The Office of Citizenship
The Office of Citizenship was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It is housed within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the Department of Homeland Security. The mandate of the Office is to promote instruction and training on citizenship responsibilities for i mmigrants interested in becoming U.S. citizens. More specifically, the Office is tasked with the development of educational materials to advance the civic integration of immigrants. The Office's
activities focus on immigrants at two key points on the journey toward citizenship: when they first arrive in the U.S. and when they are ready to naturalize. The Office of Citizenship's programming is implemented in the field by Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) stationed throughout the
nation. Through the Office's work, the federal government plays a leadership role in the effort to integrate new arrivals into our nation of immigrants and better prepare immigrants for citizenship.
Goals
(1) To enhance information and educational opportunities provided to legal immigrants to
support their integration and participation in American civic culture; and
(2) to promote education and training on citizenship rights, privileges, and responsibilities for immigrants interested in becoming citizens. In addition, the Office has sought to expand its partnerships with community and faith-based groups, as well as with government agencies and private
companies that share an interest in the integration of legal immigrants.
3) The Office has made considerable progress in achieving its goals. In its first full year of operation, the Office of Citizenship focused on new immigrants to the U.S. Our premiere initiative has centered around "Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants." This comprehensive orientation guide provides newcomers with a wide range of information needed to successfully integrate into their communities. The Office has developed the Guide, arranged for it to be translated into ten languages, and is working on dissemination and marketing plans to ensure that all newcomers can access it. Another critical accomplishment involves expanding our networks around the country through our CLOs. The CLOs have proactively reached out to immigrant communities throughout the U.S., ensuring that immigrants are aware of critical programs and initiatives related to citizenship or immigration services.
In the coming year the Office will focus more on immigrants who are eligible and ready to naturalize. Initiatives to help immigrants better prepare for naturalization include the development of flash cards for studying, a "civics through songs" curriculum, and a website resource with important information. The Office will also work to further awareness of and dissemination of "Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants," which includes sections on civics and American history. In addition the Office, relying heavily on our CLOs, will continue outreach to community groups, local governments, ethnic media, ESL organizations, and others.
U.S. Office of Citizenship
Alfonso Aguilar
Chief
Office of Citizenship - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
20 Massachusetts Ave., NW Roo m 5020
Washington, DC 20529
Phone: (202)272-1310
Fax: (202)272-1316
Website: www.dhs.gov