The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act: Hardship Relief and Long-Term Illegal Aliens


 

Publication Date: July 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Population and demographics

Type:

Coverage: Nicaragua

Abstract:

The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) (P.L. 105-100, title II) establishes special procedures through which hundreds of thousands of aliens in the U.S., primarily Central Americans, may seek legal permanent resident status. This report discusses who benefits from NACARA and how the relief granted to Nicaraguans and Cubans differs from that granted to Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and certain natives of former Warsaw Pact countries. The report also discusses how enactment of NACARA was prompted by restrictions contained in the Illegal Immigration and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-208, Division C). The report will be updated as implementation of NACARA progresses.