Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $550K In Federal Funding For New York State Based Immigration Legal Service Providers

Oct 2, 2020

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $550,000 in federal funding for organizations in New York State through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Catholic Charities of Rochester and the Catholic Charities of Syracuse were awarded $250,000 and $300,000, respectively.                                                                                                                              

“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 Rochester and Syracuse will be able to better prepare these hard-working future Americans for naturalization,” said Senator Schumer. “I am pleased to announce these USCIS grants for immigrant-serving organizations in Upstate New York, and I am confident that with this funding, we can help more immigrants work towards becoming U.S. citizens.”

“New York State’s diversity is one its greatest strengths,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This USCIS funding will provide critical resources trusted community organizations need to help prepare lawful permanent residents for citizenship. Senator Schumer and I are proud to deliver this funding for our constituents in Rochester and Syracuse navigating the complex application process for naturalization.”

Through this grant program, 39 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 integration into American society. Grant recipients are located in 18 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 2020 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.