Naturalization services help refugees and immigrants, predominantly those who are disabled and elderly, attain citizenship through assistance in completing the USCIS N-400 naturalization application and fee waiver requests, classes in American history and civics, and interview preparation. By maintaining funding for Naturalization services at $3,545,000 in fiscal year 2025 and 2026, we can continue to serve immigrants and refugees in our state.

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The Limited English Proficient (LEP) Pathways’ primary goal is to promote economic self-sufficiency for refugees and immigrants through job training, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, work support, and social services. By maintaining funding for the LEP Pathways program at $1,774,000, we can better support low-income and limited English speaking immigrants.

 

These program funding sources were cut during the 2008 financial crisis, causing immigrant communities to suffer disproportionately during that time of economic downturn. It is critical that we not repeat this mistake, especially during times of deep anxiety and uncertainty for immigrant communities.