1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania?
To be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania, an applicant must meet the following criteria:1. Be physically present in the United States for at least one year before applying for the green card.
2. Have been admitted to the U.S. as a refugee, or granted asylum status.
3. Have a valid Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Form I-94 showing that they have been granted refugee status or asylum status, and this form has not expired.
4. Not be subject to any of the grounds of inadmissibility listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
5. Have not abandoned their refugee or asylee status and have not departed from the U.S. for more than six months at a time during their period of residence in the U.S.
6. Have a valid passport or travel document issued by their country of nationality or last residence, or other evidence to verify their identity.
2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in Pennsylvania?
There are several refugee and asylee resettlement programs in Pennsylvania, including:1. Keystone Refugee Resettlement Program (KRR): This program is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and provides refugees with case management, employment services, and health care assistance.
2. Pennsylvania Refugee Resettlement Program (PRRP): This program is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and works to provide refugees with support services and assistance in finding education, employment, and housing.
3. Asylee Resettlement Program (ARP): This program is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and provides assistance to asylees with case management, employment services, health care assistance, and other related needs.
4. UPWARD: This program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and works to provide asylees with employment opportunities, job training, guidance in finding housing, and other support services.
3. Are there any special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Pennsylvania. Refugees and asylees may be eligible to adjust their status to permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if they have been physically present in the United States for one year. They must also meet all other eligibility requirements for adjustment of status, including medical, criminal, security, and other background checks. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible for certain waivers of certain grounds of inadmissibility if they meet the requirements of the applicable provisions. In Pennsylvania, refugees and asylees may also be eligible to receive certain public benefits to support them during their transition and adjustment to life in the United States.4. How does one apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania?
To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania, applicants must complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Applicants must provide proof of their refugee or asylee status, such as a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record that shows their refugee or asylee status. Applicants must also provide evidence of their identity and address, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. Applicants may also need to provide supporting documents such as a medical exam report and financial documents. After submitting the application and all required forms and documents, applicants will be interviewed by an immigration officer and must demonstrate they meet all eligibility requirements for a green card.5. How long does it take to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania?
The process of getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card can take up to one year in Pennsylvania. The process typically involves the submission of an I-730 form, attending an interview, immigration processing, and obtaining the green card.6. What are the processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania?
The processing fee for a Refugee/Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania is $725. This includes the I-485 fee of $585 and a biometrics fee of $140.7. Is there an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Pennsylvania?
Yes. All refugees and asylees seeking a green card in Pennsylvania must first attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. During the interview, USCIS will assess the applicants’ eligibility for the green card and discuss their application. It is important to note that the length of the interview process can vary based on each individual’s circumstances.8. Are there any restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Pennsylvania. Refugees and asylees must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for a Green Card. This includes having been admitted into the United States as a refugee or asylee, being physically present in the United States for at least one year, demonstrating good moral character, having adequate employment or financial support, and not being subject to any of the grounds of inadmissibility.9. What language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Pennsylvania?
Language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Pennsylvania through the Refugee Resettlement Program’s Office of Specialized Services (OSS). The OSS provides interpreters, translation, and interpretation services in a number of languages, including Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and French. Additionally, many Refugee Resettlement Offices offer additional language assistance through interpreters and translators who can provide assistance in more than 100 languages.10. What types of evidence can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania?
Types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania include:1. Documentation of refugee status or asylum granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
2. Documentation of travel to the United States;
3. Copies of approved Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal;
4. Refugee Travel Document issued by the USCIS;
5. Birth certificates or other government-issued identification documents from the country of origin;
6. U.S. passports or other foreign passports;
7. Court documents or other records that demonstrate the applicant’s refugee status or asylum;
8. Port-of-entry records, such as Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, showing the date and place of admission as a refugee or asylee; and
9. Other forms of evidence, such as affidavits from witnesses, that can be used to demonstrate eligibility.
11. Are there any restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are some restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Pennsylvania. Asylees must obtain a Refugee Travel Document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can travel to any country other than the United States. This document is required even if the individual holds a valid Green Card. Furthermore, refugees must also obtain advance parole from USCIS before traveling outside of the United States. Advance parole is only valid for one trip abroad, and refugees must apply for a new advance parole if they wish to take another trip outside of the United States.12. How can refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Pennsylvania adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens?
Refugees and asylees with a green card issued in Pennsylvania can adjust their status to become U.S. citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The application requires them to provide evidence of continuous residence in the U.S., good moral character, an understanding of the English language, and a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and government of the United States. They must also pass a U.S. government and history test and swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. After the application is approved, they will be invited to attend a naturalization ceremony, where they will take the oath of allegiance and become U.S. citizens.13. Can family members of refugees and asylees obtain Green Cards through the same process in Pennsylvania?
Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Pennsylvania as anywhere else in the United States. This process involves submitting an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing evidence that the individual is a family member of the refugee or asylee, and having an interview with a USCIS officer.14. Are there any additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania?
Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania may be eligible for additional benefits such as access to medical assistance, SNAP benefits, and housing assistance.15. What are the financial requirements necessary to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania?
In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania, applicants must demonstrate that they are able to support themselves financially without relying on public benefits. Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to provide for their living expenses and those of any dependents. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have health insurance coverage or have the financial resources to pay for medical expenses.16. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania eligible to work in the U.S.?
Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania are eligible to work in the U.S.17. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania eligible to access public benefits and services?
Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania are eligible to access public benefits and services, including medical care, cash assistance, food assistance, and housing assistance.18. Are there any special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Pennsylvania?
Yes, unaccompanied minors may be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers an unaccompanied minor to be any immigrant under the age of 18 who is not accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative. Unaccompanied minors must meet the same eligibility requirements as adults to receive a Refugee or Asylee Green Card. However, they will also need to obtain special authorization from the USCIS for any travel outside the United States. Additionally, unaccompanied minors may be eligible for special benefits or services provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.19. Is there any additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are additional supports available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services offers a variety of resources and services specifically for refugees and asylees, including:– Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program, which offers temporary cash assistance to eligible refugees
– Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) Program, which provides health care services to eligible refugees
– Refugee Social Services program, which offers specialized social services to promote refugee self-sufficiency
– Refugee Employment Support Services program, which provides employment assistance services to help refugees find and keep jobs
– Refugee Case Management Services program, which helps refugees access and coordinate needed services.
In addition, eligible refugees and asylees may also qualify for federal assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
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