One of the best parts about working at USCIS is helping people. Our mission extends far beyond shuffling paper and stamping forms. Our commitment to immigrants and new citizens is not limited to the confines of government buildings. The people I work with every day are dedicated to reaching out across the country to help those we serve succeed, realize their rights and responsibilities, and contribute to our great nation. That's why we're partnering with cities to help immigrants better integrate and learn what it takes to become a U.S. citizen.
As a part of our ongoing effort, I was honored to join Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on Thursday, April 23, at City Hall to sign a letter of agreement to strengthen local efforts to promote citizenship education and awareness.
![]( "Above: Mayor Kasim Reed (left) and USCIS Director León Rodríguez signing a letter of agreement")
The Mayor and I discussed plans to establish "Citizenship Corners" at Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches. We're also going to train librarians and other city officials about the naturalization process and our free USCIS preparation resources.
Atlanta is our fourth city partner, joining Los Angeles, Chicago, and the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. I look forward to working with these cities and building relationships with additional communities - as they welcome new Americans. This latest agreement goes hand-in-hand with the plan recently published by the White House Task Force on New Americans.
Immigrants have always been important to our society. They provide new energy, ideas, and imagination, starting businesses and often working difficult jobs. That’s why it’s our duty, as an agency and a nation, to help them find their way.
Many Americans have at least one ancestor who had to struggle to make a life here. Our job today is to ensure that no new immigrant faces that struggle alone.
As co-chair of the White House Task Force on New Americans, I encourage you all to share your own immigration story on social media using #NewAmericans.
Director León Rodríguez
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Watch video of the signing ceremony
Note: This post is now also available in Korean, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
As a part of our ongoing effort, I was honored to join Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on Thursday, April 23, at City Hall to sign a letter of agreement to strengthen local efforts to promote citizenship education and awareness.
Above: Mayor Kasim Reed (left) and USCIS Director León Rodríguez signing a letter of agreement
The Mayor and I discussed plans to establish "Citizenship Corners" at Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches. We're also going to train librarians and other city officials about the naturalization process and our free USCIS preparation resources.
Atlanta is our fourth city partner, joining Los Angeles, Chicago, and the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. I look forward to working with these cities and building relationships with additional communities - as they welcome new Americans. This latest agreement goes hand-in-hand with the plan recently published by the White House Task Force on New Americans.
Immigrants have always been important to our society. They provide new energy, ideas, and imagination, starting businesses and often working difficult jobs. That’s why it’s our duty, as an agency and a nation, to help them find their way.
Many Americans have at least one ancestor who had to struggle to make a life here. Our job today is to ensure that no new immigrant faces that struggle alone.
As co-chair of the White House Task Force on New Americans, I encourage you all to share your own immigration story on social media using #NewAmericans.
Director León Rodríguez
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Watch video of the signing ceremony
Note: This post is now also available in Korean, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.