Newly Minted U.S. Citizen
Patrick Dore, originally from County Cork, utilized various services at the Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC) in the past but never so much as he did this year when he decided that it was time for him to become a U.S. citizen. He completed and filed his naturalization application with the assistance of the IIIC immigration legal staff. He also signed up to take U.S. Citizenship preparation classes and his teachers report that Patrick was a hard-working and enthusiastic student who enjoyed the whole course. Patrick was sworn in as a citizen this month.
Patrick said, “It’s a powerful combination being Irish and being American. I am very proud to join a long line of Irish-Americans. The staff at the IIIC were wonderful in assisting me along this path. They became like a family to me throughout the process and I can’t praise them highly enough.”
Our congratulations and best wishes to Patrick for a job well done.
Happy Christmas from all the staff at the IIIC
Immigration News
INFOPASS APPOINTMENTS: THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?
Q: Is it true that I can make an appointment on the Internet to see a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer in Boston to discuss my case?
A: Yes. However, we recommend that you visit an IIIC legal clinic before making an appointment with USCIS, no matter what your current immigration status is. This is especially true if you are out of status, have a criminal record, or have a removal order. If any of these apply to you, it is extremely risky to appear in person at USCIS. IIIC attorneys can answer some questions you may have and can determine whether it is safe for you to speak with an immigration officer in person, or whether your question can be answered in some other way.
“INFOPASS” is an Internet-based system that enables the public to go on line to schedule appointments with immigration USCIS officers. You access the system by typing www.uscis.gov into your Internet browser window and clicking on the INFOPASS link. You will then be asked to select your preferred language; currently 12 languages are offered. Follow screen prompts asking for your zip code, name, birth date, phone number, desired appointment type, date, and time. INFOPASS generates a printable appointment notice.
What do I need for my appointment?
Take a printout of the appointment notice, which gives the date and time of the appointment, the USCIS office address, and instructions on any additional documents required. The local USCIS district office is in the John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Government Center, Boston, MA 02203. Be prepared to present personal identification, such as a government-issued ID card, passport, valid driver’s license, Employment Authorization Document, or green card (I-551). Have with you any forms, receipts, translations, and original documents related to your inquiry.
You can cancel and reschedule appointments over the Internet using the identification number on your appointment confirmation notice. If you lose your appointment notice, you may generate a replacement by accessing INFOPASS and entering the information requested.
Again, not everyone needs to visit a USCIS district office. If you just need immigration application forms and instructions, they can be downloaded free of charge on the USCIS web site at www.uscis.gov by clicking the “Immigration Forms” link. Likewise, if you just want to check the status of a pending case, you can call the USCIS customer service number, 1-800-375-5283, or you can do so on line by clicking the “Check Case Status” link at www.uscis.gov. When doing so, you need a copy of any notices of action you have received from USCIS, so that you can provide the receipt number for the case.
Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform generally, not to advise in individual cases. Immigration law is always subject to change. US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the US Department of State regularly amend regulations and alter processing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance of an IIIC immigration specialist or an immigration lawyer.
Quote of the Week
“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!” - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
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