A Miami Republican may represent the best hope for a workable immigration plan from Congress this year. U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo introduced a petition on May 9, 2018, that would change the current rules to allow the House of Representatives to vote on four immigration bills. The bill that received the most votes over a simple majority would pass and be sent to the U.S. Senate for further debate.
Bipartisan Support Needed
Changing the rules of the U.S. House of Representatives is no easy task, however. To collect the necessary signatures for his petition, Curbelo must attract the support of at least 25 Republicans and all the Democrats in the House. The petition lacks only a few votes on the Republican side to force the House to vote on immigration-related bills in the near future.
Four Bills Under Consideration
Curbelo’s petition lists four bills as candidates for passage and transfer to the Senate:
- The DREAM Act, which would continue Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections and would offer added help for eligible DACA recipients who are not currently signed up for the program
- A bill that focuses on border security funding while providing a pathway to citizenship for those eligible for or already enrolled in DACA
- The current conservative immigration bill endorsed by many House Republicans, which has not yet attracted enough support to pass
- A bill to be chosen by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
All four of these bills would be voted on under the provisions of the Curbelo petition. The one that attracted the most support would automatically be passed by the House and would proceed to the Senate for further action.
Retaining Legal Representation
For immigrants in our area, seeking the help and guidance of a qualified Miami immigration lawyer is typically the best first move toward protecting the right to remain in this country and to pursue educational and employment opportunities. Your Miami immigration lawyer can provide you with expert advice on the right way to approach your visa issues or to seek the protections of citizenship in the United States.
If you need an experienced and knowledgeable Miami immigration lawyer, Pozo Goldstein can help with the most advanced and practical strategies for your case. Our team consists of two former immigration prosecutors and a former judge. This allows us to deliver the most effective representation for our clients. To schedule your free in-office consultation, call us today at 305-856-0400. We look forward to the chance to help you achieve your own American dream.
