For a citizenship for new Americans program to assist legal permanent residents of the commonwealth in becoming citizens of the United States; provided, that the office for refugees and immigrants shall administer the program; provided further, that the program funded under this item shall provide assistance to persons who are within 3 years of eligibility to become citizens of the United States; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for Casserly House's adult ESOL program for immigrants who speak, read, and write little or no English to receive help and support in the Archdale area of Roslindale; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Casa Dominicana, Inc. to assist in ESL classes and computer training for low-income adults; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Lawrence Family Development, Inc. in Lawrence for ESL and citizenship classes; provided further, that services shall include: (i) English for Speakers of Other Languages/civics classes; (ii) citizenship application assistance; (iii) interview preparation; and (iv) support services including, but not limited to, interpretation and referral services; provided further, that persons who would qualify for benefits under
chapter 118A of the General Laws but for their status as legal noncitizens shall be given the highest priority for services; provided further, that persons who currently receive state-funded benefits that could be replaced in whole or in part by federally-funded benefits if those persons become citizens shall be given priority for services; provided further, that funds may be expended for the programmatic and administrative support of the office's refugee and immigrant services; provided further, that not later than January 16, 2025 the office for refugees and immigrants shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means including, but not limited to: (a) the services provided to immigrants and refugees, including but not limited to Afghan, Haitian, and Ukrainian refugees and immigrants in fiscal year 2023 and 2024; (b) the number of said refugees and immigrants serviced; and (c) the efforts taken to fully settle said refugees and immigrants and provide them with support services to find employment, housing, health insurance and childcare; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be expended to Friendly House, Inc. for the operation of a Center for New Americans in the city of Worcester; and provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended as a grant for Immigrants Assistance Center, Inc. in the city of New Bedford for citizenship and workforce readiness programming
