Billionaire Pledges $11 Million to Needy

Billionaire philanthropist George Soros is handing out the first portion of his pledged $50 million in aid for legal immigrants denied access to food stamps and other welfare benefits under a new law. Soros’ Emma Lazarus Fund announced its award of $11.8 million to 22 advocacy groups. Much of the money will be used to help immigrants become U.S. citizens, with groups getting money to offer English classes, civics education, legal help and preparation for citizenship interviews. In announcing his gift last fall, the Hungarian-born Soros recalled when he turned to England’s subsidized health care system after World War II for treatment after a job injury.