1. What is a green card through refugee or asylee status?
A green card through refugee or asylee status is a form of U.S. permanent residence given to people who have been persecuted, or fear they will be persecuted, on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This form of permanent residence allows them to live and work in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship.
2. Who qualifies for green card through refugee or asylee status?
Refugees and asylees who have been physically present in the United States for at least one year are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent resident status). To qualify, they must demonstrate that they meet the definition of a refugee or asylee, as defined by U.S. immigration law, and must successfully complete all required steps in the application process.
3. What documents are required to apply for a green card through refugee or asylee status?
To apply for a green card through refugee or asylee status, the following documents may be required:
-Valid passport
-Proof of refugee or asylee status
-Proof of admission or parole into the United States
-Two passport-style photographs
-Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
-Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal)
-Form I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition)
-Proof of any applicable fees
-Certified copies of birth certificate
-Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates
-Certified copies of military service records
-Any other documents requested by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
4. How long does it take to get a green card through refugee or asylee status?
The processing time for green cards received through refugee or asylee status vary depending on the country of origin and USCIS processing times. Generally, USCIS processes applications for green cards as quickly as possible, but the process can take up to one year or longer.
5. What is the cost of filing for a green card through refugee or asylee status?
The cost of filing for a green card through refugee or asylee status is free.
6. How do I apply for a green card through refugee or asylee status?
If you are a refugee or asylee, you may be eligible to apply for a green card. You must first apply for an adjustment of status by submitting Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To do this, you must provide proof of your refugee or asylee status and demonstrate that you continue to be eligible for this status. You must also submit supporting documents that prove your identity and show that you are not inadmissible to the United States. After USCIS approves your application, you will be able to receive your green card.
7. What is the difference between refugee and asylee status?
A refugee is someone who is outside of their home country and is unable to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. An asylee is someone who is currently in the United States or at a port of entry and is unable to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
8. Can I work while I wait for a green card through refugee or asylee status?
Yes, you may be eligible to work while waiting for a green card through refugee or asylee status. You will need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
9. Can I travel outside the U.S. while my green card through refugee or asylee status is pending?
Yes, you may travel outside the U.S. while your green card through refugee or asylee status is pending. However, you must have a valid Re-entry Permit in order to return to the U.S. You should apply for the Re-entry Permit before you leave the U.S. If approved, the Re-entry Permit will be valid for two years from the date of issuance, and will allow you to return to the U.S. without any problems.
10. What are the rights and responsibilities of a green card holder through refugee or asylee status?
Rights:
• Legal permanent resident status, allowing the individual to live and work in the United States for an unlimited amount of time
• Access to educational and employment opportunities
• Access to public benefits, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Possibility to apply for citizenship after meeting certain requirements
• Ability to bring immediate family members to the United States
Responsibilities:
• Pay taxes
• Obey all federal, state, and local laws
• Register for Selective Service (if applicable)
• Report any changes in address or other contact information to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State
• Abide by travel restrictions
11. How do I renew my green card through refugee or asylee status?
To renew your green card through refugee or asylee status, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The form requires you to provide information about your identity and immigration status, as well as your current address. You must also include a copy of your current green card and two identical passport-style photos. Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will need to mail it to the USCIS address listed on the form instructions. The USCIS will review your application and contact you for further action if necessary.
12. How long can I stay in the U.S. with a green card through refugee or asylee status?
The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. Generally speaking, green card holders who obtain their green card through refugee or asylee status are eligible to be U.S. permanent residents and remain in the U.S. indefinitely. However, if you leave the U.S. for extended periods of time, there is a risk that you can lose your permanent resident status.
13. Can I adjust my status from refugee or asylee to permanent resident?
Yes, you can adjust your status from refugee or asylee to permanent resident. To do so, you must first file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and submit supporting documents. Depending on your situation, the adjustment of status process may take several months or even years to complete.
14. What happens if I am denied a green card through refugee or asylee status?
If you are denied a green card through refugee or asylee status, you may be able to apply for another form of immigration status, such as a visa or other form of protection. You may also be able to appeal the denial, depending on the circumstances.
15. Can my family members join me if I get a green card through refugee or asylee status?
Yes, immediate family members may be included in the application for a green card through refugee or asylee status. Eligible family members include spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age.
16. Do I need to have a sponsor to apply for a green card through refugee or asylee status?
Yes, you need to have a sponsor to apply for a green card through refugee or asylee status. Sponsors are typically private or nonprofit organizations that assist refugees and asylees in the United States. The sponsor should provide a financial guarantee to support the applicant during their period of adjustment to the U.S. and until they become self-sufficient.
17. Can I become a citizen if I have a green card through refugee or asylee status?
Yes, you can become a citizen if you have a green card through refugee or asylee status. You must first meet the eligibility requirements to become a US citizen, including residence and physical presence requirements, good moral character, knowledge of English, and knowledge of US civics. You must also file an application for naturalization with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and be interviewed in order to become a US citizen.
18. Are there any risks to applying for a green card through refugee or asylee status?
Yes, there are risks associated with applying for a green card through refugee or asylee status. Some of these risks include:
– The possibility of being denied if it is found that the applicant does not meet the qualifications for refugee or asylee status.
– The potential for deportation if the applicant is found to have falsified information on their application.
– The risk of not being allowed to travel outside of the US while the application is being processed.
– The risk of not having access to certain government benefits, such as public assistance programs, while the application is being processed.
19. How will applying for a green card through refugee or asylee status affect my immigration record?
Applying for a green card through refugee or asylee status will not have any negative impacts on your immigration record. However, the application process may take a while depending on the individual case, so it is important to be patient. Additionally, applying for a green card through refugee or asylee status may require additional documentation such as proof of employment and financial stability.
20. Is there any way to expedite the process of getting a green card through refugee or asylee status?
No, there is not a way to expedite the process of getting a green card through refugee or asylee status. The process is regulated by the US government and cannot be expedited or rushed.