USCIS Opens Application Period for Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Programs

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is now accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program. These grant opportunities will provide up to $10 million for citizenship preparation programs throughout different communities in the country. The goal is to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship and assimilation services with the following grants:

• Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services: This will fund up to 33 organizations that offer both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to lawful permanent residents.
• The Refugee and Asylee Assimilation Program: This will fund up to six organizations to give individualized services to lawful permanent residents who came to the country under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program or were granted asylum.

These grant opportunities are open to organizations that prepare lawful permanent residents for naturalization and promote civic assimilation through knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics. Those who wish to apply for these grants must do so by August 31.

USCIS will consider different program and organizational factors, such as past grantee performance, when making final award decisions. Award recipients are expected to be announced in September 2020 as long as staff is available to review applications and oversee the program. If they are not, the program could be affected or terminated for the fiscal year.

All grant recipients who receive the funds must enroll in E-Verify as a regular employer within 30 days of receiving the award. They must remain in good standing with E-Verify the entire time of the grant performance and verify all new hires at locations performing work on the program or activity that is funded under the grant. New to the program this year, there is a prerequisite that all applicants and sub-awardees that are certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) are required to comply with all SEVP requirements at the time they apply.

Organizations that wish to apply for a grant can do so here. If you have further questions, contact our firm for assistance.

Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.