USCIS Launches New Citizenship and Integration Training Academy Grant

USCIS Launches New Citizenship and Integration Training Academy Grant

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, aiming to enhance support for citizenship education programs across the United States. The newly introduced Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA) will provide up to $2.6 million in competitive funding to public or nonprofit organizations that have not previously received USCIS grant funding.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to remove barriers and make the naturalization process more accessible, as outlined in President Biden’s Executive Order 14012. This effort includes addressing the needs of remote, isolated, and vulnerable populations, ensuring that all eligible individuals can navigate the path to U.S. citizenship effectively.

USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou emphasized the impact of the CITA grant, noting that it will increase organizational capacity and expand resources for citizenship instruction, helping immigrants enhance their English language skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government. The ultimate goal is to empower immigrants to become successful and responsible U.S. citizens, contributing positively to the community and the economy.

The grant is set to significantly bolster the reach and quality of services offered by recipient organizations. Up to seven organizations will be awarded up to $400,000 each, with the grant period spanning from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027. The recipients of this substantial funding will be announced in September 2024, aligning with USCIS’s ongoing strategy under the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization.

Since its inception in 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has allocated $155 million through 644 grants, helping over 350,000 immigrants in 41 states and the District of Columbia prepare for citizenship. This new funding from the fiscal year 2023 appropriations will continue to build on this legacy, extending the reach and impact of USCIS’s support programs.

Organizations interested in applying for the CITA grant are encouraged to register and obtain necessary information through grants.gov/register, preparing them to effectively support their communities and enhance the integration of new Americans into the fabric of society. This initiative not only supports immigrants but also enriches the nation by fostering a more inclusive and integrated community.

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