After months of debate and immigrant rights rallies across the country, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive immigrant reform bill 62-36 Thursday that would offer most of the estimated 11 million to 12 million people who are in this country illegally a path to citizenship.
The proposal, however, separates illegal immigrants into three classes based on how long they have lived in the U.S., which concerns local immigrant advocates.
“We are concerned that the legislation would divide immigrant families, based on the three-tier legalization program,” Liz Alex, a spokeswoman for CASA of Maryland in Baltimore. “And are also worried that some of our fundamental judicial values, such as due process and worker protections, could be compromised under the bill as written.”
Those here less than two years would be required to leave the country, those in the U.S. for five years could stay and apply for permanent legal status. Immigrants in the country between two years and five would return to their point of entry and attempt to acquire a new visa and begin a new citizenship process.
“Let?s say a parent has been here ten years and have been bringing their family over bit by bit,” said Educardo Castro, a Baltimore immigrant from El Salvador with permanent legal status. “They could stay, but they might have to send their child home. This would divide families all over again. Everybody who immigrates wants to do it correctly, but it is very hard, very difficult to do. “This would effect everyone around me, friends, church members, co-workers, family. I’m very concerned.”
House bill 4437 which sparked demonstrations in Baltimore, Washington and across the nation would make all illegal immigrants subject to felony charges.
“I stronglyopposed the original House immigration bill,” Maryland Rep. Ben Cardin, D, said, “and I believe the new Senate bill brings us much closer to comprehensive immigration reform.”
The Senate proposal also calls for the construction of 370 miles of fencing on the Mexican border.
“I support this bill because it not only protects our borders with strong security and enforcement provisions, but it also protects American workers,” said Sen. Barbara Mikulski. “It rewards those who play by the rules, while making sure immigrants are treated with dignity.”
The Senate bill also has provisions for seasonal and guest worker provisions, but at much lower levels than needed and previously discussed, Alex said.
“We will be watching closely to see how our legislators work to reconcile the Senate bill with HR 4437,” Alex said.
