are qualified for permanent residency in all respects except for status violations to complete the usual green card process within the U.S.

At a reception honoring Cinco de Mayo (May 5^th, 2002), Mexican Independence Day, the President emphasized the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. In connection with remarks regarding his work with Mexico's President Fox to address immigration issues, President Bush stated that he has asked Congress to pass an extension of Section 245(i) "to allow families to stay together while they become permanent residents." He concluded, "There is no reason why this cannot be passed."

We support this enlightened stance on legislation that is favorable to immigration. Reinstatement of Section 245(i), if extended sufficiently, will help resolve some of the issues pertaining to the presence of persons without legal status who are in the U.S. Enabling persons with legitimate employment- or family-based petitions to become legal will, likewise, enable the government to focus its enforcement efforts and funds on persons who genuinely pose a security threat to the U.S. and to Americans.