BECOMING Legal: A Guide to the New Immigration Law : Important Dates

May 5, 1987: Legalization program begins.

June 1, 1987: Employer sanctions begin.

June 1, 1987: Legalization program for farm workers begins.

May 4, 1988: Legalization program ends.

Nov. 30, 1988: Legalization program for farm workers ends.

Dec. 1, 1988: Period to file permanent residency applications begins.

Dec. 1, 1989: Adjustment of status for Group I farm workers begins.

Dec. 1, 1989: Adjustment of status for Group II farm workers begins.

June 1, 1992: Earliest date a legalized alien could become eligible for most federal welfare benefits.

Nov. 1, 1993: Earliest date a legalized alien could be granted full citizenship. Aliens must be permanent residents for five years before they can apply to become citizens.

Note: Those who have been arrested by the INS after Nov. 6, 1986 and who are facing deportation proceedings must file applications for amnesty by June 4.