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NPNA Applauds Introduction of New Deal for New Americans Act, Urges Broad Support for Immigrant Integration Legislation

 

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Sen. Ed Markey (D –MA) introduced the New Deal for New Americans Act, which would create a proactive and visionary national strategy on immigrant integration that includes full citizenship, increasing economic opportunities, and welcoming communities.

 

 Championed by the National Partnership Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), the legislation includes several provisions adopted by the Biden administration’s proposed U.S. Citizenship Act, as part of a broader set of policies put forth by the bill to transform how the United States treats immigrants and integrates them into its civic, economic, and social fabric.


Immigrants and their U.S.-born children together represent more than one-fourth of the American population, and successful integration of newcomers is deeply tied to our collective wellbeing and future,” said Nicole Melaku, executive director of NPNA. “The New Deal for New Americans Act offers a blueprint for meaningful immigrant integration that begins at the federal level and uplifts ongoing efforts in states and localities across America. All members of Congress should support this common-sense legislation.”

To further its vision of a more inclusive America, the legislation would create a National Office of New Americans within the White House that leads a national strategy on immigrant and refugee inclusion. The Office would build upon the Task Force of New Americans, which President Biden revived from the Obama administration through an executive order a few weeks ago. The bill would also expand access to citizenship at a time when the Biden administration is acting to reverse many of the previous administration’s barriers, including a civics test that was reversed on Monday and an announcement that the administration would not implement proposed fee increases.

 

“For generations, America has represented the promise of opportunity. The New Deal for New Americans Act makes good on that promise by turning the page on the last four years to begin a new and inclusive path that is built on full citizenship, due process and justice, and shared economic prosperity,” said Rovika Rajkishun, interim co-executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). “We look forward to working with New York’s Congressional delegation to make this vision a reality.”  

The bill would promote workforce development and English-language learning programs for immigrants and increase the availability of legal services within immigrant communities. Also included in the legislation are provisions that would re-establish America as a nation that welcomes refugees.

“When we invest in new Americans, we invest in the future of the U.S.,” said Eva Millona, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition. “Expanding access to citizenship, increasing economic opportunities that benefit all, and having a national plan on how to include all Americans, is how we come together and move forward as a nation. We’re grateful to Senator Markey and Grace Meng for their leadership and we urge Congress to pass the New Deal for New Americans Act immediately.”