Readers React: How local schools can help immigrants become U.S. citizens

To the editor: The article on the White House’s Task Force on New Americans does not mention the public school system, in particular the L.A. Unified School District, where I have been teaching English language classes for 30 years. (“Obama administration is starting in L.A. to help immigrants become citizens,” Jan. 29)

I remember the days when we offered citizenship classes to all those who wanted to prepare for the process. Those are gone, as budget cuts and short-sighted leadership reduced our offerings to all adults, including those in the immigrant population.

Perhaps President Obama’s task force will help our leaders appreciate the role of education in welcoming and preparing adults to take their place in our society.

Jill Gluck, West Hollywood

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