New Deal for New Americans Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, immigrants are an essential part of our nation. And our nation can only be made stronger if we assist the efforts of new Americans to integrate, contribute to the growth of our economy, and be civically engaged.

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, in Queens, New York; it is a place where immigrant communities have thrived for decades and decades.

Madam Speaker, I am a proud daughter of immigrants. I know 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 reintroduce the ``New Deal for New Americans Act''. I am honored and grateful to lead this bill with Senators Markey and Hirono and Representatives Jayapal and Garcia. The New Deal for New Americans Act would ensure a more inclusive and welcoming immigration system to help new Americans achieve their American Dream. Among many provisions, this bill would help immigrants overcome common challenges such as language barriers and employment attainment, and help start a business and break down barriers to naturalization.

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 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.

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 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 (INA) to no longer allow deportation of an individual deemed to have become a public charge.

Madam Speaker, the rich tapestry of our nation that is comprised of diverse cultures, languages, and experiences have always been America's strength--and that is why improving our system to welcome new Americans will ensure our nation continues to thrive. This bicameral legislation is a down payment for future generations to succeed in the United States. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in moving our diverse nation forward by helping new Americans.

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