Boston Immigration Lawyer and Criminal Attorney with Experience, Boston Massachusetts

Serving the community for more than 20 years.

617-303-2600
In-Person Appointment Covid-19 Safety Protocol
  • Español
  • FAQs
  • Newsletter
  • Media
  • Contact Us
Boston Immigration Lawyers
Boston Criminal Lawyers
Boston Personal Injury Lawyers
Logo
617-303-2600 Appointment Request
Logo
617-303-2600 Appointment Request
  • Home
  • Immigration
    • U.S. Residency – Green Card
      • Family Residency / Green Card
      • Marriage Residency / Green Card for Spouse
      • Same Sex Marriage Residency / Green Card for Same Sex Spouse
      • Employment Residency / Green Card
      • TPS to Green Card
    • Cancellation of Removal/Deportation (10 Year Law)
    • DACA (Deferred Action Program for Young Immigrants)
    • Immigration Pardons – I-601 and I-601A Waivers
    • Expansion of I-601A Waiver, as of 8-29-2016
    • Asylum Immigration
    • TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
    • Lawsuits Against the USCIS
    • U.S. Visas- Non-Immigrant Visas
      • H-1B Visa Specialty Occupation Work Visa
      • E-1 Visa & E-2 Visa for Investors and Traders
      • L-1 Visa for Intra-Company Transfers
      • K-1 Visa for Alien Fiancé (e)
      • The U Visa – for Victims of Crime & Domestic Violence
      • O Visas for Foreigners of Outstanding Abilities
    • U.S. Citizenship – Naturalization
    • Other Immigration Services
    • Immigration Client Success Stories
    • Immigration Client Testimonials
    • U.S. Immigration FAQs
    • Immigration Legal Fees
    • Immigration Application Schedule
    • Immigration Infographics
    • Immigration Videos
    • Trump’s Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Immigrants
    • Immigration Newsletters and USCIS Updates
    • Visa Extensions and Extensions of Stay
    • Unemployment Benefits for Immigrants
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Criminal
    • Experience with Criminal Charges
    • Set Bail and Arraignment
    • What To Do/Say When Arrested
    • Individual Rights
    • Criminal Convictions and Immigration
    • Criminal Defense FAQs
    • Client Success Stories
    • Criminal Defense Legal Fees
    • Criminal Defense / Immigration Infographic
    • Criminal Defense Newsletters
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Personal Injury
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Other Injuries
    • Personal Injury Claim Process
    • Client Success Stories
    • Why Choose Us
    • Personal Injury FAQs
    • Personal Injury Legal Fees
    • Personal Injury Infographic
    • Personal Injury Newsletters
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Client Reviews
    • What Our Clients Say
    • Client Ratings
    • Video Client Testimonials
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
    • Facebook Testimonials
    • Client Succes Stories
    • Write/Read Client Reviews
  • About Us
    • Our Firm
    • Our Team
    • Firm Overview & Mission
    • Our 5 Principles
    • Working Philosophy
    • Practice Areas
    • Video Client Testimonials
    • Why Hire Us
    • Our Fee Structure
    • Preparing to Meet With Us
    • Intake Form for Consultation
    • Communication Policy
    • Records Management and Retention Policy
    • Published Court Decisions
    • Client Success Stories
    • Check Our Events
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
    • Careers
    • Send Us Your Feedback
    • Directions to Our Office
    • Blog
  • Newsletters
    • Immigration News
    • Criminal Defense News
    • Personal Injury News
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Schedule Initial Consultation
Cambiar a Español
In-Person Appointment Covid-19 Safety Protocol
Immigration
Criminal
Personal Injury
  • Español
  • FAQs
  • Newsletter
  • Media
  • Contact Us
  • Immigration
    • U.S. Residency – Green Card
      • Family Residency / Green Card
      • Marriage Residency / Green Card for Spouse
      • Same Sex Marriage Residency / Green Card for Same Sex Spouse
      • Employment Residency / Green Card
      • TPS to Green Card
      • Cancellation of Removal/Deportation (10 Year Law)
      • DACA (Deferred Action Program for Young Immigrants)
      • Immigration Pardons – I-601 and I-601A Waivers
      • Expansion of I-601A Waiver, as of 8-29-2016
      • Asylum Immigration
    • U.S. Visas- Non-Immigrant Visas
      • H-1B Visa Specialty Occupation Work Visa
      • E-1 and E-2 Visas for Traders & Investors
      • L-1 Visa for Intra-Company Transfers
      • K-1 Visa for Alien Fiancé (e)
      • The U Visa – for Victims of Crime & Domestic Violence
      • O Visas for Foreigners of Outstanding Abilities
      • TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
      • Lawsuits Against the U.S. Immigration Service (USCIS)
    • U.S. Citizenship – Naturalization
      • Other Immigration Services
      • U.S. Immigration FAQs
      • Client Success Stories
      • Immigration Legal Fees
      • Immigration Client Testimonials
      • Immigration Infographics
      • Immigration Videos
      • Immigration Application Schedule
      • Immigration Newsletters and USCIS Updates
      • Visa Extensions and Extensions of Stay
      • Unemployment Benefits for Immigrants
      • Trump’s Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Immigrants
      • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Criminal
    • Experience with Criminal Charges
    • Set Bail and Arraignment
    • What To Do/Say When Arrested
    • Individual Rights
    • Criminal Convictions and Immigration
    • Sealing a Criminal Record and Immigration Applications
    • Criminal Defense FAQs
    • Client Success Stories
    • Criminal Defense Legal Fees
    • Criminal Defense / Immigration Infographic
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Personal Injury
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Other Injuries
    • Personal Injury Claim Process
    • Client Success Stories
    • Why Choose Us
    • Personal Injury FAQs
    • Personal Injury Legal Fees
    • Personal Injury Infographic
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Client Reviews
    • What Our Clients Say
    • Client Ratings
    • Video Client Testimonials
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
    • Facebook Testimonials
    • Client Succes Stories
    • Write/Read Client Reviews
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • About Us
    • Our Firm
      • Firm Overview & Mission
      • Our 5 Principles
      • Working Philosophy
      • Practice Areas
      • Video Client Testimonials
      • Why Hire Us
      • Our Legal Fees
    • Preparing to Meet With Us
      • Intake Form for Consultation
      • Communication Policy
      • Records Management and Retention Policy
      • Published Court Decisions
      • Customer Satisfaction Survey
      • Client Success Stories
      • Events
    • Our Team
      • Legal
      • Administrative
    • Careers
      • Newsletters
      • Send Us Your Feedback
      • Directions to Our Office
    • Blog
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • FAQs
    • Frequently Asked US Immigration Questions
    • Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions
    • Frequently Asked Personal Injury Questions
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
martine - client testimonial
Play Video
Martine: "My experience with FitzGerald & Company has been tremendously rewarding… they’ve helped me get my green card. He (Desmond) was always very realistic... He would never paint a picture more beautiful… would never say you get something within a month and then take a year..."
More
william - client testimonial
Play Video
William: "What I liked most about FitzGerald & Company is that they excel at professionalism.. the way they do their work, the communication with the clients.. When you call the office from the receptionist to the lawyer everything is well arranged..
More
alistair - client testimonial
Play Video
Alistair: "Came in originally with an H-1 b working visa.. and at one stage I had to apply for an E-1 investor visa which allowed me to start my own company. What I liked most about working with FitzGerald & Company was that the team that I worked with really got to understand my situation.."
More
ahmed - client testimonial
Play Video
Ahmed: "I have known Mr. FitzGerald for 9 years.. and he has always been there for me. The staff has been great as well, communicating with me through mail and phone. Billing has never been a problem with Mr. FitzGerald.. and of course He has succeeded and got the job done every time he worked with me.." More
isaac - client testimonial
Play Video
Issac: "They were there to support me on my case from day one.. always available if you call them.. always there if you have any concerns. Willing to walk with you throught the case.. I have recommended my friends to FitzGerald & Company, because I feel they will be treated the way I was treated and I was very happy.."
More
Previous Next
Home / Media / Articles and Press Releases / American Citizenship and the Right to Vote in the General Election of November 2016

American Citizenship and the Right to Vote in the General Election of November 2016

On November 8, 2016, the United States will hold presidential elections

BOSTON, MA – September 2, 2016 – Naturalization is the process that allows individuals born abroad to obtain citizenship in the United States, which is also known as American citizenship. One of the benefits or privileges acquired through naturalization is the right to vote in elections to elect government officials and legislative representatives at the federal, state and local levels.

The Right to Vote: Ballots and Elections

In light of the upcoming November 8 presidential elections in 2016, we believe that it is important to review the following reminders for those who have obtained citizenship recently, and who will perhaps vote in the United States for the first time:

Voting Registration Deadlines

In all states except North Dakota, you must be a registered voter before you are allowed to enter the polls. Some states close the registration deadline 30 days before election day. Other states keep their voter registration systems open and active until the day of the election. It is important that you get to know the voter registration deadlines in your state and to keep them in mind.

  • You can get also get help and assistance with the voting process.
  • You can get help in languages other than English.
  • There is help available for voters with disabilities.
  • You can get assistance with voting equipment.
  • You can file a complaint if you encounter discrimination during the voting process.

If you believe your rights as a voter have not been honored, you can file a report with the authorities.

Here are some examples of voter discrimination:

  • Denying a citizen his or her right to vote based on their race, country of origin or * religion.
  • Require a voter pass a reading comprehension exam or to explain portions of the U.S. Constitution in order to vote.
  • Require someone who wants to register to vote to bring to attest that they are a citizen of “good behavior.”

If you are not a U.S. citizen, naturalized or otherwise, registering to vote or attempting to vote in federal elections is considered a crime. For this reason, if you are a legal permanent resident you must first obtain citizenship by means of naturalization before you can vote. Learn about who is eligible for American citizenship and the requirements for naturalization.

Other benefits of American citizenship

Besides the right to vote, once granted citizenship people born abroad obtain most of the rights of people born in the United States, such as the right to apply for and obtain government jobs and freedom to travel with an American passport.

With regard to family-based immigration, you can sponsor as many direct relatives such as siblings, parents, married children and their children. This is something that is not allowed to those who have are permanent legal residents by virtue of their green cards, who can only apply for their spouses and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age along with their respective children. Learn more about the benefits of American citizenship.

Average time it takes to achieve American citizenship

Currently, in the Boston, Massachusetts region, the process of naturalization can last between four to six months. For more information and details about the process of American citizenship and naturalization in the United States, you can check our website www.fitzgeraldlawcompany.com, or you can request a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers calling 617-303-2600 (ext. 0).

About Desmond P. FitzGerald:

Attorney Desmond P. FitzGerald is the Principal and Managing Director of Fitzgerald Law Company in Boston, MA. He is a criminal and immigration litigator and has successfully litigated hundreds of immigration cases in Federal court. He has more than 20 decisions published and many of them have created precedent. Attorney FitzGerald is admitted by the Bar to practice law in MA, NH, FL, and Washington D.C. and he is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). For more information visit: https://www.fitzgeraldlawcompany.com and fitzgeraldlawcompany.com/espanol/

Contact

Gloria Lara
617-303-2600
[email protected]

Related: Information on American Residence and U.S. Citizenship

Follow Desmond P. FitzGerald on Twitter

And on Facebook

Stay Informed
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Newsletter

U.S. Immigration Videos & Interviews

Get to Know Us

Client satisfaction
Client rating

About Us

  • Firm Overview & Mission
  • Our 5 Principles
  • Working Philosophy
  • Practice Areas
  • Video Client Testimonials
  • Why Hire Us
  • Our Fee Structure
  • Preparing to Meet With Us
  • Intake Form for Consultation
  • Communication Policy
  • Records Management and Retention Policy
  • Published Court Decisions
  • Client Success Stories
StatisticsReview of Fitzgerald & Co

Call to schedule an
appointment today

617-303-2600

Serving clients in Massachusetts
and surrounding areas.

Benefits of Appointment

  • Learn your legal options
  • Understand your risks
  • Make well informed decisions
Online Appointment Request

Authorization of email use

Call to schedule an
appointment today

617-303-2600

Serving clients in Massachusetts
and surrounding areas.

Benefits of Appointment

  • Learn your legal options
  • Understand your risks
  • Make well informed decisions
Online Appointment Request

Authorization of email use

BBB Acredited Business 2014 Member peerrated 2019 best personal injury 2020 best immigration attorney 2020 best criminal defense attorney badge 2020 10 best immigration attorneys

FitzGerald Law Company (also know as “FitzGerald & Company” or “FitzGerald & Company, LLC.” )
185 Devonshire Street, Suite 601 Boston, MA 02110 (617) 523-6320

Site Map – Find The Page You Are Looking For | Blog | Privacy Policy

FitzGerald Law Company serves the following Massachusetts communities: Suffolk County including Boston, Jamaica Plain, Chelsea and Revere; Middlesex County including Cambridge, Framingham, Lowell, Malden, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Waltham; Norfolk County including Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth and Randolph; Essex County including Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn, Peabody, and Salem; Worcester County including Fitchburg, Leominster, Shrewsbury and Worcester; and Plymouth County including Bridgewater, Brockton and Plymouth.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this Web site is general in nature and subject to change at any point in time. As such, it may not necessarily apply to all situations. Therefore, under no circumstance it should be construed as legal advice. Please ensure that you consult with an attorney regarding your specific situation before starting a legal process.

Authorization of email use

By providing your email address you authorize us to communicate with you via email, and include you in our monthly eNewsletter's distribution list. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy page.

Online Appointment Request
  • Immigration
  • Criminal
  • Personal Injury
Modal title

Schedule your initial consultation today. Call 617-303-2600 (ext. 0)

 

fitzgerald law company

Receive Our FitzGerald Law Company eNewsletter for:

  • Information on immigration Options
  • Client Success Stories
  • Important immigration Law Changes
  • Answers to Immigration, Criminal and PI FAQs
  • Events, important announcements, resources and tips
  • Which of our practice areas are you interested in? (you may select more than one)
  • Your email will be kept completely confidential
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

 

×