Major Provisions
of S. 2611
The following is a summary of the major provisions
of S. 2611, The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. The legislation passed the
U. S. Senate 62-36 on Thursday, May 25, 2006.
Positive Provisions:
-
Path
to Citizenship: As many as 10 million persons will have an
opportunity for legal status and legal permanent residence within a
6-8 year period. Those here 5 years or longer (an estimated 7-8
million) would be allowed to apply for permanent residence after six
years; those here 2-5 years will be allowed to work but must return
to a port of entry and wait for a green card behind those in the
first category; and those here 0-2 years must return home and come
back through the temporary worker program.
-
Family-Based Visa Reform: Title V of the legislation makes
changes to increase family visas for family reunification. The
provisions would clear the backlog for family reunification within
six years.
-
Temporary Worker Program: A new temporary worker program would
allow 200,000 workers to enter the United States. After four years
of work, they would be able to self-petition for permanent
residency. Workers would be able to change employers under the
program.
-
AgJOBS/DREAM Act: The legislation includes the Agricultural
Jobs, Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2006, which would
legalize up to 1.5 million farm workers, and the DREAM Act, which
would legalize undocumented students.
Negative Provisions:
-
Border Wall: An amendment to the bill would authorize
construction of a 370 mile wall along the border.
-
English-only amendment: An amendment was adopted during the
floor debate which would make English the official language of the
United States. It is unclear what real impact that might have on
government operations, including whether government documents can be
provided in languages other than English.
-
Detention and Due Process Provisions: The bill would require
mandatory detention for non-Mexicans along the southern border,
indefinite detention for persons who cannot be removed to their home
country, and would remove judicial review of minor offenses.
-
Refugees and Asylum
Seekers: The legislation would expand expedited removal of
asylum seekers along the southern border and expose to criminal
prosecution potential asylum seekers who file affirmative asylum
applications who use false documents. An amendment on the floor
removed a harsh provision which would deport an asylum seeker
awaiting a decision on appeal.
The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act
of 2006 (S. 2611):
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