A new federal law may make life easier for some of the hundreds of foreign nationals who are working illegally in Key West. According to local Attorney Bill Andersen, illegal foreign workers who were in the United States on Dec. 21, 2000, may now be able to obtain lawful permanent residence—a "Green Card"—through a Labor Certification.
The filing deadline is April 30, 2001. This amnesty program will not be available after that date, Andersen said.
"Many foreign nationals are forced to live as secondary citizens because their illegal status makes them ineligible for lawful permanent residence," Andersen said. "Furthermore, their employers are running the risk of incurring sanctions from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)."
The new law, known as the LIFE Act, allows an employer to file a Labor Certification petition on behalf of a foreign national. Once obtained, Labor Certification provides the basis for the applicant to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence.
"Applicants will not be subject to enforcement action by the INS or any other law enforcement agency in response to their filing of the petition," Andersen said. "This window of opportunity gives both employees and employers an opportunity to comply with the law and protect themselves from harsh government sanctions."
Lawful Permanent Residents have many benefits, virtually all of the rights and privileges given to full citizens. And after five years, Lawful Permanent Residents may apply for U.S. Citizenship.
The Andersen firm will be conducting free seminars on the new law— today, Friday, Feb. 2, at noon; and tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m.
For information about the seminars, call Donald Porter at the Andersen Firm: 295-6802.