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

To be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Alaska, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) or been granted asylum under Section 208 of the INA;

2. You must have continuously resided in the United States for at least one year as a lawful permanent resident;

3. You must not have abandoned your residence in the United States; and

4. You must be admissible to the United States as an immigrant, as determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in Alaska?

There are multiple refugee and asylee resettlement programs in Alaska, including the Alaskan Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP), the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP), and the Refugee Education and Employment Program (REEP). ARAP provides resettlement and support services to refugees, asylees, and special immigrant visa holders. The RRP is funded by the U.S. Department of State and helps newly arriving refugees with their transition to Alaska through a range of services, including case management. REEP offers educational assistance to newly arrived refugees, asylees, and special immigrant visa holders to help them gain employment in Alaska.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees may be eligible for a green card in Alaska. In addition to the requirements for general green card applicants, refugees and asylees must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible for a green card. Refugees must have a valid refugee travel document and provide evidence that they were admitted to the United States as a refugee. Asylees must provide evidence that they were granted asylum in the United States. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be exempt from certain grounds of inadmissibility. For more information, individuals should speak with an immigration attorney in Alaska who is familiar with the specific requirements for refugees and asylees.

4. How does one apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Alaska?

Individuals who are seeking a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Alaska must first apply for refugee status or asylum from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If an individual has been granted refugee status or asylum in the United States, they can then apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card. This process involves completing an application form (Form I-485) and submitting supporting documents. Additionally, individuals must pay the required fees and attend an in-person interview with a USCIS official.

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

The processing time for a refugee or asylee green card in Alaska varies depending on the individual case and can take anywhere from several months to several years.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Alaska vary depending on the type of application being filed. The fees for filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, are $1,225 for the principal applicant and $85 for biometrics. Additionally, there is a fee of $750 if the applicant is filing under the Refugee or Asylee category. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may be updated from time to time.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Alaska must participate in an interview process. The interview is conducted by an officer from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). During the interview, the officer will ask questions about the applicant’s identity, background, and eligibility for a Green Card. The officer may also ask the applicant to provide supporting documents. Once the interview is complete, the officer will make a decision on whether or not to grant the applicant a Green Card.

8. Are there any restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Alaska?

Yes, there are certain restrictions for refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Alaska. For example, the applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States, not being a current or former member of a terrorist organization, and not having committed certain crimes. Additionally, the applicant must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted refugee or asylum status.

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

The Refugee Assistance Program provides language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Alaska. This includes interpretation services in the following languages: Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, Chinese, Korean, French, Japanese, and Vietnamese. The Refugee Assistance Program also provides assistance with form completion, document preparation, and other related activities.

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

The types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Alaska include Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, your refugee or asylee visa, passport, photographs of you taken while you were in the refugee camp, evidence of being persecuted or having a fear of persecution, and records from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Yes, there are certain restrictions for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Alaska. The most notable restrictions are:

1. Refugees and asylees must wait at least one year from the date they received their Green Card to travel outside the United States.

2. Refugees and asylees must obtain a Refugee Travel Document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before departing the United States.

3. Refugees and asylees must be aware of visa requirements for the destination country they are traveling to. Depending on the country, they may need to obtain a visa before traveling.

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

Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Alaska can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Applicants must complete and submit the form along with supporting documents and the required fees. If approved, applicants will be scheduled for an interview and written test to assess their knowledge of English and U.S. history and civics. If they pass both tests, they will be scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony, where they will officially become U.S. citizens.

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

Yes. Family members of refugees and asylees may be able to obtain Green Cards through the same process in Alaska, depending on their relationship to the refugee or asylee. Generally, immediate family members can qualify for a Green Card, including spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Alaska may be eligible for a range of benefits including health care, employment services, education and language classes, housing assistance, food assistance, and legal services. These benefits are offered through a variety of government and community-based programs.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Alaska, applicants must provide proof of financial self-sufficiency. Generally, this means that applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members without becoming a public charge. This financial requirement usually means that applicants have an annual income at least 125% of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines for their household size or possess the financial resources to meet this income level, such as through cash savings or other assets. Refugees who are unable to meet these financial requirements may be eligible for assistance programs offered by the U.S. government.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes. According to the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, certain special considerations apply to unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Alaska. These include providing unaccompanied minors with access to legal representation during the asylum process, providing appropriate housing and support services for unaccompanied minors, and ensuring that special attention is paid to the individual needs of unaccompanied minors throughout the asylum process. Additionally, Federal regulations concerning the trafficking of unaccompanied minors must be followed.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Alaska may qualify for additional support through the Alaska Refugee Resettlement Program. This program provides access to resettlement services such as free case management, job assistance, health care, English classes, and cultural orientation. Refugees and asylees may also be eligible for cash and medical assistance, depending on their individual circumstances.

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

Yes. The Alaska Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) helps refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Alaska. The ORIA provides assistance with Green Card and Immigration applications, helps with the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, and offers resources to help refugees and asylees adjust to life in Alaska. ORIA also provides free legal services and resources to help refugees and asylees understand their rights and responsibilities in the United States.