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Our current immigration law, which was published in La Gaceta in 2009 and went into effect on March 1st, 2010, has been questioned by the Institute of Social Investigations of the University of Costa Rica (Spanish acronym: IIS-UCR). According to an article published in the online news media site Informa-Tico, an analysis by UCR researchers indicates that the complexity and rigidity of the immigration process, as well as the elevated fees, have discouraged immigration to our country from other Central American countries.
The diminishing effect can be seen in the number of migrant workers from Nicaragua. A researcher explained that the decreased number of Nicaraguan laborers will affect certain sectors of the economy, such as construction, housekeeping and agriculture.
Another consequence of diminished immigration will be felt in terms of population growth. The falling birthrates and an increasingly aging population among Ticos are part of surprising statistics revealed by the national census last year, a topic that was previously covered by The Costa Rica Star.
The IIS-UCR stated that the current immigration law has managed to widen the chasm of cultural identity and assimilation into Tico society that many migrant workers experience in our country. The research team feels that our laws discourage workers from seeking legal status and creates a difficult situation for employers. If anything, researchers concluded that the law has actually stimulated illegal immigration.
The Study and Underlying Data
Unreasonable fees, elevated fines, and the sheer amount of red tape involved in the process of obtaining work permits and legal residence status are dispiriting reminders of the need for a revision of the law, according to the study. Data collected by researchers shows that between 2008 and 2010, the number of applications for legal residence dropped by 50 percent.
When all the fees, costs and related expenses are added up, the tab comes up to $800 for a single legal residence cedula. For a small migrant worker family, the cost is usually three times that amount. There’s also the issue of the $100 fine per each month due by an immigrant who overstays his or her entry permit or visa. Considering that a domestic worker makes about $280 per month and a security guard about $500, the cost of immigration procedures is disproportionate.
The report was released earlier this week by IIS-UCR Director Carlos Sandoval, who called on the Laura Chinchilla administration to review the law based upon the research, and to ensure that the interests and rights of immigrants are given due consideration.
