Local News in Brief : Lack of Classes Cited in Amnesty Program
A group of Latino officials predicted Thursday that tens of thousands of people in the national amnesty program will not find the English and civics courses they need to qualify for permanent legal residence.
A shortage of 82,165 classroom seats in California’s 100 largest cities will hamper the chances of some to enroll in classes by next fall, according to Harry Pachon, director of the National Assn. of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.
A study by the group found enough classes being offered in the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. But Pachon said there is “a grim picture in suburban communities around Los Angeles.”
Beginning next month, amnesty applicants will have two years to show proficiency in English and civics or face a relapse into illegal status.
Among the cities that the group said cannot provide enough classes for even half of those expected to need them are Baldwin Park, Fontana, Huntington Beach, Inglewood, Long Beach, Ontario, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Pasadena and Santa Barbara.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
