Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Utah

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

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

1. You must be at least 18 years old (or have an eligible family member who is 18 or older).
2. You must have been granted either refugee or asylee status by the U.S. government within the last two years, and must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year since being granted that status.
3. You must not have any convictions for certain criminal offenses, including aggravated felonies and crimes involving moral turpitude.
4. You must be admissible to the U.S., meaning that you have not committed any activities that would make you ineligible for a green card.
5. You must have proof of your identity and immigration status, such as a passport or other valid government-issued document.

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

In Utah, there are several refugee and asylee resettlement programs that provide support and services to refugees and asylees. The programs include: the Refugee Resettlement Program at Catholic Community Services (CCS); the Refugee Resettlement Program at the Utah Department of Workforce Services; the Refugee Resettlement Program at the International Rescue Committee; the Asylee Resettlement Program at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services; and the Asylee Resettlement Program at the International Rescue Committee. Each program provides a range of services to assist refugees and asylees with resettlement, employment, education, health needs, and access to community services.

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

There are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Utah. Refugees and asylees may be eligible for certain waivers, such as the public charge waiver and the fee waiver. They may also qualify for certain expedited processing times. Additionally, refugees and asylees may get help from organizations like Catholic Community Services, the Utah Refugee Connect, or the International Rescue Committee.

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

Applicants for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Utah must file Form I-485 with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must include proof of refugee or asylee status, as well as other required supporting documents. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview at a USCIS office. After the application is approved, applicants will receive their Green Card in the mail within a few weeks.

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

It typically takes 6-9 months for a refugee or asylee to obtain a green card in Utah. The process can vary depending on individual circumstances, however, and there may be additional delays due to backlogs in processing times.

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

The application fee for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Utah is $725. This includes the I-485 application fee, biometric fee, and any other applicable fees.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Utah must attend an in-person interview at the local USCIS office. During the interview, an adjudication officer will ask the applicant questions related to their application. After the interview, the officer will make a decision as to whether or not the applicant is eligible for a Green Card.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Utah are subject to the same federal restrictions as in all other states. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires that refugees and asylees meet certain eligibility requirements and provide evidence of their refugee or asylee status in order to be approved for a Green Card. For example, they must prove that they have been persecuted in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

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

The Refugee and Immigrant Center-Asian Association of Utah (RIC-AAU) provides language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Utah. The organization offers free consultations in multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, French, Swahili, and Karen. The staff at RIC-AAU can help refugees and asylees complete Green Card applications, understand the process, and get necessary documents. They also provide legal and humanitarian services related to immigration.

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

In Utah, individuals seeking a Refugee or Asylee Green Card must provide evidence of their eligibility, such as a passport or birth certificate, a national identification card, supporting documents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and/or the U.S. Department of State, evidence of refugee or asylee status, evidence of persecution and/or harm suffered in the country of origin, proof of financial support for the individual and his or her family, and proof of identity and address.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Utah must follow all U.S. travel restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, such as the travel ban for certain foreign nationals, and any restrictions imposed by the state of Utah or other local authorities.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Utah can adjust their status to become U.S. citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The application must be filed with the USCIS along with the required supporting documents and fees. Once the application is filed, the applicant will be required to attend an interview and complete a biometrics appointment. If all requirements are successfully completed, the applicant will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony to officially become a U.S. citizen.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Utah. To obtain a Green Card, individuals must apply for permanent resident status and meet the requirements for eligibility. Once the application is approved, family members will be able to obtain a Green Card.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Utah are eligible for many additional benefits, including assistance with housing, health care, education, employment, language support services, transportation, and more. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible for certain tax credits and deductions. It’s important for refugees and asylees to work with a qualified professional or community organization to ensure they are taking full advantage of available benefits.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Utah, applicants must meet financial requirements set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These include an Affidavit of Support, which is a legally binding document agreeing to financially support the applicant while they are in the United States. It must be signed by a sponsor who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must provide evidence that they have an income or assets of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for their household size.

In addition to the Affidavit of Support, applicants must also show evidence that they have enough financial resources to cover their own living expenses while in the United States, such as income from employment, savings, or other forms of financial assistance.

The DHS also requires that applicants have medical insurance or be able to pay for any necessary medical care. Finally, applicants must also show evidence that they have sufficient funds to pay for their travel costs to and from the United States.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Utah are eligible to work in the U.S. Once they have been granted legal permanent resident status, they may legally work and reside in the U.S.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Utah are eligible to access public benefits and services. However, the types of benefits and services that are available may vary depending on the individual’s immigration status.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Utah should ensure that they have all the necessary forms and documentation required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove their eligibility for asylum or refugee status. Additionally, these minors should have an adult representative to help them with the application process, as well as a lawyer who can provide legal advice. Lastly, those under the age of 18 must have a qualified adult sponsor who can provide them with safety and support.

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

Yes, various organizations offer support to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Utah. For example, the Utah Refugee Education and Training Center (URETC) offers educational support and employment services. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) also provides direct one-on-one case management, employment services, and educational support. Other organizations include the Catholic Community Services of Utah, the Asian Association of Utah, and the Multicultural Refugee Coalition.

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

Yes, there are resources available to help refugees and asylees with their Green Card application process in Utah. The Utah Refugee Center (URC) provides a wealth of resources for refugees and asylees, including assistance for the Green Card application process. URC also provides information about the process, including what documents are needed and what forms must be filled out. Additionally, URC can provide legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney. Furthermore, The Utah Migrant Education Program (UMEP) provides free legal services to refugees and asylees in Utah who are applying for a Green Card.