News

MYTH: As soon as the bill is signed, illegal immigrants will be granted immediate status:

• “The bill would grant immediate legal status and work permits to most illegal immigrants … ” (Stephen Dinan, “Senators put final touches on plan for immigration; border security is key element,” Washington Times, 4/16/13)
• “Illegal immigrants, however, would immediately be permitted to live and work here … ” (Daniel Horowitz, “Hey, Charlie Brown, Are You Ready For Some Football?” RedState, 4/16/13)
• “Phase One … most of the undocumented in America (and even some not currently in America) will enjoy at least some limited legal status.” (Benjy Sarlin, “Yep, The Immigration Bill’s Path To Citizenship Is The Real Deal,” TPM, 4/16/13)
• Senator Jeff Sessions: “There will be 11 million, maybe more, given immediate amnesty.” (“Republican Lawmakers Call Citizenship Path ‘Amnesty’,” Bloomberg, 4/17/13)

FACT: If this bill becomes law, it would not immediately grant legal status to anyone here illegally. On day one, no illegal immigrant is rewarded with anything. On day one, the clock starts running on the Department of Homeland Security meeting the mandatory security triggers – implementing an effective border security plan, mandatory employment verification for all businesses, and full implementation of an exit system. Six months later, after the border security and border fence plans are created, funded, and initiated, undocumented immigrants will be able to come forward, must submit to and pass background checks, be fingerprinted, pay fines, pay taxes, prove gainful employment, go to the back of the line, and prove they have had a physical presence in the U.S. since before 2012, among other measures. And if they meet all these requirements, they will earn a temporary status allowing them to work. If they don’t, they will be deported.

Reporting accurately describing the process of registering illegal immigrants:

• “Under the bill, immigrants here illegally could gain a provisional legal status six months after enactment as long as they meet certain criteria, and if the Homeland Security Department has moved forward on plans to secure the border.” (Erica Werner, “Bipartisan Bill Would Remake Immigration System,” Associated Press, 4/16/13)
• “The department will have six months to present a plan to begin securing the border and identify where more border fencing might be required. No immigrants would be allowed to apply for “registered provisional immigrant” legal status — which would allow them to live and work here legally, as well as travel outside the country — until both plans are complete.” (Ashley Parker, “Immigration Overhaul Proposal Is Likely to Ignite Fierce Debate,” The New York Times, 4/16/13)