New Yorkers can get American citizenship for free

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Low-income people in New York who qualify for naturalization can get American citizenship for free under the Naturalize NY program. She was running last year New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. In May 2017, the second round of the project began. In order to be able to undergo the naturalization procedure for free, you need to register before 28 July 2017 on link.

Naturalize NY will allow low-income immigrants to save money on the cost of a federal filing fee. The program provides for a lottery in which vouchers for paying the fee for applying for citizenship are played out. In addition, the initiative provides comprehensive support for the naturalization process: free determination of eligibility, assistance in applying for and preparation for the citizenship exam.

In 2016, the program helped more than 3 200 immigrants in New York to apply for US citizenship. About 960 immigrants living in New York registered for the first round of the lottery in 2016, and 389 people received a voucher to pay the fee and applied to the federal government in December last year.

According to the US Census, 915 000 people in the state of New York have a green card and the right to citizenship. However, the Urban Institute's 2015 study of the year showed that the main reason why these people have not yet applied for naturalization is the cost of the fee.

To support potential applicants, the State of New York, the Robin Hood Foundation and the New York Community Trust are investing more than 1,25 million dollars to cover the cost of a fee of 725 dollars for each application using vouchers . The funds will be paid directly to the federal government by the campaign partners and will cover the full cost of the naturalization process. Vouchers will be issued after the lottery is held in August 2017.

Potential candidates can pre-determine their eligibility for citizenship, check whether they are eligible, and register for the lottery by visiting program site.

You can become a US citizen with NaturalizeNY by completing six simple steps:

1. Register to participate in the lottery before 28 July 2017 of the year to win a voucher to cover immigration costs.
2. Wait for the information that you won an immigration voucher.
3. After winning visit your local Center for new opportunities with Office of New Americans.
4. Apply, interview and pass tests for a candidate for citizenship.
5. Receive confirmation and Become a US citizen.
6. After some time, tell the organization how things are going after you become citizens, by taking part in the 15-minute survey.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the program:

Who can apply for US citizenship?

Any holder of a US green card (a person who has legally obtained a permanent residence permit) who is eligible to receive US citizenship resides in New York State and meets certain income requirements. The goal of this program is to help residents of New York, who are temporarily experiencing economic difficulties, become naturalized citizens.

Is this program really free?

Yes, this is a completely free program. You do not need to pay money to register to participate in the lottery, and you also do not have to bear any additional costs, regardless of whether you choose or not. In addition, as a person living in New York State, you are also eligible to receive free immigration legal services at the nearest New Opportunity Center at the Office for New Americans Opportunity Center.

What are the terms of participation?

If you register to participate in the lottery, you will be invited to take part in a series of short surveys aimed at obtaining information about your experience and practical knowledge. In addition, if you win the lottery, you will receive a free voucher only on the condition that you complete and submit a naturalization application through the local New Opportunity Center at the New Americans Office.

Will my personal data be safe?

Yes. Any information we collect is completely confidential and will be stored in a safe place.

Can I use this money to cover other immigration expenses or to pay for the immigration expenses of my family members?

Not. The money will be allocated exclusively to cover the costs associated with applying for US citizenship for those who meet the requirements and who will win the lottery. You cannot transfer these funds to other family members. However, your family members who also meet the requirements can register for the lottery separately.

What happens if I win a voucher?

In case of winning, the lottery winners will be notified via email, SMS or by phone. During 30 days, the winner will have to contact their Opportunity Center in order to schedule an interview, as well as complete and submit an application for naturalization. Please note that the Opportunity Center pays each winner a naturalization registration fee, and this payment goes directly to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. If the lottery winner does not claim his voucher, or if he does not contact the Opportunity Center and does not submit an application within 30 days, he may lose his voucher.

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