The Department of Homeland Security's announced this year's Citizenship and Integration Grant Program will have about double the funding.
Funding for this year's Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which funds citizenship preparation programs in local communities nationwide, will provide up to $20 million in grants, DHS announced in a June 27 news release. That amount is an increase from the $10 million in funding provided last year.
"This year, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is more robust than ever," U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur M. Jaddou said in the news release. "These organizations are helping immigrants become citizens and integrate into the United States, and I am pleased that this year’s program will support innovative initiatives and deepen regional and local collaboration to reach more geographic areas around the country."
These competitive grants are open to organizations that help immigrants prepare for naturalization and "promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics," the news release said.
This year's grants were expanded to provide funding for "creative and innovative approaches" to naturalization prep, the news release said.
"Through our Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, we are helping to provide integration services to individuals on their paths to becoming American citizens," DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in the news release. "By adding additional funding opportunities, organizations will be able to reach more communities and ensure noncitizens have access to the tools and resources needed for citizenship education."
Applications are due Aug. 5, and award recipients are expected to be announced in September, the release reported.
