1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia?
To qualify for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia, a person must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Be physically present in the United States.
2. Have been granted asylum (or refugee status) by the United States government.
3. Have been continuously physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted asylum (or refugee status).
4. Have maintained lawful immigration status in the United States since being granted asylum (or refugee status).
5. Not be inadmissible to the United States on certain grounds.
6. Have good moral character.
7. Be able to demonstrate that they are not a threat to the security and welfare of the United States.
2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in Georgia?
In Georgia, refugees and asylees are served through the Refugee Resettlement Program, a joint federal-state program administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). The program works to provide support services to refugees and asylees settling in Georgia, including assistance with housing, employment, education, and health care. Additionally, the program offers specialized services to refugee youth, such as mentoring and after-school programs.
3. Are there any special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Georgia?
Yes, refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Georgia must meet certain requirements and provide additional documentation. Refugees must have been admitted to the United States as refugees within the past two years, and asylees must have been granted asylum status within the past one year. Applicants must also provide proof of identity, proof of refugee or asylee status, and evidence of continuous residence in the United States. Additionally, refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Georgia may be eligible for certain waivers of inadmissibility.
4. How does one apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia?
To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card, you must first apply for an adjustment of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To do this, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You must also provide the necessary supporting documentation and fees required by USCIS. In addition, you must attend an interview with a USCIS officer. After you have completed these steps, USCIS will make a determination on your application and you will receive your green card if approved.
5. How long does it take to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia?
The exact time frame for obtaining a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia will ultimately depend upon the individual’s application and the amount of time it takes for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process and approve the application. In most cases, however, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year before an asylee or refugee is able to obtain their green card.
6. What are the processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia?
Processing fees vary for different applicants and different applications. Generally, however, the total fee for most applications is $1,225. This includes a $85 biometric fee, a $930 application fee, and a $210 affidavit of support fee. Additional fees may be required for certain applications.
7. Is there an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Georgia?
Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Georgia must go through an interview process. The appointment notice will provide the time and place of the actual interview. The applicant must bring all documents required for the interview. The asylum officer will ask questions about the refugee or asylee’s background, including any persecution they faced in their home country. The applicant must establish that they are eligible for asylum or refugee status and are not inadmissible under U.S. immigration laws.
8. Are there any restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Georgia?
Yes, there are several restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking green cards in Georgia. Refugees are only eligible for a green card if they entered the U.S. as a refugee within the past two years, have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year since their entry, and have been living in Georgia for at least one year. Asylees may apply for green cards one year after being granted asylum status. Additionally, asylees must be physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of at least one year prior to applying for a green card.
9. What language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Georgia?
In Georgia, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. Specifically, USCIS offers free interpreting services in over 170 languages, as well as free translation services in the most common languages used by refugees and asylees. Additionally, USCIS provides educational materials in 12 languages.
10. What types of evidence can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia?
In order to qualify for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia, a person must be able to prove they meet the legal definition of a refugee or asylee. This means they must show evidence that they are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
In order to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia, the individual must provide evidence that supports their claim, such as:
– Documentation of past experiences of persecution
– Testimony from family members and other witnesses
– Official reports and country conditions reports
– Medical records of physical and psychological trauma suffered
– Official government documents from their home country
– Affidavits and letters of support from community organizations
– Supporting documents from the United Nations or other international agencies
– Any other documents that demonstrate an individual’s fear of persecution
11. Are there any restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Georgia?
Yes, refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Georgia are subject to the same travel restrictions as other green card holders. As such, they are able to travel to any country with a valid passport, provided they have the necessary visa or other travel documents required by the destination country. However, those traveling to certain countries may need authorization from the U.S. Department of State prior to departure. Additionally, those wishing to travel outside the United States for longer than one year must apply for a Reentry Permit with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before departing.
12. How can refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Georgia adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens?
To adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens, refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Georgia must first meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization. These requirements include being 18 years or older, having had a valid Green Card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if they are married to a US citizen), being able to read, write, and speak basic English, having good moral character, and having basic knowledge of the US history and government. They must then fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and submit it to the USCIS along with supporting documents such as proof of residence, evidence of good moral character, and other required materials. After submitting the application, refugees and asylees may be called in for an interview with an USCIS officer, who will ask questions about their application and assess their eligibility. They will then be asked to take an Oath of Allegiance before they are officially granted U.S. Citizenship.
13. Can family members of refugees and asylees obtain Green Cards through the same process in Georgia?
Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain green cards through the same process in Georgia. The process involves filing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for qualifying family members.
14. Are there any additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Georgia?
Yes, there are additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) administers programs like Refugee Cash Assistance, Refugee Medical Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provide assistance to refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Georgia. Additionally, refugees with green cards can apply for US citizenship after five years of residency.
15. What are the financial requirements necessary to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia?
In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Georgia, an applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents. This includes showing that they have access to basic living needs such as food, housing, and medical care. Applicants must also show that they have the necessary funds to pay back any benefits they may have received from government-funded programs such as Social Security. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of paying taxes and other financial obligations due to the government.
16. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Georgia eligible to work in the U.S.?
Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Georgia are eligible to work in the U.S.
17. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Georgia eligible to access public benefits and services?
Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Georgia are eligible to access public benefits and services.
18. Are there any special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Georgia?
Unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards may be eligible for special immigration provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Specifically, they may be eligible for special exceptions to the age-out bar, or be eligible for derivative status of their parent’s application. Furthermore, unaccompanied minors may also be eligible for an adjustment of status without needing to submit an application to USCIS by providing evidence of a well-founded fear of persecution. USCIS has also established a special program to expedite the processing of cases involving unaccompanied minors who are currently in removal proceedings. Finally, due to the vulnerabilities associated with being an unaccompanied minor, they may be eligible for humanitarian parole or deferred action.
19. Is there any additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Georgia?
Yes, there are additional support services available to refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Georgia. These services include legal assistance, health care, job placement, language classes, and education services. In addition, the state of Georgia also provides additional support to refugees and asylees through a Refugee Resettlement Program that is administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services. The program provides refugee and asylee families with case management services, financial assistance, employment services, and other forms of assistance.
20. Are there any resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Georgia?
Yes. There are several resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Georgia. The Georgia Office of Refugees & Asylees (GORA) is a great resource for individuals seeking assistance with applying for a Green Card. The GORA website (https://gorefugees.org/green-card/) provides information on the process and how to apply, as well as links to additional resources that may be useful. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) provides information on the application process, as well as links to organizations that can help refugees and asylees with the process. Finally, many nongovernmental organizations, such as World Relief Atlanta and the International Rescue Committee, provide services and assistance to refugees and asylees navigating the Green Card application process in Georgia.