1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut?
To apply for a refugee or asylee green card in Connecticut, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:• You must be physically present in the United States for at least one year.
• You must be a refugee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42) or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42).
• You must apply within two years of being granted refugee or asylee status, or if you were granted asylum more than two years prior to applying, you must demonstrate that the delay was to your advantage or beyond your control.
• You must not be inadmissible into the United States on certain grounds, as set forth in 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a).
2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the federal Refugee Resettlement Program is administered by the Connecticut Office for Refugee Resettlement (CTORR) and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). The program is designed to provide refugees and asylees with the necessary assistance to help them rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient in the U.S. The program provides refugees and asylees with access to resettlement services such as case management, employment services, language classes, health care, education, housing assistance, and access to community resources. USCRI also operates a Refugee Health Program to assist refugees with access to culturally competent health care services. In addition, the state of Connecticut also operates a state-funded Refugee Resettlement Program that provides financial assistance and other services to refugees and asylees.3. Are there any special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Connecticut?
Yes, there are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Connecticut. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), refugees and asylees are eligible for Green Card eligibility if they meet certain criteria. This includes having a refugee or asylum status, being physically present in the U.S. for at least one year after being granted such status, and not having committed any acts that would make them ineligible for a Green Card. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be able to apply for an adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident while in the United States if they meet certain eligibility requirements.4. How does one apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut?
To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut, you must first file Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. This form must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves Connecticut. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to complete other steps such as attending an interview or submitting additional documents. Once the I-730 is approved, you can then file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form can be filed with the same USCIS office that received the I-730. Once your application is approved, you will receive your permanent resident card (Green Card).5. How long does it take to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut?
The amount of time it takes to get a refugee or asylee green card in Connecticut will depend on the individual’s circumstances. Generally, the process of obtaining a green card can take up to a year or more, depending on the type of application and the individual’s background. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must review the individual’s application, conduct a background check, and verify that they are eligible for asylum or refugee status before they are able to receive a green card.6. What are the processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut?
The processing fees for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut are the same as the processing fees for all other applicants. These include a $85 biometrics fee, an $85 USCIS Immigrant Fee, and the filing fee for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The filing fee for Form I-485 ranges from $325–1,140 depending on the applicant’s age.7. Is there an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Connecticut?
Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Connecticut must participate in an interview process. In addition to the interview, applicants must provide several documents to support their eligibility for a Green Card and may also be required to submit to a medical examination.8. Are there any restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Connecticut?
Yes, refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Connecticut may be subject to certain restrictions. Refugees and asylees must meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered for a permanent resident card (Green Card). These criteria include being admissible to the United States and having a valid reason for seeking protection under U.S. refugee or asylum laws. Additionally, refugees and asylees must demonstrate that they would not be a public charge and meet certain health requirements. Asylees may also have to prove the existence of persecution in their home countries.9. What language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Connecticut?
There is language assistance available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Connecticut. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers interpreter services for non-English speaking applicants. The interpreters are required to be competent in both the language of the applicant and English. USCIS also offers a toll-free telephone interpreter service and an automated telephone interpretation service to help those who need language assistance for their immigration procedures. Additionally, there are organizations in Connecticut that provide free or low-cost immigration services, such as legal advice, language interpretation, and document preparation assistance to refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card.10. What types of evidence can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut?
Evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut includes official government documents (e.g., Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record) that show a refugee or asylee status, evidence of prior or current persecution or fear of persecution, evidence of past severe hardship, evidence of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, and evidence of a valid refugee travel document. Additionally, letters from family members or individuals familiar with the applicant’s situation and letters from organizations that work with refugees may serve as additional evidence to support eligibility.11. Are there any restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Connecticut?
Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Connecticut. Such individuals must get permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before leaving the country. They must also obtain a Re-entry Permit (Form I-327) from USCIS prior to leaving the United States. Individuals with a Green Card issued in Connecticut may only travel abroad for brief trips. Any trips longer than six months may result in the individual losing their right to re-enter the United States.12. How can refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Connecticut adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens?
Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Connecticut can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form can be obtained from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or from any USCIS office. To be eligible for naturalization, they must meet certain requirements, including being a permanent resident for at least 5 years, having continuous residence in the United States for at least 3 years, being physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years preceding the date of filing the application, being able to read, write, and speak basic English, having a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics), and demonstrating good moral character. Once approved, they must take an Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony to become a U.S. citizen.13. Can family members of refugees and asylees obtain Green Cards through the same process in Connecticut?
Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain green cards through the same process in Connecticut. The process involves submitting an I-485 application and gathering the necessary documentation. In addition, the family member must establish their relationship to the refugee or asylee and demonstrate that they are admissible to the United States.14. Are there any additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Connecticut?
Yes, there are additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Connecticut. These include free health care, food stamps, housing assistance, English as a second language classes, employment assistance, cash assistance, and other social services. Additionally, certain refugees and asylees may be eligible for Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.15. What are the financial requirements necessary to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut?
In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Connecticut, an individual must meet the following financial requirements:1. Have an income or resources of at least 125% of the Federal poverty guidelines.
2. Have a qualified sponsor, such as a relative or a community organization, who will agree to provide financial support.
3. Have resources and support available to cover the costs of medical care and other necessary living expenses.
4. Have a valid Social Security number.
5. Be able to demonstrate the ability to support him/herself financially and not become a public charge.