FACT: Two thirds of immigrants are here lawfully-either as naturalized citizens or in some other lawful status. Moreover, almost half of all undocumented immigrants entered the United States legally. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, one third of all immigrants are undocumented, one third have some form of legal status and one third are naturalized citizens. This applies to immigrants from Latin America as well as others.

FACT: Almost half of all undocumented immigrants entered the United States on visas that allowed them to reside here temporarily-either as tourists, students, or temporary workers. This means they were subject to inspection by immigration officials before entering the country,47 and became undocumented only when their visas expired and they didn't leave the country.

More mythbusting facts on this issue can be found in this Immigration Myths and Facts sheet from the ACLU.

The economic downturn has a lot of people murmuring that now is not the right time for CIR. But, the opinion polls show otherwise. Before you throw your hands up in defeat when you hear someone repeat this myth, consider responding with these quick mythbusting facts!

FACT: By consistently strong majorities, Americans want a fair, common sense plan to fix our broken immigration system. In 2009 as in previous years, voters want the President and Congress to advance an immigration plan that legalizes the undocumented workforce and requires them to pay taxes; levels the playing field for workers and employers; and restores the rule of law. The same was true in the run-up to the 2008 elections, when swing voters chose candidates who offered practical solutions to the broken immigration system over those who offered just empty rhetoric.

FACT: 71% of Voters Preferred That Illegal Immigrants Become Legal Taxpayers. An overwhelming margin of voters, 71% to 26% believed that illegal immigrants should take steps to become legal taxpayers. 71% of respondents also believe that those illegal immigrants should not be forced to leave and were not responsible for taking American jobs. [America's Voice, Benenson Strategy Group Poll, 5/14/09]

FACT: Majority of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Moderates, and Conservatives Supported Legalization. The Washington Post polling showed that support for legalization of undocumented immigrants was high despite political affiliation. 70% of liberals, 68% of Democrats, and 59% Republicans and Independents alike supported an amnesty program. [ABC News, 4/30/09]

Permanent Resident Card Production Delays

USCIS is announcing that applicants may experience up to an eight week delay in the delivery of their permanent resident card while we are in the process of upgrading our card production equipment.  USCIS Field Offices will be issuing temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp to applicants approved for permanent residence at the time of their interview.  You will need to take your passport to your appointment.  If you do not have a passport, you must bring a passport style photo and government issued photo identification to receive temporary evidence of permanent residence.

If the application is approved subsequent to your interview or by a Service Center or the National Benefit Center, the applicant should bring the above documents to an INFOPASS appointment to be issued temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp.