Governor Andrew Cuomo launched a statewide effort to assemble a volunteer group of U. S. Armed Forces Veterans to guide immigrants along the path to citizenship. Veterans would be responsible for teaching potential citizens English and preparing them for the U.S. civics section of the naturalization exam. In return, immigrants will be encouraged to assist returning service members by volunteering with Veteran organizations, such as the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs offices and hospitals.
“New York has long been a beacon to those who come to this nation to make a better lives for themselves and their families,” Cuomo said. “I can think of no better way to honor and continue this rich legacy than this program, which pairs heroes who fought to preserve the American Dream with those who came to here to pursue the American Dream. Our strength is our diversity and I’m proud to help launch this new initiative for new New Yorkers.”
The veteran volunteers are being recruited by the New York State Office for New Americans, the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs and the New York State Commission on National and Community Service. Over 80 Veterans Affairs offices will double as Veteran Volunteer Recruitment Centers to seek out veterans looking for ways to continue their public service.
“I applaud Governor Cuomo for rallying our State’s veterans, and all New Yorkers, to support our New American neighbors,” said New York Secretary of State Cesar A. Perales. “This initiative will showcase the very best that our State has to offer – a spirit of volunteerism, dedication to our fellow New Yorkers and the involvement of our U.S. veterans who are heroes in every respect.”
After recruitment, volunteers will be partnered with one of the 26 Office for New American Opportunity Centers. Veterans will help immigrants practice their English in a computer language laboratory setting, through one-on-one or group conversation practice, as well as by using computers or tablets. Volunteers will give mock tests on the U.S. civics component of the naturalization exam. Veterans will also assist their students by installing the U.S. Civics phone app on their cell phones.
“We salute those veterans who will volunteer to assist our friends and neighbors as they adjust to their new lives as New Yorkers,” said Linda Cohen, Executive Director of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service – New Yorkers Volunteer. “Their continued service, when they have already given so much, exemplifies the good citizenship and lifelong commitment to helping others that are core values of our State.”
The volunteer effort will assist the Veterans as well. There is a hope that participation will help Veterans to better transition back into civilian life, transform their military skills into workforce skills, and give them the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge with the community.
“As we look across the growing movement of welcoming communities, we take inspiration from New York’s leadership,” said Welcoming America’s Executive Director, David Lubell. “I cannot imagine a more patriotic tribute to our nation than to bring together New Americans and veterans in shared service to our country, and to our communities.”
