Patrick report looks to integrate immigrants

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick last week unveiled the New Americans Agenda report, a set of 131 recommendations for “better integrating immigrants and refugees into the social, civic and economic life of the state.”
In a news release, Patrick also announced the creation of an interagency group that will develop an action plan within 90 days for the report.
Among the report’s key recommendations are:
&#8226 Establishing training requirement in Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Standards (CLAS) for all state managers, service-delivery staff and all employees in health and human services, public safety and education.
&#8226 Include training on immigration history, trends and cultural competency, as part of professional-development curriculum for teachers.
&#8226 Pass legislation that would allow all immigrant students to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts, provided that they have lived in the commonwealth for at least three years and have graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned a GED;
&#8226 Improve access to re-licensing and re-certification for professional immigrants and refugees.
&#8226 Advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform that includes clearer and affordable ways to attain citizenship and increased border security.
According to Patrick’s administration, immigrants make up 14 percent of the state’s population and 17 percent of the work force.
The Immigrant Learning Center and University of Massachusetts Boston say immigrant-headed households paid $1.2 billion in state income taxes and $1.06 billion in property taxes in 2005.
“The New Americans Agenda report is a values statement,” said Patrick. “It shows that we understand and welcome the significant contributions immigrants make to our commonwealth, and want to do an even better job engaging them in building stronger communities.” &#8226