I heard there was going to be an amnesty soon. Does anyone know if its happening, or any further info?

Question

My girlfriend is here legally on a J-1 visa (au pair) from china. She hates being an au pair, and wants to maybe change her status. She is considering a student visa, or maybe helping me in my business on a work visa because she has some unique legal and international business qualities that can help my business grow. Its a little too soon to marry her, and she doesnt want to break any laws. I was hoping this amnesty would be in effect soon and she could jump on that just to simplify everything. Shes a great girl and maybe some day I will get engaged or marry her, but right now were looking for a quicker solution. Her 1st year contract is up in two months or she has to renew her J-1 for another year which will be very tough on her. Shes a very smart girl and wants to work and go to school right now. She is 25. Anyone got ideas, or info on the amnesty? Sorry to drag on.

Answer 1

There was a recent defeat of Amnesty which was snuck in on the iraq war spending bill, that made it fairly clear the U.S. people do not want Amnesty.

If your waiting for Amnesty, your going to be waiting a long, long time. Remember, the president cannot grant Amnesty on his own, don't believe those vote pandering promises.

Answer 2

I am confused you state your girlfriend is legal but you are asking about amnesty. Amnesty is legislation for those who are in the country illegally. Typically under amnesty they are not prosecuted for being in the country illegally and those you meet the requirements of amnesty are made legal residents. Anyone who is in the country legally is not affected at all by amnesty.  

George Bush tried promoting the idea of amnesty, met with heavy opposition from his Party, and he backed down. In the UK the idea was floated publicly but again it was met with strong public opposition and nothing was done in regard to amnesty.

Honestly I do not believe it is foreseeable in the near future that amnesty will be given due to the public anger that it creates, the cost, ensuring only people who meet the requirements are given it, and the threat to national security that such a program would create makes it unlikely that amnesty would be legislated.

Finally if your girlfriend is in the country legally and has not overstayed her visa she could try for a change in status. If she has overstayed her visa when she makes the application then there is no chance her change in status would be approved but if her visa expires while the application is being considered she will be allowed to stay in the country while her application is being considered.

Answer 3

I hope that there is no amnesty!  At least she's here legally.  She's just going to have to work through the red tape and wait for what she wants.