New Immigration Law Will Go Into Effect Next August
The countdown begins tomorrow when the Ley de Migración y Extranjería is published in the official government newspaper La Gaceta. The law was ratified some five weeks ago and allowed for an eight month grace period. All laws and regulations must be published in La Gaceta before they can take effect.

On August 12, 2006, immigration authorities will then have the power to apply the strict new measures, unless the new president and government that will take office next May makes changes to the law.

"Coyotes" - those who move illegals between borders - will face fines of up to ¢2.2 million colones (us$4.400 dollars). As well, the estimated 400.000 illegal foreigners need to have their status cleared up by then or face deportation.

The new law will also sanction employers who hire illegals.

Authorities say that the new immigration law will improve security and reduce the exploitation of immigrants. A problem the government has faced for years is the burden on the social security system of illegal workers who don't make contributions but are not refused medical attention at state hospitals and clinics.

Critics against the new immigration law are many, including politicians, academics and social and religious leaders.

For Example, presidential candidate, Oscar Arias, asked president Pacheco to rescind a part of the new immigration law, saying the new law would give immigration police "gestapo" type authority.

"With the new legislation, we will see an abuse in deporting illegal immigrations because they don't have their documents in order", said Arias last October.

With the delay in the law coming into effect, Arias will have the opportunity to change the law if he is elected president in February, who, according to the polls is a shoe-in.

As well the Bishops of the Comisión Nacional de Rectores (Conare) and the Defensoría de los Habitantes (Ombudsman) are against the law.

For his part, Minister of Seguridad Pública, Rogelio Ramos, says that "if they don't like it, they can change it", referring that the opposition can then press the new government for the change, meanwhile his ministry is moving ahead with the logistics plans, equipment and personnel for the changes the law will require.

One obstacle that the Dirección de Migración y Extranjería (immigration department) has to overcome is the getting budget approval for the added cost of enforcing the new regulations come August.