Boston Immigration Law Firm FitzGerald & Company Joins the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Boston Immigration, Criminal and Personal Injury Attorney, Desmond P. FitzGerald, Says This Is a Wonderful Opportunity to Raise Awareness of the Invaluable Contributions Hispanic Americans Have Made to This Country and to Celebrate the Richness of Their Histories and Cultures Which Have Made Us so Diverse
BOSTON, MA–(Marketwired – Oct 2, 2014) – Our last U.S. Immigration newsletter by Desmond P. FitzGerald was dedicated to the subject of U.S. Citizenship to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. For many Latino Americans, the path to citizenship starts with immigration. The president recognized this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 thru October 15) theme as “Hispanics: A legacy of history, a present of action and a future of success,” saying he wants Americans to be reminded of Hispanics’ efforts that have “enriched” the country and its character. According to Obama, generations of Hispanics have represented the “spirit” of the U.S., which includes hard work for a better life and future.
Latinos, who have helped shape North America over the last 500-plus years, make up the largest group of immigrants in most states, although from different origins, which exemplifies the richness of our histories and diverse Latino cultures. In Massachusetts, for instance, Pew Research Hispanic Trends Project shows that 54% of Hispanic eligible voters are of Puerto Rican origin, 17% are of Dominican origin, 5% are of Mexican origin, and 24% claim other Hispanic origin.
New Americans in Massachusetts
According to a report from the American Immigration Council, “The Latino share of Massachusetts’s population grew from 4.8% in 1990, to 6.8% in 2000, to 9.9% (649,272 people) in 2011.” Moreover in 2011, 51% of immigrants (501,139 people) in Massachusetts were naturalized U.S. citizens — meaning that they are eligible to vote. However, there are many other benefits of becoming U.S. citizens as shown below.
What are the main benefits of becoming a US citizen?
Citizenship benefits include:
- the right to vote in all government elections (federal, state and local)
- the right to government jobs
- the right to travel or remain outside the U.S. for periods longer than 180 days
- the right to confer citizenship status on certain family members immediately, such as minor children
- the right to apply for resident status for parents and siblings, in addition to spouses and children
Moreover, spouses and children of U.S. citizens are eligible to receive a green card (residency) with shorter waiting periods than those of residents. Finally, “Citizenship does not expire and residency can be revoked, so it is recommended to apply for citizenship as soon as you are eligible (See US citizenship eligility requirements),” explains FitzGerald, Principal of the Boston immigration and criminal defense law firm FitzGerald & Company, LLC.
More information on U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization
Immigrants are integral to the country’s economy in many ways
Immigrants start companies, hire people, and pay taxes. In addition, immigrants also contribute to the economy as foreign students. In the case of Massachusetts, 41,258 foreign students contributed $1.5 billion to the state’s economy in tuition, fees, and living expenses for the 2011-2012 academic year, according to a report from the National Association of International Educators.
About Desmond P. FitzGerald:
Attorney Desmond P. FitzGerald is the Principal and Managing Director of FitzGerald & Company, LLC 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: http://www.fitzgeraldlawcompany.com
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