USCIS Allocates $22 Million in FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grants

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently disbursed more than $22 million in grants to 65 organizations across 29 states. This funding is dedicated to aiding lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in their preparation for naturalization. In alignment with Executive Order 14012, which emphasizes reinforcing confidence in the legal immigration system and enhancing integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans, USCIS targeted remote, underserved, and vulnerable communities. This fiscal year (FY) witnessed a $5 million increase in the grant program compared to FY 2022.

The Citizenship and Integration Grants aim to support organizations in readying immigrants for naturalization and fostering civic integration by enhancing their knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics. Beyond the conventional programs supporting citizenship and English acquisition classes, the FY 2023 grants encourage inventive approaches to preparing immigrants for naturalization.

“USCIS is dedicated to fortifying the United States as a more robust, inclusive, and inviting nation. We advocate for naturalization by educating remote, underserved, and vulnerable populations about the benefits of citizenship and the naturalization process,” stated USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Through this grants program, we ensure that community organizations are available to provide immigrants with opportunities to enhance their English language skills, gain a deeper understanding of U.S. history and government, and assist them in integrating into American society to become successful citizens.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has distributed nearly $155 million through 644 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. In its 15th year, the program has facilitated over 300,000 LPRs in preparing for citizenship.

USCIS, through this program, aims to broaden the availability of high-quality citizenship and integration services across the nation.

The grants were conferred through three competitive funding opportunities:

1. Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS): Funding public or nonprofit organizations providing both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to immigrants. USCIS awarded 51 organizations up to $450,000 each for a two-year period.

2. Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING): Focused on integration services with personalized programming for specific immigrants, including those under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program or granted asylum. USCIS expanded eligibility to encompass organizations serving individuals admitted or entering the U.S. as Cuban or Haitian entrants, Special Immigrant Visa recipients, victims of human trafficking and criminal activity, and those under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). USCIS awarded one organization with experience serving vulnerable populations up to $300,000 for a two-year period.

3. Innovations in Citizenship Preparation Program: Crafted to amplify innovation, this grant opportunity was presented to organizations fostering creative approaches to preparing immigrants for naturalization and promoting their civic, linguistic, and cultural integration into communities. USCIS awarded 13 organizations up to $250,000 each for a two-year period.