Upwardly Global Supports New Deal for New Americans

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Upwardly Global is proud to join hundreds of organizations in endorsing the New Deal For New Americans Act of 2020, a landmark piece of legislation that will advance the full integration of immigrants in all aspects of American life–including the workforce.

The bill was first introduced in the House in October of 2019 by Representatives Grace Meng (NY-6), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-4), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), and last week was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ed Markey (MA). 

The legislation’s key components–programs that put citizenship in reach for qualified immigrants, expanded access to legal services, and expanding the infrastructure to welcome refugees–hold promise to benefit not only immigrants, but all Americans, by strengthening our communities and boletering our economy. 

Upwardly Global is especially encouraged by the bill’s plans to champion the full integration of immigrants and refugees into our workforce, including: 

  • Funds to build equitable, inclusive career training, skilling and coaching programs that are accessible to immigrants and refugees; 
  • Support for vocationalied and contextualized English-language learning opportunities; 
  • Commitment to create a federal-level Office of New Americans to administer and sustain these efforts. 
  • Coordination of cabinet-level officials in a cross-agency effort to ensure that work-authorized immigrants are able to fully contribute their skills to our economy.

Colleagues at the National Skills Coalition offer excellent analysis on the workforce development efforts included in this legislation. 

Tell your member of Congress to support this bill and invest in the inclusion of immigrants in our workforce and economy. 

Call the Congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to connect with your member of Congress and voice your support for this bill. Learn more about Upwardly Global’s broad policy priorities to build a country where everyone can fully contribute their skills and thrive. 

 

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