DHS Announces Expansion of Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

Every year, the Citizenship and Integration Grant program provides money to community programs designed to help people prepare for citizenship. In the past, the program has provided $10 million in grants.

Recently, DHS announced they would increase the funding to $20 million. 

The program offers four types of grants. 

Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services

This program funds nonprofits that offer citizenship instruction to immigrants. Each service is awarded up to $300,000 each for two years.

Community and Regional Integration Network Grants

These programs include individualized programming to certain immigrant types:

• Entered the US under the US Refugee Admissions Program
• Were granted asylum
• Cuban or Haitian immigrants
• Individuals admitted on a Special Immigrant visa
• Victims of human trafficking and criminal activity
• Abused spouses, women, and children under VAWA

The DHS will award three to six public or nonprofit organizations up to $300,000 each for a period of two years. 

Regional Hub Programs

These programs fund regional or statewide citizenship support networks. 

This program awards up to 10 grants of up to $1,000,000 each for a period of two years.

Innovations in Citizenship Education Programs

This is a new grant opportunity and is part of the DHS expansion. This grant is meant for organizations that “foster creative approaches to preparing immigrants for naturalization and encouraging the civic, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants into their communities.

This award will go to up to 25 organizations for up to $250,000 for a period of two years.

Programs in Philadelphia

We help hundreds of immigrants become citizens every year here at our law practice. However, we recognize that you may need additional support. Some of these services also offer legal support, but these will be volunteer attorneys who might not have the time or attention to devote to your case. If you can afford to do so, it’s generally a better idea to secure your own legal help. 

• HIAS Pennsylvania provides naturalization education to low income, elderly, and disabled citizens. 
• The Nationalities Services Center (NSC) runs citizenship preparation classes. 
• The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians offers civic participation training, information, and naturalization screening sessions, citizenship classes, and English as a second language classes. 
• English as a Second Language Class Map – Shows you where to find ESL classes all over Philadelphia. 
• Philadelphia Partnership for Resilience – Offers support to survivors of torture and their families. 

It can be a long road from your initial arrival in the United States to your ultimate goal of citizenship. Hykel Law is here to support you at every step of your journey. Reach out to get help today.

See also: 

Philadelphia’s Status as a Sanctuary City: What It Means

Who Can Appeal an Immigration Decision? 

3 Immigration Mistakes to Avoid