Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Washington D.C.

1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C.?

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in the Washington D.C., an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a refugee or asylee who has been physically present in the United States for at least one year prior to submitting an application.

2. Have been granted refugee or asylee status by the US government.

3. Have not acquired a green card or permanent residence status in another country.

4. Demonstrate that they will not become a public charge in their first five years of residence in the United States.

2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in Washington D.C.?

There are three refugee and asylee resettlement programs available in Washington D.C.:

1. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB MRS): USCCB MRS provides assistance to refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, survivors of torture, and other populations of concern. This includes helping refugees and asylees enter the United States, find housing, and connect to medical, educational, and employment services.

2. Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA): LSSNCA provides assistance to refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, survivors of torture, and other populations of concern. This includes helping refugees and asylees enter the United States, find housing, and connect to medical, educational, and employment services.

3. World Relief Washington D.C.: World Relief Washington D.C. provides the full range of refugee and asylee resettlement services to those arriving in the District of Columbia area including assistance with cultural orientation, access to employment services, health care access, financial assistance in finding housing, legal services, and English language training.

3. Are there any special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Washington D.C.?

Yes. Refugees and asylees who are applying for a Green Card in Washington D.C. should be aware of the following special considerations:

– Refugees and asylees may qualify for a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement if they have been physically present in the United States for at least one year.

– Refugees and asylees may be eligible for an exemption from the English language and civics tests for naturalization.

– Refugees and asylees should also be aware that they may be eligible for certain public benefits, including food stamps, Medicaid, and cash assistance.

4. How does one apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., one must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card. Along with the form, applicants must submit the applicable filing fee and supporting documents, including evidence that proves their refugee/asylee status. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, they may need to provide additional documents and information as well.

5. How long does it take to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C.?

Refugees and asylees who have been admitted to the United States are eligible to apply for a green card one year after their arrival. Once the application is filed, the time frame for receiving the green card can vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances and backlogs of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, the process can take up to 6-8 months in Washington D.C.

6. What are the processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C.?

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C. include a $655 fee for the Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and an $85 biometric services fee (for applicants over 14 years of age). In addition, applicants may need to pay additional fees for forms such as the I-131 (Application for Travel Document) and the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).

7. Is there an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Washington D.C.?

Yes, refugees and asylees in Washington D.C. must go through an interview process in order to get their Green Card. The USCIS usually schedules a biometrics appointment and an interview with the applicant, which may include questions about their background and their reasons for seeking asylum. They will also need to provide evidence to support their claims.

8. Are there any restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Washington D.C. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, refugees and asylees who have been admitted to the United States are eligible to apply for a Green Card one year after their admission to the U.S. Asylees must meet certain eligibility requirements and must submit evidence of their persecution in their home country to be approved for a Green Card.

9. What language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Washington D.C.?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides language assistance services to help refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Washington D.C. USCIS offers free interpreters, translations, and questionnaires in various languages. Additionally, applicants can receive assistance with language interpretation during their interviews with USCIS officers.

10. What types of evidence can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C.?

Types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C. include:

-Proof of refugee or asylee status (Form I-94)
-Government-issued photo ID
-Birth certificate
-Proof of address
-Proof of employment (if applicable)
-Medical records
-Documentation of family connections (such as marriage and birth certificates)
-Evidence of persecution
-Affidavits from witnesses
-Documentation of any previous applications or attempts to seek protection in the United States

11. Are there any restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Washington, D.C. Refugees and asylees may not travel outside of the U.S. for more than one year without obtaining advance permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition, they may not travel to any country that is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism without specific authorization from the Department of State.

12. How can refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Washington D.C. adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens?

Refugees and asylees who were issued a Green Card in Washington D.C. can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. They must meet all the naturalization requirements, including the continuous residence and physical presence requirements, as well as demonstrate good moral character and have a basic knowledge of the English language and U.S. civics. After their application is approved, they must attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States to become U.S. citizens.

13. Can family members of refugees and asylees obtain Green Cards through the same process in Washington D.C.?

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Washington D.C. Generally, a U.S. citizen can petition for certain family members and a lawful permanent resident can petition for certain family members; however, the process for refugees and asylees is slightly different. Refugees and asylees can file Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, to bring certain family members to the United States.

14. Are there any additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington D.C.?

The benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards in Washington D.C. are similar to those available to other Green Card holders. These include access to federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Medicaid. Additionally, Green Card holders may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at public universities and colleges, as well as certain employment benefits. Other potential benefits may include access to affordable housing, low-interest loans, and public assistance programs.

15. What are the financial requirements necessary to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C.?

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington D.C., the principal applicant must meet certain financial requirements. Applicants must show that they have income or assets sufficient to support themselves and their dependents. The financial requirements for a Refugee or Asylee green card are based on the size of the family and the number of people it supports. This includes not only the principal applicant, but also their dependents such as spouses and children. The financial requirements are established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for each state.

In Washington D.C., an individual applicant must show that they have an annual income of at least 125% of the federal poverty line for both themselves and their dependents. For a two-person household, the annual income requirement is $21,437; for a three-person household, the annual income requirement is $26,955; and for a four-person household, the annual income requirement is $32,473. If the applicant has insufficient income, they may make up the difference with assets. Applicants are also expected to have access to a minimum of $1,000 in liquid assets to use in case of an emergency.

16. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington D.C. eligible to work in the U.S.?

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington D.C. are eligible to work in the U.S.

17. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington D.C. eligible to access public benefits and services?

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington D.C. are eligible to access public benefits and services.

18. Are there any special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking refugee or asylee green cards in Washington D.C. Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, unaccompanied minors (under the age of 18) who are refugees or asylees are eligible for green cards without having to meet the usual requirements that would otherwise apply to other adults. This includes not having to have a sponsor and not having to wait for a visa to become available. Additionally, these minors will be exempt from certain fees and from the public charge test.

19. Is there any additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are a variety of additional support programs available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington D.C., including health and mental health services, employment assistance, housing assistance, legal aid, English language classes, and other services. The District of Columbia Department of Human Services provides information on available services. Additionally, many community-based organizations offer refugees and asylees with Green Cards in D.C. specific services.

20. Are there any resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Washington D.C.?



Yes, there are a number of resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Washington D.C. The D.C. Department of Human Services, Refugee and Asylee Services Division offers a range of services, including assistance with green card applications. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has several Washington D.C. local offices where refugees and asylees can seek help with their green card petitions and applications. Local non-profit organizations such as the Washington D.C. Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services can also provide assistance with green card applications.