INS to Accept Legalization Papers by Mail

Illegal aliens applying for amnesty under the new immigration law will be able to submit applications by mail after May 5 and can expect to receive temporary work authorization in about one week, immigration officials announced today.

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Regional Commissioner Harold Ezell, speaking at a downtown Los Angeles press conference, said the mail-in procedure was designed to avoid lengthy lines at legalization centers while dealing with “a huge crush of applicants.”

A few days before May 5, the INS will announce the address to which applications may be mailed, Ezell said. Illegal aliens may also apply through voluntary agencies assisting with amnesty, such as the Roman Catholic Church, he said.

About 1 million illegal aliens may seek amnesty in the seven-county Los Angeles District, and the agency will open 15 special legalization offices to process their applications, Ezell said.

Date for Hearing

After applications, accompanied by supporting documents and a $185 fee, are received by the INS, the agency will respond with a letter setting an interview time and providing work authorization valid until that date, according to William King, regional director of immigration reform.

At the interview, work authorization valid for six months will be provided to applicants who appear to qualify, King said.

Applicants must show that they have resided illegally in the United States since before Jan. 1, 1982, or have spent at least 90 days doing agricultural work in this country in the 12-month period that ended May 1, 1986.