1) President Obama signs the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.”
2) 180 days after Obama signs bill, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano submits two border security plans to Congress. No further action is required.
3) After Napolitano submits security plans, undocumented immigrants may apply for “registered provisional immigrant” (RPI) status. To qualify for RPI, an immigrant must:
- A) Pay a $500 fine and assessed taxes.
- B) Not: 1) be a felon, 2) have committed three felonies, 3) have committed a crime in a foreign country, 4) have unlawfully voted, or 5) be otherwise inadmissible for national security, public health, or other “morality” grounds.
- C) Prove they have been in the U.S. since December 2011.
4) Five years after bill is signed, the DHS secretary must certify that the border is secure. If it is not, a “Border Commission” is created to issue a report. No further action is required.
5) Six years after obtaining RPI status, immigrants may renew their RPI status and pay another $500 fine.
6) Ten years after obtaining RPI status, immigrants may apply for “lawful permanent resident” status. To qualify for permanent resident status, an immigrant must:
- A) Pay a $1,000 fine.
- B) Prove they have paid all taxes since obtaining RPI status.
- C) Demonstrate knowledge of civics and English.
7) As lawful permanent residents, former undocumented immigrants are free to apply for citizenship along with all other green card holders.
