Citizenship and Immigration Services is accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. This opportunity provides up to $ 10 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.
These competitive grant opportunities are open to organizations that prepare legal permanent residents for naturalization and foster civic integration through in-depth knowledge of the English language, US history, and civil society. USCIS has received Congressional appropriation support to make these funding opportunities available to communities.
“It is very important that we provide immigrants seeking citizenship and the organizations that help support their efforts with the tools to succeed,” said Secretary Alejandro Mallorcas. “The Citizenship and Integration Grants Program helps those who are preparing to become US citizens to successfully integrate into American society. The administration recognizes that naturalization is an important milestone in the civil integration of immigrants, and we will continue to support individuals hoping to obtain citizenship in our country.”
“USCIS is committed to providing immigrants with the opportunity to obtain citizenship and related privileges,” said Acting President. USCIS Director Tracy Reno. “The Citizenship and Integration Grants Program provides immigrants with the tools they need to succeed all the way to gain new US citizens and beyond. This year, USCIS is reaching out to more organizations that provide services to low-income communities to ensure that everyone who is eligible to apply for these grants or seek naturalization can do so.”
As a consequence, USCIS is committed to expanding the availability of high quality citizenship and integration services across the country through the Citizenship and Integration Grants Program.
Citizenship Training and Naturalization Application Services
This opportunity will fund public or non-profit organizations that offer both citizenship training and naturalization application services to lawful permanent residents. USCIS expects to award 33 organizations up to $ 250,000 each for two years as part of this opportunity. Applications are accepted until July 16, 2021.
Integration services program for refugees and asylum seekers
Above all, this grant opportunity will provide enhanced integration services with a focus on one-to-one programming for former refugees and asylum seekers to acquire the skills and knowledge required for successful citizenship. In addition, it will also provide other services that foster a sense of belonging and affection for the United States.
The program has expanded eligibility to include lawful permanent residents who have been admitted or entered the United States as Cuban or Haitian entrants, or admitted on a special immigrant visa.
USCIS expects to reward six community or nonprofit organizations with up to $ 300,000 each refugee service experience over two years as part of this opportunity. It is worth noting that applicants must develop an integration support program that provides program beneficiaries with a range of services to promote long-term civic integration and citizenship. Applications are accepted until July 16, 2021.
USCIS plans to announce recipients of the award in September 2021.
Since 2009, the USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grants Program has provided approximately $ 102 million in 473 grants to organizations serving immigrants. These grant recipients have provided citizenship preparation services to over 279,000 legal permanent residents in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
