US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Office
of the Mayor of New York City have joined forces to strengthen citizenship
education and awareness efforts in the City of New York. The new partnership began today as
part of a signed letter of agreement between USCIS Director Léon RodrÃguez and
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. The agreement will remain in effect until Dec.
31, 2018.
“USCIS is proud to collaborate with Mayor de Blasio and the
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs in a meaningful community partnership to
help permanent residents learn more about citizenship and the naturalization
process,†said USCIS Director Léon RodrÃguez. “The Statue of Liberty is one of
our nation’s greatest symbols of welcome, while the public libraries are the
city’s most welcoming resources. Now more than ever, New Yorkers can begin
their journey to U.S.
citizenship at their local libraries. It is fitting that we sign this agreement
with the city so close to Ellis Island, and
with its own rich history as a beacon for new Americans.â€
New York City, the New York public library
systems and other city agencies have supported immigrants for many years;
however, this initiative formally establishes “New Americans Corners†in all
branches of the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens
Library systems. These libraries will support permanent residents by offering
citizenship and English as a Second Language classes, along with tools and
resources to help them prepare for the naturalization interview and test.
“These new, creative partnerships will spread our
message far and wide that the City is on the side of new Americans, and we are
ready to help immigrants who are eligible to achieve U.S. citizenship,†said Mayor Bill
de Blasio. “We know that citizenship opens up opportunities – opportunities to
vote, to get a better job, to feel more like a part of the community – and we
want to support our immigrant friends and neighbors however we can.â€
As the largest city in the United
States, New
York is home to immigrants from more than 190 countries.
Since 2004, more than 1.1 million permanent residents have become U.S. citizens in the New York City metropolitan area.
USCIS and the City of New
York also plan to:
Provide citizenship information through the City of New York and public
library websites;
Expand community partnerships to hold naturalization
information sessions throughout the City of New York;
Offer training on the naturalization process to library
staff members; and
Raise public awareness of immigration services scams.
New York is USCIS’ fifth
municipal partner, joining Los Angeles, Chicago, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County,
and Atlanta.
