At Luo & Associates, we are dedicated to supporting immigrants on their journey to becoming successful and responsible U.S. citizens. We are thrilled to share a significant update from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that aligns with our mission to empower and assist our community.
USCIS Announces CITA Grant Program
The USCIS has recently announced the opening of the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA), a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. This initiative will provide up to $2.6 million in competitive funding to public or nonprofit organizations that have not previously received grant funding from USCIS.
What is the CITA Grant?
CITA is a technical assistance grant designed to enhance the capabilities of organizations to establish high-quality citizenship programs. This funding will support organizations in delivering rigorous training programs to help immigrants improve their English language skills, increase their knowledge of U.S. history and government, and gain the tools needed for successful naturalization.
Benefits of the CITA Grant
According to USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou, “The CITA grant provides increased capacity-building and additional citizenship instruction resources for organizations that otherwise may not qualify for a grant.” This initiative aims to:
- Enhance English language proficiency
- Expand knowledge of U.S. history and government
- Facilitate the naturalization process
- Build the capacity of organizations to support immigrant communities
Supporting President Biden’s Executive Order 14012
This grant program is part of USCIS’s efforts to fulfill President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, which focuses on restoring faith in our legal immigration systems and strengthening integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans. The CITA grant is a crucial step in eliminating barriers to naturalization and making the process more accessible to all eligible individuals.
Key Dates and Funding Details
USCIS expects to award up to seven organizations with grants of up to $400,000 each, for a period of three years. The recipients will be announced in September 2024, with the performance period starting on October 1, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2027.