New Hagel Compromise Bill

U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) (press release) late this week introduced “The Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007.” The legislation would create a point system to deal with those living in the country illegally. Those who receive enough points would be put on a pathway to earn citizenship after 13 years.

Hagel’s legislation is a compromise intended to be incorporated into the comprehensive immigration reform legislation the Senate will consider in May. The legislation builds on previous immigration reform legislation introduced by Hagel in the last two Congresses.

To qualify for a greencard under the Hagel legislation, an individual here illegally must earn points in categories that show specific characteristics that demonstrate investment, contribution and assimilation into the United States. The individual would be required to receive 65% of the available points to qualify for a greencard. After the initial application, if at anytime DHS determines that the alien cannot qualify for the program, the alien would have to leave the U.S. or would be deported. The bill establishes the following point categories:

Military Service (after meeting initial qualifications for adjustment)

Advanced English proficiency

Civic Engagement – significant community service work (religious or secular), a clean criminal record, and on time payment of income taxes for past work

Business ownership (which employs at least 2 unrelated “legal” workers)

Home ownership

Work History (points for each year of work an alien can prove) (Like Hagel/Martinez)

Education (additional points for all levels of education)

U.S. Presence (points for length of time in the U.S.) (Like Hagel/Martinez)

U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident Spouse or minor child

Click here for a copy of the bill.

KJ