Key Takeaways
• Over 300 green card holders received free legal help at the May 17, 2025 CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive.
• Volunteers assisted with Form N-400, fee waivers, multilingual support, and citizenship test preparation resources.
• The $640 filing fee plus $85 biometrics cost can be waived, making citizenship affordable for many applicants.
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, more than 300 green card holders took a major step toward U.S. citizenship at the annual CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive. Held at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, this event offered free legal assistance to help permanent residents complete their naturalization applications. Organized by CUNY Citizenship Now! in partnership with Univision Nueva York Contigo, the drive stands out as one of the largest single-day citizenship support efforts in the city this year. For many immigrants, this event was not just about paperwork—it was about opening doors to new opportunities, security, and a sense of belonging in the United States 🇺🇸.
Why the CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive Matters
The path from green card holder to U.S. citizen can be confusing, expensive, and stressful. Many immigrants face language barriers, legal questions, and financial hurdles that make the process seem out of reach. The CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive addresses these challenges head-on by providing:
– Free, expert legal assistance with citizenship applications
– Multilingual support in languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, Bengali, and more
– Financial counseling to help applicants save on government fees
– Information on test preparation, city jobs, and college opportunities
By bringing together hundreds of volunteers, legal professionals, and community partners, the event helps green card holders move closer to the rights and protections that come with U.S. citizenship.
What Happened at the Event?
The drive took place on a Saturday, making it easier for working families to attend. Over 220 volunteers and 77 legal and administrative staff from CUNY Citizenship Now! worked together to serve more than 300 green card holders. Each participant received:
- Personalized legal help to fill out the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Screening for fee waivers or reduced fees, which can save applicants hundreds of dollars
- Assistance in multiple languages, ensuring no one was left behind due to language barriers
- Resources on citizenship test preparation, city government jobs, and college admissions
By the end of the day, every eligible applicant left with a completed application packet, ready to submit to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The Importance of Legal Assistance
Applying for U.S. citizenship is a detailed process that involves strict requirements, careful paperwork, and sometimes, complicated legal questions. Mistakes or missing information can lead to delays or even denials. That’s why free legal assistance is so valuable.
At the CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive, applicants received help from trained legal professionals who understand the naturalization process. These experts checked documents, answered questions, and made sure every application met USCIS standards. For green card holders who might not be able to afford a private attorney, this support can make the difference between success and disappointment.
Monique Francis, Interim Executive Director of CUNY Citizenship Now!, explained, “Citizenship reduces immigrants’ uncertainty about their status and future and gives them the stability and legal protections they need to thrive. In addition, becoming a U.S. citizen may even make travel smoother and less stressful since U.S. citizens face less scrutiny at the airports, among other benefits.”
Financial Barriers and Fee Waivers
The government fee for filing Form N-400 is currently $640, plus an $85 biometrics fee (as of June 2024). For many families, especially those living in high-poverty areas, these costs are a major obstacle. The CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive offered financial counseling to help applicants determine if they qualified for a fee waiver or a reduced fee.
USCIS provides a fee waiver form (Form I-912) for those who meet certain income or public benefit requirements. By screening applicants for these options, the event helped many green card holders save hundreds of dollars—making citizenship more accessible for all.
Multilingual Support: Breaking Down Language Barriers
New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with residents from every continent and hundreds of languages spoken. The CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive recognized this diversity by offering support in:
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
- Bengali
- Urdu
- Haitian Creole
- Arabic
This multilingual approach ensured that applicants could communicate comfortably, understand the process, and ask questions in their preferred language. For many, this was the first time they received legal help in their native tongue—a critical factor in building trust and confidence.
Community Voices and Official Support
The event drew praise from city leaders and community advocates. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez highlighted the university’s long-standing commitment, saying, “As the benefits of becoming a naturalized citizen become even more apparent, we are proud to host this annual Spring Citizenship Drive as a free resource for New York’s green card holders.”
Roberto Yañez, Regional President and General Manager of Univision Nueva York, stressed the importance of citizenship for community empowerment: “By helping our communities take this vital step, we’re not only supporting their future—we’re strengthening our democracy and ensuring every voice is heard.”
Councilmember Gale Brewer called the event “a powerful demonstration of what is possible when our city comes together in support of immigrant communities. With the support of dedicated volunteers, community leaders, and partners from across sectors, CUNY Citizenship Now! continues to open doors of opportunity and provide the resources and dignity every New Yorker deserves.”
Why Citizenship Matters: Real-Life Benefits
For green card holders, becoming a U.S. citizen brings important changes:
- Protection from deportation: U.S. citizens cannot be deported for most crimes or immigration violations.
- Right to vote: Only citizens can vote in federal elections, giving them a voice in government decisions.
- Access to more jobs: Many government jobs and some private sector positions require U.S. citizenship.
- Easier travel: U.S. citizens can use a U.S. passport, which allows for easier entry to many countries and less scrutiny at U.S. airports.
- Ability to sponsor family: Citizens can petition for more family members to immigrate to the United States, often with shorter waiting times.
- Eligibility for federal benefits: Some government programs are only available to citizens.
These benefits provide greater security, opportunity, and peace of mind for immigrants and their families.
The Role of CUNY Citizenship Now!
CUNY Citizenship Now! is the largest university-based legal assistance program in the United States. For nearly 30 years, it has provided free immigration help to New Yorkers, especially those living in high-poverty neighborhoods. The Spring Citizenship Drive is just one example of its year-round commitment.
The organization’s services include:
- Legal consultations on a range of immigration issues
- Help with green card renewals, DACA, and family petitions
- Workshops and clinics throughout the year
- Outreach and education for immigrant communities
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, programs like CUNY Citizenship Now! play a crucial role in helping immigrants overcome legal and financial barriers, especially as federal immigration policies continue to change.
The Broader Context: New York’s Support for Immigrants
New York State and New York City have a long history of welcoming immigrants. In addition to events like the CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive, the city offers:
- Legal aid for immigrants facing deportation
- Support for DACA recipients and international students
- Conditional cash transfer programs (like Family Rewards) to help families in high-poverty areas, many of whom are immigrants
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and social mobility for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
A Day in the Life: An Applicant’s Journey
Consider the experience of Maria, a green card holder from the Dominican Republic. She works full-time, supports her family, and dreams of becoming a U.S. citizen. The cost of the application and the fear of making a mistake kept her from applying for years.
At the CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive, Maria received help in Spanish from a volunteer attorney. She learned she qualified for a fee waiver, saving her over $700. With her application completed and her questions answered, Maria left the event feeling hopeful and empowered. She is now waiting for her citizenship interview, confident that she took the right steps for her future.
Stories like Maria’s are common among the hundreds who attended the event. Each applicant faced unique challenges, but all shared the goal of building a more secure life in the United States.
What Happens Next?
For those who attended the drive, the next steps include:
- Submitting the completed Form N-400 to USCIS, along with supporting documents and any required fees or waiver forms.
- Preparing for the citizenship interview and test, which covers English language skills and U.S. civics knowledge. Free classes and study materials are available through CUNY Citizenship Now! and other community organizations.
- Attending the USCIS interview and taking the Oath of Allegiance if approved.
For green card holders who missed the event, CUNY Citizenship Now! offers ongoing help throughout the year. Updates on future events and services are shared on their official website and social media (@cunycitizenshipnow).
How to Get Help: Resources for Green Card Holders
If you are a green card holder interested in U.S. citizenship, here are some practical steps:
- Check your eligibility for naturalization on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
- Download and review Form N-400 and instructions from the official USCIS website.
- See if you qualify for a fee waiver by reviewing Form I-912.
- Contact local organizations like CUNY Citizenship Now! for free legal assistance.
- Attend free citizenship classes to prepare for the interview and test.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Citizenship Drives
The success of the 2025 CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive shows the ongoing need for accessible, community-based immigration support. As demand for these services grows, organizers plan to expand capacity and reach even more green card holders in the coming years.
Events like this not only help individuals—they strengthen families, neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. By supporting immigrants on their path to citizenship, New York continues to build a more inclusive and vibrant community.
Final Thoughts
The CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive is more than a one-day event. It is a lifeline for green card holders seeking stability, opportunity, and a sense of belonging in the United States 🇺🇸. Through free legal assistance, financial counseling, and multilingual support, the drive removes barriers and empowers immigrants to take the final step toward citizenship.
For anyone considering naturalization, resources are available year-round. With the right help, the dream of becoming a U.S. citizen is within reach.
For more information on citizenship and immigration services, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
Learn Today
Green Card Holder → A permanent resident authorized to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
Naturalization → The legal process by which a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen.
Form N-400 → The official USCIS application form for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.
Fee Waiver → An exemption that allows applicants to skip or reduce government fees based on income eligibility.
Biometrics Fee → A charge covering fingerprinting and identity verification required for the naturalization process.
This Article in a Nutshell
On May 17, 2025, more than 300 green card holders got free legal aid at CUNY’s Spring Citizenship Drive, easing citizenship barriers with multilingual help, fee waivers, and expert support, paving their path to U.S. citizenship, security, and opportunity in New York’s diverse immigrant community.
— By VisaVerge.com
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