Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Oklahoma

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

In order to be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oklahoma, the individual must meet certain requirements. Specifically, they must have been admitted into the United States as a refugee, granted asylum status, or paroled into the US as a refugee within the past one year. Additionally, they must have been physically present in the US for at least one year after their admission as a refugee or grant of asylum. They must also demonstrate good moral character, and not be subject to any of the bars to adjustment of status. Finally, they must demonstrate that they are not inadmissible to the US on security or other grounds.

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

There are a number of refugee and asylee resettlement programs in Oklahoma, including:

• Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Refugee Resettlement Program: This program provides assistance to refugees and asylees who have recently arrived in Oklahoma. Services include case management, employment assistance, cultural orientation, English language classes, and more.

• International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC has an office in Tulsa that provides services to refugees and asylees, including resettlement assistance, case management, employment services, mental health support, and more.

• World Relief Tulsa: World Relief Tulsa is a faith-based organization that provides services to refugees and asylees including case management, employment assistance, cultural orientation, and more.

• Refugee Services of Texas: RST provides resettlement services to refugees and asylees in Oklahoma through its office in Oklahoma City. Services include case management, employment assistance, cultural orientation, English language classes, and more.

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

Yes, there are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Oklahoma. Refugees who have been granted asylum in the United States are eligible to apply for a Green Card after one year of residence in the United States. Asylees must also submit Form I-485, Adjustment of Status, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition, refugees and asylees may be eligible for a fee waiver of the filing fee associated with their application if they have limited financial resources.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oklahoma, an individual must first be granted refugee status or asylum in the United States. An individual can then file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Furthermore, applicants may need to provide evidence of their refugee or asylum status – such as Form I-94 or other documents proving their status – as part of the application process. After submitting the form, applicants will receive a receipt from USCIS and will be required to attend an interview at the local USCIS office in Oklahoma. After completion of the interview, applicants can receive their Green Card.

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

It typically takes about 6 to 8 months to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oklahoma. It is important to note that the processing times may vary depending on the current processing times of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

The processing fee for obtaining a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oklahoma is $725. This fee includes the cost of the required biometric services (i.e. fingerprinting) and the cost of USCIS application-processing. Additional fees may also apply, depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant.

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

Yes, asylees and refugees applying for a green card in Oklahoma must go through an interview process. This interview is conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and usually takes place at a local USCIS field office. During the interview, the applicant will answer questions about their personal biography, their record of entering the U.S., and other necessary information.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees are subject to the same immigration laws and restrictions as all other immigrants. In Oklahoma, refugees and asylees must still submit a petition for permanent residence (Form I-485), pay the appropriate fees, and provide evidence of financial support. Refugees and asylees must also meet certain eligibility criteria such as having an approved Form I-730 or I-589, providing proof of entry to the U.S., and passing criminal and security background checks. In addition, there are certain national security restrictions for individuals from certain countries that can impact their ability to obtain a Green Card.

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

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides free language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Oklahoma. This includes translated application forms, written instructions, and telephone interpreter services in several languages. For more information about available languages, visit the USCIS website or contact your local USCIS office.

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

Evidence that may be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oklahoma includes:

1. A valid passport or other national identity document from the country of origin
2. Copies of any documents issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of Homeland Security indicating grant of asylum or refugee status
3. Proof of travel to the United States, such as an airline ticket or other travel documents
4. Detailed record of employment in the home country and the United States, if applicable
5. Evidence of family relationships, such as birth certificates or other official documents
6. Proof of educational credentials and/or experience in the home country
7. Character references from people familiar with an applicant’s circumstances in the home country
8. Medical records, if applicable
9. Copies of any court documents, if applicable
10. Evidence of good moral character, such as a criminal background check and letters of reference from community members

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

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Oklahoma. A refugee or asylee with a Green Card issued in Oklahoma must obtain a Refugee Travel Document before attempting to re-enter the U.S. after having traveled outside the U.S. for more than one year. Refugees or asylees must also have valid documentation with their Green Card, such as a valid passport or other identity document. They are also subject to the same customs regulations and immigration law enforcement as all other non-citizens entering the U.S.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Oklahoma can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This application must be filed with the appropriate USCIS office. To be eligible for naturalization, refugees and asylees must have held their green card for a minimum of five years and must meet other requirements, including being able to demonstrate good moral character, being able to speak, read and write English proficiently, having an understanding of the U.S. history and government, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States of America.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Oklahoma. This process is known as “adjustment of status” and allows family members to be sponsored by the primary refugee or asylee. The family member must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a valid immigration status and being the spouse, parent, or child of the primary refugee or asylee.

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

Refugees and asylees in Oklahoma may be eligible for assistance such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, housing assistance, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job training and placement assistance, and access to other social services.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oklahoma, applicants must demonstrate that they are able to financially support themselves. This means that they must show proof of employment, or be sponsored by a family member or organization that can provide financial support. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they are able to pay any associated application fees, as well as any costs associated with the green card application process itself.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Oklahoma are eligible to work in the U.S. All individuals with valid green cards have permission to live and work in the U.S., regardless of where the card was issued.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Oklahoma are eligible to access public benefits and services, such as housing assistance, job training programs, health care, and food assistance. They may also be eligible for other benefits such as in-state tuition rates and driver’s license waivers.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors in Oklahoma are eligible for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program (URM) which is administered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). ORR provides case management, social services, and support services to assist the minor in acclimating to life in the United States. The program also assists in providing legal representation for a minor seeking asylum or refugee status. The goal of the URM Program is to provide a safe and secure environment for unaccompanied minors, to ensure that their basic needs are being met, and to help them gain legal status in the United States.

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

Yes, there is additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Oklahoma. The U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement program provides cash and medical assistance, employment services and training, and other programs that can help refugees and asylees integrate into Oklahoma’s communities. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services also provides assistance to refugees and asylees once they arrive in the state, including food stamps, cash assistance, health care coverage, job training, language classes, and more. Additionally, there are many local nonprofits that provide services for refugees and asylees in Oklahoma, including United Way of Central Oklahoma, Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City, Hispanic Development Services, Inc., Tulsa International Welcome Center, Compassionate Resource Center, and more.

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

Yes. There are many organizations in Oklahoma that provide assistance to refugees and asylees in applying for a Green Card. These organizations include Catholic Charities, International Rescue Committee, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and various other nonprofit organizations.