Since passing the Senate in June, the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill has stalled in the House because opponents believe that the 13-year path to citizenship isn’t difficult enough, or want it out altogether. Some in the House want to make the path even longer, and even more difficult.
The path is already tough enough if you just take a look at the hurdles that Registered Provisional Immigrants, or RPIs, have to get through over the 13 years. A new infographic from the Center for American Progress shows just how difficult the path is.
First, anyone who registers as an RPI under the proposed plan would need to pass rigorous background checks as well as pay a $500 fine and various fees. For many immigrant families already struggling to make ends meet, this will already add a tremendous amount of stress and pressure.
After six years, RPIs would need to renew their status as well as pay another $500 fine plus fees.
It isn’t until a full decade has passed that RPIs would finally be able to apply for a Green Card, and only after passing a language test, proving steady employment, paying back taxes, and paying another $1,000 fine and fees.
Then after another three years, the RPI is at last eligible for citizenship, a full 13 years after the start of the process.
The path that’s been outlined in the bipartisan Senate plan is already full of enough hurdles. We can’t let the House add any more.
