Opinion ID: 725554
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: IRCA and the Regulations

Text: 8 In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), Pub.L. No. 99-603, reprinted in 1986 U.S.C.C.A.N. 5649 (100 Stat. 3359). IRCA established a statutory scheme allowing unlawful aliens who had been residing continuously in the United States since January 1, 1982, to apply for legalization. 8 U.S.C. § 1255a. To qualify, an applicant must satisfy four requirements: (1) timely application; (2) continuous unlawful residence since 1982; (3) continuous physical presence since November 6, 1986; and (4) admissibility as an immigrant. 8 U.S.C. § 1255a(a). Applicants meeting these requirements are granted temporary lawful status and, eventually, permanent lawful status. 8 U.S.C. § 1255a(a) & (b). 9 The continuous physical presence requirement of § 1255a(a)(3) is qualified by subsection (B), which provides: An alien shall not be considered to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence in the United States ... by virtue of brief, casual, and innocent absences from the United States. 8 U.S.C. § 1255a(a)(3)(B). The INS defines a brief, casual, and innocent absence as a departure authorized by the Service (advance parole) ... of not more than thirty (30) days for legitimate emergency or humanitarian purposes ... or a departure ... beyond the alien's control. 8 C.F.R. § 245a.2(l)(2). According to the regulations, legalization applicants must have received advance parole from the INS to be readmitted to the country. 8 C.F.R. § 245a.2(m)(1). 1