Never missing an opportunity to offer illegal immigrants reprieve, the Obama administration has repeatedly used inclement weather, a virus, natural disasters and tainted water in a U.S. city to extend the perk in the last few years. This month the administration announced yet another special amnesty for victims of Hurricane Matthew.
The powerful storm slammed the southeastern United States a few weeks ago, killing dozens and causing severe flooding. News reports have confirmed deaths in North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Entire communities from central Florida to Virginia suffered power outages, major flooding and a lot of homes are still uninhabitable. There’s no disputing that Hurricane Matthew had a devastating impact in the region and its effects will linger for some time. This may call for federal emergency help, but amnesty?
The government is calling it “immigration relief” that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including natural disasters such as Hurricane Matthew. Among the relief measures that will be available are work permits, “change of nonimmigrant status or extension of nonimmigrant stay” for those in the U.S. illegally and forgiveness for immigrants who blew off deportation court hearings. Thanks to Hurricane Matthew this violation is now being referred to in the following manner: “Those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to appear for an interview, submit evidence or respond in a timely manner.” Thanks to the hurricane, the government will offer these individuals “assistance.” Furthermore, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which sustains itself largely with customer fees, will waive the fees “due to an inability to pay,” caused by the storm, of course. – READ MORE
