Heck meets with broad array of groups, presents immigration draft bill

Rep. Joe Heck, who has been pummeled by progressives on immigration reform, met Monday evening with a broad spectrum of groups and presented his own bill.

I've learned that the meeting, which took place at a Humana office in Henderson, was attended by two dozen or so people, including progressives, gamers, business types and labor leaders. Heck retierated to the group that he would not sign on to the Democratic bill, House Resolution 15 and that it would not pass because Speaker John Beohner won't bring it up. But he emphasized during a spirited 90-minute meeting that he was committed to pass something, including his own draft bill, which is attached here with a section-by-section analysis.

What does it do? It has a pathway to citizenship, a version of the DREAM Act and more. Here's an analysis his folks passed out:

The proposed legislation provides a pathway to citizenship for those brought to the United States as children. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to cancel the removal, or prevent the deportation of, individuals physically present in the United States on or before December 31, 2011 who were 15 years or younger when they entered the United States.

Individuals meeting initial eligibility requirements are granted conditional permanent resident (CPR) status. Initial eligibility requirements to obtain CPR status include the completion of a high school diploma or GED. The applicant must also be admitted to an institute of higher learning (colleges, universities, technical schools), have begun an apprenticeship in a trade, or enlisted in the military.

Further, those applying for CPR status must 1) not be inadmissible on health grounds, 2) not have been convicted of a federal or state law carrying a maximum sentence of a year or more, 3) not have been convicted of 3 or more offenses with an aggregate imprisonment of 90 days or more, 4) provide biometric and biographical data, and 5) submit to a background check and pay all associated fees for the investigation and processing of the CPR status application.

CPR status is valid for six years and can be removed once the applicant successfully completes their degree or apprenticeship, or serves a full term of enlistment with an honorable discharge (or has reenlisted upon completion of initial enlistment). Upon completion of these requirements the applicant is granted permanent resident status. CPR status can be extended by the Secretary for extenuating circumstances. Once an individual is granted permanent status they may apply for naturalization, but not before.

Conditional status will be removed for individuals failing to meet these requirements. Additionally, those who do not meet these requirements will return to the immigration status they held prior to receiving CPR status.

For those individuals not old enough to enroll in college, begin an apprenticeship, or enlist in the military, the Attorney General is required to issue a stay of removal. Once these individuals graduate high school they have one year to apply for CPR status.

Finally, individuals in CPR status are granted work authorization and are eligible to receive Federal Perkins Loans, Ford Direct loans, and to participate in work study programs.