Philadelphia, PA – Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS), led by Executive Director Anu Thomas, offer an immigration legal service to low-income individuals in North Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.
«I invite those who are eligible to become U.S. citizens because it brings many benefits, such as traveling, sponsoring family members, voting, applying for government jobs, and much more.» She said.
EILS is a non-profit organization within Esperanza that is specially equipped to serve Latinos. It helps with a range of immigration needs, including citizenship services, green card renewals, DACA renewals, and humanitarian cases, such as those seeking asylum.
All their services are provided free of charge, exclusively to individuals at 187.5% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or below. Furthermore, their team’s proficiency in the Spanish language reflects the communities they serve.
Upcoming Naturalization Clinic: December 2nd, 2023
To participate in this clinic, individuals who believe they are eligible for citizenship services are encouraged to first call the intake line at (347) 719-1402 and leave a message expressing their interest. In your message, include your name, your phone number, and express your interest in citizenship. Next, a brief survey will be shared with the individual by EILS staff to collect essential information for an initial screening to determine their eligibility. If the preliminary criteria are met, the organization will schedule a consultation as part of the clinic.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have been a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) for at least five years. Some individuals may be eligible for naturalization after just three years of residency in the U.S. if they are married to someone who is a U.S. citizen. Proficiency in English and a civics test are also required for naturalization unless an applicant is 55 years old with 15 years of residency or 50 years old with 20 years of residency; they can conduct their interview and civics exam in Spanish instead of English. Additionally, individuals with medical disabilities can explore the possibility of having a doctor complete a waiver form for the language requirement.
Next Steps for Qualify Applicants
After your initial screening, you will have time to gather the necessary documents for the Naturalization clinic. On December 2nd, you will be invited to Esperanza Immigration Legal Services’ office at 42 N 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA, where a dedicated volunteer will help you complete your citizenship application. EILS will continue guiding and supporting the applicants during the process.
Esperanza Immigration Legal Services is a beacon of hope for those seeking assistance with their immigration journey. Their commitment to serving the community, particularly the Latino population, is exemplified through their valuable services and upcoming Naturalization Clinic, ensuring that eligible individuals can have the opportunity to become U.S. citizens. Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors to spread the word about this opportunity.
Lili Daliessio is the Community Information Manager at Esperanza Housing and Economic Development
