2023 NIICE: National Immigrant Integration & Citizenship Education Conference
THE ROAD TO ACCESS AND INCLUSION
USCIS, in partnership with the White House Task Force on New Americans (TFNA) and the Interagency Naturalization Working Group (NWG), is bringing together professionals with equities in immigrant integration and citizenship education from both the public and private sectors.
In line with Presidential Executive Order 14012, “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration System and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans,” participants will share promising practices and analyze models under the following themes:
- Understanding immigrant integration indicators,
- Addressing barriers to integration and gaps in assistance and access, and
- Developing strategies to build a better road for the full inclusion and integration of newcomers.
NIICE Conference discussions will augment and continue the critical work of the TFNA and NWG.
More information to follow on venue, registration, and agenda. The conference is free; however, participants are responsible for transportation and lodging. The conference will take place October 17-18 with optional pre-conference activities on October 16. Please refer questions to: NIICEConference@uscis.dhs.gov.
This event is not open to members of the press. Members of the media should contact the USCIS Office of Public Affairs with any questions at media@uscis.dhs.gov.
Registration for NIICE in-person attendance is full. We are still accepting registrants for the virtual option.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites you to register for the NIICE Conference to be held on October 17 and 18, 2023 with pre-conference activities on October 16.
The conference will be held both in-person and virtually, so please carefully choose the correct registration link below.
The in-person event be held at USCIS Headquarters: 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD.
Please note that due to space constraints and the need to ensure representation by the various stakeholder groups involved in immigrant integration, in-person registrations will be limited by organization and participant role on a first-come basis.
For as many organizations to participate in-person as possible, we need to limit in-person registration to two persons maximum per organization. Virtual attendance is unlimited. While the breakout sessions will not be broadcast, a readout of these sessions will be. If you register for the in-person option and space is full, you will automatically be registered for the virtual option. USCIS will assess registration and confirmations in early September and will let those who preferred to attend in-person know if additional space becomes available.
Please make sure to answer all registration questions under “preferences” – we will not be able to complete your registration without all information.
NOTE: You are not registered for the in-person event until you receive an individualized confirmation email from us.
When we confirm in-person attendance, please let us know if you are not a U.S. citizen. We will need to collect additional information from non-U.S. citizens to clear you to enter a federal building. If non-U.S. citizens do not notify us at least four weeks in advance, we will be unable to pre-clear you in time and you will be unable to enter the in-person event.
To Register for the NIICE Conference, please complete all steps below:
- Please visit our registration pages to let us know how you wish to attend this conference:
- In-person participation has reached capacity.
- For virtual participation, register using this link.
- You will be asked to provide your email address and select “Submit.”
- On the next screen, you will see a notification that you have successfully subscribed to this event.
- Next, to ensure that you are properly registered for this conference, please click on Subscriber preferences.
- Select the “Questions” tab, provide the requested answers, and click “Submit.”
- You will receive confirmation that your questions have been successfully updated.
The pre-conference National Archives tour has reached capacity. Registration will reopen if space becomes available.
To register for the pre-conference Monuments tour, use this link.
Monday, October 16
9:30am - Private Tour of the National Archives
2:00 PM - National Parks Service - Guided Tour of the National Mall
Tuesday, October 17
8:00 - 9:00 am - Registration
9:00-9:45 am - Welcoming Remarks & Conference Overview
9:45-10:45 am - Morning Keynote: Key Factors for Successful Immigrant Integration
10:45-11:15 am - BREAK
11:15-12:15 pm - Taskforce on New Americans and Naturalization Working Group Panel - Federal Agency Integration & Inclusion Efforts
12:15-1:15 pm - LUNCH SESSION: Naturalization Promotion Highlights
1:15-2:15 pm - Centering the Immigrant and Refugee Experience – Panel Discussion Featuring Immigrant Voices
2:15-3:15 pm - Afternoon Plenary: "Making Citizenship an Organizing Principle of the U.S. Immigration System”
3:15-3:45 pm - Break
3:45-4:45 - Demonstration & Discussion: Citizenship Data Resources and Using Data to Reach Eligible Populations
4:45-5:15 pm - Daily Wrap-up & Scene Setting for Day Two Discussions
Wednesday, October 18
8:00-9:00 am - Registration
9:00-9:15 am - Welcome & Housekeeping
9:15-10:45 am - Keynote Day Two: Panel Discussion – The Role of Cities and States in Fostering Successful Integration Outcomes
10:45-11:00 am - Break
11:00-12:30 pm - Breakouts
- Citizenship Education: Brain-Based Learning and the Citizenship Classroom
- Citizenship Promotion: Supporting Citizenship together with Libraries, Museums, and Educational Institutions
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 1
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 2
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 3
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 4
12:30-1:30 pm - Break/Transition
1-1:30 pm - Citizenship Ceremony
1:30-2:30 pm - LUNCH SESSION: Breakout Session Report-Outs
2:30-4:00 pm - Breakouts
- Citizenship Education: Connecting the Dots: Using Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) to Promote Civic Literacy and Pathways to Citizenship
- Citizenship Promotion: The Role of Businesses in Immigrant Integration and Citizenship Promotion
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 1
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 2
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 3
- Task Force on New Americans Breakout Session 4
4:00-4:15 pm - Break
4:15-5:00 pm - Report-out on Afternoon Dialogue Session: Looking Ahead - The Road to Access and Inclusion
NOTE: Task Force on New Americans (TFNA) breakout discussion sessions will repeat in the afternoon - allowing for more organizations and individuals to contribute to each of these key discussion topics. See the Annotated Agenda for more information on TFNA topics.
Lodging Options for the National Immigrant Integration and Citizenship Education (NIICE) Conference
There are many lodging options in the DC area. The following are several within ten miles of the conference venue. Please note that room rates are estimates and prices as well as availability may change. There are no blocked rooms or conference rates.
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson
- Address: 4950 Mercedes Blvd, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746
- Phone Number: 240-376-5570
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 0.5 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $135.00
Hampton Inn
- 5000 Mercedes Blvd. Camp Springs, MD 20746
- Phone Number: (855)-605-0317
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 0.8 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $154.00
Holiday Inn Express – Washington DC, East Andrews AFB
- 5001 Mercedes Blvd. Camp Springs, MD 20746
- Phone Number: 877-859-5095
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 0.8 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $140
Staybridge Suites, Washington DC, East Largo
- 9401 Lottsford Road
- Largo, Md 20774
- Phone Number: 888-564-9155
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 9.9 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $180
The Westin National Harbor
- 171 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
- Phone Number: 844-631-0595
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 7.8 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $264
Hyatt Place National Harbor
- 123 Waterfront Street
- National Harbor, MD 20745
- Phone Number: 301-686-1120
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 7.7 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $234
AC Hotel National Harbor, Washington
- 156 Waterfront Street
- National Harbor, MD 20745
- Phone Number: 844-631-0595
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 7.8 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $256
Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor
- 250 Waterfront Street
- National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- Phone Number: 855-605-0317
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 4.5 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $214
Residence Inn, National Harbor
- 192 Waterfront Street
- National Harbor, MD 20745
- Phone Number: 301-749-4755
- Approximate Distance from Conference venue: 4 miles
- Estimated Per Night Rate: $249
A Morning Tour of the National Archives
The beautiful National Archives building holds original copies of the three main formative documents of the United States and its government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These are on display for the public in the main chamber's rotunda, known as Charters of Freedom.
The building hosts additional important American historical items, including the Articles of Confederation, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, the Emancipation Proclamation, and collections of photography and other historically and culturally significant American and international artifacts, including an original version of the 1297 Magna Carta confirmed by Edward I.
USCIS thanks our colleagues at the National Archives for offering a pre-conference tour of this magnificent structure and the symbols of our democracy. If you have never been to the Archives, or want to experience it again, now is your opportunity.
Space is limited to 40 persons, however, so if you are interested, please register soon. To register for the pre-conference National Archives tour, please NIICEConference@uscis.dhs.gov
- Location: 701 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408
- Closest Metro Station: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green and Yellow Lines)
- Meeting Location: Steps of the National Archives Building (Watch for the person with the NIICE sign.)
- Meeting Time: 9:45 AM
- Tour Begins: 10:00 AM
- Tour Ends: 10:45 AM
To enter the building, all visitors will be screened at the security checkpoint. Specific security requirement include:
- Only one bag is allowed per person; bags cannot be larger than 17 × 26 inches (43 × 66 centimeters) in size.
- Photography and videography are prohibited in the National Archives Museum. Cameras are permitted but should be put away in pockets, bags, or backpacks before entering exhibit areas.
- Food, chewing gum, and beverages are prohibited in the Museum.
- No weapons of any kind are allowed in the museum.
- Pets and therapy animals are prohibited in the Museum. Service animals are allowed and must be under the control of their handlers at all times.
We are looking forward to seeing you at our national treasure chest! Questions should be directed to: NIICEConference@uscis.dhs.gov
National Parks Service Guided Tour of the National Mall (pre-registration required)
Park Rangers will provide a guided tour on the history and development of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, beginning with the MLK Memorial and continuing to the World War I Memorial, the Korean Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, Constitution Gardens, and the Reflecting Pool.
- Location: The Martin Luther King (MLK) Memorial, 1964 Independence Ave SW (drop off area along West Basin Drive SW), Washington, DC 20004
- Meeting Location: Drop off area along West Basin Drive SW
- Meeting Time: 1:45 PM
- Tour Begins: 2 PM
- Tour Ends: 4 PM
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will we receive a certificate of attendance? | Yes, at the end of the conference, we will issue you a certificate of attendance. The certificate will list your name, the name of the conference, and the hours of the conference. The certificates will be signed by a conference official. |
|
How do I register for GovDelivery? |
Follow the instructions on the event registration link included in the drop-down menu for registration on our website. Note, there are different registration links for in person or virtual attendance. |
|
Will I receive a registration confirmation? |
You are not registered to attend in person until you receive a personal confirmation email stating that you are registered to attend in person. This is different from the automatic email generated when you sign up for government delivery, and it will include further information on the event and special instructions for non-U.S. citizens who wish to attend the in-person event. |
| Where can I Park? | The closest parking to the USCIS Headquarters is the Branch Avenue Metro Station directly across the street from the building. There will be a fee to park in the lot. The station is located at 4704 Old Soper Rd, Suitland-Silver Spring, MD 20746 |
|
Will parking be reimbursed? |
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse for parking. The daily rate at the Branch Avenue Metro Station is around $5. |
|
What metro station is near the conference venue? |
The Branch Avenue Metro Station is directly across the street from the conference venue (USCIS Headquarters). This station is on the Green Line. |
|
Will lunch be provided? |
USCIS will provide lunch and light refreshments for breaks. We also have a small convenience store on site and there are food options directly across the street from the main entrance. |
| How far is the conference venue from DC? | USCIS Headquarters is in Camp Springs, MD. It is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from downtown DC by car or metro, depending on your departure point. |
| How do I request a sign language interpreter? | Please write to NIICEConference@uscis.dhs.gov |
| Are you offering professional development credits for the conference? | No, however, we will be distributing a certificate of attendance at the end that you can submit to your agency. |
| I have dietary restrictions. May I bring food into the building? | Yes, you may bring food into the building with you. |
| If I am not a U.S. citizen, may I still attend? |
Yes, but you must let us know as soon as possible so that we are able to submit your information to security four weeks in advance. Please respond to the email confirming your registration to tell us you are not a U.S. citizen and include the additional information requested. If you are uncomfortable providing us additional information, please let us know and we can switch you to our virtual attendance option. |
| Is the facility handicapped accessible? | Yes, we are an accessible building. |
| Will there be networking opportunities? | The NIICE Conference is designed to ensure significant space for dialogue and exchange of ideas, in the breakout sessions on Day 2, in pre-conference activities on Oct. 16 and during breaks. |
| Will there be vendors at the conference? | We will not have vendors at the conference. |
| Are there any COVID restrictions? | Masks are not required, but you are welcome to wear one. |
| Will we have to go through security to enter the building? | Yes, we will submit your name – for both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens –to building security and you will have to show ID and proceed through security before entering the building. Non-U.S. citizens should notify us four weeks before the event, because they must undergo an additional security check to enter a federal building. See question 12 above. |
| Can we park in the garage attached to USCIS headquarters? | No. The USCIS parking lot is not open to the public. |
| Where can I find the agenda? | The Agenda-at-a-Glance is included in the drop-down menu on this webpage. |
| How can I register for a pre-conference activity? |
To register for the pre-conference National Archives tour, use this link. To register for the pre-conference Monuments tour, use this link. |
| Will the entire conference be available via the virtual option? | Everything except the breakout sessions and the citizenship ceremony on the second day will be available as a virtual option. We will also make the report outs from the breakout sessions available to virtual attendees. |
| Can we get copies of the power points? | This decision is at the discretion of presenters. If presenters wish to make PowerPoints available to attendees, we will send them out to all participants (in-person and virtual), similar to the report outs from the breakout sessions. |
| Which hotels are within walking distance to the venue? | A list of nearby hotels is included in the drop-down “Know Before You Go” on this webpage. |
| If I register for the in-person conference but there is no space, will I automatically be registered for the virtual conference? | Yes, you will automatically be registered to attend the virtual conference if there is no remaining space for the in-person event. We will notify you if you are switched to virtual attendance. |
| Can I get a certificate for attending the virtual conference? | Yes, you can get a certificate for attending the virtual conference. |
| Are there travel grants or scholarships to attend? | USCIS is not offering any travel grants or scholarships to attend the event. Registration is free, and we have also made a virtual option available for those unable to attend in person. |
| Will there be a lactation room available? | Yes. USCIS has lactation rooms on the first floor that will be open to conference attendees. |
| Will there be a prayer and/or meditation room available? | Yes. USCIS will designate a small breakout room for prayer and/or meditation. |
| Where can I find information on immigration data and statistics. |
USCIS has many public facing resources on immigration data and statistics. In fall 2022, we also released a public facing Eligible to Naturalize Data Dashboard. We will showcase the Eligible to Naturalize Data Dashboard at the NIICE Conference and discuss how anyone can use it to help encourage immigrant integration and naturalization. |
Registration for NIICE in-person attendance is full. We are still accepting registrants for the virtual option.