Legal help for immigrants
Resources for help with citizenship and other immigration issues.
The Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement works to serve immigrants in Boston. This webpage addresses some common questions related to immigration and status.
For help with a legal problem, enter your zip code and find resources specific to you at the Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder.
If you have other questions or are looking for a free immigration consultation with a volunteer lawyer, you can email immigrantadvancement@boston.gov or call 617-635-2980.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Immigrant Advancement
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1 City Hall Square
Room 806Boston, MA 02201-2030
Know your rights
Know your rights if an immigration officer (ICE) tries to talk to you.
Available in English, kriolu, 中文, Français, Kreyòl ayisyen, Español, and Tiếng Việt
What to do if ICE visits a home, job, or public space
Planning guide for parents concerned about the care and custody of their children
U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization
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 the 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 United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least three months before the date of filing the Form N-400
- Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years immediately before 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 before 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
Find information about naturalization and the citizenship application process.
There’s also a list of resources from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 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.
Read USCIS immigration guides available in various languages.
Learn about Project Citizenship, which provides free citizenship resources.
Public Charge
The Trump Administration’s version of the Public Charge test ended on March 9, 2021. Remember: All City of Boston programs and resources are not subject to the Public Charge test. Using them will not affect immigration applications.
Questions? Call 311 or contact us at 617-635-2980 or immigrantadvancement@boston.gov.
Read the official announcement
Determine if the Public Charge test applies to you
Learn which public benefits you can use
More info about Public Charge from MIRA
Learn about your healthcare coverage options
Call the City of Boston for questions and help
