Pathways to Status immigration legislation is set to be tabled in the House of Assembly today, according to Michael Fahy.

The controversial legislation, which has sparked multiple protests since it was first announced last month, would create new pathways to permanent residence certificates and Bermudian Status for qualified long-term residents.

While the One Bermuda Alliance has said the decision was morally and economically the right thing to do, noting the island’s shrinking population, opponents have alleged the legislation was a means of gaining votes for the Bermuda Government.

Duelling online petitions have been posted on the topic. One petition in support of the legislation, launched by We Support Pathways to Bermuda Status, garnered about 1,400 signatures in its first two days.

One signer, Debora Arruda Costa, wrote: “I was born, raised, went to school, lived and loved on this island all my life. Bermuda is my home, and I would love it if I can say it and mean it and have it written on paper so my kids can someday be born and raised and be able to say I am Bermudian without the hassle.”

Another signer, Wayne Burgess, wrote: “It is the correct thing to do, basic human rights. Many families that have made major contributions to Bermuda in the past were forced to leave because the Government of the day was afraid to update the immigration policy.”

Meanwhile, a second petition launched by the Immigration Reform Action Group (IRAG), calling for bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform, garnered about 500 signatures in its first 20 hours.

Ideitha James wrote: “I’m signing because I’m concerned for my child and her future children. For all the educated Bermudians and future educated Bermudians that are unable to find a job in their field or in another field. I’m also signing for all the hard-working Bermudians that are finding it hard to find employment. I support bipartisan immigration reform.”

Another signer, Roseanda Young, wrote: “This reform must be representative of what the people of Bermuda want, not just what a small minority what.”

On Friday, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the House of Assembly to voice their disapproval of the legislation, many holding signs calling for comprehensive immigration reform.

Protesters previously halted a public meeting on the topic, held signs outside of the Government Administration Building, briefly interrupted a sitting of the House and blocked off one lane of East Broadway to voice their disapproval of the government initiative.

The Progressive Labour Party has also challenged the proposed legislation, as have anti-racism group Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda, however, the amendments have found support from the Vasco da Gama Club and some other members of the public.

On Saturday evening, Sen Fahy posted on the One Bermuda Alliance Facebook page that the IRAG’s call for bipartisan immigration reform was in reality a call to “do it our way or else”.

“I say that since the rhetoric is picking up,” he wrote. “Threats of closing down Bermuda. Accusations of the Premier poisoning Bermudians with milk. Campaigns of misinformation and outright lies. Preventing people going to work. The list goes on.

“This group is dangerous and is prepared to destroy Bermuda for their own selfish agenda. That agenda is unclear since the data and stats are clear. Pathways will ensure our survival as a country. Plain and simple.”

PLP backbencher Wayne Furbert noted the comment in a separate post, adding that Sen Fahy was “belittling Bermudians” and “has to go”.

The legislation would allow residents who have lived on the island for 20 years to apply for status.

Those who have resided on the island for 15 years, including the two years immediately prior to their application and have had good character throughout their time on the island, will be able to apply for permanent residency.