Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Maine

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

To be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maine, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be a refugee, asylee, or lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States;
2. Must have been living in the US for at least one year;
3. Must meet all other requirements of the US immigration law;
4. Must demonstrate good moral character and have no criminal history; and
5. Must pass all applicable background checks.

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

In Maine, refugees and asylum seekers can access resettlement programs through Catholic Charities Maine. Catholic Charities Maine provides a wide range of services, including employment services, case management, medical and mental health support, housing and transportation assistance, and English language classes. In addition, the Maine Office for Refugees, a division of the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, provides refugee and asylee resettlement services. These services include financial assistance, case management and employment services.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees may be eligible for a Green Card in Maine. Refugees must have a valid refugee travel document issued in the United States, and must enter the United States within one year of being granted refugee status. Asylees must also have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year prior to filing for adjustment of status.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maine, you must first complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You will also need to submit supporting documents, such as proof of your refugee or asylee status, proof of identity, and proof of your admissibility to the United States. After USCIS has received and reviewed your application, they will schedule an interview with you at the USCIS office in Portland, Maine. At this interview, USCIS will review your application and determine if you are eligible to receive a green card.

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

It typically takes 6-9 months for a refugee or asylee to receive their green card in Maine.

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

In Maine, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees associated with a Refugee or Asylee Green Card application are $725. This fee includes the $640 I-485 filing fee and the $85 biometrics fee.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Maine must go through an interview process. The interview process includes a detailed review of the individual’s application for permanent resident status and a review of any documentation they have provided. As part of the interview, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers will ask questions about the applicant’s background and reasons for applying for permanent residence. Based on the answers provided during the interview, USCIS will decide whether or not to approve the application.

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

Yes, there are restrictions for refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Maine. Refugees and asylees are typically eligible to adjust to permanent resident status, or get a Green Card, one year after being admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. However, they may not be able to become permanent residents if they have been convicted of a crime or are considered to be a security risk. Refugees and asylees must also meet all the other requirements for adjustment of status, including being admissible to the U.S., being physically present in the U.S., having been inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S., and meeting certain other criteria.

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

In Maine, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. This includes information in different languages, interpreters at the local USCIS office, and telephone interpreter services. USCIS also offers a Language Line with over 200 languages available. For more information on language assistance in Maine, please visit the USCIS website.

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

Evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maine includes: proof of identity, such as a valid passport; a form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents or court orders; evidence of the refugee/asylee’s status in the United States; and evidence of the refugee/asylee’s relationship to a parent or spouse who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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

In accordance with the Refugee Act of 1980 and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952, refugees and asylees are eligible to apply for permanent residency in the United States. However, individuals with green cards issued in Maine may still be subject to restrictions on travel, depending on their particular situation. For example, some non-U.S. citizens may be required to obtain a valid travel document in order to depart the United States and then return. They may also be subject to additional security screenings upon re-entry. Additionally, any foreign travel made while having a pending green card application may complicate the adjudication process and delay permanent resident status. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney before making any foreign trips.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Maine can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by first filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Along with the application, they will need to submit documentation such as proof of identity and residence, copies of their travel and immigration documents, and evidence of good moral character. After completing the application process, they can then take the naturalization test and interview. Once approved, they will receive a certificate of naturalization and officially become U.S. Citizens.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees may obtain Green Cards through the same process as those in Maine. The process involves filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and providing evidence of the family relationship and other necessary documents.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Maine may be eligible for benefits such as cash assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, job training and placement, English language classes, and legal services.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maine, applicants must meet certain financial requirements. Applicants must demonstrate that they can be self-supporting and not depend on public benefits. In addition, applicants must have sufficient income to support themselves and any family members who are seeking to immigrate. This financial requirement is often referred to as “public charge” and is determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they have access to healthcare through private insurance, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act. Finally, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have a job or a steady source of income that will allow them to sustain themselves financially.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Maine are eligible to work in the U.S. As long as they have a valid Green Card and all other necessary documents, they have the same rights and privileges as other permanent residents to work in the U.S.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Maine are eligible to access public benefits and services.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors who are seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Maine are eligible to apply for special consideration, as provided by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). In particular, unaccompanied minors who are granted asylum or refugee status may be eligible for a special Refugee/Asylee Green Card which provides them with benefits such as access to public benefits, immediate eligibility to apply for a work permit, and exemption from certain public charge ground of inadmissibility. Additionally, unaccompanied minors who are granted asylum or refugee status may be eligible for special protection from deportation and a waiver of certain criminal convictions. For more information, individuals should contact their local ORR office in Maine.

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

Yes, there are a variety of additional supports available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards. These include programs and services offered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ORR provides refugees and asylees with cash and medical assistance, employment services, and other assistance. There are also a variety of community-based organizations in Maine that offer a variety of services to refugees and asylees, such as English language classes, job training, legal assistance, and other forms of support. Finally, many local churches and faith-based organizations offer additional services and support to refugees and asylees in Maine.

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

Yes. The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project is a non-profit agency based in Portland, Maine offering free legal assistance to Maine’s immigrants and refugees. They provide assistance with the green card application process and other immigration matters. Additionally, Catholic Charities Maine offers free immigration services to assist refugees and asylees with applications for permanent residence.