Kenya Embassy advise to those impacted by changes in the US immigration system

admin | February 21, 2013 | 1 Comments

UNITED STATES COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM.
Discussions from the White House and Congress indicate a high likelihood that the United
States will reform the immigration system in the year of 2013. An actual bill has not yet
been introduced. However, these reforms could include new pathways to citizenship,
advanced border control and tougher employment verification systems.
If you are or know of a Kenyan in the United States that may be impacted by any
changes in the US immigration system, please consider the following tips:
1. Keep a current visa status. If you are currently in the United States on a valid visa,
ensure it does not expire. If you cannot renew your legal status and face the
possibility of overstaying, leave the country before expiry and reapply for an
applicable status.
2. Stay out of trouble. Those who are in the United States without a valid status are
likely to be required to register with the government and pass all background
checks in order to be eligible for a pathway to citizenship.
3. Pursue an advanced degree from an accredited American University (Masters or
PhD) specifically in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math.
4. Settle your debts and pay your fines and back taxes.
5. If you have a background in agriculture, pursue a job in the agriculture industry. It is
possible that persons who have been working in the agricultural industry will earn a
path to citizenship through a different process under a new agricultural worker
program.
6. Learn English and basic U.S. Civics/History.
7. Keep a valid job if you have a work permit. Applicants may be asked to demonstrate
a history of work in the Untied States among other requirements before they are
eligible to apply for permanent residency.
8. If you were brought to the US as a child (under the 16), stay in and/or finish school.
Eligible persons (under 30 years of age) who came to the US as children qualify for
special relief because they did not knowingly choose to violate any immigration
laws.
Also note, new laws reforming immigration will not positively affect all immigrants.
Individuals may need to consult with a licensed, credible United States immigration
attorney as persons will be impacted on a case by case basis.