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American Morning

Ask CNN: Because of the Terrorist Attacks, Is It Harder for Someone Who Just Wants to Get Into the Country to Get a Green Card?

Aired December 21, 2001 - 09:54   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOSEPH YORK, LITHIA SPRINGS, GEORGIA: Hi, my name is Joseph York. I'm from Lithia Springs, Georgia. I'd like to ask CNN, because of the terrorist attacks, is it harder for someone who just wants to get into the country to get a green country?

HIROSHI MOTOMURA, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, SCHOOL OF LAW: Joseph, thanks for your question.

A green card is what lets you come into this country or stay here as an immigrant. After September 11, changes in immigration laws made it harder for anyone suspected of terrorism to become a green card holder, but that's really going to affect only a small number of people.

What's really made a difference after September 11 is that the entire process is slowed down. The process for getting a green card ideally is something that's accurate, but is also quick and efficient and doesn't cost that much for the government or the person that's applying.

What's happened with the heightened focus on national security is that the background checks are slower, and a process that was already unbelievably long, taking several years, is taking even longer now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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