§ 2538 : PILOT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION AT STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS

GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Chief shall establish a pilot program through which the Chief may award grants, on a competitive basis, to States and local governments or other qualifying entities, in collaboration with State and local governments —

1.

to establish New Immigrant Councils to carry out programs to integrate new immigrants; or

2.

to carry out programs to integrate new immigrants.

APPLICATION.—A State or local government desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Chief at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Chief may reasonably require, including—

1.

a proposal to meet an objective or combination of objectives set forth in subsection (d)(3);

2.

the number of new immigrants in the applicant’s jurisdiction; and

3.

a description of the challenges in introducing and integrating new immigrants into the State or local community.

PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under this section, the Chief shall give priority to States and local governments or other qualifying entities that—

1.

use matching funds from non-Federal sources, which may include in-kind contributions;

2.

demonstrate collaboration with public and private entities to achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan developed pursuant to subsection (d)(3);

3.

are 1 of the 10 States with the highest rate of foreign-born residents; or

4.

have experienced a large increase in the population of immigrants during the most recent 10-year period relative to past migration patterns, based on data compiled by the Office of Immigration Statistics or the United States Census Bureau.

AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—A grant awarded under this subsection may be used—

1.

to form a New Immigrant Council, which shall—

A.

consist of between 15 and 19 individuals, inclusive, from the State, local government, or qualifying organization;

B.

include, to the extent practicable, representatives from—

i.

business;

ii.

faith-based organizations;

iii.

civic organizations;

iv.

philanthropic organizations;

v.

nonprofit organizations, including those with legal and advocacy experience working with immigrant communities;

vi.

key education stakeholders, such as State educational agencies, local educational agencies, community colleges, and teachers;

vii.

State adult education offices;

viii.

State or local public libraries; and

ix.

State or local governments; and

C.

meet not less frequently than once each quarter;

2.

to provide subgrants to local communities, city governments, municipalities, nonprofit organizations (including veterans’ and patriotic organizations) or other qualifying entities;

3.

to develop, implement, expand, or enhance a comprehensive plan to introduce and integrate new immigrants into the State by—

A.

improving English language skills;

B.

engaging caretakers with limited English proficiency in their child’s education through interactive parent and child literacy activities;

C.

improving and expanding access to workforce training programs;

D.

teaching United States history, civics education, citizenship rights, and responsibilities;

E.

promoting an understanding of the form of government and history of the United States and the principles of the Constitution;

F.

improving financial literacy; and

G.

focusing on other key areas of importance to integration in our society; and

4.

to engage receiving communities in the citizenship and civic integration process by—

A.

increasing local service capacity;

B.

building meaningful connections between newer immigrants and long-time residents;

C.

communicating the contributions of receiving communities and new immigrants; and

D.

engaging leaders from all sectors of the community.

REPORTING AND EVALUATION.—

1.

ANNUAL REPORT.—Each grant recipient shall submit an annual report to the Office that describes—

A.

the activities undertaken by the grant recipient, including how such activities meet the goals of the Office, the Foundation, and the comprehensive plan described in subsection (d)(3);

B.

the geographic areas being served;

C.

the number of immigrants in such areas; and

D.

the primary languages spoken in such areas.

2.

ANNUAL EVALUATION.—The Chief shall conduct an annual evaluation of the grant program established under this section—

A.

to assess and improve the effectiveness of such grant program;

B.

to assess the future needs of immigrants and of State and local governments related to immigrants; and

C.

to ensure that grantees recipients and subgrantees are acting within the scope and purpose of this subchapter.