Amendment #889 to H4000

Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP)

Representatives Cabral of New Bedford, Toomey of Cambridge, Conroy of Wayland, Khan of Newton, Sánchez of Boston, Sannicandro of Ashland, Schmid of Westport, DiNatale of Fitchburg, Matewsky of Everett, Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, Malia of Boston, Cullinane of Boston, Swan of Springfield, Provost of Somerville, O'Day of West Boylston, Decker of Cambridge, Garballey of Arlington, Keenan of Salem, Rogers of Cambridge and Devers of Lawrence move that the bill be amended in section 2, by striking the language in item 4003-0122 and inserting in place thereof:

“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; and provided further, that funds may be expended for the programmatic and administrative support of the agency’s refugee and immigrant services.

"and by striking the figures “$341,096”, and inserting in place thereof the following: “$637,500”.