Volunteer lawyers helped dozens of New Yorkers Saturday get one step closer on their path to U.S. citizenship during a free naturalization clinic in Downtown Brooklyn. 

The clinic was a joint effort between New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Catholic Migration Services. Organizers say many of those seeking help lack the necessary resources to get the process going.

"When you take that step from being a resident to a citizen, you gain the right to vote, you can petition for family members faster…you're in the position where you have this ultimate relief from deportation," said Chloe Moore, of Catholic Migration Services. 

Staff at the clinic say having these free sessions for people are important for those who may not be able to afford getting the help otherwise.