DFL lawmakers propose pro-immigrant agenda
Two DFL state lawmakers are proposing a package of seven bills aimed at increasing the education and economic opportunities available to new immigrants.
State Rep. Carlos Mariani, DFL-St. Paul, and Sen. Patricia Torres-Ray, DFL-Minneapolis, highlighted the “Minnesota New American Integration Act” Wednesday during a news conference.
The bills include tax credits, education grants and new business assistance. One credit would go to new citizens. The other is for homeowners without documentation.
Mariani said he’s trying to counter some of the anti-immigrant rhetoric he’s heard in this year’s presidential race.
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“Our job as legislators is to build community, and speaking about immigrants is speaking about a large group of people who want nothing more than to build community and build prosperity,” Mariani said.
One bill (HF 3563) would create a task force to study how state laws negatively impact immigrants.
Two of the bills (HF 3559) and (HF 3560) are scheduled for House committee hearings this week.
Mariani said the proposals are part of a long-range initiative that will continue into next session.