Citizenship Matters

In November next year, Americans will once again go to the polls for national elections. These elections could alter the balance of power at the White House and in the Senate. Local elections that are held simultaneously will have a profound impact on our daily lives. They can affect funding for schools, roads and social safety nets. American democracy is based on the right to vote, and choose our representatives. Women, Black Americans and other peoples of color have fought long and hard for their right to vote, sometimes at great personal cost.

The right to vote is seen by many immigrants as the main reason they apply for American citizenship. This right can only be obtained by U.S. citizens. In my tenth and final year as an immigration lawyer, I have had the privilege of helping many immigrants from various countries to complete the naturalization process. It’s the final step in a long, arduous immigration procedure for some. Others. It’s a feat they never imagined possible because of language barriers or other obstacles. For all of my clients, this is a time filled with excitement and joy. It’s a moment of joy and excitement when they are welcomed by the country that they chose as their home, and can call themselves Americans.

America is a nation of immigrants. According to Pew Research Institute, America has the most immigrants in the world – more than 40 million. is one of ten eligible voters. According to the Department of Homeland Security, millions of people are eligible to become naturalized.

Every year, the American Immigration Lawyers Association hosts Citizenship Day Clinics in partnership with NALEO Educational Fund and the National Partnership for New Americans. These pro bono clinics, both in person and online, have helped eligible community members across the country get closer to the naturalization process. My AILA New England chapter was proud to work with the MIRA Coalition this year to host a Citizenship Day Clinic at the Boston Public Library. We had a great turnout despite the hurricane threat. 37 volunteers helped to complete 49 applications. The pictures on either side show some of our wonderful chapter volunteers. There are events being held by other AILA chapters throughout the remainder of September, and even into early October.

It may seem premature to start thinking about the November 2024 elections, but USCIS processing delays require that eligible permanent residents begin their naturalization application as soon as they can to ensure that they will be eligible to vote. USCIS field office in New England currently takes an average of 9.5 month to adjudicate citizenship application, meaning someone who files their application in September 2023 could not receive a decision until June 2024. It is only a few weeks after many states’ primary elections and a few months prior to the deadline for voter registration in November. In Massachusetts, however, newly naturalized citizens are allowed to register up until 4:00 pm on the day of any election. )

It is both a privilege and a duty to be able to vote in the United States. It’s time for those who want to vote in the next election season to begin their citizenship application!

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National Pro Bono Week will be held the last week in October for AILA members who are interested in doing more pro bono. Pro bono opportunities and highlights will be announced soon.