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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Dakota, the individual must meet the following eligibility requirements:

– The individual must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), or

– The individual must have been granted asylum under Section 208 of the INA, or

– The individual must have had their refugee or asylum status adjusted to that of a lawful permanent resident.

Additionally, the individual must meet all other eligibility requirements for lawful permanent residence in the United States, including but not limited to admissibility requirements and proof of identity and nationality.

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

South Dakota is served by World Relief, a national organization that works with local organizations to provide assistance to refugees and asylees in the state. World Relief connects refugees and asylees with resources such as employment, language training, health care, housing and other social services. They also connect refugees and asylees with community programs and activities. Additionally, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service provides assistance to refugees and asylees in South Dakota, including access to resettlement services, support, and advocacy.

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

There are no special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in South Dakota. Refugees and asylees must meet all of the eligibility requirements to receive a Green Card, including meeting the definition of a refugee or asylee, having a valid immigrant visa, and being admissible into the United States. Refugees and asylees may also need to demonstrate that they have a certain level of financial resources or an income that can support them while they are in the United States.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Dakota, an individual must first complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The individual must also submit evidence to support their eligibility for asylum or refugee status, such as a passport, birth certificate, and other documents. After the form is submitted, USCIS will review the information provided and make a decision on the application.

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

It typically takes between six and eight months for an asylum or refugee in South Dakota to receive a green card. This timeline includes the time it takes for USCIS to process the application, as well as the time it takes for the individual to complete any required medical exams and biometrics appointments.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Dakota are the same as they are for applicants in other parts of the United States. This includes a $1,225 filing fee, an $85 biometrics fee, and any additional fees that may be required for specific types of green cards.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in South Dakota must go through an interview process with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). During the interview, an immigration officer will assess the refugee or asylee’s eligibility for a Green Card. The interview typically consists of questions regarding the individual’s background, including past and present address, employment and education history, family members, and other related topics.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in South Dakota. According to the South Dakota statutes (SDCL 1-27), any refugee or asylee seeking a Green Card must wait at least one year after being granted refugee or asylee status before they can apply for their Green Card. Additionally, the refugee or asylee must have lived in the United States for at least one year after being granted refugee or asylee status in order to be eligible for a Green Card.

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

In South Dakota, refugees and asylees can access language assistance when applying for a Green Card. The South Dakota Department of Social Services provides interpretation services to refugees and asylees at no cost when attending appointments or meetings related to their application. Additionally, there are numerous community and faith-based organizations in South Dakota that offer interpreters for refugees and asylees.

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

Evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Dakota include: documentation of refugee or asylee status, passport/travel documents, medical records, birth certificate, evidence of persecution, and other official documents.

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

Yes, there are certain travel restrictions for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in South Dakota. Refugees and asylees must obtain a Refugee Travel Document from the U.S. Department of State before they can travel outside the United States. Additionally, refugees and asylees may not travel to their country of origin or any country identified by the U.S. Department of State as supporting terrorism unless they receive permission from the U.S. Department of State Office of Refugee Admission.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in South Dakota can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by applying for naturalization. The process includes completing and submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required supporting documents. Once the application is approved and all requirements are met, refugees and asylees may be eligible to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony and become a U.S. Citizen.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees may obtain Green Cards through the same process in South Dakota. Refugees and asylees may petition for their spouses, children, and parents to receive a Green Card. The process is the same as for any other family-based immigration application.

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

No, there are no additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in South Dakota beyond the rights and benefits of any other permanent resident in the United States.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in South Dakota, applicants must provide proof of financial resources and stability, as well as meet all other requirements for permanent residency. Applicants must show that they have the financial resources to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public assistance. Evidence of such resources can include bank statements, employment income, and self-employment income.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in South Dakota are eligible to work in the U.S., just like any other immigrant who holds a Green Card. They are able to receive a Social Security number, which is usually required for employment.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in South Dakota are eligible to access public benefits and services. In South Dakota, refugees and asylees are eligible to apply for public benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and housing assistance.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in South Dakota must be able to prove their identity, as well as their status as a minor and their relationship to the parents or legal guardians who filed for them. They must also have a valid passport, if available, and be able to demonstrate that they are inadmissible to the United States for any reason. Additionally, the unaccompanied minor must be cleared by the U.S. State Department’s security checks before being approved for the Green Card.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in South Dakota can access additional support from the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). USCRI offers a range of services to support refugees and asylees, including legal assistance, access to health care and education, employment services, English language classes, refugee resettlement services, and more. In addition, refugees and asylees can also access support from local community organizations and some state-level offices.

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

Yes, there are a number of different resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in South Dakota. The South Dakota Office of Refugee Resettlement provides assistance to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants in the state. The South Dakota Department of Social Services also offers programs and services to assist immigrants in becoming self-sufficient and integrating into the community. The Catholic Charities of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, also provides immigration services, including help with Green Card applications. Additionally, there are a number of nonprofit organizations in the state that provide assistance and resources to immigrants, including the Minnesota Refugee Center and Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota.