In this subtitle, “Program” means the Citizenship Promotion Program.

There is a Citizenship Promotion Program in the Department.

The purposes of the Program are: to encourage and assist eligible foreign-born residents to become naturalized citizens of the United States and active participants in the civic life of Maryland; to increase the number and proportion of eligible foreign-born residents who become citizens of the United States; and to encourage foreign-born residents who become citizens to be involved in our democratic institutions.

In accordance with the State budget, the Program shall: encourage eligible residents to learn English; encourage eligible residents to become naturalized citizens of the United States; inform eligible residents about the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the process of naturalization, and the availability of citizenship services; make available or increase the availability of instruction in: English as a second language; United States history; and citizenship preparation; make available or increase the availability of assistance in completing applications for naturalization; establish an effective connection to nonpartisan voter registration efforts; encourage the involvement of new citizens in democratic institutions; and work with federal, State, and local units of government and organizations to respond to the need for citizenship services in the State.

Funding for the Program shall be as provided in the State budget, not exceeding $100,000 each year.

The Department shall adopt regulations and policies to carry out the Program.

All executive units of the State shall cooperate with the Department to implement the regulations and policies of the Program.