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

In order to be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in California, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Have been admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted asylum status.
2. Have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum status.
3. Have not abandoned their residence in the United States.
4. Have maintained good moral character during their stay in the United States.
5. Not be inadmissible into the United States on certain grounds such as security, criminal activity, public charge, or health reasons.
6. Meet certain income requirements as outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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

The California Department of Social Services administers several refugee and asylee resettlement programs in the state, including Refugee Cash Assistance, Refugee Medical Assistance, Refugee Social Services, CalWorks Refugee Program, and Refugee Education Services. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration also funds refugee services in California. These services include refugee integration and self-sufficiency programs, case management services, language classes, employment services, and other community-based programs.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in California may be eligible for certain programs and waivers that are designed to assist them in the process. These may include programs such as the Refugee Cash Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance for refugees and asylees in California, or the Refugee Medical Assistance program, which helps cover medical costs associated with the process. Other waivers may also be available depending on individual circumstances. Refugees and asylees should contact a local resettlement agency or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office to find out which programs or waivers they may be eligible for.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in California, you will need to first file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You must also file either Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition (for refugees and asylees who have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents) or Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (for refugees and asylees who do not have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents). Along with these forms, you will need to submit proof of your status as a refugee or asylee, such as copies of your refugee travel document or your USCIS Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. You may also need to submit additional evidence to support your application, such as proof of identity, background and security checks, and other documentation required by USCIS. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your green card in the mail.

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

The time it takes to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in California varies depending on the individual’s circumstances. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or more, with some cases taking even longer. The best way to get an estimate of how long it will take to obtain a green card is to consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in California vary depending on the type of application. For example, the I-485 application fee is $1,225; the I-730 Refugee Relative Petition fee is $535; and the I-821D Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals fee is $495. In addition, biometrics fees may be required depending on the case.

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

Yes, there is an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in California. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule an interview for a refugee or asylee to determine their eligibility for a Green Card.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in California. Refugees must wait one year after their arrival in the U.S. before applying for a Green Card, and asylees must wait at least one year after their grant of asylum before applying. Additionally, both refugees and asylees must meet the eligibility requirements for a Green Card as outlined by the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS). These include demonstrating that they have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year, have not committed any crimes that make them ineligible for legal permanent residence, and can demonstrate that they are not a threat to national security or public safety.

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

Language assistance for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in California is available through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. This website provides information about the application process, offers a variety of translated materials, and provides a multilingual staff ready to answer questions or provide further assistance. Additionally, there are numerous organizations throughout the state that offer language assistance services to English language learners, including 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 California?

Evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in California includes but is not limited to:

1. Documentation of refugee or asylee status (Form I-94);
2. Copy of passport;
3. Copy of birth certificate;
4. Evidence of any name change;
5. Documentation of all immigration-related court decisions;
6. Documentation of any past or present marriages;
7. Documentation of any prior or current military service;
8. Documentation of any past or present educational achievements;
9. Documentation of any past or present employment; and
10. Documentation of any past or present travel outside the United States.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees who have been granted a Green Card in California are subject to the same restrictions that any other legal permanent resident of the United States is subject to. This includes requirements such as having a valid passport and visa for certain countries, not engaging in activities prohibited by the Department of Homeland Security, and obtaining permission from the U.S. government before traveling to certain countries.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in California can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Eligible applicants must have held their Green Card for at least five years, have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months of the past five years, meet all other eligibility requirements, pass a civics and English language test, and complete an interview.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain green cards through the same process in California. The process is known as “adjustment of status” and requires the eligible family member to complete an application and provide supporting documents to demonstrate their relationship to the refugee or asylee. Depending on their specific circumstances, the application may be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in California are eligible for additional benefits, such as access to Medi-cal, CalFresh, and other state and local public assistance programs. Additionally, refugees with Green Cards may be eligible for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC).

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in California, applicants must meet certain financial requirements. These include: having the income or assets necessary to support themselves and their family, if applicable; having the ability to maintain a place of residence; being able to pay back any “affidavits of support” that have been signed; and being able to demonstrate that they are not likely to become a public charge. Applicants must also have a valid Social Security Number. Additionally, applicants may need to submit additional documents supporting their financial situation.

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

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

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in California are eligible to access public benefits and services. Individuals with Green Cards are considered to be lawfully present in the United States, and in California, individuals who are lawfully present are eligible for most public benefits and services.

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

There are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in California. Unaccompanied minor applicants are exempt from the normal Refugee or Asylee processing requirements and may apply directly for a green card without an additional background check. The State Department and USCIS may also provide additional assistance if the applicant is an unaccompanied minor. Additionally, unaccompanied minors are eligible for the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program, which allows certain juveniles who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned to apply for lawful permanent residence.

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

Yes, there are various additional supports available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in California. These include access to social services and other assistance programs, including housing, healthcare, education and employment services. Additionally, the California Department of Social Services offers a Refugee Cash Assistance Program for refugees and asylees that provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families. Additionally, the California Department of Health Care Services offers Medi-Cal eligibility for refugees and asylees. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) also provides information on how to apply for refugee or asylee status in California.

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

Yes, there are a number of resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in California. Resources include:

– Refugee and Asylee Assistance Program: This program provides legal assistance to refugees and asylees in the process of applying for their Green Card.

– Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education & Legal Services (RAICES): RAICES provides free or low-cost legal services to refugees and asylees.

– International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee helps refugees and asylees with their applications for Green Cards.

– Catholic Charities USA: Catholic Charities USA has a number of programs that help refugees and asylees apply for Green Cards.

– National Immigration Law Center: The National Immigration Law Center is a legal aid organization that provides information about applying for a Green Card in California.