Great news for immigrants needing help to become U.S. citizens. For now, at least.
Despite new measures that toughen immigration policy, such as restrictions on work permits for asylum-seekers and President Donald Trump’s proclamation suspending entry of immigrants, the United States government wants to help legal permanent residents obtain U.S. citizenship.
Therefore the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Thursday an economic opportunity for community organizations that provide assistance to immigrants with green cards in the preparation process to become U.S. citizens through naturalization.
USCIS said in a press release that it is now accepting applications for grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. The Department of Homeland Security agency will provide up to $10 million in grants.
One of the key requirements for obtaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization is the much feared naturalization interview and test, in which immigrants must prove they can read, write and speak basic English, and have essential knowledge of U.S. history and government.
During the interview with a USCIS official, immigrants must answer in English questions about Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and the applicant’s background.
“These competitive grant opportunities are open to organizations that prepare lawful permanent residents for naturalization and promote civic assimilation through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics,” USCIS said in a statement.
Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program
Many pro-immigrant organizations, which usually have limited resources to help low-income foreigners become U.S. citizens, provide citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to green card holders.
The grant opportunities, mandated by Congress, are:
▪ Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services
Under this classification, funds will be distributed to 33 organizations that offer legal permanent residents both citizenship education and assistance services for naturalization applications. Education includes English language training, American history, and civic instruction.
Applications must be submitted on or before Aug. 31.
▪ Refugee and Asylee Assimilation Program
According to USCIS, the goal is to “provide extended assimilation services” for green card holders who entered the country under the auspices of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program or were granted asylum to acquire “the skills and knowledge required to successfully pass the naturalization test.”
Up to six organizations could benefit. Applications are also due by Aug. 31.
However, the immigration agency is facing a crippling budget shortfall and has told Congress it urgently needs $1.2 billion in emergency funding amid plans to raise application fees.
On Friday, the agency announced a final rule that increases fees for certain immigration and naturalization benefit requests by an average of 20%.
If USCIS doesn’t receive the funding and “should agency staff be furloughed in late August, USCIS anticipates that the grant program could be impacted or even terminated for the fiscal year,” it noted on Thursday’s press release.
Requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship
An immigrant must:
▪ Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.
▪ Live in the United States as a permanent legal resident for five continuous years, or three if he or she got a green card through a U.S. citizen spouse.
▪ Show physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months during the last five years, or 18 months if married to an American citizen.
▪ Show good moral character. This means a clean criminal record for the previous five years, and not submitting false information as part of any immigration form or procedure. (A person with an aggravated felony is ineligible for naturalization.)
▪ Be able to read, write and speak basic English, and show knowledge of U.S. history and government.
▪ Be willing to support and defend the United States and the U.S. Constitution.
Naturalization ceremonies for American citizenship
USCIS has reiterated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security agency is prioritizing naturalization ceremonies to become a U.S. citizen.
USCIS resumed naturalization in early June under a new protocol to protect its staff and the immigrant community. Throughout June, it naturalized approximately 64,500 new American citizens, the agency reported.
“The ceremonies have been shorter to limit exposure to those in attendance, incorporating social distancing and other safety precautions,” the agency said.
Daniel Shoer Roth is a journalist covering immigration law who does not offer legal advice or individual assistance to applicants. Follow him on Twitter @DanielShoerRoth. The contents of this story do not constitute legal advice.
Read this Story in Spanish at el Nuevo Herald.
This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 8:08 AM with the headline "Great news for immigrants needing help to become U.S. citizens. For now, at least.."
