Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Florida

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

To be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Florida, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

– Must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year as a refugee or asylum seeker
– Must be admissible to the United States (this includes not having any criminal history or health issues that would make them ineligible for entry)
– Must have a sponsor or be self-petitioning
– Must not have any other legal status in the United States (such as a student visa, tourist visa, etc.)
– Must demonstrate that they have been persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion in their country of origin and are unable to return there safely
– Must have the financial resources to support themselves and dependents

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

In Florida, the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) administers several refugee resettlement programs, including the Refugee Resettlement Program, the Cuban/Haitian Entrants Program, and the Special Immigrant Visa Program. In addition to these programs, there are also several asylee resettlement programs administered by USCRI in Florida. These include the Asylum Program, the Cuban/Haitian Entrants Program, and the Special Immigrant Visa Program.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Florida may be eligible to apply for a special form of adjustment of status known as “Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition” which allows certain family members of refugees or asylees to obtain lawful permanent residency. The regulations for this type of adjustment of status are found in 8 CFR 208.24. Additionally, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has developed a Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition Package specifically designed for individuals applying in Florida. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to complete the forms and documents needed for the application.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Florida, you must first be eligible to apply. Eligibility requirements include: being physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted refugee or asylum status, having a valid Form I-94 travel document, and not having been convicted of a crime that would make you ineligible for a Green Card.

Once you have determined that you are eligible to apply, you must complete and submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form can be found on the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must also include additional documents such as evidence of your identity and refugee/asylee status, two passport-style photographs, and supporting evidence to demonstrate that you meet all eligibility requirements.

You may also need to attend an interview with a USCIS officer in order to complete the application process. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation from USCIS that your application has been received and is being processed. If it is approved, you will be issued a Refugee or Asylee Green Card.

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

The processing time for a refugee or asylee green card in Florida is typically 6 to 9 months. However, processing times may vary depending on the individual circumstances and caseload.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Florida vary according to the type of application being made. The fees for a Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is $1,225 for all applicants and $85 for biometrics services. Applicants for a Refugee Travel Document will need to pay a fee of $135. For Employment Authorization Documents, the fee is $490. Finally, fees for a Replacement Green Card cost $455.

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

Yes, there is an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Florida. Applicants will need to file Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. They will then be scheduled for an in-person interview at an asylum office near their place of residence. During the interview, USCIS officers will review the applicant’s eligibility for a Green Card. Applicants will also need to provide evidence of their identity and background.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Florida must meet all the same requirements as any other foreign national seeking a Green Card in the U.S. In addition, refugees and asylees must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a valid refugee or asylee status or a pending application for adjustment of status to permanent resident.
2. Not be subject to any grounds of inadmissibility, unless eligible for a waiver.
3. Have an income that is at least 125% of the federal poverty level.
4. Not have engaged in certain criminal activities or terrorist activities that would make them ineligible for adjusting status under immigration law.

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

The Florida Department of Children and Families provides language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in the form of interpreters. Interpreters are available in a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Somali.

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

Types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Florida include:

• Form I-94 with a stamp that shows admission as a refugee or asylee
• Documentation from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State (DOS) confirming your refugee or asylee status
• Evidence of continuous physical presence in the U.S. for at least one year since being admitted as a refugee or asylee
• A valid passport
• Documentation of any name changes since arriving in the U.S.
• Evidence of good moral character, such as letters of recommendation from employers, community members, and others
• Evidence of employment and any other activities in the U.S.
• Evidence of financial support and resources
• Medical records, if applicable
• Police records, if applicable

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

Yes, there are certain restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Florida. These restrictions include:

-A refugee or asylee may not travel to any country other than the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

-Refugees and asylees must obtain a re-entry permit from USCIS before traveling outside of the United States for more than one year.

-Refugees and asylees must remain in the U.S. for a period of at least one year before they may apply for permanent residence (a green card).

-A refugee or asylee must also obtain permission from USCIS before traveling outside the U.S. if they have been in the country for less than one year.

-It is also recommended that a refugee or asylee carries evidence of their refugee or asylee status when traveling outside of the U.S. (such as an I-94 form).

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

Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Florida can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form must be accompanied by supporting documents such as proof of residence, proof of immigration status, two passport-style photographs and proof of identity. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer. After passing the interview, the applicant will be required to take an English and civics test before being granted U.S. Citizenship.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Florida. When a refugee or asylee applies for lawful permanent residence, they can include their family members in the application.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Florida may be eligible for certain state benefits. These may include programs like the Refugee Cash Assistance Program, which provides funds to eligible individuals for up to eight months after entry; the Refugee Medical Assistance Program, which provides medical coverage to eligible refugees for up to eight months after entry; and the Refugee Social Services Program, which helps refugees access services and resources that can assist with their transition to life in Florida. Additionally, some refugees may qualify for various federal benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Florida, the applicant must have an annual income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level for their household size. Additionally, if the applicant is not sponsored by a family member, or does not have access to adequate employment-based health insurance, they must also demonstrate that they have sufficient assets to meet their needs and those of any dependents for at least one year.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Florida are eligible to work in the U.S. according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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

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

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

Yes, there are certain special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Florida. Unaccompanied minors may be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card if they meet certain criteria, such as being under the age of 21 and living in the United States for at least one year. Additionally, they may be able to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) if they have a pending state court order granting certain forms of custody. They may also be able to apply for an I-360 visa or a hardship waiver of the standard green card requirements.

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

Yes, there are additional supports available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Florida. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) offers a range of services and benefits to help eligible refugees meet their basic needs, such as food assistance, Medicaid, and cash assistance. In addition, the Florida Refugee Services Program provides case management services for refugees and asylees in order to help them become self-sufficient. Furthermore, the Florida Immigrant Coalition provides legal aid and advocacy for immigrants and refugees in the state.

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

Yes, there are many resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Florida. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides information about the steps to apply for a Green Card, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides free legal services to refugees and asylees. Additionally, there are many organizations in Florida that provide assistance and guidance, including Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services Florida, and the Florida Immigrant Coalition.