Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Arkansas

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Arkansas, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Have been physically present in the United States for at least one year;

2. Have been granted asylum or refugee status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security;

3. Are admissible to the United States;

4. Are not ineligible for any reason; and

5. Have not abandoned their asylum or refugee status.

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

In Arkansas, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) operates a Reception and Placement program for refugees and asylees. This program assists refugees and asylees with their resettlement needs by providing them with services such as orientation, placement assistance, housing referral, job finding, and assistance with accessing health care and other necessary services. USCRI also has an Aftercare program to help former refugees and asylees transition successfully into their new communities. The program provides mentoring, case management, vocational guidance, and assistance with achieving their educational goals.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Arkansas may be eligible for special immigration services, such as relief from certain legal bars, waivers of certain inadmissibility grounds, or assistance in obtaining employment authorization. Additionally, refugees and asylees may qualify for a fee waiver when filing certain forms, as well as assistance with translation services. For more information, please contact the Arkansas Refugee & Immigrant Services Program at (501) 682-5900.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Arkansas, an individual must first apply for refugee or asylum status through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must include evidence of a well-founded fear of persecution in the individual’s home country due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a certain social group, or political opinion. The USCIS will review the application and make a decision as to whether the individual qualifies for refugee or asylum status.

Once an individual is approved for refugee or asylum status, they must complete the Green Card application process, which includes completing Form I-485, paying the applicable filing fee, and attending an interview at the local USCIS office. If the individual is approved for a Green Card, they will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allowing them to work in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship.

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

The processing time for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Arkansas can vary depending on the individual case. Generally, the average processing time for a Green Card application is around 8-12 months from the time of application.

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

The processing fee for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Arkansas is $1,225. This includes a fee of $725 for the Form I-485 application, plus a biometric services fee of $500.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Arkansas must go through an interview process. The process includes a biometrics appointment and an interview with a USCIS officer. The biometrics appointment will involve having your fingerprints taken and a photograph taken. The interview will involve answering questions about your background and eligibility for a Green Card.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Arkansas may face certain restrictions. Refugees and asylees are subject to the same eligibility requirements as other lawful permanent residents in order to obtain a Green Card. This includes, among other things, being admissible into the United States, having a valid visa, obtaining an approved petition from USCIS, and paying any applicable filing fees. Additionally, they must pass security and background checks.

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

The Refugee and Asylee Program of Arkansas provides language assistance services to refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in the state. The program offers interpreters, who are able to interpret spoken language and provide written translations in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Vietnamese, Somali, Amharic, Russian, and Japanese. The interpreters are available to assist refugees and asylees in filing applications, attending interviews, obtaining necessary documentation, and any other interactions with federal Immigration Services.

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

Evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Arkansas includes:
– A copy of the applicant’s I-94 Arrival/Departure card or other proof of the applicant’s admission to the United States as a refugee or asylee
– A copy of the applicant’s permanent resident card (green card)
– A copy of the applicant’s passport
– A copy of the Order of Approval from USCIS that granted the applicant refugee or asylee status
– A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
– Any other document that shows the applicant’s identity, nationality, and history of persecution.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Arkansas. Individuals with a Green Card must obtain permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling outside the United States for any extended period of time. This includes travel to Canada, Mexico, or any other foreign country. It is important to note that individuals with a Green Card may be subject to additional travel restrictions in their country of origin.

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

Refugees and asylees may apply to become a U.S. citizen after they have held their Green Card for five years (or three years if they are married to a U.S. citizen). The process for adjusting their status to become a U.S. citizen includes submitting an Application for Naturalization, passing a civics and English test, and appearing for an in-person interview with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Arkansas. Refugees and asylees can apply for a Green Card through a process called “adjustment of status.” This process involves filing Form I-485 and supporting documents with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Immediate family members (spouses, children, and parents) of refugees and asylees are usually eligible for derivative status and can also apply for a Green Card through the same process.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Arkansas are eligible for additional benefits including cash assistance, Medicaid, food assistance, and employment assistance. Other benefits are available, including assistance with housing and additional medical care.

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

To obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Arkansas, you must meet the financial requirements established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This includes demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family, as well as having access to health insurance. Additionally, you must be able to pay an application fee and any other fees associated with the application process. The fee for the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is $1,140. It is also important to note that refugees and asylees are generally not eligible for most public benefits.

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

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

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Arkansas are eligible to access public benefits and services.

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

Yes, unaccompanied minors in Arkansas who are seeking refugee or asylee green cards may be able to receive special consideration. Some of the special considerations include assistance with finding suitable housing, counseling and support services, and legal representation. Additionally, unaccompanied minors may be eligible for certain waivers or fee exemptions. In order to determine eligibility for these special considerations, it is best to contact an experienced immigration lawyer who can help evaluate the individual’s case and determine the best course of action.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Arkansas may be eligible for additional support from state and local organizations. Organizations like Arkansas Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of Arkansas, and The Jones Center for Families offer assistance to refugees and asylees in the form of financial aid, job resources, language services, transportation assistance, medical and mental health support, and more. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Human Services provides access to benefits for those who meet eligibility criteria.

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

Yes. The Arkansas Department of Human Services provides assistance to refugees and asylees. Their Refugee Services program provides assistance to help refugees and asylees with adjustment to the United States and can assist with the process of applying for a Green Card. They can also provide information on other resources available to help refugees and asylees in Arkansas. Visit https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/refugee-services for more information.