Citizenship instruction for refugees through LSS center for new americans

This $293,868 Project Grant, awarded on November 22, 2024 by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within the Department of Homeland Security, supports the Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota's Center for New Americans program. The grant, provided under CFDA 97.010 Citizenship Education and Training, will fund comprehensive citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents, including citizenship instruction, English language classes, naturalization application assistance, and broader immigrant integration support. The two-year grant period runs through September 30, 2026. As a non-profit organization, Lutheran Social Services collaborates with sub-grant partners such as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Inc., the South Dakota Department of Health, and the South Dakota Department of Education to deliver these critical services to refugee and immigrant populations in South Dakota.