On September 29, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) awarded nearly $20 million in grants to 66 organizations in 35 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents and those with a clear path to lawful permanent residence Naturalization. Pursuant to Executive Order 14012, USCIS is focused this year on reaching remote, underserved, and/or isolated communities, restoring confidence in our legal immigration system, strengthening integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans, and corresponding Interagency strategies to promote naturalization. These grants are made possible thanks to funding from Congress, which doubles the funding available for fiscal 2022.
These grants fund organizations that help immigrants prepare for naturalization and promote civic integration by increasing their knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics. In addition to traditional programs that fund citizenship and English acquisition courses, these expanded grants will include opportunities for creative and innovative ways to prepare immigrants for naturalization. Grants are also provided to fund regional or statewide centers: Citizenship Support Networks that build capacity among its affiliates to provide direct services to immigrants.
“We are committed to educating remote, underserved and vulnerable populations about the benefits of citizenship and the naturalization process,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Commissioner Ur M. Jaddou. “Through the USCIS grant program, we ensure that community-based organizations can provide immigrants with the tools they need to succeed on their journey to becoming a new U.S. citizen and beyond.”
For more information on the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, please visit uscis.gov/grants or email citizengrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov.
