US launches website for new immigrants

WASHINGTON -- The US government launched a website Tuesday aimed at new immigrants that contains information on everything from how to get a driver's license to how to become a US citizen.

The site -- www.welcometousa.gov -- is billed as "the federal government's official website for new immigrants." It was assembled by a task force created by President George W. Bush in 2006.

The main site is in English, but selected information is available in other languages.

Basic new immigrant guides, for example, are available in 11 languages -- including Arabic, Chinese, Tagalog and Vietnamese -- while information on Social Security is available in 16 languages.

"Our plans include even more opportunities for American citizens and community groups to help newcomers integrate into American society," said Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Emilio Gonzalez.

On Tuesday Bush urged reluctant Republican allies in Congress to revive legislation that would drastically overhaul US immigration policy.

The Senate's Democratic leader Harry Reid pulled the bill, dubbed a "grand bargain," from the Senate last week after Republicans refused to agree to move towards a final vote. - Agence France-Presse through Inquirer.net, June 13, 2007