Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Minnesota

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Minnesota, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

– You must have been granted either refugee or asylum status in the United States.

– You must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after having been granted your refugee or asylee status.

– You must have been continuously present in the United States since being granted your refugee or asylee status.

– You must pass a background check and a medical exam.

– You must prove that you are not inadmissible to the United States on security, criminal, or other grounds.

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

In Minnesota, refugees and asylees can access a variety of resettlement programs through organizations like Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) and International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN). The services provided by these organizations include legal assistance, case management, language and cultural orientation classes, job placement and job skills training, housing assistance, medical assistance, education services, and mental health services. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies provide funding to support refugee and asylee resettlement programs in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Human Services also administers a Refugee Assistance Program that provides additional funding and support services to refugees and asylees throughout the state.

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

Yes, there are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Minnesota. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes refugees and asylees as a special class of immigrants. As such, they may be eligible for expedited processing of their Green Card application. Additionally, USCIS may waive certain application fees that are typically required for Green Card applications. Additional information is available on the USCIS website. Additionally, certain organizations in Minnesota may provide assistance to refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card, such as Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis or the International Institute of Minnesota.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Minnesota, applicants must first file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must submit all required documents and fees along with the application. Additionally, applicants must attend an interview with USCIS. A decision on the application will be provided after the interview has been completed.

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

The process to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Minnesota typically takes between 6-8 months.

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

The fee for filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is $1,140. This fee must be paid at the time of filing. There is no additional fee for refugee or asylee applicants.

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

Yes. Asylees and refugees in Minnesota must go through an interview process to apply for a Green Card. During the interview, applicants must provide documents and answer questions related to their identity, family, and background.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Minnesota must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having been admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum status at least one year prior to applying for permanent resident status, being physically present in the United States for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum status, and having maintained continuous residence in the United States since being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum status. Additionally, refugees and asylees must meet applicable criminal and security-related requirements and have not abandoned their U.S. residency.

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

Many refugee and asylee applicants in Minnesota receive language assistance when applying for a Green Card. Services are available through the Minnesota Refugee Resettlement Program, which provides case management services to refugees and asylees. This includes providing language assistance with completing applications, preparation for interviews, and navigating the immigration system. Other resources for language assistance include local libraries, churches, and community centers.

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

In order to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Minnesota, the following types of evidence may be used:

1. A copy of a valid Refugee Travel Document or Form I-94;

2. An original or certified copy of the approval notice showing that the applicant was granted refugee or asylee status;

3. Copies of documents that prove identity and nationality;

4. Evidence of any name changes since being admitted as a refugee or asylee, such as marriage certificates;

5. Evidence of continuous physical presence in the United States for at least one year since being admitted as a refugee or asylee;

6. Two passport-style photographs taken within the last 30 days; and

7. Evidence of good moral character, such as police records, letters from employers, schools, etc.

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

Yes, there are some restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Minnesota. Refugees and asylees may travel within the United States without restriction, but must obtain authorization from the Department of Homeland Security before traveling outside the United States. Additionally, refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Minnesota must also obtain a Refugee Travel Document if they wish to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Minnesota can adjust their status to become U.S. citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To be eligible for naturalization, the applicant must meet the following requirements: be at least 18 years old, have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years, have lived in the state or USCIS district where they are filing for at least 3 months, be able to read, write and speak English, have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government, and be a person of good moral character.

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

No, family members of refugees and asylees must go through a different process to obtain green cards in Minnesota. The specific process that they must follow will depend upon the relationship to the refugee or asylee. For example, a spouse or unmarried minor child of a refugee may be eligible to file Form I-730 to obtain a green card, while other family members may need to file additional forms or be sponsored by the refugee or asylee.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees who have been granted green cards in Minnesota may be eligible for additional benefits from the State of Minnesota, including access to health care and food assistance, housing assistance, job placement services, English language classes, and more.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Minnesota, applicants must meet certain financial requirements. Generally, individuals must demonstrate that they have enough income and resources to support themselves and their family. This includes income from employment, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), pensions, annuities, investments, and other sources. Applicants may also need to provide proof of health insurance coverage. Additionally, they may be required to pay certain administrative fees.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Minnesota. Unaccompanied minors may be eligible for asylum on their own behalf or may be approved for derivative asylum status based on a parent’s asylum application. In addition, unaccompanied minors may qualify for special immigrant juvenile status, which provides a path to a green card for certain children who are victims of abuse, abandonment or neglect.

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

Yes, there is additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Minnesota. Refugees and asylees may be eligible for various kinds of assistance through the state of Minnesota, such as food support, cash assistance, medical assistance, and employment services. The Minnesota Department of Human Services website provides more information about these services. Additionally, organizations like the International Institute of Minnesota and the Center for Victims of Torture provide direct assistance to refugees and asylees in the form of legal advice, language training, and other resources.

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

Yes, there are a number of organizations and resources that provide assistance to refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Minnesota. The International Institute of Minnesota provides free legal services to immigrants and refugees, including help with obtaining a Green Card. The Minnesota Council of Churches provides resources and information for refugee resettlement and immigration services, including assistance with Green Card applications. The Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis provide free immigration services to low-income immigrants, including Green Card application assistance. Additionally, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota provides legal services for immigrants in Minnesota, including help with applying for a Green Card.