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

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

1) Have been granted asylum in the United States.

2) Have been granted refugee status in the United States.

3) Have been granted Withholding of Removal status.

4) Have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

5) Have an approved Form I-590, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.

6) Have been granted parole into the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

7) Are a Cuban or Haitian entrant as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42).

8) Are a victim of human trafficking who has been issued an I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.

9) Are a battered spouse, child, or parent, who has been granted a self-petition under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act).

10) Are a lawful permanent resident of Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands who has been admitted to the United States as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under section 202 of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Covenant Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-241).

11) Are a member of certain Native American tribes who entered the United States before certain dates and were eligible for special rights under Public Law 95-195 (American Indian Technical Corrections Act of 1987).

12) Were born to a foreign diplomat in the United States who has been accorded diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, refugee and asylee resettlement programs are managed by the West Virginia Office of Refugee Resettlement (WVORR) located in Charleston. The WVORR provides services and support to refugees who are lawfully present in the United States and who meet the criteria for resettlement in West Virginia. WVORR works with resettlement agencies, community-based organizations, service providers, and volunteers to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the services they need to become self-sufficient in their new home. The WVORR also provides assistance and guidance to refugees while they transition to life in West Virginia. Additionally, the WVORR provides support for refugees who have been granted asylum in the United States and are seeking to establish a permanent residence in West Virginia.

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

Yes, there are a few special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in West Virginia. Refugees and asylees may be eligible for an adjustment of status if they are admissible as immigrants, have been physically present in the United States for at least one year since being admitted as a refugee, have been granted asylum status, have not abandoned their U.S. residence, and have maintained a lawful status since being admitted. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which will enable them to legally work in the United States. The EAD application process can be completed at the Department of Homeland Security Office in Charleston, West Virginia. Finally, refugees and asylees may be eligible to receive certain public benefits while they are awaiting their Green Card application process.

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

The process for applying for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in West Virginia is the same as the process for applying for a Green Card in any other state. The first step is to complete and submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This should be done along with any required supporting documentation and fees. After the application is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applicants will be scheduled for an interview at a local USCIS office. During the interview, applicants will have to present evidence to support their claim that they qualify for refugee or asylee status. If approved, applicants will receive their Refugee or Asylee Green Card in the mail.

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

It usually takes approximately 6-8 months for a refugee or asylee to receive a green card after arriving in West Virginia. However, processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and the workload of the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) office.

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

The USCIS filing fee for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, including associated biometrics services fees, for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in West Virginia is $1,225.

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

Yes. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in West Virginia. The purpose of the interview is to determine the individual’s eligibility for a Green Card. During the interview, USCIS officers will ask questions about the individual’s background, identity, and other details related to their refugee or asylum status. The individual must provide proof of eligibility and must answer all questions truthfully.

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

Yes, all refugees and asylees must meet the same requirements for obtaining a Green Card in West Virginia as any other applicant. These include proving their identity, being admissible to the United States, and having an immigrant visa available.

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

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in West Virginia. This includes translation services, language interpreters, and translated documents in the native language of the applicant. USCIS also provides information about the application process in multiple languages on its website, and it offers a free 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline for individuals with limited English proficiency.

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

In West Virginia, the types of evidence typically used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card include:
•A copy of the applicant’s Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
•A copy of the applicant’s passport, if available.
•Proof of the applicant’s refugee or asylee status, such as a Refugee Travel Document or an Asylum Approval Notice.
•Proof that the applicant has been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year following their admission as a refugee or their grant of asylum.
•Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, or national identity card.
•Proof of family relationships, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
•Proof that any criminal history is not serious enough to make the applicant ineligible for permanent resident status.
•Evidence of good moral character, such as affidavits from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s background and character.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in West Virginia. Refugees and asylees must obtain permission from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can travel outside the United States and re-enter with their Green Card. This permission is known as advance parole. Refugees and asylees who have been in the United States for less than one year do not qualify for advance parole.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in West Virginia can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by submitting an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Before submitting the form, they must meet the eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, having resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (or three years for spouses of U.S. citizens), showing good moral character, and demonstrating knowledge of English and U.S. history and government. Once USCIS has reviewed the application and conducted an in-person interview, they will decide whether or not to approve the application. If approved, the individual will be allowed 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 West Virginia?

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in West Virginia. This is done by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative along with supporting documents. The Form I-130 is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the family member can apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status in order to receive lawful permanent resident status (Green Card).

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

Yes, refugees and asylees in West Virginia may be eligible for additional benefits such as medical assistance, cash assistance, food assistance, and employment and training services. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources offers a variety of benefits for refugees and asylees. Additionally, refugees and asylees can find information about community resources on the website of the West Virginia Refugee Resource Network.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in West Virginia, applicants must demonstrate that they are able to support themselves financially. This is done by providing proof of sufficient income, such as pay stubs or tax returns. Applicants must also provide proof of assets, such as bank statements, stocks or bonds, and other investments. For those who cannot demonstrate financial independence, a sponsor may need to be designated in order to provide financial support.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees who have been issued Green Cards in West Virginia are eligible to work in the United States. As long as they have a valid Green Card and meet other requirements for employment eligibility, they are authorized to work in the United States.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in West Virginia are eligible to access public benefits and services, such as health care, education, and other social services.

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

Yes, unaccompanied minors who are seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in West Virginia may be eligible for special considerations. Unaccompanied minors may be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card through an Affirmative Asylum process. Additionally, unaccompanied minors may be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card through a Defensive Asylum process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides additional information about applying for Asylum as an unaccompanied minor and any special considerations that may apply.

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

The West Virginia Refugee Office provides additional assistance to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in West Virginia. This includes case management, employment assistance, and other support services.

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

Yes, there are various resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in West Virginia. The West Virginia Refugee Resettlement Program provides assistance in filing for permanent residence. Legal aid organizations such as West Virginia Legal Aid and West Virginia Immigrant Rights Project also provide free legal services to asylum seekers and refugees in West Virginia. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers a variety of resources for individuals applying for a Green Card in West Virginia.