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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Mexico, an individual must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Must be present in the United States.
2. Must have been lawfully admitted to the United States as a refugee, asylee, or another immigrant status that allows them to apply for a green card.
3. Must be admissible to the United States.
4. Must not be subject to any bars to adjustment of status based on criminal or security grounds.
5. Must have an approved petition from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
6. Must be able to demonstrate that they are not likely to become a public charge in the United States.
7. Must have all necessary supporting documentation, such as proof of identity, birth certificates, and other documentation as required by the application.

2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in New Mexico?

There are a variety of resettlement programs for refugees and asylees in New Mexico. These include the Refugee Resettlement Program, which helps refugees obtain permanent residency, as well as the Asylee Resettlement Program, which helps asylees obtain permanent residence. Other programs include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which provides financial assistance and social services to refugees; the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Alternatives to Detention Program, which provides comprehensive case management services to asylees; the U.S. Department of State’s Refugee Processing Center, which connects refugees with resettlement opportunities; and the International Rescue Committee’s local New Mexico office, which provides direct resettlement services and assistance.

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

Yes. Special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in New Mexico include the following:

– Waivers of inadmissibility may be available under certain circumstances,
– Refugees and asylees may be eligible for expedited processing,
– There are unique opportunities for refugees and asylees to become U.S. citizens through naturalization,
– Refugee and asylee applicants may be eligible for reduced filing fees, and
– Assistance is available from legal service providers, community organizations, and other resources to help navigate the process.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Mexico, an individual must first meet the eligibility requirements. Then, they must complete an Application for Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) as well as a Biographic Information Form (Form G-325A). They must also provide proof of their refugee or asylee status, along with supporting documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport photographs. Finally, the applicant must submit their application package to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the filing fee.

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

The processing time for obtaining a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Mexico typically takes about six months. However, the exact timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances and the availability of USCIS resources.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Mexico may vary depending on the individual case. Generally, the fees for an I-485 Adjustment of Status application are $1,225 USD, plus an additional biometrics fee of $85 USD. The applicable filing fee for Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, is $335 USD.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in New Mexico must pass an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicator. The purpose of the interview is to confirm eligibility and ensure that all required documentation has been submitted. The interview will also cover questions about the applicant’s background, as well as their intentions for living in the United States.

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

Yes, there are certain restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in New Mexico. Refugees and asylees may not be granted a Green Card if they have been convicted of certain crimes or if they pose a threat to the safety and security of the United States. In addition, if the refugee or asylee has received certain forms of public assistance, there may be additional restrictions.

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

There are a variety of language assistance services available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in New Mexico. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides free Interpretation Services to assist LEP individuals in their interactions with USCIS staff. The USCIS Refugee and Asylee Support (RAYS) team is also available to provide language assistance to refugees and asylees who are seeking a green card. In addition, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) provides free immigration legal services in Spanish and other languages, including interpretation services.

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

In New Mexico, evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card includes:

1. Proof of refugee or asylee status (such as an I-94 or I-589 form)
2. Proof of the applicant’s identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license)
3. Proof of residence in New Mexico (such as utility bills or bank statements)
4. Evidence of continuous physical presence in the US for at least one year (such as tax returns, pay stubs, and credit card statements)
5. Evidence of good moral character (such as affidavits from family members and friends, letters of recommendation, and police records)
6. Evidence of employment and self-sufficiency (such as pay stubs and bank statements)
7. Evidence of social and community involvement (such as membership in religious organizations and volunteer activities)

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

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in New Mexico. Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in New Mexico may be subject to additional restrictions on travel outside the United States, depending on their country of origin or country of current residence. Additionally, individuals who are granted asylum in the United States may be subject to additional restrictions on travel abroad as determined by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in New Mexico can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the application, they must submit supporting documents that demonstrate that they meet the requirements to Naturalize, including evidence of their lawful admission for permanent residence. In addition, they must pass a naturalization interview and test demonstrating their knowledge of English and U.S. history and civics. Once they have met all of the requirements, they can attend a swearing-in ceremony and receive their Certificate of Naturalization.

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

Yes. Family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in New Mexico. To be eligible, they must be either the spouse or an unmarried child (under 21 years old) of a refugee or asylee. They must also meet all other eligibility requirements for a Green Card and submit the necessary paperwork.

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

Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New Mexico may be eligible for additional benefits such as Medicaid, food assistance, rental assistance, language assistance, job training, and legal services. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New Mexico may also qualify for waivers on certain state taxes.

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

In order to qualify for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Mexico, applicants must meet the following financial requirements:

1. Demonstrate access to sufficient resources to support yourself and any dependents.

2. Possess valid proof of employment in the United States.

3. Provide evidence of financial stability, such as a bank statement or tax returns.

4. Show that you have a valid Social Security number (SSN).

5. Demonstrate that you have not received public benefits in the last 5 years.

6. Prove that you have paid any outstanding taxes.

7. Submit a valid passport or other proof of identity and nationality.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New Mexico (and any other U.S. state) are eligible to work in the U.S.

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

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

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

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in New Mexico. Unaccompanied minors are granted a deferred action status and are not subject to removal proceedings while their applications are pending. UACs may also apply for a waiver of the bar to adjustment of status based on their age and/or hardship if they have been in the U.S. for more than 5 years, have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 7 years, and can demonstrate extreme hardship to themselves or a qualifying relative.

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

Yes, there are additional support services available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New Mexico. The New Mexico Refugee Resettlement Program (NM RRP) provides a variety of services to refugees and asylees including case management, employment services, English language classes, educational support, housing assistance, medical assistance, and many other services. Additionally, the New Mexico Department of Health provides the Refugee Medical Assistance program which helps refugees and asylees receive healthcare services including medical insurance and primary care. In addition, organizations like the Immigration Council of New Mexico (ICNM) provide legal assistance and resources for immigrants.

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

Yes, there are resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in New Mexico. The Catholic Charities of New Mexico is one organization that provides services to refugees and asylees in the state. They offer legal services such as immigration assistance, citizenship assistance, and Green Card application assistance to help refugees and asylees adjust to life in the U.S.

Additionally, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center provides free legal services to immigrants in the state with their immigration issues, including assistance with applying for a Green Card. They have several offices located throughout the state and provide their services to anyone regardless of their immigration status.