The Manchester Citizenship Center begins its second year of providing free legal clinics to Greater Manchester residents who want to become citizens.

Catholic Charities New Hampshire’s accredited legal advocates and attorneys will staff the monthly sessions where they will offer eligible immigrants advice, screenings and guidance on the naturalization process and preparing applications.

The program is primarily intended for those who can speak, read and write English and are prepared to pass the civics test required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Those who want to learn more about naturalization are also welcome.

Clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the International Institute of New England –Manchester’s new location at 470 Pine St., Manchester, N.H.  on the following Saturdays: March 10, April 7, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 18, and Sept. 15. Participants must pre-register by calling 603-624-4717, ext. 0277.

The program is a collaborative effort involving Catholic Charities New Hampshire Immigration and Refugee Services, Welcoming Manchester and the International Institute of New England – Manchester.  It is funded through the Norwin and Elizabeth Bean Foundation.

The Manchester Citizenship Center was formed to support eligible immigrants to become U.S. citizens. Applying for citizenship can be expensive given the fees and cost of legal advice. As a result, many newcomers try to navigate the process on their own and may make mistakes that can delay the process. Others may rely on notarios, who are not legitimate attorneys, but act like them.

For more information about Catholic Charities immigration legal services, please visit cc-nh.org/immigration.