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This fall President Obama issued an executive order as part of an initiative to address immigration issues around the country. The executive order took place on Nov. 20, but for many the plan has only increased the confusion surrounding an already complex issue. This was apparent at a recent informational forum held at the regional high school. Almost every seat was filled and one hand after another was raised as people asked questions about their individual situations.

At the podium, Rebecca McCarthy, an immigration attorney who recently returned to work on the Island, fielded each question, responding when necessary through a translator.

Executive order on immigration law has created lots of confusion. Alison L. Mead

Before I go into the details of President Obamas administrative action, its important to understand the difference between administrative action and immigration reform, she said. As of today, Congress has not passed an immigration reform bill. The reason why this is important to understand is that executive actions are temporary actions. Ms. McCarthy went on to explain some key pieces of the presidents executive order as it pertains to immigrants currently living in the U.S., focusing particularly on deferred action for parents and children.

Its going to still be a long process, she said. So the best thing to do is get your documents together. If you believe that you qualify, contact an immigration attorney to make sure that you qualify and stay on top of whats happening with the government.

The forum was one of several that Ms. McCarthy will be hosting to help educate the Islands immigrant population on how the executive order may or may not change their current situation.

Ms. McCarthy, 36, was born on the Island, well, Falmouth actually, a debate that continues in her family as to whether she is a true Islander or not. She spent her first three years here before her parents moved to Storrs, Conn., where her father, Michael McCarthy, worked as a football coach and guidance counselor. Her father is now the director of the guidance department at the Marthas Vineyard Regional High School.

Ms. McCarthy majored in human development and family relations at the University of Connecticut. In her sophomore year she took a year off to serve in an AmeriCorps program in South Carolina, traveling around the southeast performing community service. After graduation she moved to New York city.

I went to New York and I was trying to figure out what to do next. Because of my AmeriCorps experience I had always been interested in law and public service, she said. And so I decided to apply to law school.

The next couple of years she spent clerking at the Paul, Weiss law firm full time and going to New York Law School at night. I didnt sleep much. The job in itself was pretty intense. It was also a good learning experience and gave me a good foundation.

Originally posted here:
Your Passport to Immigration Reform