MIRA Coalition Forced to Cease Citizen Application Support After USCIS Freezes $300,000 in Funding
MIRA Coalition to end programming to help hundreds of immigrants apply for U.S. citizenship
Boston, MA – Last week, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) suddenly froze $300,000 in funding to the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition meant to assist hundreds of immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship.
“This country is a nation of immigrants who tirelessly work to create better lives for themselves and generations to come, while also contributing to our economy and culture. However, the administration has continued to make its message to immigrants clear: You are no longer welcome,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. “It is shameful to cripple programs that help legal permanent residents become American citizens. Immigrants in Massachusetts and across the country deserve support in navigating the lengthy – and oftentimes overwhelming – citizenship application process.”
USCIS initially awarded the MIRA Coalition the $300,000 Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) grant in 2024, with funding set to run through September 30, 2026. The MIRA Coalition utilized this funding to assist immigrants in navigating the complex and expensive citizenship application process. The MIRA Coalition worked one-on-one with immigrants, educating them on how to submit necessary forms and information and preparing them for the citizenship interview and exam free of charge.
Without the USCIS funding, the MIRA Coalition must immediately cease citizenship application assistance. Hundreds of immigrants from across the Commonwealth will now be forced to navigate the daunting and costly citizenship application process without the support of qualified, trained experts.
Media Contact: Alex Psilakis | apsilakis@melwoodglobal.com | (508) 641-9761