Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in South Carolina

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

To be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
2. You must have been granted asylum under section 208 of the INA.
3. You must have a current valid refugee/asylee travel document (Form I-571).
4. You must not have any convictions that make you ineligible for refugee/asylee status.
5. You must currently be residing in the United States.
6. You must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in South Carolina?

South Carolina has numerous refugee and asylee resettlement programs, ranging from employment and housing assistance to health care and education support. The main programs are:

1. Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA): This program assists refugees with financial assistance for basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, transportation, and job search.

2. Refugee Entrant Self-Sufficiency Program (RESSP): This program provides self-sufficiency services to refugees such as employment assistance, language and cultural orientation, and access to English language classes. It also helps refugees to transition into the workforce by providing job search and placement services.

3. Refugee Social Services Program (RSSP): This program offers social services such as case management, housing assistance, crisis intervention, educational support, health care services, and legal assistance. RSSP also works with local non-profits and community-based organizations to provide additional resources to refugees.

4. Refugee Medical Assistance Program (RMAP): This program provides medical coverage and care to refugees through a network of healthcare providers. It covers medical costs related to primary care, emergency medical treatments, mental health services, and prescription medication.

5. Refugee Education Assistance Program (REAP): This program helps refugees access quality education in South Carolina by providing educational resources and services such as English language classes, academic tutoring, career counseling, and college preparation workshops.

6. Asylee Eligibility Program (AEP): This program provides asylees with access to cash and medical assistance, along with support services such as employment assistance, language classes, cultural orientation classes, legal assistance, and social services.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in South Carolina may be eligible for expedited processing. This means that they may be able to obtain their Green Card faster than other applicants. Additionally, certain refugees may qualify for a fee waiver, allowing them to submit their application without paying the associated fees.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Carolina, you must first submit an Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must also submit evidence that you qualify for refugee or asylee status, such as a copy of your refugee or asylee visa. After USCIS approves your application, you will be issued a Green Card, which is evidence of lawful permanent residence in the United States.

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

The length of time it can take to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Carolina varies depending on the individual situation. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.

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

The processing fee for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Carolina is $1,225. This fee is payable to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services when filing Form I-485.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in South Carolina must go through an interview process, which is conducted by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. The purpose of the interview is to verify identity and confirm eligibility for the Green Card. The interview may include questions about the applicant’s family, employment, and background.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking green cards in South Carolina. The state requires applicants to have been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of at least one year prior to the filing of the application. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses and that they have not violated any immigration laws.

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

In South Carolina, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers language assistance services to help refugees and asylees through the application process for a Green Card. There are USCIS offices throughout the state that offer free interpretation services in over 200 languages, as well as other resources such as telephonic interpretation over the phone. Additionally, information about the application process is available in multiple languages on the USCIS website.

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

In South Carolina, evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card includes but is not limited to:

1. A Form I-94 showing the person is a refugee or asylee
2. A letter from the Department of Homeland Security or US Citizenship and Immigration Services confirming the person’s status as a refugee or asylee
3. A valid passport
4. A birth certificate
5. Evidence of any other immigration status held in the past
6. Court or government records showing persecution or fear of persecution in the home country
7. Evidence that the individual has been present in the United States for at least one year
8. Proof of employment, such as pay stubs or tax returns
9. Documentation of family relationships
10. Documentation of community involvement
11. Letters from community members, employers, or religious leaders attesting to the applicant’s good moral character

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in South Carolina are subject to the same travel restrictions as any other Green Card holder. Travel outside the United States for more than six months may result in the loss of your Green Card status. Additionally, refugees and asylees may not travel to certain countries without permission from the Department of Homeland Security. For more information, please contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at (877) 227-5511.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in South Carolina can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by taking the following steps:

1. Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Participate in an interview and biometrics appointment at the local USCIS office.

3. Successfully pass a civics test and an English language proficiency test at the interview.

4. Make sure USCIS receives all required supporting documents for the application.

5. Attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony at the local USCIS office to complete the application process and become a U.S. Citizen!

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain green cards through the same process in South Carolina. The process for obtaining a green card for family members of refugees and asylees is the same as the process for any other applicant. The individual must submit the necessary documentation, including a valid passport or other travel documents, a completed Form I-485, and supporting documents such as proof of identity and eligibility for adjustment of status.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in South Carolina can receive additional benefits from certain organizations. These organizations include Catholic Charities of South Carolina, Lutheran Services Carolinas, and South Carolina Refugee Resettlement Program. These services may include employment services, housing assistance, educational support, and more.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Carolina, applicants must meet the following financial requirements:

-Proof of income from a job or other source of income
-Proof of an address in South Carolina and proof of residency
-Proof of identity, such as a valid passport and birth certificate
-Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or other documents that show the applicant can support himself or herself financially
-Proof of legal immigration status in the US
-Proof of family relationships, if applying with family members
-Other documents as necessary

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

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

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in South Carolina are eligible to access public benefits and services.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in South Carolina must be eligible for one of the categories of refugee or asylum status. They must also meet other requirements such as having the necessary documents, including a valid passport and travel documents, as well as evidence of their relationship to any guardian or parent who is accompanying them. Additionally, unaccompanied minors must be represented by an attorney and may be required to submit special forms to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Yes. In South Carolina, refugees and asylees with Green Cards may be eligible for additional support from the South Carolina Department of Social Services. This includes public assistance programs, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as other services and resources available to refugees and asylees.

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

Yes, there are several resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in South Carolina. The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston, World Relief, and Lutheran Services Carolinas are just a few organizations that may be able to help with the application process. Additionally, the USCIS website (uscis.gov) has detailed information about the Green Card application process, and the South Carolina Refugee Resettlement Office is a great resource for more information about the process.