Government looking to reach out to immigrants with new assistance

Published: 2003-12-08

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The federal agency charged with settling immigrants will enlist churches and community organizations to provide a range of services to help newcomers with the transition to life in the United States. Alfonso Aguilar, chief of the new Office of Citizenship under the Department of Homeland Security, said in November that in the next six months his agency would launch a test run of a program that follows the models of Canada and Australia when it comes to helping new immigrants adjust to the country. Among the differences between the current U.S. approach and that of the other countries are things as simple as providing basic information would-be immigrants need in an easy format on agency Web sites, and efforts such as Canada's practice of pairing new immigrants with Canadians who serve as mentors while they get settled. Other aspects of the proposal would include having community groups and churches provide classes in English, American history and U.S. culture, in addition to similar courses already directed at immigrants who are at the point of seeking naturalized citizenship.

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