Government amnesty program to begin

Processing centers will be opened later this month to help undocumented immigrants obtain their permanent residence as part of the government’s amnesty initiative. The program, which will last for six weeks, will be carried out at facilities nationwide. Anyone who has lived in Belize continuously for four years, has married a Belizean or has a stable common-law union, or who has Belizean children can apply. So can pregnant women who are at least four months into their pregnancy. There is a fee, however, of 200 dollars for each immediate family and 5 dollars will be charged for a police record. Applicants will be carrying an armful of paperwork with them since they have to provide: a completed application form; a passport or birth certificate; social security card or country of origin immigration documents or expired documents; Belizean documents such as hospital and school records, bank statements, utility bills or land papers. A medical certificate and a police record and two passport pictures are required as well as marriage certificates and children’s birth certificates if applicable. Two Belizean references are also necessary. Forms will be available at amnesty centers in Belize City and the districts, or from the town boards, police stations and village council chairpersons. There is a five hundred dollar fine if anyone is caught using false documents. The amnesty program begins May 17.