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

To be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Louisiana, you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. You must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after your admission as a refugee or grant of asylum status;

2. You must have been lawfully admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted asylum;

3. You must have a valid I-94 form;

4. You must be admissible to the United States as an immigrant, meaning that you do not have any criminal history, do not pose a threat to national security, and have not violated immigration laws; and

5. You must not be subject to any of the grounds of inadmissibility listed under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

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

In Louisiana, refugees and asylees are assisted in resettlement through the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and their Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP). The ORR RRP provides refugees with a variety of services, including assistance in finding employment, accessing healthcare, enrolling in educational programs, and learning English. In addition, the Louisiana Refugee Resettlement Program (LRRP) provides assistance to refugees and asylees resettling in the state of Louisiana. The LRRP works with local resettlement agencies to provide a range of services, from housing assistance to employment counseling and English language instruction.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Louisiana may be eligible for certain benefits and protections. Refugees may be eligible for medical assistance, English classes, job training, counseling, and other services through the Refugee Resettlement Program. Asylees may be eligible for some of the same services as refugees through the Asylee Assistance Program. It is important to note that all applicants for a Green Card must still meet the eligibility criteria established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

If you are in Louisiana and would like to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card, the first step is to contact the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office. USCIS has several offices located throughout the state of Louisiana, including offices in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria, and Shreveport. Once you have contacted the office and scheduled an appointment, you will need to bring the required documents with you, such as proof of identity and proof of refugee or asylee status. Once you have submitted all of the necessary documents to USCIS, they will review your application and decide whether or not to approve the request for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card.

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

The time frame in which a person can obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Louisiana depends on the specific case. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to several years for a Refugee or Asylee to receive their Green Card.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Louisiana are as follows:

1. Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: $1,130

2. Biometric Services Fee: $85

3. Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee (if applicable): $500

4. Total Fees: $1,715

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Louisiana are required to go through an interview process. The exact process will vary depending on the individual’s situation, but generally it will involve a USCIS officer conducting an in-person interview with the applicant to determine if they are eligible for permanent resident status. During the interview, the officer will review any evidence presented by the applicant and ask questions about their background and personal circumstances.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Louisiana. Refugees and asylees are subject to the same eligibility criteria as other immigrant applicants, including background checks. To be eligible for a Green Card, refugees must have been granted refugee status more than one year prior to applying, or must have been in the United States in a valid nonimmigrant status for more than one year. Asylees must have been granted asylum more than one year prior to applying and must have continuously resided in the United States for more than one year since being granted asylum.

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

Refugees and asylees in Louisiana may be eligible for language assistance when applying for a Green Card. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides translation services in many languages as well as assistance to those who need help understanding the application process or completing paperwork. Additionally, some local agencies may offer services such as interpretation in other languages.

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

In Louisiana, potential evidence for proving eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card includes personal documents such as:
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Medical records
• Financial records
• Education records
• Travel documents
• Police records
• Employment records
• Immigration documents (I-94, I-589, I-765, I-797, etc.)
• Evidence of political activity or persecution in the home country.

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

Yes, there are some restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Louisiana. Before traveling outside of the US, refugees and asylees must first obtain a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) from the USCIS. In addition, those with a Green Card issued in Louisiana may be subject to the conditions of certain travel bans or restrictions imposed by the federal government. For more information, please visit the US Customs and Border Protection website.

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

In order to adjust their status to become a U.S. Citizen, refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Louisiana must meet the eligibility requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for U.S. citizenship: be 18 years of age or older; have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder in Louisiana) for at least five years; have not been absent from the U.S. for more than one year at a time; have good moral character; and demonstrate an understanding of English and U.S. civics (including U.S. history). Additionally, applicants must submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and attend an in-person interview with USCIS. Once all eligibility requirements have been met, applicants may receive their Certificate of Naturalization, which grants them full citizenship in the United States.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Louisiana. The process involves filing an I-730 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must include proof of the family relationship between the refugee/asylee and the family member, as well as other documents proving eligibility. Once approved, the family member will receive a Green Card.

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

Yes, there are additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Louisiana. These benefits include access to public health and welfare programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible for job training, education grants, and other social services.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Louisiana, applicants must demonstrate that they have the financial resources to provide for themselves and any dependents. Applicants must also show that they are not likely to become a public charge, meaning that they will not rely on public welfare programs for their primary source of income. Applicants must show proof of employment or other sources of income, such as spouse’s income, support from family members, or evidence that they have access to enough funds to support themselves. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of health insurance coverage.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Louisiana are eligible to work in the U.S. As long as they have a valid Green Card and meet all other requirements for working in the U.S., they may legally seek employment.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Louisiana are eligible to access public benefits and services, such as health care, education, employment services, public assistance, and more.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Louisiana must meet certain requirements, such as being under 21 years of age and unmarried, as well as proving that they have been subjected to persecution or fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they meet the definition of a refugee or asylee as defined by U.S. immigration law. Depending on their particular circumstances, unaccompanied minors may also be eligible to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) or U Nonimmigrant Status (U visas).

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

Yes, there are additional resources available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Louisiana. The Louisiana Office of Refugee and Immigration Services (LORIS) provides resettlement assistance to refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking who have obtained Green Cards in Louisiana. Other services offered include employment assistance, case management, and referrals to community resources. Additionally, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides assistance for refugees in Louisiana, including health services and employment assistance.

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

Yes, there are several resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Louisiana. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers free informational materials and services to help refugees and asylees with the Green Card application process. Additionally, Catholic Charities Archdioces of New Orleans Refugee and Immigration Services provides free naturalization application assistance to legal permanent residents who are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. The Louisiana Immigrant Families Support Network provides free immigration legal services, including help with applying for a Green Card, for refugees and asylees in Louisiana. The Refugee Center Online also offers free services to refugees and asylees in Louisiana, including assistance with the Green Card application process.