Amendment #640 to H3400

Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP)

Representatives Cabral of New Bedford, Sánchez of Boston, Forry of Boston, Khan of Newton, Sannicandro of Ashland, Smizik of Brookline, Provost of Somerville, Chan of Quincy, Schmid of Westport, Swan of Springfield, Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, Toomey of Cambridge, Rogers of Cambridge, Andrews of Orange, Balser of Newton, Keenan of Salem, Walsh of Boston, Malia of Boston, Decker of Cambridge, Devers of Lawrence, Henriquez of Boston, Fox of Boston, Basile of Boston and Sciortino of Medford move to amend H3400 in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following:

4003-0122

For a citizenship for new Americans program to assist legal permanent residents of the commonwealth in becoming citizens of the United States; provided, that the office for refugees and immigrants shall administer the program; provided further, that the program funded by this item shall provide assistance to persons who are within 3 years of eligibility to become citizens of the United States; provided further, that services shall be designed to include: ESOL/civics classes, citizenship application assistance, interview preparation and support services including, but not limited to, interpretation and referral services; provided further, that persons who would qualify for benefits under chapter 118A of the General Laws but for their status as legal non-citizens shall be given highest priority for services; and provided further, that persons who currently receive state-funded benefits which could be replaced, in whole or in part, by federally-funded benefits if these persons become citizens, shall be given priority for services.............................................................$1,000,000