This bill directs the Department of Human Services to provide grants to assist individuals who are noncitizens and who do not possess valid immigration documentation to change their immigration status or obtain lawful permanent resident status. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
The Department of Human Services shall provide grants from $750 to $1,500 to cover legal fees of individuals who are noncitizens and who do not possess valid immigration documentation to change their immigration status or obtain lawful permanent resident status. Appropriates $6 million for grants. That’s 4,000 grants at the maximum level.
It gives the department full authority to establish criteria that an individual must meet to qualify for a grant. Delegating is when legislation goes astray.
I’m curious to hear the presentation for this bill. Is it really the lack of funds that keep people from becoming citizens if they are earning at least $70,000. It seems like the backlog isn’t money for these people. Therefore, this bill is another $6 million taxing taxpayers.