EIIC News

March 25, 2011:  For Immediate release

The Emerald Isle Immigration Center to host U.S. Citizenship seminars and application drives at both offices in April

The Emerald Isle Immigration Center will be hosting U.S. citizenship free informational meetings on Tuesday, April 5^th at 6pm at the Woodside, Queens office and on Thursday, April 7^th at 6pm at the Woodlawn, Bronx office to provide general information on citizenship eligibility.

The Emerald Isle Immigration Center will be holding a U.S. citizenship application drive on Saturday, April 9^th from 10am to 1pm in the Woodlawn office and on Saturday, April 16^th from 10am to 1pm in the Woodside office. Counselors will be available to help complete the application for US Citizenship. Those who wish to attend should call the office to register in advance.

In general, green card holders, are eligible for American citizenship if they are at least 18 years old and have resided in the United States continuously since becoming a permanent resident for at least five years, or three years if they are married and residing with a U.S. citizen spouse. Also, at least half of that time must have been spent physically present within the United States. Applicants must pass an English and U.S. history and government examination, have filed their taxes and otherwise demonstrate their good moral character and their support of the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Here are ten reasons why someone should apply to become an American citizen.

1. Processing times are quicker. It is currently taking an average of five months to complete the naturalization process from filing to the swearing-in ceremony. The current filing fee is $680 to apply for naturalization. The filing fee has been the same since July 2007, but it may be increased on an annual basis. Apply now to avoid having to pay more later.
2. There is nothing to lose. Certain countries, including Ireland and the United Kingdom, recognize “dual citizenship” permitting naturalized U.S. citizens to maintain their citizenship of birth and original passport. U.S. citizens are required by law to present an American passport upon their departure and return to the United States. A “dual citizen” may use his/her second passport to enter any other country.
3. Get the VIP treatment at U.S. Customs. Citizens can leave the U.S. and live in another country for as long as  they  want. Holders of  U.S. Passports cannot be prevented from re-entering the United States or be deported.
4. Vote in November. Only a U.S. citizen has the right to vote for elected officials at the federal, state and local levels who shape the policy of the government.
5. A citizen also has the right to hold most city, state or federal offices, and the right to hold certain federal, state and city jobs, like a police officer and fire fighter.
6. Citizens can petition for more family members, including parents and siblings, to come to the U.S. with much shorter waiting lists than for green card sponsorship.
7. Citizens who retire abroad receive full Social Security benefits, whereas lawful permanent residents may only be entitled to half their benefits, and citizens may be subject to fewer restrictions on estate taxes.
8. Citizens are eligible for more public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Food Stamps, and certain types of educational scholarships and financial aid.
9. In most cases, children under 18 years of age can become an American citizen automatically when their parent or parents naturalize.
10. Finally, citizens do not have to worry about renewing their green cards every ten years and have one less government agency to deal with, namely the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WOODSIDE, QUEENS
59-26 Woodside Avenue
Woodside, NY  11377
(718) 478-5502
Fax: (718) 446-3727

WOODLAWN, BRONX
4275 Katonah Avenue
Woodlawn, NY  10470
(718) 324-3039
Fax: (718) 324-7741
https://eiic.org

Emerald Isle Immigration Center
Invites you to attend our
Citizenship Drive
April 16, 2011, 10AM-1PM

EIIC immigration counselors will provide free legal assistance in the process of applying for U. S. Citizenship

Those who wish to attend must register in advance

In order to register contact our Queens office at 718- 478 5502

EIIC Queens Office
59-26 Woodside Ave 2nd FL.
Woodside, NY 11377
Tel: 718 – 478 5502
www.eiic.org

The Tax Deadline is APRIL 18, 2011

All immigrants residing and working in the United States are generally required by law to file income taxes every year, which are due around mid-April. Besides the legal requirement, there are other good reasons to file income tax returns, including eligibility for citizenship and other immigration benefits and potential tax refunds, credits or exemptions.

Lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, must demonstrate that they have complied with the tax laws to apply for US citizenship and to maintain their permanent resident status. To become an American citizen, they will have to show evidence that they have filed taxes during the five years prior to their application for naturalization or proof that they were not required to file a tax return. Failure to file a required tax return may be considered an act of bad moral character which is a temporary bar to attaining U.S. citizenship.

Undocumented immigrants living and working in the United States are also required to file an income tax return to report their earnings here. They must apply for and use an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number to file a tax return and report income. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued to people who are not eligible for a Social Security number. It does not authorize someone to work in the United States. An ITIN is used only for record keeping purposes and for filing taxes. One must complete a W-7 form and file it with their first tax return to get an tax identification number. Afterwards, the ITIN may be used to file future returns and also for opening a bank account, taking out a mortgage or for other financial transactions.

For the 2010 tax year, a single individual under 65 must generally file a tax return if his or her income was above $9,450 as a regular employee. Individuals who are independent contractors, including those who are self-employed or whose employer does not report their income to the IRS, are required to file a tax return if they earned more than $400 last year. Those who do file a tax return may be eligible for a tax refund if taxes have already been deducted from their salary, may be eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit or exemptions for dependents.

The IRS does not currently share any information from taxpayers with other government agencies due to privacy provisions in the tax laws. It is also not in the IRS’s tax collection interest to disclose any information to the immigration authorities, since it will discourage those who are undocumented from filing tax returns.

It is in the best interest of undocumented immigrants to file their taxes in anticipation of a legalization program or other immigration reform. Tax filing may be used as evidence of physical presence in the United States and also demonstrates good moral character. Each may be a requirement towards a path to citizenship under new legislation.

NOTE: THE CENTER WILL BE HOSTING FREE PUBLIC INFORMATION SEMINARS AT OUR WOODSIDE AND WOODLAWN OFFICES ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9th  AND THURSDAY, MARCH 10th , RESPECTIVELY, FROM 6-8pm.

OUR IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY, IMMIGRATION COUNSELOR AND PRIVATE ACCOUNTANTS WILL BE ATTENDING TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ON GENERAL IMMIGRATION AND TAXES.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL THE WOODLAWN OFFICE AT 718-324-3039 OR THE WOODSIDE OFFICE AT 718-478-5502.

EIIC Public Tax and Immigration Seminars Flyer