Immigration Bill Faces 221 Motions, Commission

A bill to overhaul Costa Rica’s immigrationlaws received 221 motions forchange while on the floor of the LegislativeAssembly last month. Approximately90% of the motions were submittedby the Libertarian Movement Party.Despite the large number of motions,the bill will be sent from commission –where the motions are debated – back tothe Assembly floor for vote “very soon,”according to Assembly spokeswomanShirley Gutiérrez.In its present form, the bill wouldeffectively make residency possible onlyfor those with a pension of around $3,000a month or willing to make at least a$50,000 investment here (TT, June 11).However, one motion by congressmanCarlos Avendaño of the Costa RicanRenovation Party, calls for the maintenanceof the current rentista category –which allows residency for peoplebetween the ages of 45 and 60 who candeposit $60,000 in the bank – guaranteeingan income of $1,000 a month for atleast five years.