State boost for aspiring citizens

ALBANY — Immigrants looking to become U.S. citizens are about to get another boost from the state, the Daily News has learned.

Gov. Cuomo on Monday will announce the second round of its “Naturalize NY” program, which offers assistance to immigrants seeking to apply for citizenship, including up to 1,500 vouchers that will cover the federal naturalization application fee.

“In these stormy times, we are sending a clear message — we welcome (immigrants) into the New York family, where we know that our diversity is our strength,” Cuomo said.

Launched in July, the program offers citizenship-eligible immigrants a range of services, including assistance in applying for citizenship and preparing for the naturalization exam.

Vouchers to pay for the $725 application fee will be awarded via a lottery to income-eligible immigrants who apply through the website www.NaturalizeNY.org. The $1.25 million program is being funded with $612,500 in state funds and contributions from the Robin Hood Foundation and the New York Community Trust.

In opening the second round, state officials hope to improve on last year’s response, when only 957 immigrants applied for up to 2,000 available vouchers.

The voucher lottery is open to immigrants earning between 150% and 300% of the federal poverty level. The poverty level for a one-person household is $22,311 a year and $45,510 for a family of four.