Immigration and US Citizenship news

By Kieran C. O’ Sullivan

Immigration Counselor

Internet Scams –Green Card Lottery

The Department of State annually holds the Diversity Visa program and 55,000 green cards are awarded by random computer selection. This week a caller sent us an email she received from an agency in connection with the DV lottery informing her that she was not among those enrolled to apply. An application was suggested to her for a fee. We advise immigrants to be careful of Internet scams. You may apply for the DV program free at a US Department of State designated website free of charge but only during the selected application period.

The entry period will likely be towards the end of the year. The Irish Pastoral Center will be assisting immigrants on their applications at our offices at 953 Hancock St., Quincy. Stay tuned for more details.

Arrests
Remember, if you have been arrested, seek legal advice before your court appearance or before pleading to any kind of offense. This week we had a call from an Irish immigrant who was arrested on a criminal offense and a conviction may mean that he will be ineligible for US citizenship for five years.

Jury Duty

Do not ignore a summons to appear in court or a jury duty summons. You have to be a US citizen to serve on a US jury. Give us a call on any of these matters.

US Citizenship

We have up to date information on renewing your green cards or applying for US citizenship. Senior citizens depending on their years of residency in the US may be eligible for test waivers. Fee waivers may also be available in certain situations if eligible.

Going ‘home’ on holidays?

If you are one of those making plans to go home to Ireland on vacation, this is a good time to look over your travel documents including visa, green cards, and passports to ensure that all are in order. Check the expiration dates of your travel documents to ensure your readmission to the US. If you have any questions give us a call.

Legal Clinic Update

We had another clinic in Bad Abbots last Tuesday night and our thanks to those who volunteered on the evening. Irish immigrants received one to one assistance on a number of different matters including marriage based sponsorship, arrests, and family and immigrant rights matters. Our next clinic will be on September 2^nd.