How Biden's Administration Helps Immigrants Obtain US Citizenship: Important Innovations

The administration of US President Joe Biden has made it clear that it wants to help lawful permanent residents in the naturalization process. Writes about it Miami Herald.

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“It is critical that we provide immigrants seeking citizenship and the organizations that help support their efforts with the tools they need to succeed,” said Department of Homeland Security Commissioner Alejandro Mayorkas.

One of the most drastic steps taken by the current administration has been the cancellation of a new test that immigrants must pass to obtain citizenship imposed by the Trump administration.

The 2020 test was longer and harderthan its previous 2018 version. From March 1, 2021 Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) returned to the 2018 version.

Citizenship Grants

USCIS has announced assistance to community organizations that are helping green card immigrants prepare to become US citizens.

On the subject: 10 steps to naturalization: how to become a US citizen

The immigration agency said it would subsidize up to $ 10 million in grants Citizenship preparation programs in communities across the United States.

«Citizenship and Integration Grant Program helps those preparing to become US citizens successfully integrate into American society,” Mayorkas said.

“This administration recognizes that naturalization is an important milestone in the civic integration of immigrants, and we will continue to provide support to individuals hoping to achieve citizenship in our country,” the Cuban American added.

One of the key requirements for becoming an American citizen is passing a naturalization test, during which immigrants must prove that they can read, write and speak basic English and have the necessary knowledge of the history and government of the United States.

Pro-immigrant organizations, which will receive funding in 2021, are helping low-income immigrants become citizens by teaching them English, history and civil law.

The grant program is divided into two categories:

Citizenship Training and Naturalization Application Services

Up to $ 8,2 million will be offered to 33 non-profit organizations that train permanent residents legally, offering both citizenship classes and naturalization application services, such as assistance with filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).

The application deadline is July 16, 2021, and the maximum grant amount is $250. To be eligible, applicants must meet USCIS requirements.

Refugee and Asylum Integration Services Program

Up to $ 1,8 million will be offered to six organizations helping permanent residents who entered the country through the US Refugee Admission Program or received asylum. They must teach the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain citizenship and foster a sense of belonging to the United States.

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The application deadline is July 16, 2021, and the maximum grant amount is $300.

Who is eligible for naturalization

An immigrant must:

• be at least 18 years old at the time of application;
• reside in the United States as a permanent lawful resident for five consecutive years, or three if he or she received a green card through a spouse who is a US citizen;
• prove physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months in the past five years, or 18 months if you are married to a US citizen;
• пshow good moral character, which means no criminal record for the previous five years (a person who has committed a serious crime under aggravated circumstances is not eligible for naturalization);
• уbe able to read, write, and speak basic English, and demonstrate knowledge of US history and government;
• be prepared to support and defend the United States and the US Constitution.

USCIS said it will host a “stakeholder engagement” event on June 9 at 14 p.m. For more information, applicants may call 00-800-518 or email: [email protected].

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