Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment that provides certain undocumented immigrants present in the U.S. with an opportunity to become legal U.S. citizens.

Highlights:

• Allows certain undocumented immigrants who were physically present in the U.S. before January 1, 2006, to apply for an "orange card" through the Department of Homeland Security in order to obtain legal status.

• States that immigrants who have resided longer in the U.S. will receive legal status before those who have stayed for a shorter period.

• Requires immigrants to pay all Federal and State income taxes owed while employed in the U.S.

• Requires all immigrants to undergo background and national security checks while applying for an "orange card".

• Declares that immigrants are ineligible for legal status if they have been ordered removed from the U.S., have been convicted of a serious crime, or there are reasonable grounds that they committed a serious crime prior to coming to the U.S., or are a possible security threat to the U.S.

• Provides a penalty of a fine or up to 5 years in prison, or both for immigrants who place false statements on their "orange card" application and holds such immigrants to be inadmissible.

• Requires applicants to pay a $1,000 fine and $50 annual fees.

• Appropriates $100 million for the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out the "orange card" application process.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text