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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Ohio, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Have been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security or have entered the United States as a refugee within two years of the date of application.

2. Be physically present in the United States for at least one year from the date you were granted asylum or refugee status.

3. Have not abandoned your refugee/asylee status by traveling outside the United States, unless you have received written permission from the Department of Homeland Security.

4. Not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or a particularly serious crime that makes you ineligible for a green card.

5. Not be firmly resettled in any foreign country prior to arrival in the United States as a refugee or asylee.

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

Ohio currently offers several refugee and asylee resettlement programs, including the ORR Refugee Resettlement Program, the ORR Asylee Resettlement Program, Ohio Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Refugee Social Services Programs, the Ohio Office for Refugees, and the Ohio Refugee Children’s Consortium. The ORR Refugee Resettlement Program provides case management and services to newly-arrived refugees, including assistance with housing, employment, health care, education, and other services. The ORR Asylee Resettlement Program provides similar services to individuals granted asylum in the U.S. The Ohio Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Refugee Social Services Programs provide assistance with housing, employment, economic development, social services, youth programs, and family reunification. The Ohio Office for Refugees coordinates state-level refugee programming in order to ensure best practices and policy review. Finally, the Ohio Refugee Children’s Consortium provides mental health and educational services to refugee children in the state.

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

Yes, there are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Ohio. Asylees can apply for a Green Card one year after they are granted asylum. Refugees can apply for a Green Card after they have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through other immigration categories, such as as the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Ohio, an applicant will need to submit an I-485 Application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition, applicants will need to provide proof of their identity and documentation of their refugee or asylee status. Applicants will also need to show evidence of their current residence in Ohio. Additional requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s particular situation.

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

It typically takes about 6 months for an asylee to receive a green card. The process for a refugee is slightly longer, taking up to 8 months for the green card to be granted.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Ohio is $995 for the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and $85 for biometrics.

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

Yes. A refugee or asylee will need to undergo an interview process to qualify for a Green Card in Ohio. The interview is typically conducted by an immigration officer at the local USCIS office. During the interview, the officer will review the applicant’s application and supporting documentation, ask questions, and verify the applicant’s identity.

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

Yes, there are a variety of restrictions placed on refugees and asylees seeking green cards in Ohio. Generally, individuals must be physically present in the U.S. for at least one year prior to filing their application. Additionally, they must have been admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum before being able to apply for a green card. Furthermore, they must be admissible to the U.S., meaning that they cannot have committed any acts that would make them ineligible for a green card. Finally, they must meet the other eligibility criteria for a green card.

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

Language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Ohio through the Ohio Refugee Resettlement Program (ORRP). ORRP provides access to interpreters and language services for refugees and asylees, as well as other services such as apartment search and job search.

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

Evidence that may be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Ohio include: a valid passport, birth certificate, and other proof of identity; proof of admission or parole status; proof of refugee or asylee status; and evidence of persecution in the applicant’s home country. Applicants may also provide evidence of their qualifications for asylum or refugee status, such as country conditions or other reports documenting human rights abuses in the applicant’s home country.

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

Yes, there are some restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Ohio. These individuals cannot travel to any country where their safety is at risk or to any country that is listed on the U.S. Department of State’s list of sanctioned countries. Additionally, they may be required to obtain additional documentation before leaving the United States as well as obtain special permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before returning.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Ohio can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The form must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. To be eligible, the applicant must have had their Green Card for at least five years, be at least 18 years of age, and must demonstrate good moral character. The applicant must also have a basic understanding of the English language and U.S. history and civics. Once the application is submitted, the applicant will be required to pass a naturalization test, have an interview with an immigration officer and take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

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

Yes. Family members of refugees and asylees may be eligible for immigrant visas through the same process in Ohio. They can apply for a Green Card either through adjustment of status if they are already in the US or by applying for an immigrant visa overseas.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Ohio have access to state-funded cash assistance, health care, and other social services through Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio also offers free English language courses to refugees and asylees with Green Cards. Additionally, refugees are more likely to be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities in Ohio.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Ohio, you must meet certain financial requirements. This includes being able to demonstrate that you have the ability to financially support yourself and any dependents. You must also provide proof that you have a job or a source of income, such as public benefits, private grants, or the assistance of family members. Additionally, you must be able to provide evidence that you can pay any outstanding debts, medical bills, and other costs associated with becoming a permanent resident.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Ohio are eligible to work in the U.S. The Green Card grants the legal right to work and reside in the United States.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Ohio are eligible to access public benefits and services. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards can access the same benefits and services as other non-citizens who possess legal permanent resident status, including: services and benefits provided through federal and state programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid. Certain additional programs may be available specifically for refugees and asylees.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors are eligible to apply for a green card as a refugee or asylee. However, they must first be considered an “unaccompanied alien child” (UAC) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). If the minor meets the ORR’s criteria, they will be referred to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for refugee or asylee status. The USCIS may grant UACs expedited processing of their applications and may waive certain legal requirements or restrictions that apply to adults. Additionally, minors who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment may be eligible for certain benefits or protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Ohio have access to a wide range of support services. These services include housing assistance, health care, employment assistance, language training, education and job placement assistance, legal aid, financial literacy training, and more. Individuals may contact their local resettlement agency or the Ohio Refugee Services Program for more information or assistance.

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

Yes, the Ohio Office for Refugees provides resources to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Ohio. The office can provide assistance with the filing of applications, interpreting documents, and general support throughout the application process. Additionally, many refugee resettlement agencies in Ohio offer free legal services to refugees and asylees. These agencies can provide advice on the Green Card application process and help resolve any problems that may arise.