Citizenship Maryland
Citizenship Maryland Statewide Initiative
Citizenship Maryland is a statewide initiative to support eligible Maryland immigrants in becoming U.S. citizens. Naturalization benefits families, communities, and the State of Maryland. However, many eligible immigrants encounter barriers to the naturalization process. Led by the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Citizenship Maryland brings together non-profit, private sector, and public sector partners to help Marylanders access citizenship. We help you:
- Learn benefits: Get citizenship outreach from trusted partners
- Attend sessions: Learn about your eligibility and the naturalization process
- Get screened: Check for your readiness to apply for citizenship
- Get legal help: Attend a clinic for assistance preparing an application for naturalization pro se (self-represented)
- Prepare: Receive referrals for additional legal support, if needed, and to English and civics exam prep programs
Why Should You Become a U.S. Citizen?
Becoming a citizen is a big goal. It gives people living in Maryland many important rights and opportunities:
- You can protect yourself and your family from deportation. You, your family, and your community can be more stable and secure.
- You can more fully participate in our democracy. U.S. citizens can vote in local, state, and federal elections, and also run for office.
- You can access greater economic opportunity. U.S. citizens can apply for additional job opportunities, including federal, state, and government contractor positions. U.S. citizens can also qualify for additional sources of aid when pursuing higher education. Citizenship is associated with higher wages and financial opportunity.
- You can have greater freedom to travel. U.S. citizens can travel to many countries without a visa. You can take frequent or long trips and still return home. You can also obtain a U.S. Passport to travel and be protected by the U.S. abroad.
- You can unite your family. U.S. citizens can sponsor family members for permanent residency.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For Naturalization to become a U.S. Citizen?
- Generally, you must be a lawful permanent resident (sometimes known as a green card holder) who has had that status for five years and is 18 years old or older to apply for citizenship (there are exceptions for military service members).
- If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply after three years.
- You must also meet a number of other requirements to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
- All applicants for citizenship must take an oath to support the U.S. Constitution.
- To learn more about your eligibility, you can contact one of the organizations listed below.
How to Become a Citizen through the Naturalization Process
You need to take several steps to become a citizen, from preparing an application form, to completing an interview and passing a naturalization test, to taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is the federal agency that administers the naturalization process. For more information, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
Local Groups that Offer Legal help for Becoming a Citizen
To get help with citizenship screening and to find out if you may be eligible, please contact one of the Citizenship Maryland organizations below:
Organizations and Primary Contact Method
Organization | Primary Contact Method |
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C & J Migrant Solutions | Supporting low-income immigrants and migrant families with affordable immigration services, legal assistance, ESL and GED education, workforce development, and community resources to promote self-sufficiency, stability, and successful integration in Maryland and Washington, DC.
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ChesMRC | Since 2012, we have supported our multi-cultural neighbors thrive by providing vital youth mentoring, language access, and citizenship pathways to over 9,500 local residents. Through donations and grants, we are proudly building an inclusive, vibrant Eastern Shore where every neighbor is connected and treated with dignity.
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CARECEN | CARECEN offers citizenship exam preparation courses in English and Spanish at our Bladensburg office on Saturdays, and virtually on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. CARECEN also offers citizenship eligibility screenings and application preparation.
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Esperanza Center | Immigration Legal Services of Esperanza Center, Catholic Charities Baltimore, provides low-cost or free immigration legal services to low-income Maryland residents. We assist with a wide variety of affirmative and defensive humanitarian and family-based immigration cases, including naturalization. ILS offers in-depth legal consultations with attorneys.
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Global Refuge | A nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. For over 85 years, we have supported immigrants and refugees by providing resettlement services, workforce development, accessible immigration legal services, economic empowerment, foster care for refugee and immigrant children, mental health services, and more.
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We are CASA | For more than 40 years, We Are CASA has proudly served Maryland’s immigrant and working-class communities. Over the past decade, our nationally recognized citizenship program has helped more than 8,000 lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens. We provide comprehensive services to support a successful naturalization application in English, Spanish, and French through our offices in Baltimore and Rockville, serving communities across Maryland
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For help identifying additional non-profit legal service providers that provide citizenship services, you can refer to the Immigrant Advocates Network Legal Services Directory.
For help identifying a private immigration lawyer, you can refer to the American Immigration Lawyers Association referral network.
Free or Low Cost Citizenship Classes
These help you pass the steps to become a citizen. This includes learning the info you need for the test.
