USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
USCIS is excited to announce the FY 2010 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, a $7 million initiative that will support the expansion of citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.
United States citizenship is one of the most important ways for immigrants to become fully vested members of this country and although the decision to pursue this goal is a very personal one, the benefits of citizenship run deep. Citizenship not only creates new opportunities for hundreds of thousands of individuals each year, it also strengthens the very fabric of our nation.
For many, the naturalization process can seem overwhelming. Through this funding we seek to expand preparation programs to ensure that those who are committed to the goal of becoming a U.S. citizen receive the support they need to be successful. Expanded opportunities and additional resources in communities will allow immigrants to improve their English language skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government as they prepare for the naturalization application and interview process.
In 2009, we awarded a total of $1.2 million in grants to 13 organizations that serve immigrants across the country. These grant recipients are promoting the rights and responsibilities of citizenship through new opportunities for civics-based English and citizenship instruction and naturalization preparation assistance - impacting nearly 70,000 lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in 11 states.
Building on the success of the 2009 program, we will offer two competitive grant opportunities this year. The first will strengthen locally-based citizenship preparation programs. The second will increase the capacity of members or affiliates of national, regional, or statewide organizations to offer citizenship services in underserved communities. An estimated 50 awards are expected and recipients will be announced in September 2010. To learn more about both announcements, please visit www.uscis.gov/grants.
The application package is available at http://www.grants.gov/. Please continue to check our grants page for updates and additional information.
It is our honor to support eligible, aspiring citizens and the many organizations that serve them. We hope this program provides the mechanism and support for new resources and expanded citizenship assistance in communities nationwide.
Rebecca S. Carson
Chief, USCIS Office of Citizenship
Labels: Citizenship