Magyar News, 1992. szeptember-1993. augusztus (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1992-10-01 / 2. szám

IMMIGRATION IS REPLACING THE I

The Alien Registration Act of June 28, 1940, contained the first requirement for the registration and fingerprinting of aliens; this was in preparation for impending war. It was initially meant to be a temporary measure, but was made a permanent part of the immigration law by the Act of 1952. The law directs that a certificate of alien registration or an alien registration receipt card shall be issued to each registered alien and requires that every alien 18 years of age or older carry hisorherformof registration.

In the early 1950’s Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) began issuing a laminated identification document to all aliens who became lawful permanent residents of the United States. This soon became known as the “green card” (Form I- 151) because of its color. Since that time INS has issued 17 different versions of the 1-151 card.

In 1977, INS implemented the Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunications (ADIT) Program, and thereafter began issuing a new, more secure, alien registration receipt card (Form 1-551).

The INS will implement a project to replace all 1-151 Alien Registration cards on August 1,1992. All individuals holding the 1-151 as opposed to the new version I- 551 Alien Registration Card m ust apply for replacement of such cards. Your old “green

cards” will expire on August 1,1993. You must apply for a new card before then.

LOOK AT YOUR GREEN CARD

(RESIDENT ALIEN CARD)

If it does not have your photo, your fingerprint, and your signature, then you must apply for a new one. Generally, most cards issued before 1978 must be replaced.

HOW WILL MY NEW CARD BENEFIT ME?

Your new card has modem security features and provides positive identification. With your new card, it will be easier to prove that you are a permanent resident. This will help you when applying for a job, or for social security and other benefits. The new card will also speed the inspection process when you re-enter the United States from foreign travel.

Your old card will expire on August 1, 1993. You must apply for your new card before then. We urge you to file early.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Complete the one-page INS form 1-90. Information and application forms can be mailed to you by calling our toll-free number 1-800-755-0777.

You may submit in person the completed application with the processing fee of $70 (check or money order) to the nearest INS office or port of entry.

REMEMBRANCE

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In June 1956, Rákosi’s position became untenable. The party press printed open attacks. The newly created Petőfi Circle, (named after the 19th century poet and revolutionary Sándor Petőfi, who symbolized Hungary’s desire for freedom), and student organization uproared for Rákosi’s ouster and arrest. On June 30, the Central Committee dissolved the Petőfi Circle and expelled intellectuals from the party. Soviet leaders began to fear outright revolution and called for Rákosi to step down. He resigned after a meeting of the Central Committee on July 17. Ernő Gerö, Rákosi ’s deputy, was appointed secretary. Moscow hoped to introduce a slow liberalization, but Gero was too closely identified with Rákosi, and party discipline subsequently broke down completely.

A Budapest rally occurred on October 23, 1956. It supported the efforts to win autonomy from the Soviet Union and sparked mass demonstrations. Gerö called out the army, but many soldiers and police handed their weapons to the demonstrators and joined the uprising. The Soviet troops seemingly left the country. They returned to Hungary on October 24 at Gerö’s request. This enraged the Hungarians even further. Crowds emptied the prisons, freed Cardinal Mindszenty, sacked police stations, and brutally hanged some members of the secret police and the AVO. The crowds shouted for free elections, national

independence, and the return of Imre Nagy to power. On October 25 the Central Committee renamed Nagy as prime minister and one day later, János Kádár replaced Gerö as party first secretary.

Nagy enjoyed vast support. A new government was formed consisting of both communistand noncommunist, he dissolved the state security police, abolished the oneparty system, and promised free elections ard an end of collectivization, all with Kádár’s support. Nagy failed to harness the popular revolt. On October 39 Nagy called for the formation of a new democratic, multi-party system. Noncommunist parties which were forcefully put down had begun to reorganize. A coalition government emerged that included members of Smallholders’ Party, Social Democratic Party, National Peasant Party, and other parties, as well as the Hungarian Workers Party. After negotiation, Soviets agreed to remove their troops at the discretion of the Hungarian government, and the Soviet troops began to leave Budapest. Nagy soon learned that new Soviet armored divisions had crossed into Hungary.

On November 1,1956 Nagy announced Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact and to declare Hungary neutral. Nagy then appealed to the United Nation and Western Governments for protection. The western powers did not respond.

The Soviet military reacted to the Hungarian events with a quick strike. On November 3, Soviet troops surrounded Budapest and closed the country’s borders.

151 GREEN CARD

DO I HAVE TO TURN MY OLD CARD IN?

Youroldcardwillbechecked when you apply, and then returned so you can use it until you receive your new card.

WHATIFI DON’T APPLY BEFORE AUGUST 1, 1993?

Your old card may no longer be accepted by employers, or by anyone else. You will be delayed upon returning to the U.S. after travel outside the country.

WILL THE NEW CARD HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE?

Yes. All new permanent resident cards are good for ten years.

WHAT IF I APPLY TO BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN BEFORE MY CARD EXPIRES?

If you apply for naturalization, you will not need to apply for a new green card unless you are found ineligible to naturalize. If you have ever thought about applying for U.S. citizenship, now would be the perfect opportunity.

The nearest INS office for residents of Connecticut is in the Federal Building, 450 Main Street, Hartford, CT (Room 410). The hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. and Wednesday 8 A.M. to 12 Noon.

(This information is from Jacqueline Pelletier, Assistant Officer in Charge.)

Over night, in fierce fighting with the Freedom Fighters, they entered the capital and occupied the National Assembly building. Kádár, on November 2, assembled a Temporary Revolutionary Government. On November 4, the formation of the new government was announced on a radio broadcast. Imre Nagy fled to the Yugoslavian Embassy, Cardinal Mindszenty had taken refuge in the United States Embassy, Rákosi was safely across the Soviet border and about 200,000 Hungarians had escaped to the West.

Kádár struck almost immediately against participants in the revolution with Soviet support. Over the next five years, about

2.000 people were executed and about

25.000 imprisoned. Kádár also reneged on a guarantee of safe conduct granted to Nagy, who was arrested on November 23 and deported to Romania. In June 1958, the Hungarian government announced that Nagy and other government officials who played key roles in the revolution had been secretly tried and executed.

Just a note. For peace and for the benefit of the whole world, the Communist Dictatorship came to an end. It seems as if it fell into the lap of the West. Let us not forget that the West sacrificed no blood in this process; it was the Hungarians of October 23,1956 who shook communism at its foundation by giving their lives and their blood. We are forever indebted for their heroism.