WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Thursday, February 25 the availability of two different grants totaling $7 million designed to promote citizenship education and immigrant integration in communities across the country.



Funding will expand local capacity to prepare legal residents for citizenship

“Each aspiring citizen represents a personal story of sacrifice and triumph,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas.



“This funding will increase opportunities for English language instruction, promote the rights and responsibilities that define our nation, and provide much-needed support for individuals on the path to citizenship.”



The first grant will strengthen locally-based citizenship preparation programs. The second grant will increase the capacity of members or affiliates of national, regional, or statewide organizations to offer citizenship services in underserved communities.



USCIS expects to announce an estimated 50 award recipients in September 2010.



Those organizations planning to apply for either of the grants must send a mandatory letter of intent to citizenshipgrantprogram@dhs.gov by March 26, 2010.



To apply for either program, visit www.grants.gov.



Applications for both grant opportunities are due by April 30, 2010.



During fiscal year (FY) 2009, USCIS awarded $1.2 million in grants to 13 immigrant-serving organizations across the country. These awards are currently expanding services and outreach on U.S. citizenship, educational opportunities, and available resources to nearly 70,000 Legal Permanent Residents, o green card holders in 11 states.



For more information about the FY 2010 Citizenship Grant Program, visit www.uscis.gov/grants.



To learn more about USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov.