An “Immigration Opportunities Initiative” will soon be introduced in the City Council, several council members announced on June 4. This $5 million initiative is expected to help the city’s new immigrants, by providing them with services including English as a Second Language classes, legal services, and job training.

The initiative was unveiled on the City Hall steps by Speaker Gifford Miller, who was joined by Majority Leader Joel Rivera (D-Bronx), and council members John Liu (D-Queens) and Miguel Martinez (D-Washington Heights).

Margaret McHugh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, lent her support and joined about 200 people holding signs on the City Hall steps, many of them from the Senior Center of the Chinese Planning Council.

Many people who have benefited from the initiative said that because of those early free English classes, they were able to adapt more smoothly to this new country.

Miller explained that the new “Immigrant Opportunities Initiatives” is based on the already-existing “Immigrant Services Initiative.” He pointed out the budget for the Services Initiatives in 2002 was $2.5 million. “With the increase in need and demand for such services, the Council has doubled the budget for this year’s proposal,” said Miller.

But Miller also warned that Mayor Bloomberg can slash this budget anytime as it has not been included in the Executive Budget. Miller asked new immigrants to show their support by telling the mayor not to cut it.

Councilman Liu said that New York City should guarantee equality and justice for everyone. “The city should foster an environment where every one can pursue their American Dream. Learning English, in many cases, is the first step towards that dream.”

Liu also pointed out that many new immigrants are abused by employers or discriminated against in society. It is very important to offer them legal, employment and language services so that they know how to protect themselves.

One of the beneficiaries of the “Services Initiatives” talked about his experience. Can-Yan Li, 36, who came from Gaunjo three years ago, is taking English classes at the Chinese Progressive Council. Li said that all he wants right now is to learn English so he can work in the shipping industry again. He recalled that when he did not speak a word of English and got lost in Times Square, he could not even ask for directions. Since taking the free classes, he has had an easier time living in the United States.