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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Colorado, the individual must have either been granted asylum in the United States or have been admitted to the United States as a refugee. Both refugees and asylees must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year prior to applying for the Green Card. They must also be admissible to the United States as an immigrant, meaning they do not have any grounds of inadmissibility such as criminal activity or health-related issues. Finally, they must meet all other eligibility requirements to be a permanent resident.

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

In Colorado, refugee and asylee resettlement programs are provided through the U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement Program and the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Refugees and Asylees Program. The U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement Program funds Refugee and Asylee Resettlement Agencies in Colorado to provide a variety of support services to refugees, asylees, and their families, including employment assistance, housing referrals and financial assistance, mental health and medical services, English language instruction, cultural orientation, and case management. The Colorado Department of Human Services’ Refugees and Asylees Program provides cash assistance and other services to eligible refugees, asylees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and victims of human trafficking. It also works with local refugee resettlement agencies to provide social service coordination in the areas of employment, health care, education, housing, and other supportive services.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Colorado should be aware of the fact that they may require certain documents or proof to establish their status as a refugee or asylee in the United States. Additionally, they may need to provide evidence that they have been in the United States for at least one year after being granted refugee or asylee status. It is also important for refugees and asylees to be aware of the special form they must use to apply for a Green Card. Finally, refugees and asylees should be aware of any additional processes or qualifications that may be required in order to become a permanent resident in Colorado.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Colorado, individuals must submit an Application for Permanent Residence (Form I-485) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the application, individuals must provide evidence of their refugee or asylee status, documentation to support their identity, proof that they are eligible for permanent residence, and other required supporting documents. Additionally, individuals must pay all applicable filing fees and biometrics fees. After submitting the application and fees, USCIS will review the information and contact the individual if additional evidence is needed or if an interview is required.

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

The amount of time it takes to get a refugee or asylee green card in Colorado will vary depending on the individual’s situation and whether or not the application is approved. Generally, it can take up to 6 months for the entire process to be completed.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Colorado depend on the applicant’s individual situation. Generally, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,225. There are additional fees for biometrics, Form I-765, and Form I-131 if applicable. It is also important to note that certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver.

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

Yes. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Colorado. The purpose of the interview is to review the application for permanent residency, verify identity and background information, and verify that the applicant is eligible for permanent residency.

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

Yes. In general, refugees and asylees must meet the same eligibility requirements as any other immigrant seeking permanent resident status in Colorado. Additionally, all immigrants must show that they are admissible to the U.S. by passing a background check and health screening. Asylees and refugees must also demonstrate that they are not a threat to U.S. security or public safety and that they have not committed any serious crimes or otherwise pose a danger to the community.

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

In Colorado, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other organizations may provide language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. USCIS offers free language assistance services that include interpretation and translation services to individuals who are not proficient in English. The agency also offers a Language Access Plan that provides language assistance to applicants and petitioners who need help understanding instructions, forms, and notices related to immigration benefits, rights, and obligations. Other organizations in Colorado may offer language services for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. These organizations include the Colorado Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Services (CORIS), Catholic Charities, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

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

In Colorado, evidence that can be used to establish eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card includes but is not limited to:

• Refugee Travel Document
• Form I-94
• Original or certified copy of government-issued ID (e.g. passport, driver’s license, etc.)
• Form I-589, Application for Asylum
• Documentation of any past or current persecution faced in the home country
• Employment authorization documents
• Medical examination records
• Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
• Documentation of deportation proceedings or orders
• Affidavits from witnesses or other individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s refugee status

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

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Colorado. Refugees and asylees are prohibited from traveling to the countries from which they originally fled without receiving explicit permission from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before hand. Additionally, refugees and asylees with a Green Card from Colorado are not permitted to travel to any country that the U.S. has deemed as a “state sponsor of terrorism” without prior permission from USCIS. Furthermore, refugees and asylees must receive permission from USCIS before they can travel to any country for more than 30 days. Lastly, refugees and asylees must present their Green Card and proof of refugee or asylee status upon returning to the United States after any international travel.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Colorado can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form can be found on the USCIS website. In addition to filing Form N-400, applicants must also meet other requirements for eligibility such as having a Green Card for at least five years, possessing “good moral character”, and being able to speak, read, and write basic English. Once the application has been submitted, the applicant will be required to participate in an interview and take an English and civics test before they can be approved for U.S. Citizenship.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Colorado. Refugees and asylees can petition for certain family members to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States. Family members of refugees and asylees may be eligible to adjust status to LPRs if they are in the United States and meet certain other requirements.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Colorado may be eligible for additional benefits, such as health care coverage, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, and services to help them learn English and adjust to their new life in the United States.

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

In order to qualify for a refugee or asylee green card in Colorado, the applicant must meet certain financial requirements. These include having sufficient income to support themselves, having access to affordable health insurance, and providing evidence of sufficient resources to cover the costs associated with obtaining permanent residency (such as filing fees, attorney fees, exam fees, etc.). The applicant may also be required to provide proof of resources that are not counted as income for tax purposes, such as savings or other assets.

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

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

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Colorado are eligible to access public benefits and services, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, food stamps, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). They are also eligible for state-funded services, such as low-cost health care through the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) and cash assistance through the Colorado Works program.

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

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Colorado. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, unaccompanied minors who have been granted refugee or asylee status are exempt from certain requirements, including the two-year certification period and the two-year bar on eligibility for permanent resident status. Additionally, these minors are not required to be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. However, they must still meet all other eligibility requirements for Refugee/Asylee Green Card status.

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

Yes, there is additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Colorado. The state of Colorado offers a variety of resources to help refugees and asylees find work, learn English, and receive medical assistance. Additionally, many non-profit organizations provide additional services such as housing assistance, job search assistance, cultural orientation, legal aid, and other support services.

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

Yes, there are resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Human Services Refugee Services Program provides assistance with the application process, including help with completion of the necessary forms, providing supporting documents, and filing the application. Additionally, the Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services in Colorado provide educational and legal assistance to refugees and asylees who wish to apply for a Green Card.