February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The Queens-based Emerald Isle Immigration Center held a final 245i information seminar earlier this week. If the crowd that turned up was small compared to earlier such events, the prevailing feeling was that all the information that could be dispensed had indeed been made available over several such seminars that attracted immigrants who hope to achieve legal status.
The 245I provision is due to expire on the last day of this month. Those who quality for 245i relief — and there are many undocumented immigrants who will not qualify — must now go through the always complicated process of filling out and filing the necessary forms with the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Dealing with the immigration authorities can be a daunting prospect, but anyone who is qualified for 245i relief should take the opportunity and apply.
While there is a move in Congress to extend 245i’s life for another six months, there is no such thing as a sure bet in Washington. The next few days might be all that’s left in a lifeline that could pull many thousands of undocumented, but eligible, immigrants out of the morass of illegality.
So if you qualify and know what to do, take the time and trouble to fill out the forms and get them in by the deadline. If you have questions, contact your local immigration advice center. But no matter what, don’t waste an opportunity that might be the last of its kind to come along for a long time.
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