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

In order to be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Vermont, the individual must:

1. Have been granted refugee or asylee status in the United States by either the U.S. embassy, consulate, or the United States Department of Homeland Security;

2. Have been admitted to the United States as a refugee at least one year prior to applying for a green card;

3. Have resided continuously in the United States since being admitted as a refugee;

4. Be physically present in the United States when filing the application; and

5. Meet all other eligibility requirements set forth by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

In Vermont, refugees and asylees are welcomed through the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program (VRRP), a program of the Vermont Department of Health and Human Services. The VRRP provides assistance to individuals who have been granted refugee or asylee status in the United States, and who have been identified as needing resettlement in Vermont. The program offers a range of services, including housing, healthcare access, employment assistance, English language classes, access to education, cultural orientation, income support, and more. VRRP also works with its partner organization, Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program Services (VRRPS), to provide additional support to refugee and asylee families. VRRPS provides a comprehensive range of services such as case management, housing search assistance, employment assistance, ESL classes, and other programming.

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

Yes. There are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Vermont. Refugees and asylees are eligible to apply for a Green Card in Vermont if they meet certain requirements, such as having a valid refugee or asylee status; being physically present in the United States for at least one year; being admissible to the United States; and not having any health or criminal issues that make them ineligible for a Green Card. Additionally, refugees and asylees may be eligible for certain waivers from certain inadmissibility grounds.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Vermont, you must first be approved for either refugee or asylum status by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can then file an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) with the Vermont Service Center to receive your Green Card. For more information on filing the I-485 form, please refer to the USCIS website at uscis.gov.

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

The processing time for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Vermont can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s immigration history and any backlogs in the processing system. Generally, the processing time is within a few months but can take up to a year or longer.

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

There is no processing fee associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Vermont. However, applicants may be required to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee of $220.00 if they are applying for a Green Card from outside of the U.S.

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

Yes. Generally, refugees and asylees seeking lawful permanent residence in Vermont must submit an Application for Permanent Residence (Form I-485). After submitting the application, they must attend an in-person interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, the USCIS officer will ask questions and review all documents provided with the application. The USCIS officer may ask additional questions or request additional documents during the interview.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Vermont. Refugees and asylees must first apply for permanent resident status and be approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, they must meet all the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and any other applicable U.S. laws. Refugees and asylees also must pay a filing fee, go through a security clearance process, and provide proof of identity.

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

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers language assistance in many languages for refugees and asylees who are applying for a Green Card in Vermont. An interpreter may be provided to applicants free of charge if they need help understanding the application materials or instructions in English. Additionally, some of the USCIS offices located in Vermont offer limited language services as well.

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

In Vermont, individuals may be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card if they meet certain criteria. To prove eligibility, the individual should provide evidence from one or more of the following categories:

1. Evidence of refugee status: documents from the Department of State or from a U.S. Refugee Processing Center verifying the individual’s status as a refugee, including a refugee travel document.

2. Evidence of asylee status: documents verifying the individual’s status as an asylee, including an asylum grant letter from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or an immigration court order granting asylum.

3. Evidence of physical presence in the United States: documents verifying that the individual has been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

4. Evidence of “continuous residence” in the United States: documents verifying that the individual has been continuously present in the United States for at least five years since being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

5. Evidence of “good moral character”: documents verifying that the individual has maintained good moral character during their residence in the United States, including police clearance letters and affidavits from employers, family members, and other individuals who can vouch for their good moral character over a long period of time.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Vermont are subject to the same travel restrictions as any other permanent resident of the United States. This includes restrictions on travel to certain countries and/or regions deemed to pose a security risk to the United States. The U.S. Department of State regularly updates this list, so refugees and asylees should check its website for the most up-to-date information before planning any international travel.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Vermont can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by meeting the following requirements:

• Having been physically present in the U.S. for at least five years as a Lawful Permanent Resident;

• Being at least 18 years old;

• Having good moral character;

• Passing the English and civics tests; and

• Filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

In addition, applicants must provide evidence demonstrating eligibility such as proof of residence, employment history, tax records, and criminal background checks. After filing Form N-400, applicants may be required to attend an interview at the Vermont U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office, during which they will be asked questions about their immigration history and be required to take the English and civics tests. Upon successful completion of all requirements, applicants will then be scheduled for an Oath Ceremony, where they will officially become U.S. citizens.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain green cards through the same process in Vermont. A refugee or asylee can petition for certain family members to receive a green card, and they must meet the requirements of the immigration laws. The family members must complete the application process and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Vermont are eligible for the same benefits as permanent residents of the United States, including access to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, public housing, food stamps, and unemployment insurance. Additionally, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Vermont may be eligible for certain state-funded benefits like public assistance programs and job training.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Vermont, applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and ability to support themselves without relying on public benefits. There is no specific financial requirement, but evidence of the applicant’s ability to financially support themselves may include income verification, tax returns, bank statements, job offer letters, and other documents. Additionally, applicants must provide proof that they are not likely to become a public charge in the US.

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

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

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Vermont are eligible to access public benefits and services. However, each benefit or service has its own eligibility requirements that must be met.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors can be eligible to receive a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in the state of Vermont. Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program, unaccompanied minors are provided with specialized care and services, including access to medical, educational, and social services. They may also qualify for certain benefits such as Medical Assistance for Refugees and Refugee Cash Assistance. Furthermore, an unaccompanied minor is eligible for an adjustment of status to become a permanent resident through asylum or refugee status.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Vermont can access additional support through Vermont Refugee Resettlement, a nonprofit organization that provides essential services and assistance to refugees and asylees. The organization offers programs in job placement, language classes, financial literacy training, health care navigation, support for families, and more.

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

Yes, there are resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Vermont. The American Immigration Council has information on the process and provides resources for legal assistance. The Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program also provides assistance to refugees and asylees in the state. Additionally, the Vermont Immigration and Asylum Advocates provides pro bono legal services in immigration matters.