Families where one parent has Bermuda status or a permanent resident’s certificate, while the spouse or children do not, even if they were born in Bermuda, are being asked to make themselves known to the Department of Immigration.

According to the Minister responsible for Immigration, Wayne Caines, it is all part of the next phase of immigration reform, which includes mixed-status families in Bermuda.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Mr Caines, the Minister of National Security urged mixed-status family members to bring identification to the gym at CedarBridge Academy between 5.30pm and 8pm on Thursday.

As methods of collecting information have changed over the year, the aim of this session will be to determine the exact number of mixed status families.

“Government recognises the importance of including every member of our community in the decision making process,” said the Minister.

“To that end, we are asking for your assistance in providing information to assist us in making informed decisions on immigration policies that affect Bermudians.”

Part of the process “includes simplifying issues surrounding Bermudian status for mixed-status families,” he added.

“To this end, the Department of Immigration is requesting the public’s assistance in collecting data on the number of Mixed Status Families in Bermuda.

“A Mixed Status Family would include a family where one or more parents has Bermudian Status or holds a Permanent Resident Certificate, but their son, daughter or spouse does not have either Bermuda Status or hold a Permanent Resident Certificate.

“If your family structure fits the description of a mixed status family and you are able to assist with providing this information, we encourage you to attend the CedarBridge Academy Gymnasium on June 27 between 5:30 pm and 8pm.

“In addition to addressing the issue of mixed-status families in Bermuda, the Department of Immigration is working on many other initiatives that will address long standing and/or sensitive immigration issues.”

Data collection will continue at the Ministry of National Security at Global House on Church Street in Hamilton.

Persons may attend from Friday through July 12, from noon to 4pm.

Mr Caines added: “We have made it clear that this legislative session, we will be dealing with mixed status families.”

He also noted that families would be able to meet in relative privacy with immigration clerks.

Questions can be e-mailed to jscott@gov.bm, or call 297-7819.