After dropping out of the US presidential race, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) was back in the news. With Representative Mike Honda (D-CA), she recently announced that they would introduce a legislation which would help newcomers integrate into America’s social and economic fabric.

Through English language education, civics instruction, incentives for businesses that invest in the education of their non-English speaking employees, and federal support for state and local plans, the legislation seeks to integrate new immigrants into the society.

Clinton hailed “The Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act” as an important step toward helping bridge the gap between new immigrants and mainstream America. She noted that despite working hard and playing by the rules, many new Americans face significant obstacles to achieving success for themselves and their families, primarily because of the lack of English language skills.

“We all share a belief in stronger communities that make America more competitive in the world,” Clinton said, “By investing in English language education, community support, and other important tools, this legislation will help new Americans become part of the American family.”

Honda and Clinton were joined by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) as the bill’s original co-sponsors.

Honda said the importance of this bill is underscored by its bipartisan nature. “As a country of immigrants we have always depended upon newcomers to fuel our progress,” he said. “Legislation that provides them educational tools is logical and good for our country. Instead of turning our backs on immigrants, we should open our arms and embrace them. Their success is America’s success, and we should invest it through sound education policies such as this.”

The bill is divided into three components, which support English literacy education, encouragement of businesses to support English literacy and education, and empowerment of local communities to design strategies that fit their individual situation.

It will increase funding for the Department of Education’s successful “Even Start Family Literacy Program” and offers tax credits to English language learners to encourage focus on this important area. It will also create grants for English literacy and civic education programs and support research on adult learning and literacy.

Also, businesses, which provide their workers with English literacy and GED training, can receive credits for 20 percent of the cost of the program, or up to $1,000 per employee.

The bill will also authorize grants for the formation of State New American Integration Councils, consisting of leaders from the business, non-profit, religious, civic and philanthropic communities. These councils will be charged with developing and implementing comprehensive integration plans for immigrants in their local areas.

Last year, Rep. Ruben Hinojosa had introduced the “Adults Achieving the American Dream Act” (H.R. 2214), which contained several key provisions incorporated in the recent legislation. The bill called for an important expansion of adult ESL and civics education, increased investment in Even Start, and employer-based tax incentives.

“For centuries, the American Dream has called millions to our nation’s shores. Unfortunately, at present, the dream is fading for too many because they lack the skills needed to succeed in our country,” said Hinojosa. “This legislation opens the doors to immigrants so they can have the chance to fully participate in American society and strengthen the country’s fabric.”

Sam Jammal, counsel and spokesman for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) said the integration process is often not a question of motivation, but opportunity. He said this legislation recognizes the acquisition of English language as an education issue, not just an immigrant topic.