A Layman's Guide to 1986 U.S. Immigration Reform. Policy Discussion Paper.

New immigration legislation imposes civil and criminal penalties on employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers, and requires employers to verify the legal status of every new hire. The law also extends amnesty to possibly millions of undocumented immigrants who entered the United States prior to 1982. In addition, undocumented immigrants who have worked in the United States perishable agriculture for at least 90 days between May 1, 1985 and May 1, 1986 will be granted legal status under the newly established seasonal agricultural worker program. This program also provides agricultural employers with access to "replenishment workers" if a worker shortage develops in perishable commodities. Replenishment workers will be granted temporary resident status, but must remain in agricultural jobs for at least three years to avoid deportation. Additional funding is authorized for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to carry out the additional responsibilities imposed by the new law. Effective control of illegal immigration will depend largely on enforcement, a burden which will rest on employers. Millions of new immigrant members of American society will require incorporation into the mainstream. (Author/LHW)