The major 1986 U.S. immigration amnesty program (IRCA) has expired, and no general, broad-based amnesty currently exists. However, specific, limited, and temporary immigration initiatives may exist, and for other contexts (like taxes or driving), temporary amnesty programs are occasionally offered.
Amnesty noncitizens are unauthorized or illegal noncitizens who were given the opportunity to legalize their immigration status. The IRCA was enacted in 1986 to grant certain individuals amnesty. The IRCA Amnesty program has expired. However, there still may be IRCA individuals whose USCIS status has not been resolved.
People who have committed serious crimes or are facing criminal charges are generally not eligible for the amnesty. The program is designed to address immigration violations, not criminal offenses. Such individuals would need to address their legal issues through the UAE's legal system.
Amnesty is granted usually for political crimes against the state, such as treason, sedition, or rebellion. It is addressed generally to classes or communities and takes the form of a legislative act or other constitutional or statutory act of the supreme power of the state.
It ends illegal immigration, restores law and order, provides legal status (no amnesty) for certain long-term undocumented immigrants, strengthens the American workforce, modernizes our legal immigration system, and helps pay down the national debt.
On 25 October 2025 the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) opened a nationwide visa-amnesty programme that will run until 30 December 2025.
You can demonstrate that you have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since November 1986; You can establish that you have resided continuously in the U.S. in an unlawful status since January 1, 1982; You have not been convicted of any felony or of three or more misdemeanors committed in the U.S.
Under existing proclamations, the members of RPM-P/RPA/ABB, MILF, MNLF, and former members of CPP-NPA-NDF, who have committed an offense that can be amnestied, or is detained, charged or convicted thereof can apply for amnesty, provided that such offense was committed prior to November 22, 2023.
Restores most civil rights (voting, jury duty, holding office). Does not restore civil rights. The conviction remains on the record, but is noted as “pardoned.” The conviction remains on the record unchanged.
Effective amnesty programs require clear procedures, proper record-keeping, and accessible collection methods.
President Ronald Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) in 1986, which granted amnesty, or legalization, to nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants who had lived in the U.S. before January 1, 1982, making them eligible for permanent residency and eventual citizenship. This landmark legislation, often called the "Reagan Amnesty," also introduced penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers.
Steps to Apply for Amnesty in UAE
At present, there is no UAE amnesty announced for 2026. The previous scheme ended on December 31, 2025, and standard rules are now active. If you are unsure about your visa status or need support with renewals, cancellations, or exit procedures, QSM Documents Clearing Services Dubai is here to help.
You are able to apply for U.S. adjustment of status with Form I-698. This is the form that you will use to apply for adjustment to permanent status through the USCIS amnesty program. The amnesty application form is provided because of an amendment to Section 245A of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
How can I apply for Tax Amnesty? By logging into your iTax page and going to Amnesty application tab under Debt and Enforcement and making the application.
Trump issued a total of 144 pardons during his first four years in office: 1 in 2017, 6 in 2018, 11 in 2019, 52 in 2020, and 74 in January 2021.
The President of the United States may pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the United States. They may also pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the District of Columbia. The president cannot grant pardons for violations of state laws.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who are committed to creating a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone. United by our shared humanity, we know that the power to create positive change is within all of us. We are funded by members and people like you.
Unlike a pardon, which is individual, amnesty is generally applied collectively and often driven by political considerations. The President grants amnesty to annul criminal penalties for specific offenses, typically related to political crimes or granted under special national circumstances.
Amnesties are measures that have the effect of barring future criminal prosecutions— and, in some cases, civil or administrative actions—against certain individuals or groups for specific criminal conduct committed before the amnesty's adoption.
Immigration amnesty is a term within immigration law often used to describe legal relief provided to undocumented immigrants, allowing them to gain legal status and remain in the country. Eligibility for immigration amnesty varies depending on specific programs and laws in place, which can change over time.
The following states have passed a Medical Amnesty law: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, ...
Introduced in Senate (01/23/2025) This bill revises, restricts, and repeals various laws and programs addressing the admissibility and deportability of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law).