Freedom
THE NEW ALIENS FIREARMS LICENSE LAW
2HB1052 has passed the 2009 legislative session, and will go into effect on July 26, 2009. During the time before July 26th, the existing Aliens Firearms Law remains in effect.
WHAT DOES THIS NEW LAW MEAN?
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It is a class C felony for any person who is not a citizen of the United States to carry or possess any firearm, unless:
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That person is a lawful permanent resident who resides in Washington (permanent resident card).
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Has obtained a valid aliens firearms license, either the existing 5 year license or the new 2 year license.
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Is a non-immigrant alien who is not residing in Washington and who has in their possession:
Valid passport and visa showing he/she is legally in the country.
If required under federal law, an approved ATF-6 NIA application and permit for temporary importation of firearms and ammunition.
A valid hunting license issued by a state or territory of the United States or
An invitation to participate in a trade show or sport shooting event being conducted in this state, another state, or another country that is contiguous with Washington, for example, Canada.
WHO NEEDS TO OBTAIN THE NEW TWO YEAR ALIENS FIREARMS LICENSE AFTER JULY 26TH?
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The non-immigrant alien who is temporarily residing in Washington, such as:
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Students on temporary school visas
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People on temporary work visas
WHO DOES NOT NEED TO HAVE THIS NEW ALIENS LICENSE?
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Permanent resident alien (Immigrant Alien with permanent resident card)
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The non-immigrant alien not residing in Washington who is here visiting or vacationing for hunting or participating in trade shows or shooting events.
WHERE DO YOU APPLY FOR THE NEW LICENSE?
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The sheriff’s office in the county where you reside.
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City police departments will not be issuing this license.
HOW MUCH WILL THE NEW LICENSE COST?
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The cost of this license is $50.00 plus $19.25 fingerprinting fee for the FBI. Plus additional fingerprinting costs for the Washington State Patrol:
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$16.00 for live scan printing
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$26.00 for 2 fingerprint cards
SOME DEFINITIONS:
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IMMIGRANT ALIEN – Is any person that has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and has been afforded the privilege of residing in the United States. They would possess a permanent resident card.
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NON-IMMIGRANT ALIEN - are those persons that have a residence in a foreign country which he or she has no intention of abandoning. They are admitted to the United States for a temporary period of time and for a specific purpose. Examples are students with school visas, and people on temporary work visas.