Risk of Separation for Illegal Alien Families Under the Amnesty Law

I am both disgruntled and disheartened with various groups, albeit with good intentions, who are decrying the way in which the INS is handling the amnesty program. This outpouring of negativism may convince many people not to come forward and apply out of fear--fear which is totally unwarranted.

Now that I have retired as supervisory immigration judge, I can voice my opinion as a private citizen and comment upon my experience as an attorney.

I have represented many aliens at the legalization offices in downtown Los Angeles, Sepulveda and Pomona.

The examiners, most of whom have had no prior immigration experience, without exception, have been considerate, supportive and knowledgeable.

Every effort was made to look upon the alien’s application in the most favorable light. As one examiner told me, “I am here to help people become permanent residents.” This is not only a tribute to the examiner, but to the supervisory staff who instilled in them this positive attitude.

I only hope that these applicants tell enough people in their communities that they have nothing to fear from applying for amnesty. If an application is denied, it is sealed and will not be used to deport aliens unless the application itself contained fraudulent information.

Amnesty is the only game in town. On May 4, 1988, the ballgame is over.

JAY SEGAL

Granada Hills