In a significant announcement, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, revealed the allocation of $300,000 in federal funding for civics instruction and citizen application assistance at Laredo College. The funding, facilitated through the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), aims to support individuals on the path to becoming American citizens.

Drawing on his personal experience as the son of immigrants, Congressman Cuellar emphasized the challenges often faced by immigrants during the naturalization process. He expressed his commitment to simplifying this journey and noted his role in advocating for additional funding for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.

"I have seen firsthand the challenges that immigrants often face in becoming naturalized," said Dr. Cuellar. "In Congress, I fought for additional funding for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program to help simplify the process for individuals on the path to becoming American citizens."

Laredo College, under the leadership of Dr. Minita Ramirez, President of the institution, has been selected as a recipient of this grant. The funds will facilitate programming on civics instruction and the U.S. citizenship application process, aiding lawfully present immigrants through the naturalization process.

"I am pleased to see Laredo College selected as a recipient of this grant and look forward to seeing its benefits in the Laredo community," Dr. Cuellar remarked. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Ramirez for her collaboration in securing these funds.

The initiative is expected to benefit over 200 individuals in the Laredo community over a span of two years. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar played a pivotal role in securing substantial funding for USCIS through the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Notable allocations include $25 million for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, $133.4 million for efficient processing of refugee applications, and $109.6 million for USCIS’s E-Verify program.