USCIS Announces Significant Expansion of Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the Opening of the Grant Application Period
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is declaring extended funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program in keeping with its responsibilities under Executive Order 14012. Because of the help of Congress, USCIS will give up to $20 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the nation, which addresses a doubling of the grant program.
“This year, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is more robust than any other time,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. Congress gave an extra $10 million in grant cash – adding up to $20 million – to associations helping immigrants with becoming residents and integrate into the United States. By adding extra funding opportunities, qualified organizations have the chance to completely engage with communities by guaranteeing they have access to the essential tools and resources for citizenship education. I’m satisfied that the current year’s program will support innovative initiatives and deepen regional and local collaboration to reach more geographic areas around the country.”
USCIS is now accepting applications for four funding opportunities under the extended program. In accordance with Executive Order 14012 and the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization. USCIS is calling for new and imaginative approaches and targeted outreach to remote, underserved, or isolated communities.
Unlike in years past, candidates might apply under more than one funding opportunity, and candidates are urged to apply mutually to grow geographic reach and coverage.
The four funding opportunities include:
Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services
USCIS will fund public or nonprofit organizations that offer both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to immigrants. USCIS hopes to grant 42 organizations up to $300,000 each, for a time of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are expected by 5th August 2022.
Community and Regional Integration Network Grant
USCIS will fund public or nonprofit organizations that offer individualized services to specific immigrants, including the people who entered the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, were granted asylum or were admitted or entered the United States as a Cuban or Haitian entrant. This year, the program, which was previously called the Refugee and Asylee Integration Services Grant, has extended eligibility to include organizations that serve people admitted on a Special Immigrant visa; victims of human trafficking and criminal activity; and abused spouses, children, and parents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). USCIS hopes to grant 3 to 6 organizations up to $300,000 each for a time of 2 years. Applications are expected by 5th Aug 2022.
Regional Hub Program (NEW!)
This new grant opportunity is designed to fund regional or statewide citizenship support networks that build capacity among their affiliates/members to give direct citizenship education services to immigrants. Candidates are supposed to act as a hub for communication and information sharing on citizenship preparation among their affiliates/members and within the broader community. USCIS expects to grant 5 to 10 grants of up to $1 million each. For a period of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022.
Innovations in Citizenship Education Program (NEW!)
USCIS will fund public, nonprofit, or for-benefit associations that enhance innovation in citizenship education. Also, USCIS will award innovation grants to organizations that foster creative approaches. To prepare immigrants for naturalization and encourage the civic, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants into their communities. USCIS hopes to grant up to 25 organizations up to $250,000 each for a time of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are expected by Aug. 5, 2022.
[The US steps up visa processing, with a special focus on students]
In addition to the traditional programs which fund citizenship and English securing classes. The 2022 grants have been extended to include opportunities for groups. To apply together to reach more geographic areas as well as a funding opportunity for innovative ideas.
USCIS encourages organizations across different networks and geographic areas. To review the Notices of Funding Opportunity to learn about the fiscal year 2022 funding opportunities.
Source From: USCIS News
