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

In order to be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Tennessee, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. He or she must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee and have lived in the United States for at least one year.

2. He or she must be physically present in the United States for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee.

3. He or she must prove that he or she has been persecuted or has a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

4. He or she must not be barred from applying for or receiving an immigrant visa or green card due to criminal history or other factors.

5. He or she must not be inadmissible to the United States on security grounds.

6. He or she must demonstrate that he or she is not inadmissible for health-related reasons.

7. He or she must demonstrate that he or she is not inadmissible on public charge grounds.

8. He or she must demonstrate that he or she is not inadmissible due to terrorism-related reasons, including providing material support to terrorist activities or organizations.

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

In Tennessee, there are several programs that provide resettlement services for refugees and asylees. The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) administers refugee resettlement in the state and works with local partners to provide comprehensive resettlement services for newly arrived refugees. The Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc. (CCT) is another provider of refugee and asylee resettlement services in the state. CCT works closely with the U.S. Department of State to provide resettlement services to refugees from all over the world. There are also numerous other organizations in Tennessee that provide resettlement assistance for refugees and asylees, such as Bridge Refugee Services, World Relief Nashville, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

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

Yes. In Tennessee, refugees and asylees may be eligible to apply for a Green Card without having to meet the usual eligibility requirements. Refugees and asylees may be eligible to adjust their status to permanent residence (a Green Card) if they meet certain criteria, including being admitted as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, being granted asylum under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or being granted withholding of removal or deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Refugees and asylees may also be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced filing fees.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Tennessee, you would need to submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is available online and should be completed and submitted to the nearest USCIS office in Tennessee. Along with the form, you must also submit supporting documents such as evidence of your refugee or asylee status, proof of identity, and other relevant documents.

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

The amount of time it takes to receive a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Tennessee can vary widely depending on the individual case. Generally, the process can take from several months to several years to complete.

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

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

– Application fee (Form I-485) – $1,140
– Biometrics fee – $85
– Affidavit of Support fee – $88
– Refugee travel document fee (Form I-131) – $575
– Adjustment of Status fee (Form I-765) – $410
– Medical Examination Fee (if applicable) – Varies.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees in Tennessee must go through an interview process and provide supporting documents before they can be approved for a Green Card. The process includes an initial screening interview and background checks.

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

Generally speaking, refugees and asylees are eligible to apply for a Green Card one year after they are admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, provided they meet all the other eligibility requirements. However, there may be additional restrictions at the state level that could affect a refugee or asylee’s ability to obtain a Green Card in Tennessee. It is recommended that individuals check with their local immigration office or an immigration attorney for advice on any restrictions that may apply in their specific situation.

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

Tennessee provides free language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. Most immigration offices in Tennessee offer interpreters who are fluent in English and the language of the applicant. Applicants may also request a translator during their Green Card interview. Additionally, the USCIS website offers free online forms and resources in multiple languages for those applying for a Green Card.

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

Evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Tennessee include:

1. Original or certified copies of USCIS documents that support an individual’s refugee or asylee status
2. Official court records or government documents related to persecution experienced in the home country
3. Testimony from expert witnesses who can attest to an individual’s claims of persecution
4. Medical records or psychological evaluations that demonstrate an individual’s suffering due to persecution
5. Personal statements or affidavits from witnesses that can support an individual’s claims of persecution
6. Evidence of past efforts to seek protection from the home country’s government
7. Evidence of family members or other persons who are similarly situated and have been granted asylum or refugee status
8. Photographs, audio recordings, or videos related to past persecution
9. Identification documents, such as passports, social security cards, birth certificates, etc.
10. Any other documents that may be useful in establishing eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Tennessee.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Tennessee are subject to the same travel restrictions as any other Green Card holder. They are only allowed to travel outside the United States for up to one year at a time, and must obtain an Advance Parole document prior to departing the U.S. in order to be able to re-enter the country. In addition, they may also be subject to additional restrictions depending on their specific circumstances.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Tennessee can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. In order to be eligible, they must have held their Green Card for at least five years, must have resided in the United States continuously for at least five years, must be physically present in the United States for at least half of the five-year period, must have good moral character during the five years, must be able to read, write, speak, and understand basic English, and must pass a civics and government examination.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Tennessee. The process involves submitting an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an immigrant visa or adjusting status to lawful permanent resident. The application must include proof of the family relationship, and the applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Tennessee may be eligible for additional benefits. This includes access to social services, health care coverage, and educational opportunities. Additionally, they may have access to job training programs, public housing assistance, and food stamps.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Tennessee, individuals must meet the financial requirements established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These requirements include having an annual income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or having a financial sponsor who will commit to providing financial support for at least one year. Additionally, individuals must have access to a minimum of $3,100 in assets (not including personal items) to show they can support themselves financially.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Tennessee are eligible to work in the U.S.

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

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

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

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Tennessee. These minors are eligible for a special procedure known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). In order to qualify, the minor must have been declared a dependent of the juvenile court in Tennessee, and must have a court order that establishes that the minor cannot be reunified with one or both of the parents because of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar basis under state law.

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

Yes, there are additional forms of support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Tennessee. For example, many organizations in the state offer support services such as housing assistance, job training, education, health care, and legal aid. Additionally, refugees and asylees can also access government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

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

Yes, there are many resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Tennessee. Organizations like the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), World Relief Memphis, and Catholic Charities of Tennessee are dedicated to providing services that help refugees and asylees in Tennessee with their immigration needs. In addition, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has information available about the immigration process in Tennessee, and the Tennessee Office for Refugees provides assistance to those seeking legal assistance.