Information Drive on Amnesty Begins

Noting that less than a third of eligible immigrants have filed for Phase 2 of the nation’s amnesty program, immigrants’ advocates in Los Angeles said Tuesday that they are launching a $900,000 statewide campaign to help address the problem.

“It is critically needed,” said Linda Wong, co-chairwoman of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, one of three Southern California groups participating in the state-funded outreach program. Wong blamed the slow filing rate on confusion over amnesty program requirements and deadlines, as well as shortages in English and civics courses that some applicants must take under Phase 2.

The campaign will warn applicants that those who fail to file applications for permanent residence on time will revert to illegal alien status. But it is specifically aimed at clearing up confusion over the amnesty program’s educational requirements and the availability of public services for applicants, Wong said.

The Los Angeles immigrant rights coalition will receive $313,000 in state funds allocated by the California Department of Health and Welfare for advertising, telephone hot lines, literature and hiring of community workers.