From Problems to Citizenship

David found Open Hands just in time - he had lost his job because he lost his Green Card, and had no proof of status with his employer. Avril, Open Hands' Legal Director, helped David file the I-90 paperwork to replace his Green Card, and that would help him prove his status. Avril also noticed that David met the timeline for naturalization, as he had been in the States longer than the required period. And so Avril helped David apply for citizenship.

A volunteer encouraged David to attend a citizenship program, and so David did easily pass his citizenship test.

Open Hands then received a request for additional information for his application from USCIS. Usually, this is the issue - how MUCH TIME it takes with USCIS, for documents, applications, and any complication adds significantly more time. Thankfully, Avril resolved any issues with the application - and it was approved!

David is now a naturalized citizen of the US! He was recently sworn in down at Federal Plaza in NYC. We are all so excited for him!

David got his job back! And now, David's employment opportunities have opened up further, and once he gets his US Passport, he can apply at jobs that require travel.

Our Client Gets Home

Oscar was working with another non-profit to secure housing for his family, but he needed proof of his citizenship. He had never received his naturalization certificate.

Oscar gave the required information needed to help.  Avril, our Legal Director, was then able to file BOTH a freedom of information request to get a copy of the certificate from his immigration file AND the application to replace the certificate.

When the new certificate arrived at the office on Tuesday, it was scanned and sent to Avril. Within two hours, both Avril and Oscar rushed to the office - the deadline for his housing eligibility was that close! Oscar was thrilled to receive this help and his family is now in their new home.

From Frustration to Relief and Joy

Sam* had already completed the process and became a naturalized US Citizen. It had been a long road - becoming a legal permanent resident (green card holder) for five years, demonstrating his good moral character, and passing a civic and English competence exam, he had finally received his Certificate of Naturalization, his proof of citizenship.

Everything was going well until Sam lost this important document. To make matters worse, Sam faced some financial hardship. Thankfully, one of our partners referred Sam to Open Hands.

Caring volunteers listened to Sam explain his frustrations. Open Hands assisted Sam to fill out an application to replace this certificate, with a request for a fee waiver.

When the new certificate arrived, Sam was ecstatic! Now Sam can apply for a passport and continue his employment search.