[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 172 (Wednesday, October 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NEW DEAL FOR NEW AMERICANS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, the United States is the nation that it is 
today, because of immigrant contributions. In fact, I am proud to 
represent one of the most diverse congressional districts in the 
country--Queens, New York; it is a place where immigrant communities 
thrive.
  I also know our nation can only get stronger if we assist new 
Americans in their efforts to contribute to the growth of our economy 
and be civically engaged.
  Madam Speaker, I am a daughter of immigrants. I saw firsthand the 
difficulties my parents and grandparents encountered when they 
immigrated to the United States for a better life for their children. 
This is not an uncommon story. While the levels of hardships of new 
immigrants vary, there are common challenges--from language barriers to 
finding work.
  That is why, I am so proud to introduce the ``New Deal for New 
Americans Act,'' legislation which would ensure a more inclusive and 
welcoming system for all those who arrive on our shores.
  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 federal 
response to address issues that affect the lives of new immigrants and 
refugees and 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 immigration status; 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.
  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's 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 110,000 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.
  Madam Speaker, the United States is a nation of immigrants. The rich 
tapestry of our nation that is comprised of diverse cultures, 
languages, and lives experiences have always been America's strength. 
Immigrants and refugees have always been America's strength--which is 
why improving our system to welcome new Americans will ensure our 
nation continues to thrive. I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation and join me in moving our diverse nation forward by helping 
immigrants and refugees.

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