FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2023
CONTACT: Melissa Stek, melissa@masadc.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Grace Meng (NY-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), and Senator Edward Markey (Mass.) reintroduced the bicameral National Office for New Americans Act, or “NONA”, a bill that establishes a National Office of New Americans within the White House to promote and support immigrant inclusion at all levels of government.
The bill is a standalone measure from a larger piece of immigrant inclusion legislation, the New Deal for New Americans Act (H.R. 1643 / S. 883), reintroduced by the two Congressional leaders earlier this year. The National Office established by NONA would oversee and coordinate the efforts of federal, state, and local entities to welcome immigrants and refugees; serve as a central tool for the federal government to support states and cities as they welcome asylum seekers who are transported to their jurisdiction; and institutionalize the Task Force on New Americans so that future administrations cannot dismantle it, as occurred with the previous administration.
As an endorsing organization of the new bill, the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) hosted a briefing for Members of Congress and their staff this week to mark the introduction of NONA and to seek broad Congressional support. NPNA Executive Director Nicole Melaku joined Sen. Markey, Rep. Meng, Rep. Chuy Garcia, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) Deputy Director of National Policy and Advocacy Luz Castro, and other immigrant rights leaders in providing remarks at the briefing, which took place as the Task Force on New Americans prepares to send policy recommendations to President Biden.
“I want to thank Congresswoman Meng and Senator Markey for their leadership on this transformative piece of legislation for immigrant inclusion,” said Nicole Melaku, NPNA’s Executive Director. “This bill reflects and reinforces our country’s widespread commitment to immigrant inclusion. Dozens of states have offices for new Americans—and with the establishment of a National Office of New Americans, building off of the work of White House Task Force on New Americans, immigrant inclusion efforts at the national, state, and local levels will be better coordinated and supported. We urge Congress to pass this critical bill, which will help build a long-lasting welcoming infrastructure at all governmental levels.”
Said Congresswoman Grace Meng, “Queens is the world’s borough, and the immigrant communities that make up my district only deepen the beautiful tapestry of cultures in Queens. This vibrancy is something I think the rest of the nation can benefit from as well. Our immigrant communities face unique challenges when transitioning into our nation which is why I introduced the National Office of New Americans Act. This bill would provide resources to new Americans and support them in overcoming challenges along their immigration journey. We are a nation built and made stronger by our immigrant communities, and this legislation will further support immigrants and refugees.”
Said Senator Edward Markey, “Our economy and communities are stronger because of the immigrant families who have enriched our nation since its founding. The National Office for New Americans Act provides new immigrants with the resources to participate fully in our economic and civic life so that they can not only survive in our nation—but thrive. I thank Congresswoman Meng for her partnership in advancing legislation to reform our nation’s immigration system so that it is sensible, safe, welcoming, and humane.”
The National Office for New Americans Act reflects NPNA’s long standing commitment to immigrant inclusion, builds off of state and local victories advanced by NPNA coalition members, and serves as a vision towards investing in New Americans as integral members of our communities, economy, and civic and social life. For more information on the bill, see this summary here.
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NPNA’s mission is to create an accessible immigration system by advancing immigrant equity and inclusion policies, expanding immigration legal services, and increasing civic participation. For more information on the National Partnership for New Americans and the Naturalize Now Campaign, visit their website at partnershipfornewamericans.org.