Letter to existing and prospective clients
June 19, 2013
Regarding: Immigration Reform Proposal in Congress
Dear existing and prospective clients:
As you may have heard, on April 16, 2013 eight U.S. Senators presented an immigration reform bill called the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.” We are sending you this letter to inform you that although this comprehensive immigration reform bill has been introduced in Congress, the bill is just a proposal and is not a new law. Be aware of “Notarios” or anyone who offers to start any application process based on a “new law” or “immigration reform.”
As you may already know, in order for a bill to become law there are three primary stages the bill must go through: first, the Senate has to vote and approve the bill; second, the House of Representatives must vote and approve the bill; and finally the bill must be signed by the President. There are many other intermediate steps including bill amendments, committee hearings, and other procedures that the proposed bill will go through during the summer of 2013. It is possible the bill, or some alternate version of the bill, could become a law by fall of 2013 or winter 2014. Once a law is passed, the Department of Homeland Security will then need to create regulations to implement it. Alternatively, it is also possible that no new immigration law will be passed. Congress can be very unpredictable so it is best to follow reliable news sources and to wait and see what will happen. Our office receives regular updates from the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) Washington, D.C. office.
Attached to this letter is additional information to help you understand the proposed Senate bill, including a roadmap to citizenship for DACA / Dreamers, workers, and other undocumented people who are living and working hard in this country.
Even if the proposed immigration bill becomes a law, not everyone will qualify. Immigration law is complex. Anyone seeking to apply for an immigration benefit should consult with an experienced immigration attorney or receive self-help information from a reliable source of information such as AILA, one of the local community organizations that AILA partners with, or USCIS. There are many people who prey on vulnerable populations. It is important that you stay informed and protect yourself.
Although the immigration bill is still just a proposal, anyone who hopes to apply for a future immigration benefit should be prepared by gathering all or some of the following:
1. Documentation of your identification (passport, birth certificate, identification card, school ID, medical records, etc.);
2. Save money because the proposed bill includes a penalty fee and you may have to pay back taxes;
3. Gather documents of your presence inside the United States (include school records, employment records, bank statements, tax filings, date stamp photos of you with family and friends in the U.S., medical records, pay stubs, etc.)
4. Gather certified copies of all police and court records (if applicable);
5. Follow all U.S. and local laws and do not get into any legal trouble;
6. Create a list of your address and employment history since entering the United States, with as detailed information (including dates) as possible; and
7. If you do not have a social security number apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS).
Our office will continue to keep you informed. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment with me, please feel free to contact our office.
Very truly yours,
Jimmy Namgyal
Attorney at Law
Regarding: Immigration Reform Proposal in Congress
Dear existing and prospective clients:
As you may have heard, on April 16, 2013 eight U.S. Senators presented an immigration reform bill called the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.” We are sending you this letter to inform you that although this comprehensive immigration reform bill has been introduced in Congress, the bill is just a proposal and is not a new law. Be aware of “Notarios” or anyone who offers to start any application process based on a “new law” or “immigration reform.”
As you may already know, in order for a bill to become law there are three primary stages the bill must go through: first, the Senate has to vote and approve the bill; second, the House of Representatives must vote and approve the bill; and finally the bill must be signed by the President. There are many other intermediate steps including bill amendments, committee hearings, and other procedures that the proposed bill will go through during the summer of 2013. It is possible the bill, or some alternate version of the bill, could become a law by fall of 2013 or winter 2014. Once a law is passed, the Department of Homeland Security will then need to create regulations to implement it. Alternatively, it is also possible that no new immigration law will be passed. Congress can be very unpredictable so it is best to follow reliable news sources and to wait and see what will happen. Our office receives regular updates from the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) Washington, D.C. office.
Attached to this letter is additional information to help you understand the proposed Senate bill, including a roadmap to citizenship for DACA / Dreamers, workers, and other undocumented people who are living and working hard in this country.
Even if the proposed immigration bill becomes a law, not everyone will qualify. Immigration law is complex. Anyone seeking to apply for an immigration benefit should consult with an experienced immigration attorney or receive self-help information from a reliable source of information such as AILA, one of the local community organizations that AILA partners with, or USCIS. There are many people who prey on vulnerable populations. It is important that you stay informed and protect yourself.
Although the immigration bill is still just a proposal, anyone who hopes to apply for a future immigration benefit should be prepared by gathering all or some of the following:
1. Documentation of your identification (passport, birth certificate, identification card, school ID, medical records, etc.);
2. Save money because the proposed bill includes a penalty fee and you may have to pay back taxes;
3. Gather documents of your presence inside the United States (include school records, employment records, bank statements, tax filings, date stamp photos of you with family and friends in the U.S., medical records, pay stubs, etc.)
4. Gather certified copies of all police and court records (if applicable);
5. Follow all U.S. and local laws and do not get into any legal trouble;
6. Create a list of your address and employment history since entering the United States, with as detailed information (including dates) as possible; and
7. If you do not have a social security number apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS).
Our office will continue to keep you informed. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment with me, please feel free to contact our office.
Very truly yours,
Jimmy Namgyal
Attorney at Law