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 5th at 6pm at the Woodside, Queens office and on Thursday, April 7th 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 9th from 10am to 1pm in the Woodlawn office and on Saturday, April 16th 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In most cases, children under 18 years of age can become an American citizen automatically when their parent or parents naturalize.
- 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
