Last day of Citizenship Now! Call-in

Last day of Citizenship Now! Call-in

AP

The Statue of Liberty stands tall in New York Bay, a beacon for immigrants worldwide

The 10th Annual CUNY/Daily News Citizenship NOW! Call-in is a terrific success. The call-in ends today, so you have until 7:00 p.m. to call with your questions about citizenship and immigration law. Lines are open form 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For answers to your questions in English and dozens of other languages, call (212) 857-6221. Spanish speakers call (212) 857-6225. Callers with hearing or speech difficulties can TTY/TTD number, (212) 221-2465.

Here are the answer to some questions callers asked us this week.

Q. Where can I get help applying for citizenship or permanent residence?

A. One of the most important services provided by the call-in is legal referral. Since all documents you file with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services becomes part of your permanent record, its best if applicants see an immigration law expert before filing.

If you want free or low-cost advice, many not-for-profit agencies provide that service. You can get a referral by calling the city information number, 311. Check also the list of free immigration law services funded by the city's the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) at nyc.gov/html/dycd. Applicants outside New York City can find a list of immigration law service providers recognized by the governments Executive Office for Imm igration Review (EOIR) at usdoj.gov/eoir/probono/states.htm. You can find another national directory, developed by probono.net, at immigrationlawhelp.org. Probono.net has also launched a text messaging service that refers you to a naturalization assistance provider near you. Simply text citizenship or ciudadania to 877877 and then when requested, enter your zip code. Finally, free assistance in completing immigration forms is available from CUNY Citizenship Now!, a citizenship and immigration law service project I direct. Find a location near you at cuny.edu/citizenshipnow.

Readers wanting to hire a lawyer can contact the Bar Association Referral Panel at (212)626 7373 or the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Immigration Lawyer Search at ailalawyer.com.

Q. My U.S. citizen husband petitioned for me for permanent residence. I got a two-year conditional permanent resident card first, then he and I filed for my permanent card. When do I start counting my time toward the three years I need to qualify to naturalize?

A. You start counting from the date the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services first granted you conditional permanent residence. If you are still living with your husband, you qualify for naturalization three years after that date. If you have separated, youll need five years permanent residence to qualify.