Primary Department: Purchasing
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Kimberly J. Williams, JD
Secondary Department: Housing and Community Development
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: Thao Costis
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Amendment
Project ID (if applicable): 230184
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Justice for All Immigrants
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): 0%
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request that the County Judge execute an amendment to an agreement with Justice for All Immigrants to decrease funds in the amount of $60,014 for Immigration & Naturalization Services Fund for the Housing and Community Development Department for the period of October 10, 2025 - October 9, 2026 (230184), Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature.
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Background and Discussion:
There are approximately 424,000 Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in Harris County (per 2020 census), most
of whom are likely already eligible for naturalization (eligibility for citizenship is typically three or five years
after obtaining residence). There are more LPRs in Harris County than there are naturalized citizens (33% vs.
29% of foreign-born population). Residents can still be deported or lose status if they don't become citizens.
Naturalization also offers more economic opportunities and the chance to participate in democracy (voting,
running for office, jury duty). A Stanford study found that removing the cost barrier for naturalization ($760
to file per person) dramatically increases the likelihood they will file for naturalization. Under new 2024 fee
rule, more people are eli...
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