Bonding Against Adversity (BAA)
Is a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization, is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Access Programs.
Legal Residents
BAA assists legal residents on their path to become
U. S. Citizens providing them with workshops, classes and answers to questions regarding immigration topics:
- Requirements and procedures
- Assistance in completing the Application for Naturalization Form N-400
- Private legal consultation by volunteer attorney and low cost attorney referrals
- Citizenship classes in English, Spanish and bilingual
- Study materials for citizenship interviews
- Referrals to partner and community organizations to meet additional immigration, education and related needs
Apply for a U.S. Passport
After becoming a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport. You will need to submit a photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization. For more information about how to apply for a U.S. passport, visit: https://travel.state.gov/passports and click on “How to Apply.”
Update your Social Security
You must visit your local Social Security office to update your Social Security record with your new status. Wait 10 days after your ceremony before doing so and bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport as evidence of your citizenship.
It is important your Social Security record is accurate. You will need your Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive other government services. To find your Social Security Office, call toll free 1-800-772-1213 or visit this website: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.
Beyond Citizenship
Register to Vote
As a new U.S. citizen, you may register to vote by applying in person, online, by mail or when you apply or renew your
driver’s license.
What do I need?
In order to register to vote, you will need to provide basic information like:
- Full Name
- Address
- Age
- Sex
- Driver's License Number or last four digits of social security number (SSN)
Re-Registration
You only need to re-register to vote if the following applies to you:
- You have changed your address since you last registered
- You legally changed your name, by marriage or choice
- You have not voted in more than two consecutive federal elections
- You want to change your political party affiliation
Not sure if you are registered?
You can call NALEO's national bilingual hotline at 1-888-839-8682 (1-888-VE-Y VOTA) to find out if you are registered to vote
Hotline Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ED)
Or via web at : https://nass.org/can-i-vote
In Person:
You can ask for the form at:
- Your local Library
- Post Office
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Social Security Offices
HOW CAN YOU BECOME AN ACTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE CITIZEN?
- Follow the law and respect the authorities.
- Respect the differences of the members of your community, your city and your new and native countries. Avoid stereotyping and don't label people as the same or a certain way.
- Learn about others. The United States is a multi-national and multi-cultural country. Learn about the culture of others and teach your native culture to them.
- Treat others with respect and consideration even if you disagree with their opinions. Resolve conflicts or disagreements in a peaceful way.
- Celebrate America's patriotic holidays with your family and other members of your community.
HOW CAN YOU BECOME AN IMPORTANT MEMBER OF YOUR COMMUNITY?
- Learn about your city, neighborhood and their events.
- Attend and participate in community events, such as: school activities, church events, parades, and patriotic celebrations.
- Volunteer your time and efforts to serve and improve your community. Teach children to be good citizens by participating in cleaning streets, parks and playgrounds in your neighborhood.
- Support and contribute to non-profit organizations that provide assistance services for the betterment of people and their communities.
Good citizens use their freedom granted by the Constitution in positive ways and are an example for other people to do the same. Our freedom was created for the good and peace of all the people and NOT to harm or hurt others with any act of violence.