The Honorable (Full name)
United States House of Representatives
(Address)
Re: USCIS FORM I-485, OMB NO. 1615-0023 (expires 06/30/2019), part 8, section 74
Dear Honorable (Surname),
I would like to discuss "Immigration Form: I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status"
Specifically: Part 8. General Eligibility and Inadmissibility Grounds, Miscellaneous Conduct #74 where it ask this question: "Do you plan to practice polygamy in the United States?" [Yes] or [No]
This immigration question is a loophole for those who advocate polygamy and want to immigrate to the USA. The question simply asks the applicant if he/she "plans to practice polygamy in the USA". The question does not follow the Immigration Public Law 414 of June 27, 1952.
"Immigration Public Law 414- June 27, 1952" is against the practice and advocacy of polygamy and states the following:
- Title II - Chapter 2 - “Qualifications for admission of aliens; travel control of citizens and aliens
- Sec. 212: General Classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas and excluded from admission.
- (a) Except as otherwise provided in this act, the following classes of aliens shall be ineligible to receive visas and shall be excluded from admissions in the United States:
- (11) Aliens who are polygamists or who practice polygamy or advocate the practice of polygamy;
- (31) Any alien who at any time shall have, knowingly and for gain, encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted, or aided any other alien to enter or to try to enter the United States in violation of law.”
- (a) Except as otherwise provided in this act, the following classes of aliens shall be ineligible to receive visas and shall be excluded from admissions in the United States:
- Sec. 212: General Classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas and excluded from admission.
The question in the immigration form I-485 part 8 #74 avoids asking the applicant about the "advocacy of polygamy". Title II, chapter 2, section 212, sub (a), part (11) specifically states: "Aliens who are polygamists or who practice polygamy or advocate the practice of polygamy". But I-485 simply asks "Do you plan to practice polygamy in the United States?" The issue of "advocacy" was avoided, which is actually the most important part of the law. If a person’s religion advocates polygamy then he/she also advocates polygamy. The omission of the words "advocate the practice of polygamy" in the question, is a violation of the immigration public law 414 of June 27, 1952.
Part 8 question #74 should be changed to read as follows: "Do you practice, plan to practice, or advocate the practice of polygamy; and does your religious belief or ideology advocate the practice of polygamy?" [YES] or [NO]
Why add "Does your religious belief or ideology advocate the practice of polygamy?" Because, this addition is for specificity and for the avoidance of loopholes. It also makes the immigrant subject to deportation if later found guilty of lying.
Let me cite an example about specificity: Part 8 question #57 of I-485 is very specific. It asks:
- "During the period from March 23, 1933 to May 8, 1945, did you ever order, incite, assist, or otherwise participate in the persecution of any person because of race, religion, national origin, or political opinion, in association with either the Nazi Government of Germany or any organization or government associated or allied with the Nazi Government of Germany?"
Part 8 question #57 of I-485 is very specific, why can’t part 8 #74 be specific too? Why is the immigration department protective of polygamous people or the religion that advocates polygamy?
This change is important as it would make the United States of America uphold the law against polygamy.
Very truly yours,
Your Name
