Miami-Dade County, Miami International Airport to Launch Citizenship Program
MIAMI — Three area mayors and several local business leaders emphasized the importance of citizenship and the benefits of offering naturalization services at their worksites ahead of Citizenship Day.
The business roundtable on citizenship celebrated the fifth anniversary of the National Immigration Forum’s New American Workforce program in Miami. New American Workforce is a national worksite program that partners with businesses to offer citizenship legal services and English classes to their eligible immigrant employees.
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber spoke about the benefits of the city’s participation in the program over the past four years. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Giménez announced that Miami-Dade Country also will join the program, with Miami International Airport becoming the first of many county departments to partner.
The following are quotes from speakers at today’s roundtable:
Mayor Dan Gelber, City of Miami Beach:
“The mosaic of our city is an immigrant story. It is a real reward when our 100 employees fulfill the significant and critical achievement of citizenship. Also, our employees become indebted to us and the city. The individual employee stories are amazing!”
Mayor Francis Suarez, City of Miami:
“New American Workforce’s initiative to make the American dream possible for thousands of immigrants is incredible. Those that are coming to this country — seeking the American dream — are risking their lives. This program highlights the value of citizenship and helps make the American dream possible for thousands of immigrants who contribute to the growth and prosperity of Miami.”
Mayor Carlos Giménez, Miami-Dade County:
“We are excited today to launch Miami-Dade County’s new partnership with Miami International Airport and New American Workforce. This initiative will help MIA employees begin the naturalization application process. We all know that being a U.S. citizen creates many more opportunities for those living here in our community. Everyone benefits when hardworking employees complete the citizenship application process.”
Nick Duris, Director of Human Resources, Mount Sinai Medical Center:
“New American Workforce is providing our employees with a significant benefit that we plan to continue for years to come.”
Robert Hill, General Manager, InterContinental Hotel, Miami:
“I was fortunate to arrive in America from Ireland with a lottery U.S. resident green card 20 years ago and have experienced first-hand how the task of earning a U.S. passport could be daunting and difficult. It made sense to support the New American Workforce who could facilitate the U.S. citizenship process for our hotel colleagues. They make it simple, answer the questions you have and relieve the anxiety of the application process.”
Wendy Kallergis, President & CEO, Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association:
“Our partnership with New American Workforce over the past five years has been and remains the most significant initiative we have for our employees. Once our employees enroll in the program and experience what it is to become a U.S. citizen, it truly opens the doors for so many opportunities, not only for themselves but for their families as well. They gain confidence and respect toward their employers and guests — a win-win for our hospitality industry.”
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
“Employers in the Miami area have led the way in implementing creative partnerships to promote naturalization. When new Americans have the opportunities to fully contribute at work and in their communities through citizenship, everyone benefits.”
Dr. Eduardo Padrón, President, Miami Dade College:
“At Miami Dade College, known as Democracy’s College, we truly understand the importance of citizenship and civic engagement. That is why, from the very beginning, we have collaborated with the National Immigration Forum to host citizenship and eligibility workshops for employees and students. Together, we’ve helped chart a vision for the integration and success of new Americans through both English-language learning and access to U.S. citizenship.”