Cong. Meng And Sen. Markey Reintroduce The New Deal For New Americans Act To Welcome Immigrants And Refugees

March 22, 2023
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) today announced the reintroduction of the New Deal for New Americans Act, a bill to promote the inclusion of new immigrants and refugees in the United States.
 
The legislation would establish new programs to assist immigrants and refugees overcome common challenges such as language barriers, obtaining employment and helping to break down obstacles to naturalization. The measure would also strengthen coordination between federal, state and local governments to support the social, economic and civic integration of immigrants and refugees.
 
"The United States is a great nation because of its rich and diverse immigrant communities. When we invest in helping new Americans thrive and integrate into our country we are investing in our future generations," said Congresswoman Meng. "We must fight to protect the principles our nation was founded on and ensure our immigration system is an inclusive and a welcoming safe haven for all who come here. I am proud to once again champion the New Deal for New Americans Act on behalf of the countless people who wish to join, contribute and succeed in the U.S. as New Americans."
 
"Immigrants and refugees deserve the opportunity to fully thrive in the United States, not just survive," said Senator Markey. "I am proud to reintroduce this visionary roadmap for an immigration system that isn't only centered on enforcement and penalties, but instead prioritizes support for refugees and migrants as they navigate their new homeland and participate in the social, economic and civic life of their communities."
 
Specifically, the New Deal for New Americans Act would:
 
  • Establish a National Office of New Americans in the Executive Office of the White House to promote and support immigrant and refugee integration and inclusion and coordinate efforts of federal, state and local governments to support social, economic and civic integration of immigrants and refugees.
  • Establish a Federal Initiative on New Americans to coordinate a federal response to address issues that affect the lives of new immigrants and refugees, as well as communities with growing immigrant and refugee populations.
  • Create a Legal Services and Immigration Assistance Grant Program to support organizations that provide direct immigration assistance to those in need of immigration screening; know-your-rights education; assistance in applying for citizenship, lawful permanent resident status or other legal status (DACA, TPS, asylum, etc.); or seeking relief from a removal order.
  • Create an English as a Gateway to Integration Program for organizations that teach English or help individuals prepare for naturalization or earn a GED.
  • Create a Workforce Development Grant Program to ensure that immigrant and refugee adults have equitable access to education and workforce programs that help equip them with occupational skills needed to secure or advance in employment.
  • Increase authorization of appropriations for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) Citizenship and Integration Grant Program to $100 million.
  • Reduce barriers for individuals to naturalize by establishing a flat application fee for naturalization, amending the English and civics exam requirements for older individuals, and exempting eligible U.S. high school graduates from taking the naturalization exams.
  • Limit USCIS' ability to raise fees without Congress' approval, plus require authorization of appropriations to cover USCIS' need to operate and adjudicate cases.
  • Promote civic engagement through automatic voter registration of newly naturalized individuals.
  • Expand family integration by reducing the age of citizens who are able to petition eligible family members from 21 years old to 18 years old.
  • Increase Refugee Admissions level to 125,000 per fiscal year.
  • Provide social, economic and civic support to refugees and rebuild the capacity and infrastructure of local communities to welcome refugees.
  • Amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to no longer allow deportation of an individual deemed to have become a public charge.
 
"I want to thank Congresswoman Meng and Senator Markey for their leadership on this transformative legislation for immigration inclusion," said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA). "Our diversity is our strength, and this bill will transform how the federal government treats immigrant communities by investing in them instead of attacking them. We urge lawmakers to support this critical piece of legislation, which will help immigrants overcome common challenges such as language barriers, lack of legal services, and the price of immigration application fees, and build a lasting, national welcoming infrastructure."
 
"This country was built and made stronger by immigrants and refugees from all over the world who came to this nation in pursuit of the American dream. The New Deal for New Americans Act honors this legacy and provides aspiring Americans with the tools and opportunities to succeed. From breaking down costly barriers to naturalization to supporting local communities to help build the infrastructure to welcome refugees, this legislation would allow immigrants to continue contributing to our economy and communities just like they have done for generations," said Kerri Talbot, Deputy Director of The Immigration Hub. "We are grateful to Congresswoman Meng and Senator Markey for recognizing that immigrants have always been one of America's greatest strengths and for their continued commitment to building a fair and humane immigration system."
 
The New Deal for New Americans Actis endorsed by the National Partnership for New Americans, Nebraska Appleseed, Comunidades Unidas, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, One Refugee, The Welcoming Center, Refugee Congress, Asian Community Development Council, One APIA Nevada, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Church World Service, World Education Services, The Advocates for Human Rights, OneAmerica, Global Detroit, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, UnidosUS, Restore Education, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Value our Families, Upwardly Global, Justice in Motion, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), The IMPRINT Coalition, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, American Federation of Teachers, ProsperityME, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, The Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, Inc, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Center for Law and Social Policy, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Boulder Area Sanctuary and Immigration Coalition, Latin American Coalition, Metropolitan Family Services, Project Citizenship, Riverside Language Program, Inc., Hawai'i Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Welcoming America, Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition, Self-Help for the Elderly, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, UnidosMN, GALEO Impact Fund, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), Global Cleveland, Isuroon Somos Un Pueblo Unido, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, YMCA of Greater New York, Asian Services in Action (ASIA).
Issues:Immigration