Immigrant Advancement resources
We work for the many diverse communities of Boston. Through meetings and surveys, we find out the concerns of the City’s immigrants and refugees. We also make sure they have access to the resources they need.
We can help with questions about learning English, legal issues, healthcare, and jobs. We'll let you know about public benefits and housing available to you. We also have information on social, government, and financial issues.
Immigrant Advancement
Legal help
FIND IMMIGRATION LEGAL INFORMATION
Come to an immigration clinic at Boston City Hall to get free one-on-one information about immigration law from volunteer lawyers:
1 City Hall Square, Room 806
Boston, MA 02201
Volunteer lawyers are available on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
First-come, first-served (there are no appointments). Please call at least one week in advance for interpretations (other than Spanish) and disability accommodations. The volunteer lawyers can only offer information for 15-20 minutes.
OTHER LEGAL SERVICES
If you need legal representation, the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project has pages for Finding Legal Aid (free or low-cost) and Lawyer Referral Services for all areas of law. If you need more help finding legal services, you can call us at 617-635-2980.
Public Charge information
On October 10, 2018, the federal government published a proposed rule change to the “public charge” test. This test applies to many non-immigrant visa and lawful permanent resident status (“Green Card”) applications.
This proposal would hurt many immigrant families. The proposed changes are NOT in effect at this time and would not affect applications for naturalization (citizenship).
Official text of the proposal to change the federal “public charge” rule.
The Mayor's comment was submitted to the Federal Register.
Info from the coalition of cities and mayors that support immigrants.
Fact sheet about the proposal.
Immigration clinic schedule
Immigration clinic scheduleDACA information
Because of a court order, the federal government has resumed acceptance of renewal applications for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) as of January 13, 2018.
These resources have more information on the renewal process and ways to get help. We recommend that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a nonprofit legal services organization.
Details about how the federal government is accepting renewals.
Go to a DACA community workshop, or get renewal help.
Answers to common questions about DACA renewals.
Free, confidential, multilingual information and referral services.
617-534-5050; Toll-Free: 1-800-847-0710
Resources for supporting immigrant students and families.
U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization process
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a very important decision. Permanent residents have most of the rights of U.S. citizens. However, there are many important reasons to consider U.S. citizenship. When you become a citizen, you will receive all the rights of citizenship. You also accept all of the responsibilities of being an American. As a citizen you can:
- Vote. Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict the right to vote — in most elections — to U.S. citizens.
- Serve on a jury. Only U.S. citizens can serve on a federal jury. Most states also restrict jury service to U.S. citizens. Serving on a jury is an important responsibility for U.S. citizens.
- Travel with a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport enables you to get help from the U.S. government when overseas, if necessary.
- Bring family members to the U.S. U.S. citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.
- Obtain citizenship for children under 18 years of age. In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.
- Apply for federal jobs. Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.
- Become an elected official. Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) and for most state and local offices.
- Keep your residency. A U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away.
- Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Many financial aid grants, including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes, are available only to U.S. citizens.
- Obtain government benefits. Some government benefits are available only to U.S. citizens.
Before you apply for naturalization, you must meet a few requirements. Depending on your situation, there are different requirements that may apply to you. However, generally, an applicant for naturalization must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Be a permanent resident (have a “green card”) for at least five years.
- Have lived within the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least three months prior to the date of filing Form N-400.
- Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
- Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
- Be a person of good moral character.
- Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
Naturalization and citizenship resources
There’s also a list of resources from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services available in Spanish. Please see Recursos para la naturalización.
Understand the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Identify the steps needed to apply for citizenship.
Prepare for the naturalization interview and test.
Learn about important citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Find citizenship classes in Boston and get help with naturalization.
Look up citizenship service providers close to you in Boston.
Contact immigration assistance providers in the Boston area.
Read USCIS immigration guides available in various languages.
Learn about Project Citizenship, which provides free citizenship resources.
Get information about ICE worksite raids, home visits, and public stops.
Find scholarships for high school, college, and graduate students.