The federal government will be giving $10 million to fund additional training programs that help immigrants become citizens.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is looking for more organizations to help expand the pathway to citizenship by supplying more training programs, especially in areas that are underserved.
“It is critical that we provide immigrants pursuing citizenship and the organizations who help support their efforts with the tools to be successful,” said Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
The Citizenship and Integration Grant Program will provide up to $10 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.
“This year, USCIS is reaching out to more organizations that provide services to underserved communities to ensure that all who are eligible to apply for these grants — or to pursue naturalization — are able to do so,” said Acting USCIS Director Tracy Renaud. “USCIS is committed to empowering immigrants to pursue citizenship and the privileges that accompany it.”
Applications are now being accepted for this competitive grant program. Organizations that prepare lawful permanent residents for naturalization are eligible to apply. These organizations must promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics.
The money will support two areas of training:
- Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services: Thirty-three public or nonprofit organizations that offer both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services could be awarded up to $250,000 each for two years through this opportunity. Applications are due by July 16.
- Refugee and Asylee Integration Services Program: Six public or nonprofit organizations with experience in serving refugees could receive up to $300,000 each for a period of two years through this opportunity. This money will fund services that focus on individualized programming for former refugees and asylees to attain skills and knowledge required for citizenship. It also will be used to provide other services that foster a sense of belonging and attachment to the United States. The program will also serve residents who were admitted or entered the United States as Cuban or Haitian entrants or individuals admitted on a Special Immigrant Visa. Applicants must design an integration support program that provides a suite of services that promote long-term civic integration and citizenship. Applications are due by July 16.
USCIS received support from Congress through appropriations to make these funding opportunities available to communities. Award recipients are expected to be announced in September.
“This administration recognizes that naturalization is an important milestone in the civic integration of immigrants, and we will continue to provide support for individuals hoping to establish new citizenship in our country,” Mayorkas said.
Since 2009, the USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has awarded about $102 million through 473 grants to immigrant-serving organizations. These grant recipients have provided citizenship preparation services to more than 279,000 lawful permanent residents in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
To apply for these funding opportunities, visit www.grants.gov. USCIS encourages applicants to visit www.grants.gov before the application deadline to obtain registration information needed to complete the application process.
For additional information on the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program for fiscal year 2021, visit www.uscis.gov/grants or email the USCIS Office of Citizenship at [email protected].
Connect with us:
Website: https://newamericansmedia.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NewAmericansMedia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/New-Americans-Media-2162656677082125/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewComersMedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newamericansmedia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-americans-media/
0 Comments