New York State will launch a new public-private partnership to help eligible immigrants become U.S. citizens.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a partnership agreement creating the "NaturalizeNY" program. It'll provide eligibility screenings, exam prep and more than $1.2 million to cover the application fee for about 2,000 low-income applicants, who will be selected by lottery. That fee is currently $680.
"If I had my way, it would be free. If I had my way, the state would subsidize every eligible application, period, because it would be an investment for this state that would pay dividends." said Cuomo. "This partnership makes that point."
For more information on the lottery, head to www.naturalizeny.org.