USCIS Memo Stirs Debate Regarding Comprehensive Immigration Reform

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a memo last week proposing various alternatives to Comprehensive Immigration Reform. As stated in the memo, in the absence of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, USCIS can extend benefits and/or protections to many individuals and groups by issuing new guidance and regulations."

The 11-page memo was made public on Thursday by Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. Its publication quickly angered opponents of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, who allege that the memo serves as Obama's way of creating a back door amnesty plan.

In sum, the memo suggests a variety of ways by which USCIS can repair several of the broken aspects of our current immigration system. For example, the memo proposes that USCIS "extend benefits and/or protections to many individuals and groups by issuing new guidance and regulations, exercising discretion with regard to deferred action and the issuance of Notices to Appear." Next, USCIS suggests allowing those currently in the United States under Temporary Protected Status to adjust or change status to that of lawful permanent residents. Equally relevant for millions of immigrant families is the suggestion that USCIS lessen the "extreme hardship" standard for those seeking waivers of inadmissibility in-country or abroad.

It remains to be seen whether USCIS will implement its suggestions outlined in the recent memo.

Read the entire document here: http://www.propublica.org/documents/item/memo-on-alternatives-to-comprehensive-immigration-reform

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