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

In Washington, the eligibility requirements for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card depend on your particular situation. Generally, you must have been granted refugee or asylee status in the United States, be admissible to the United States, and meet all other eligibility requirements for a Green Card. Additionally, you must have been physically present in the United States for at least 1 year after receiving your refugee or asylee status.

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

In Washington State, there are three main refugee and asylee resettlement programs: Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP), Asylee Resettlement Program (ARP) and Refugee and Asylee Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program. The Refugee Resettlement Program helps newly arrived refugees to establish a successful life in the state, providing them with essential services such as English language classes, job placement assistance, cultural orientation, and other social services. The Asylee Resettlement Program helps asylees, who have fled persecution in their countries of origin, to resettle in the U.S. The program provides similar services as the RRP, including employment preparation, job placement assistance, cultural orientation, and other social services. The SIV program provides funding to help special immigrants who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S. to resettle in the state, helping them to find housing and employment and access social services.

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

Yes. In Washington, refugees and asylees are eligible for a Green Card under the same process as other immigrants. However, there are some additional considerations that may apply. For example, refugees and asylees may be able to receive Green Cards after shorter periods of time in the United States than other immigrants. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible to file for a Green Card without having to pay certain filing fees.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington, you must:

1. Be physically present in the United States.
2. Complete and submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
3. Submit supporting documents such as evidence of your status as a refugee or asylee.
4. Attend a biometrics appointment, if applicable.
5. Attend an interview with a USCIS officer, if applicable.
6. Receive your green card in the mail and, if you are eligible, register for a Social Security number.

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

In Washington State, it typically takes 8 months to 1 year to receive a Refugee or Asylee Green Card.

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

There is no processing fee associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington. However, there may be other costs associated with the application, such as filing fees for forms, fees for medical examinations and background checks, and attorney’s fees.

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

Yes. Asylees and refugees applying for a Green Card in Washington must submit an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485). Once the application is submitted, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers at a local USCIS office. The interview is conducted to verify the applicant’s identity, eligibility for adjustment of status, and to review any other relevant information.

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

Yes. Refugee and asylee applicants must meet a number of requirements to be eligible for a Green Card. These requirements include having been physically present in the US for at least one year, having a valid immigrant status, and not having committed certain criminal or security-related offenses. Depending on an individual’s immigration status, they may also need to demonstrate good moral character and/or have a valid employment authorization document. Additionally, refugees and asylees must be admissible to the United States, which may require demonstrating that they do not pose a risk of becoming a public charge or a threat to national security.

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

There are several organizations in Washington that provide language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. These include: World Relief Seattle, Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), One America, Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest, and Catholic Community Services. Each of these organizations provides a wide range of services that can help refugees and asylees with cultural orientation, language training and translation services, legal representation, and Green Card application assistance.

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

Evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Washington includes:
* Documentation from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State showing the applicant’s status as a refugee or asylee
* Proof of residence in the United States since being granted refugee or asylee status
* Documentation of physical presence in the United States for at least one year after admission as a refugee
* Proof of good moral character
* Any necessary documents to establish identity and relationship to any qualifying relative
* An affidavit of support, if necessary
* Evidence of persecution or fear of persecution in the home country

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Washington must comply with all U.S. Department of State travel regulations. This includes having a valid passport or travel document, and complying with any restrictions or requirements imposed by the country of destination.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Washington can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Along with the form, they must provide proof of identity, residence, and period of physical presence in the United States. Evidence of good moral character and knowledge of English and U.S. civics are also required. Once the application is approved, the applicant may need to attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer and pass a naturalization test. After completing these steps, they may be eligible to take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Washington. The process includes filing Form I-730 with the USCIS. The form must be filed within two years of the refugee or asylee’s entry into the United States. After approval, family members may be able to adjust their status to a permanent resident or receive a Green Card.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington may qualify for certain additional benefits, including Medicaid, food assistance, and cash assistance. Additionally, the Washington Department of Health offers a Refugee Health Program to provide medical assistance to eligible refugees and asylees.

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

In Washington State, the financial requirements necessary to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card include having an annual income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which is currently $16,910 for individuals and $34,470 for a family of four. In addition, applicants must also provide documentation of their financial status to demonstrate that they have the resources to support themselves in the United States.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington are eligible to work in the U.S.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Washington are eligible to access public benefits and services. However, these benefits and services vary depending on the type of immigration status held.

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

Unaccompanied minors who are seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Washington are eligible for certain protections and assistance. Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for providing protection and care for unaccompanied alien children who are in federal custody. An unaccompanied minor may be eligible for humanitarian parole or special immigrant juvenile status, which is a pathway to a green card. Additionally, they may be eligible for asylum based on persecution they experienced in their home country. Special juvenile immigrant visas may also be available to them if they have been abandoned, neglected, or abused by one or both parents. Lastly, unaccompanied minors may be eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It is important for unaccompanied minors to seek legal assistance when applying for any of these immigration benefits.

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

Yes, there is additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Washington. This includes access to health care, employment assistance, and educational opportunities. Additionally, there is access to resettlement services and programs offered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, the Redmond Refugee Resettlement Program, Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest, and other local organizations.

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

Yes, there are resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Washington. The Washington State Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Program (RIAP) provides assistance for refugees and asylees by providing resources such as the Refugee Resettlement program, assistance with accessing healthcare, job readiness, help with higher education, and assistance with obtaining a Green Card. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services provides information and resources for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project also provides pro bono legal assistance to refugees and asylees in Washington for immigration matters such as applying for a Green Card.