El Paso County proposes PACE benefit to reimburse employees' U.S. naturalization fees

El Paso County staff on Aug. 21 presented a proposal called the Pathway to American Citizenship for Employees, or PACE, that would reimburse eligible county workers for the U.S. naturalization filing and biometrics fees and provide supportive services while the court considers formal adoption on Sept. 15.

County officials said the program is intended to assist lawful permanent resident employees with naturalization, encourage long-term employment and promote civic engagement. "PACE does provide financial reimbursement and supportive services to eligible county employees pursuing US citizenship," said Lorie Gonzalez Flores, Office of New Americans, during the presentation.

Why it matters: staff estimated about 100 county employees are lawful permanent residents who might benefit. Advocates and staff said naturalization can expand workers' civic participation and career opportunities and can improve employee morale and retention.

Program details presented by county staff include financial reimbursement and nonfinancial supports. The proposal allocates $15,200 annually to assist up to 20 employees a year. The reimbursement is intended to cover the current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) N-400 filing and biometrics fee (currently $760), though staff noted the federal fee could change and that applicants who qualify for a federal fee waiver would not need county reimbursement.

Support services described by staff include information sessions, coordinated legal clinics for county employees, and free citizenship and English classes provided by the Office of New Americans in collaboration with community legal providers and USCIS study materials. Eligibility rules proposed mirror the countys tuition-assistance model: applicants must be non-temporary full- or part-time employees who have passed probation, met performance standards, and have no disciplinary actions in the prior 12 months. Reimbursement is one-time per employee; part-time awards would be prorated and awards would be made on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.

The proposal sets procedural requirements for employees seeking reimbursement: after completing the naturalization process and receiving a certificate of naturalization, an employee would have 45 days to submit proof of payment, the receipt (Form I-797C when applicable), and a copy of the certificate to claim reimbursement. Reimbursed employees would be required to remain in county employment for one year following payment and to update Form I-9 with HR after naturalization. Staff said all records would be managed under county privacy policies.

On legal authority, Jacob Reynolds, Assistant County Attorney, told the court that public expenditures must serve a valid public purpose and that counties have authority under Government Code Chapter 152 to set employee compensation and benefits. "Expenditures of public funds must have a valid public purpose that can be granted through statutory authority," Reynolds said, summarizing the opinion support his office reviewed.

Discussion: commissioners and the judge expressed support and asked staff to share the program with local employers and municipal partners if the court adopts the policy. The judge urged staff to later present the program to local CEOs and business groups so other employers might offer similar supports. Staff said implementation would be managed in-house by the Office of New Americans with HR coordination for eligibility and reimbursement logistics.

Decision/next steps: no formal adoption occurred at the Aug. 21 special session. Staff will return on Sept. 15 with a proposed policy and procedure for the court to consider. The presentation materials indicated the program would begin only after the court formally adopts the policy and establishes application forms.