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

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

1. The applicant must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted asylum status.
2. The applicant must have continuously resided in the United States for at least one year since being admitted as a refugee or being granted asylum.
3. The applicant must be physically present in the United States.
4. The applicant must be admissible as an immigrant to the United States according to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
5. The applicant must not have abandoned his or her refugee or asylee status.
6. The applicant must not be subject to any of the bars to adjustment of status listed in section 209 of the INA.

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

The Illinois Refugee and Immigrant Services Program (IRIS) is the state’s primary refugee and asylee resettlement program. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and works with local agencies and non-profit organizations to provide services to refugees and asylees. IRIS provides assistance to help refugees and asylees become economically self-sufficient, find employment, learn English, and become full participants in their communities. IRIS also works with local school districts, health care providers, employers, and social service agencies to ensure that refugees and asylees receive needed services.

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

Yes. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), refugees and asylees can qualify for a Green Card in Illinois if they meet certain requirements. Refugees must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee within the past two years, and asylees must have been granted asylum within the past two years. Refugees and asylees may also need to submit additional forms and evidence, such as proof of identity or residence, depending on their individual circumstances. Additionally, there are special considerations for certain groups of refugees and asylees, such as for victims of human trafficking and those from special protected classes.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Illinois, the individual would need to submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with other required documents to the USCIS Chicago Field Office. The individual must also pay the applicable filing fee. The USCIS Chicago Field Office will review the application and make a decision.

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

It generally takes around 8-14 months for an individual to receive a refugee or asylee green card in Illinois. The exact processing time may vary depending on the individual’s particular case and circumstances.

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

The processing fee for getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Illinois is $725. This fee includes the $85 biometric fee.

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

Yes. There is an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Illinois. This is a standard part of the application process for permanent residency. Applicants must be prepared to answer questions related to their application, as well as their background, in order to demonstrate admissibility into the United States.

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

Yes, there are certain eligibility restrictions for refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Illinois. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), migrants must meet the following qualifications:

1. Have been admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted asylum at least one year prior to submitting the application.
2. Meet all other eligibility requirements for lawful permanent residence (LPR).
3. Reside in the state of Illinois or have close family members living in the state.
4. Not be subject to any grounds of inadmissibility as defined by USCIS.
5. Demonstrate good moral character.
6. Receive approval from the USCIS after filing an I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the necessary documentation and fees.

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

In Illinois, refugees and asylees can receive language assistance when applying for a Green Card through the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). The National Customer Service Center (NCSC) offers limited, free interpretation services over the phone in more than 150 languages. Applicants can access these services by calling the toll-free number provided. In addition, USCIS has local offices in Illinois that have staff who can provide assistance in multiple languages. Applicants can also access multilingual online resources to help them fill out their Green Card application forms correctly.

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

In order to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Illinois, acceptable types of evidence include but are not limited to:

1. Proof of refugee or asylee status (Form I-94, Form I-688B, Form I-766, or other documentation).
2. Passport or travel documents.
3. Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
4. Copies of any court records or immigration appeals related to the applicant’s refugee or asylum claim.
5. Evidence of an approval letter from USCIS granting a refugee/asylee status.
6. Proof of residence in the United States for at least one year after being granted refugee/asylee status, such as rent receipts, utility bills, or other documents showing a continuous residence in the U.S.
7. Financial documents, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns to show proof of income and support.
8. Letters from employers, former employers, religious organizations, community organizations, and/or other individuals confirming the applicant’s good moral character and service to the community.
9. Any other evidence relevant to establishing eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Illinois will be subject to the same travel restrictions as other green card holders. This includes restrictions on travel to countries that are designated as “state sponsors of terrorism” by the U.S. government, and any other countries that have specific travel policies in place. Refugees and asylees will also be required to apply for a valid travel document (such as an Advanced Parole document) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling outside the United States.

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

Refugees and asylees who have been issued green cards in Illinois can adjust their status to become U.S. citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. To be eligible to adjust their status, they must have had a green card for at least five years (or three years if they are married to a U.S. citizen). They must also meet the other requirements for naturalization, including being of good moral character and having a basic knowledge of English and U.S. history and government. If they meet all the requirements, they can submit their application and attend an in-person interview with USCIS to begin the naturalization process.

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

Yes, many family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Illinois. The process for obtaining a Green Card is called Adjustment of Status (AOS) and is available to certain family members of refugees and asylees. This includes spouses, children, parents, and unmarried siblings. The process involves submitting the necessary paperwork, providing evidence that the family member qualifies for a Green Card, and attending an in-person interview.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Illinois are eligible to receive a variety of benefits and services from the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). These can include Medicaid, SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps), cash assistance, refugee resettlement services, English language classes and job training. In addition, refugees and asylees may be eligible for free legal services, financial aid for college or trade school, housing assistance, and other social services.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Illinois, the applicant must meet certain financial requirements. This includes both income and resources requirements. In order to qualify for benefits, the applicant must have an annual income that meets or exceeds 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and have resources that total no more than $2,000 for a single person or no more than $3,000 for a family of two. The applicant must also provide proof of payment of their immigration fees and any medical exam costs.

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

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

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Illinois are eligible to access public benefits and services. However, eligibility criteria and requirements may vary depending on the type of assistance.

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

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Illinois. Unaccompanied minors must meet specific criteria to qualify for consideration. Criteria such as age, country of origin, and other factors must be taken into account. Additionally, the unaccompanied minor must be under the care of a designated adult who will act as a guardian throughout the process. In addition, unaccompanied minors may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juveniles status, which is a form of asylum status that allows unaccompanied minors to apply for permanent residency.

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

Yes, there are additional supports available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Services provides a wide range of resources for refugees and asylees, including employment assistance, English language classes, health care coverage, refugee cash assistance, and access to other social services. The state also offers the Refugee Cash Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible refugees who meet income and other eligibility criteria. Additionally, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides resources for refugees and asylees in the state, including legal services, education access, and advocacy for immigrant rights.

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

Yes, there are resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Illinois. The Immigration Advocates Network provides resources for immigrants in Illinois, including information about how to apply for a Green Card and lists of legal services providers in the state. Additionally, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights provides resources on how to apply for a Green Card in Illinois, including legal clinics and information on eligibility.