SAN JOSÉ — A new partnership between the City of San José, Mineta San José International Airport and New American Workforce will make citizenship services available onsite for city and airport employees.
Mayor Sam Liccardo announced the initiative during a press conference today. Other speakers discussed immigrants’ economic contributions to the region and workforce and highlighted how this partnership will bolster local immigrant integration efforts.
San José was a founding municipal partner of New American Workforce, and Mineta San José International Airport is the first airport partner of the program, which will provide citizenship services for airport employees and their families.
The airport hosted a citizenship workshop for airport employees and their families immediately following the press conference.
Below are quotes from speakers at today’s event:
Mayor Sam Liccardo, City of San José:
“As a city where 40 percent of our residents are immigrants, San José serves as the quintessential melting pot where people from all around the world enrich our culture, spur our innovation and reinvigorate our collective passion for freedom. We remain committed to helping more of our immigrant residents pursue a path to citizenship because every new voice makes our community stronger.”
Kim Becker, Director of Aviation, Mineta San José International Airport:
“I am very proud that SJC is the first airport to partner with the National Immigration Forum’s New American Workforce to offer citizenship information sessions to our eligible employees and their families. SJC’s significant growth in domestic and international flights is supported by a diverse group of employees who understand the languages and cultures of our global travelers. Supporting our airport employees’ path to citizenship allows us to have a more stable and well-trained workforce.”
Norberto Dueñas, City Manager, City of San José:
“Citizenship means the right to vote, whether for president or for City Council. It reduces the stress of uncertainty about travel, and it represents the opportunity to become a fully engaged American citizen, in your neighborhood and in our economy.”
Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum:
“Today, we applaud Mayor Liccardo, the City of San Jose and Mineta San José International Airport for proclaiming the value of their diverse American workforce. Not only is the Mayor and the City of San José leading the nation by joining a handful of municipalities offering citizenship application assistance to eligible employees at the worksite, but the airport is the first to join the program nationally. This is a beautiful example of the welcome that Mineta San José International Airport is extending to travelers and staff from across the country and around the world.”
Raul Peralez, District 3 Councilmember, City of San José:
“As the product of an immigrant family, who personally saw my own father become a citizen in recent years, I am pleased that the City of San José is investing in our immigrant community by providing a pathway to citizenship to those within our own workforce.”
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