The Houston Endowment has announced a three-year, $2.13 million commitment to National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) to strengthen and expand naturalization programming across the Houston area.

The commitment will support efforts to build infrastructure within local government to expand and amplify naturalization initiatives through NPNA’s Cities and Counties for Citizenship initiative, while working with local community-based organizations to train teams of “community navigators” to reach and assist the nearly 300,000 area residents who are eligible to become naturalized citizens.

“In our city, where nearly one in three people is foreign born, it’s essential for all residents to have the opportunity to actively participate in the community. It’s how we can ensure our region will thrive,” said Houston Endowment president and CEO Ann B. Stern. “We’re encouraged by the innovation of organizations like the National Partnership for New Americans, which will help lawful permanent residents overcome barriers and take the final steps toward citizenship.”

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