One California Program will help legal permanent residents obtain citizenship
(SACRAMENTO)— Today, State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia presented on behalf of the 21 members of the Latino Legislative Caucus a request the state legislature to invest $40 million in the One California Immigration Services funding program.
“Last year, as part of the 2015-16 State Budget, the legislature and Governor took the historic step of investing $15 million to provide grants to qualified nonprofit and legal service organizations with the goal of providing education, outreach and application assistance to lawful permanent residents eligible for citizenship and undocumented immigrants eligible for deportation relief,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. “This year, the Latino Legislative Caucus along with the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus are asking for $40 million to help our perspective immigrant communities.”
ONE California program provides state assistance for immigrants to apply for citizenship or a lawfully present status is the next step for our Golden State to take leadership on immigrant integration. Under the ONE California proposal, $40 million would be appropriated to develop a community-driven model to assist eligible immigrants apply for citizenship or deferred action. By leveraging partnerships with qualified non-profits with strong ties to immigrant communities, we can ensure that millions of Californians are set up to succeed.
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Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.
