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Who is eligible? On June 1, 2001 the USCIS (formerly
INS) published interim regulations implementing the legalization
and family unity provisions of the Legal Immigration Family
Equity Act, also known as the LIFE Act.
Under the LIFE Act, if you are already a party to one of
three class-action lawsuits (LULAC, Zambrano, or
CSS) and have previously applied for a work permit, you
have been granted another year to apply for legalization under
the 1986 amnesty law.
Where can I apply? Class members may apply within
the US or from abroad. However, the new rules suggest applicants
from abroad will not be permitted to enter the US while their
applications are pending.
What is the application period? The LIFE Act application
period runs from June 1, 2001 thru May 31, 2002.
Can I work and travel if I apply within the US? While
your legalization application is pending,if you are prima
facie eligible for legalization, you may be entitled to work
and travel authorization, as long as you file an application
for such authorization along with the legalization application.
What are the requirements for legalization?
They are:
(1) You are eligible for legalization (you can demonstrate
proof of having lived in the US between January 1, 1982 thru
May 4, 1988, eg pay stubs, utility bills, postmarked letters,
USCIS legal documents under the class-action lawsuits)
(2) You have not been convicted of a felony or three misdemeanors
(3) You were continuously present in the US between November
6, 1988 and May 4, 1988 except for "brief, casual and
innocent departures"
(4) You can demonstrate basic US citizenship skills (ie knowledge
of English and US government skills) or are pursuing a nationally-recognized
course to acquire these skills
(5) You filed papers with the USCIS asking
for a work permit and stay of deportation under CSS,
LULAC or Zambrano. Whether or not you were denied
a work permit is immaterial, but you must have filed papers
requesting benefits under one of the three cases.
Filing fee: self-filing is $300 plus $25 for fingerprinting.
If you require the services of an attorney, please contact
our offices to inquire about additional fees.
Family Unity Program: Benefits for Spouses and Children
Under the LIFE Act, spouses and children of legalization
applicants may remain in the US if they:
(1) are the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age
of a person eligible for legalization
(2) entered the US before December 1, 1988 and have resided
in the US since that time
(3) are now in the US
Please note: the rules governing legalization procedures
under LIFE Act are subject to change. Please bookmark this
page for updates or contact
our offices.
N.B.: Much of the information on this page was obtained
through the website
of the Center
for Human Rights and Constitutional Law.
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