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EIIC News

USCIS Launches Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Initiative

Released May 25, 2011

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced today the launch of a federal initiative to raise awareness about the rights, responsibilities and importance of U.S. citizenship. The Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Initiative will provide new opportunities for immigrants to learn about USCIS’s free citizenship education resources available to eligible lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and immigrant-serving organizations.

“Citizenship is the common thread that connects us all as Americans. This initiative emphasizes the importance of citizenship—not only to immigrants and their families but also to our nation as a whole,” said Director Mayorkas. “This effort marks a new milestone in USCIS’s outreach to lawful permanent residents.”

Approximately 7.9 million of the estimated 12.5 million LPRs living in the United States are eligible to apply for naturalization, according to the most recent Department of Homeland Security analysis.

USCIS will employ digital media, a video public service announcement, and print and radio messages in a variety of languages. The initiative will direct individuals to citizenship preparation materials and other training and educational resources available on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center at www.uscis.gov/citizenship. Messages will run May 30-Sept. 5, 2011, in the first phase of a planned multiyear effort.

Since the early 1900s, the federal government has promoted an awareness of citizenship and prepared immigrants for successful citizenship. This current initiative builds upon those historic efforts and supports the mission of the USCIS Office of Citizenship, which was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to promote instruction and training on citizenship rights and responsibilities. Since July 2009, USCIS has reached more than 32,000 LPRs and potential citizenship applicants at approximately 560 naturalization information sessions through partnerships between USCIS field offices, local community groups and immigrant-serving organizations.

To view the video public service announcement, visit the USCIS YouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/uscis. To learn more about the Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Initiative and how organizations can support it, visit www.uscis.gov/citizenshipawareness.

Last updated:05/25/2011

EIIC Fall Computer Sessions Sept-Dec

EIIC Fall Computer Sessions

September 2011 to December 2011


Computers for Beginners

Students will learn about computer software and hardware, the Internet, email and the basic features of Microsoft Word.

Mondays—10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

$5.00 donation per class


Intermediate Computer Applications

Using Microsoft Word students will create letters, flyers, tables and memos. In Microsoft Excel students learn basic features by creating a budget, small payroll and other financial documents.  Time permitting, students will advance to a mailmerge in Word, Power Point and Access. *Typing speed of 35 w.p.m. is required.

Mondays—11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

$15.00 fee per class


Fall Session 1 for both classes:

September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31


Fall Session 11 for classes:

November 14, 21, 28 and December 5, 12

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EIIC Citizenship Application Drives

Emerald Isle Immigration Center will host:

U.S. Citizenship Free Informational Meeting: Immigration and Citizenship

Thursday, April 7th, 6:00pm at the Woodlawn office

Informational session led by John Stahl, EIIC Immigration Attorney and Carmel Rose, EIIC Immigration Counselor on naturalization eligibility requirements, process, rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Citizenship Application Drives

Sat, April 9th, 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Woodlawn office
&
Sat, April 16th, 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Woodside office.

Counselors will be available to help complete the application for US Citizenship. Those who wish to attend must register in advance.

In order to register contact our Bronx office at 718-3243039

View Full Press Release

EIIC Citizenship seminars, application drives in April

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.

  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

EIIC Citizenship Drive April 16, 2011

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