For over twenty years, governments have worked unsuccessfully to bring about immigration reform. The afore-mentioned fact demonstrates the importance and monumental challenge drafting this legislation presents.
In the Government’s Speech from the Throne, we pledged to implement comprehensive immigration reform. This included, but was not limited to, regularizing the issues surrounding mixed-status families in Bermuda.
To that end, we must ensure that the draft legislation provides the justice mixed status families deserve, whilst ensuring Bermudians have a place of primacy in their homeland. Achieving the right balance is critical, and it is my responsibility to ensure we get it right the first time.
It is for this reason and with great regret I must inform the public, that the Mixed Status Bill will not be tabled tomorrow in the House of Assembly as planned.
After a series of meetings with the Parliamentary Drafters and the Government Policy Team, there are important elements that remain unresolved, and it would be irresponsible to forward legislation that does not fully meet the needs of Bermuda.
We simply need more time to get it right, and I have asked for the Mixed Status Bill to be tabled September.