By: Ashmar Mandou

In a latest attempt to galvanize reaction among the immigrant community, the Obama administration revealed a proposal last Friday that will reduce the time of separation of children and spouses of undocumented immigrants applying for legal status. “While I commend Obama for taking a positive measure towards immigration reform, I feel that it is not enough,” said Carlos Arango, executive director of Casa Aztlán. Arango described Obama’s proposal as a ‘common sense’ one that should have been introduced in the beginning of his administration. “He promised comprehensive immigration reform, it was the bulk of his campaign promise. But there were more deportations under his administration than his predecessor.”

Under the current law, relatives of U.S. citizens applying for legal status must return to their native country in order to process a visa. However, for immigrants who have resided in the U.S. for more than six months, are automatically barred from returning for at least three to ten years. A family member can apply for a waiver to reduce the time of separation if they prove it causes ‘extreme hardship.’

“Some people do not want to wait, others cannot afford to wait,” said Juan M. Soliz, of Juan M. Soliz Law Office and Associates and former alderman of the 25th ward. “The whole process is dicey and intense that many families decide not to go through with it.”

Should the proposal come to fruition, qualified undocumented immigrants would be able to acquire a temporary waiver in the U.S., before leaving the country to process their visa. This step would reduce the time an undocumented immigrant is out of the U.S. “This is a good step, although not a huge one. We would like the president to do more on what he said he would originally do about immigration reform,” said Alderman Joe Moreno of the 1st ward. “We have sons and daughters of immigrants, I, myself, am the grandson of an illegal immigrant, who fought for this country illegally, and received an honorable discharge…So the proposal is a very common sense approach to this issue.”

Although thousands, upon thousands of undocumented immigrants and proponents for immigration reform have expressed relief over the proposal, community leaders such as, Ald. Moreno and attorney Soliz have cautioned those interested in the process to wait for more details to come to surface. “Many of us are leery about advising undocumented workers to present themselves to be registered and processed in this program because we do not know what the politics of the federal government will be,” said Soliz. “This is a case by case basis. Not everyone will be granted a waiver. Also, should Obama not be re-elected for a second term, the information of those who apply will be out there for use. This is why people should take their time and make sure they go to the right person.”

I think that within the community in general there is an apprehension, whether it is getting a license or talking to people…airing on the side of caution. I would submit that there is plenty of good advice offered from non for profit organizations such as, Erie Neighborhood House or United Neighborhood Organization and attorneys, of course, that can help undocumented immigrants through this process,” said Ald. Moreno. If you would like to learn more about the new proposal, visit your local non-profit neighborhood such as, Erie Neighborhood House, Back-of-the-Yards Council, United Neighborhood Organization, or Latinos Progresando, to name a few, or contact your local alderman.

QUOTES

I think this proposal is a morale booster. It is a step in what we have seen in comprehensive immigration reform, although more has to be done. It shows that the president is starting to support what he said he would during his campaign. It also shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

-Alderman Joe Moreno of 1st Ward

It is not enough. It comes a day late and a penny short because we all know it is election time. This is something that we have all pushed for in the last years, however positive the proposal may be.

-Attorney Juan M. Soliz

Since President Obama took control of the country, we have been trying to get some resolutions under immigration law. We have seen more deportations under his administration. He needs to be more authoritative on the immigration issue and we need to realize that this country was made my immigrants.

-Executive Director of Casa Aztlán Carlos Arango

This proposal is great news for families in Chicago’s immigrant community. We support the development of a smart comprehensive national immigration policy, but incremental steps like these help ensure that we are making progress and recognizing the civic, cultural and economic contributions that immigrants make to our communities, to our city and to our country.

-Director of the Office of New Americans Adolfo Hernandez