Mass. Releases Comprehensive Plan For Integrating Immigrants

Gov. Deval Patrick is releasing Tuesday what is described as the most comprehensive plan for integrating immigrants into economic and civic life in Massachusetts. The 131 recommendations in the state-commissioned report known as the New Americans Agenda include giving drivers licenses and in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants, as well as increasing funding for English-language instruction.

The Governor's Advisory Council canvassed the state over the past year and worked on the report with the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. The agency's executive director, Richard Chacón, joined us to talk about immigrant communities and the panel's recommendations.