Thursday, March 28, 2024

Biden Announces Government Strategy to Encourage U.S. Citizenship

According to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services official, the Biden administration is introducing an effort to encourage eligible immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship.

The effort comes from one of President Biden’s early executive orders that called on federal agencies to develop “welcoming strategies that promote integration, inclusion, and citizenship.” An official further stated, “The idea is to find a whole-of-government way to reach out to people who are able to naturalize.”

Adding that there are 9 million people in the U.S. who are permanent residents who may be eligible to apply for citizenship. According to the strategy, that includes holding naturalization ceremonies at national parks to raise awareness, partnering with the U.S. Postal Service to display promotional posters at facilities and engaging with the Department of Veterans Affairs and veteran service organizations to find ways to educate services members and veterans citizenship.

Previous administrations have promoted naturalization, citizenship and immigration services but the strategy by the Biden administration tasks additional agencies to work with USCIS to have broader outreach.

USCIS Director Tracy Renaud said, “USCIS remains committed to empowering immigrants to pursue citizenship along with the rights and opportunities that come with it. There is no greater testament to the strength of America than our willingness to encourage others to join us as U.S. citizens as we work together to build a more perfect union.”

CNN