Groups get $1.2M to help people become US citizens

Federal immigration officials on Thursday awarded a Dallas group and 12 other organizations around the country $1.2 million in grants to help legal residents become U.S. citizens. Citizenship and Immigration Services awarded $100,000 to Catholic Charities Immigration and Legal Services. It wasn’t immediately clear how much money was awarded to the other groups, but the agency said they could apply for up to $100,000. The announcement coincided with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The agency said the money goes to increase the number of people served by programs that help green card holders improve their English skills, learn about U.S. history and government, and prepare for the naturalization process. The funds can only be used to provide direct services to immigrants with legal status in the country.