FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program; Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services

OoC is charged with promoting instruction and training on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. USCIS recognizes that naturalization is the most important milestone in the civic integration of immigrants. Naturalization requirements, such as knowledge of English and U.S. history and government encourage civic learning and build a strong foundation upon which immigrants can fully integrate into society. Through preparing for naturalization, immigrants will gain the tools to become successful citizens and meet their responsibilities as United States citizens.The goal of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents across the nation and to provide opportunities for lawful permanent residents to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate into the fabric of American society.Additional activities that support this goal include identifying, implementing, and sharing best practices in citizenship preparation; increasing the use of and access to technology in citizenship preparation programs; working with local libraries and museums that serve as vital resources for immigrant communities; and incorporating strategies to foster welcoming communities as part of the citizenship and civic integration process.Furthermore, the goals of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program support the objectives of Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, by promoting integration, inclusion, and citizenship. The Citizenship and Integration Grant Program also addresses the DHS mission to administer our immigration laws as stated in the 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review as the program provides lawful permanent residents instruction on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship and information and support on how to apply for naturalization within the authorized practice of immigration law.

Government

• City or township governments
• County governments
• Special district governments
• State governments
• Public and Indian housing authorities
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments

Nonprofit

• Other Native American tribal organizations
• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)

Education

• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts
• Private institutions of higher education