Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Oregon

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oregon, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. The applicant must have been granted asylum status in the United States, or be a Refugee admitted into the United States within the past two years.

2. The applicant must maintain continuous residence in the United States since receiving asylum status or admission as a Refugee.

3. The applicant must be physically present in the United States for at least one year after receiving asylum status or admission as a Refugee.

4. The applicant must pass security and law enforcement clearances.

5. The applicant must demonstrate good moral character and have not been convicted of any crimes that would make them ineligible for a Green Card.

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

In Oregon, there are several resettlement programs for refugees and asylees. The Oregon Office for Refugees (ORR) provides refugees and asylees with assistance in their transition into American life. ORR’s Refugee Resettlement Program provides refugees with cash and medical assistance, employment services, English language training, cultural orientation, and case management services. ORR also runs the Asylee Resettlement Program, which provides asylees with the same services as refugees, as well as legal assistance. Additionally, many organizations in Oregon provide support to refugees and asylees, including Catholic Charities of Oregon, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Immigration Counseling Service, IRCO (Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization), Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Lutheran Social Services of the Northwest, and Jewish Family & Child Service.

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

Yes. Oregon has special provisions in place to help refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. Refugees and asylees may be eligible for the Oregon Refugee Resettlement Program (ORRP), which provides assistance and support to eligible individuals. ORRP services include assistance with obtaining a Social Security number, employment resources, language and literacy training, and other resettlement services. Additionally, ORRP offers legal assistance to individuals applying for various immigration forms, including the application for a Green Card.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oregon, you must first be admitted to the United States as a refugee or asylee. After admission, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to include documentation proving your refugee or asylee status, proof of identity and nationality, and other supporting documents. You may be required to attend an interview with USCIS if they request it. Once your application is approved, USCIS will issue you a Green Card.

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

The time frame for obtaining certain types of green cards, including those available to refugees and asylees, may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. Generally, once an individual is approved for refugee or asylee status, they are typically eligible to apply for a green card within one year of their approval. Some people may receive their green card sooner. The entire process, from application to receipt of the card, can take anywhere from six months to a year or more.

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

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

* Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: $1,140
* Biometric Services Fee: $85
* Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization: $410
* Form I-131 Application for Travel Document (optional): $575

It should be noted that the above fees are correct as of July 2020 and may be subject to change.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Oregon must go through an interview process. The process can take several months. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule an interview with the applicant and his or her family members, typically at the USCIS local office. During the interview, the officer will ask questions to verify the applicant’s identity and eligibility for permanent residence.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Oregon are subject to certain restrictions. Individuals must meet all of the general Green Card eligibility criteria and must also provide evidence that they are either refugees or asylees. In addition, applicants must meet the requirements of the Oregon Refugee Resettlement Program, such as demonstrating that they have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year prior to their Green Card application, have not traveled outside of the U.S. since their arrival, and have not been convicted of any criminal offenses.

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

In Oregon, refugees and asylees may be eligible for language assistance when applying for a Green Card. The Oregon Refugee Services Program (ORSP) provides interpreters and/or translators free of charge to help refugees and asylees understand the application process and what documents they need to submit. ORSP also provides assistance in completing the application forms and other documents. ORSP can be contacted directly at 503-988-6384 or toll-free at 888-638-6770. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers customer service in multiple languages for those seeking assistance with Green Card applications.

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

In order to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oregon, evidence that can be used can include:
– Documentation verifying your arrival in the United States as a refugee
– Documentation verifying your grant of asylum
– Documentation verifying an approved Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal)
– Documentation verifying an approved Form I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition)
– Official identification documents, such as passport, birth certificate, or national ID card
– Evidence of your relationship to a qualifying relative
– Proof of employment or financial support
– Official documents detailing any persecution you may have experienced in your home country

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

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Oregon. Asylees and refugees are restricted from traveling outside of the United States for more than one year without obtaining a Re-entry Permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This permit allows them to re-enter the U.S. and resume their status as an asylee or refugee. Failure to obtain a re-entry permit can result in the loss of permanent resident status.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Oregon can adjust their status to become U.S. citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. They must meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a valid Green Card for at least five years, being 18 years or older, being able to read, write and speak basic English, having good moral character, having knowledge about U.S. government and history, and taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check and attend an interview with a USCIS officer.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Oregon. This process involves applying for a Green Card, submitting the required documentation, and attending an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.

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

Any benefits available to US citizens are available to refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Oregon. This includes access to public education, healthcare, employment, housing, food assistance, and other government services. Additionally, organizations such as Oregon Refugee and Immigration Services (ORIS) provide assistance and resources for refugees and asylees in Oregon.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Oregon, the applicant must meet certain financial requirements. This includes providing proof of income, employment, assets or resources, as well as proof of any public benefits received. The applicant must also show that they have access to sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents for at least one year. Additionally, the applicant must show that they have not received any cash assistance from public funds for more than 90 days during the year before applying for the green card.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Oregon are eligible to work in the U.S. according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Oregon may access most public benefits and services available to U.S. citizens and noncitizens with lawful immigration status. This includes benefits such as food assistance, cash assistance, health care, and other services.

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

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Oregon. Oregon is part of the Safe Passage Project, which helps unaccompanied minors gain access to legal resources and support to apply for asylum. Additionally, Oregon state law provides protections for unaccompanied minors in the state, including permitting unaccompanied minors to participate in legal proceedings and providing access to specialized legal services.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Oregon can access additional support from the Oregon Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). ORR provides support in the form of cash assistance, medical assistance, employment assistance, education assistance, and other specialized services for refugees and asylees. Additionally, ORR partners with local organizations to provide programs and activities that promote successful integration into their new communities.

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

Yes, there are many resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Oregon. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers several resources to help individuals with the Green Card application process, including an online toolkit, fact sheets and a comprehensive guide. Additionally, local non-profit organizations such as Catholic Charities Oregon provide free legal assistance with the Green Card application process for those in need of assistance.