From the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, March 29, 2016: Residents seeking citizenship can get help from 3 to 7 p.m. April 16 at the Brighton office of the Cambridge-based Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers.

“We’ll help applicants through each step of completing the N-400 form,” said Dulce Ferreira, director of the MAPS Immigrant Integration Services Program, as well as its Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program.

The April 16 drive will be held at 697 Cambridge St., Suite 203, Brighton.

“Citizenship brings many wonderful and important benefits, including the rights to vote, to run for political office, to apply for federal government employment, to be protected against deportation and more,” Ferreira said. “Citizenship is the most important tool that we have to empower ourselves and our communities.”

Citizenship applicants must pre-register for the drive, go through an eligibility screening and present a list of documents including but not limited to a green card and passport. In addition, a money order for $680 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is needed for the application and biometric fees. (Applicants may also use a Request for Fee Waiver based on receipt of public benefits or financial hardship; or ask about interest-free “Dreamer Loans” to cover the fees available through a partnership between MAPS and the Naveo Credit Union.)

MAPS will be holding other Citizenship Assistance Days throughout the year. There are local offices at 1046 Cambridge St., in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood near Inman Square; and at 92 Union Square, Somerville.

For information, a full list of documents and to sign up for the drive, call (617) 787-0557.