U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,250,000 in federal grants for organizations throughout New York City through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The organizations are each being awarded $250,000 and include: HANAC, Inc.; Shorefront YM-YHWA of Brighton-Manhattan Beach; Emerald Isle Immigration Center; Make the Road New York; and SEIU 1199 League Training and Upgrading Fund.
“Immigrants are dreamers and doers and America is a great nation because we welcome with open arms those who come here to make a better life for themselves and their families. This federal funding means that organizations in New York City will be able to better prepare these hard-working future Americans for naturalization,” said Schumer.
Schumer continued, “Immigrants are the lifeblood of this country and that’s why I have been fighting to ensure a path to citizenship. I am pleased to announce these USCIS grants for immigrant-serving organizations in New York City and I am confident that with this funding, we can help more immigrants work towards becoming U.S. citizens.”
“New York thrives on diversity and the USCIS grants provide additional resources to help prepare lawful permanent residents for citizenship,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This critical federal funding will allow several organizations to expand services to navigate immigrants through the complex application process. I will continue to push for funding that gives individuals and families a lifeline toward earned citizenship.”
Through this grant program, 40 organizations will gain resources to build community capacity to support lawful permanent residents in the naturalization process, help individuals prepare for U.S. citizenship, and foster their integration into American society. Grant recipients are located in 25 states and will serve more than 25, 000 individuals from countries around the world. USCIS is awarding the grants as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.