The details of the Senate’s bipartisan immigration proposal became known yesterday and, despite reservations by Republicans, the bill looks to be the best shot comprehensive immigration reform that is acceptable to both sides.  Republicans, who were initially critical of the bill, seemed to become more comfortable with the trade off of greater resources for border security in exchange for a “path to legal status” for the nation’s approximately 11 million illegal immigrants.

As you may know, President Obama has made comprehensive immigration reform (path to citizenship) a top priority of his second term and has promised the country that he will do whatever is necessary to achieve this reform.

Some of the key highlights of the bill are the fact that it beefs up security along the southwestern border, gives a path to citizenship by providing legal status and eligibility to for citizenship after payment of back taxes, $2,000 in fines and a 13-year waiting period.  Furthermore, the bill would streamline the nation’s visa system by allowing the 4 million people waiting for a visa to come in and allow as many as 200,000 new low-skilled guest workers to come in over the next decade.

There are many other special exceptions and accommodations the bill provides for depending on whether you are a farm worker, student or serve in the military.  Keep in mind that the bill still needs to get passed in the Senate and the House of Representatives before it goes to President Obama’s desk to get signed into law and a lot of changes can occur along the way.

If you or someone you know is living in the U.S. without any legal status or are here on a Visa and would like to consult about you ability to apply for deferred action or citizenship, contact Attorney Ross Erlich before it’s too late.  Furthermore, if you have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or are facing an aggravated felony, it is crucial that you consult with an attorney well versed in the immigration implications that a guilty plea might entail.

Contact attorney Ross Erlich is you have any immigration questions in the Hollywood, North Hollywood, Downtown, Koreatown or Westside areas of Los Angeles today.