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

The eligibility requirements to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Hawaii are the following:

1. You must have been physically present in the United States for at least 1 year after being granted asylum or refugee status.

2. You must have maintained continuous physical presence in the United States since your entry as an asylee or refugee.

3. You must be admissible to the United States as an immigrant under all applicable laws and regulations.

4. You must not have abandoned your asylee or refugee status.

5. You must be able to show that you are a person of good moral character and do not pose a threat to the safety and security of the United States.

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

Hawaii offers a variety of refugee and asylee resettlement programs to assist individuals who have fled persecution in their home countries. These programs include:

1. The Refugee Resettlement Program, which is administered by U.S. Department of State-funded local non-profits and provides refugees with access to housing, employment, health care, education and other services to help them rebuild their lives in the United States.

2. The Asylee Resettlement Program, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provides asylees with access to housing, employment, health care, education and other services to help them rebuild their lives in the United States.

3. The Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance Program, which is managed by the Hawaii Department of Human Services and provides refugees with temporary financial assistance for food, clothing, transportation, and medical care.

4. The Refugee Social Services Program, which is managed by the Hawaii Department of Human Services and provides refugees with access to English language classes, job training, employment assistance, mental health counseling and more.

5. The Refugee Employment Assistance Program, which is managed by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and provides refugees with job placement assistance, job training and other employment services to help them secure employment in Hawaii.

6. The Refugee Education Assistance Program, which is managed by the Hawaii Department of Education and provides refugees with access to public education in Hawaii schools.

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

Yes. People who are granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S. can apply for a Green Card in Hawaii. The process is the same as anywhere else in the U.S., but there are some special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Hawaii. First, they must obtain a work permit or other authorization to work in the U.S., which can be obtained from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. They must also submit evidence of their refugee or asylee status or their application may be denied. In addition, they may be eligible for certain public benefits, such as food stamps or Medicaid, that are available to refugees and asylees in Hawaii.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Hawaii, you must submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You will also need to provide proof of your refugee or asylee status, a copy of your passport, birth certificate, and any other documents you may have that support your claim. Additionally, you will need to submit a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and submit the fee for the application. Once you have submitted all necessary documents and fees, USCIS will review your application and contact you for an interview.

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

Generally, the processing time for a green card for a refugee or asylee is 6-9 months. However, this timeline may vary depending upon the individual’s particular circumstances.

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

The processing fee for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Hawaii is $725. This includes a $490 application fee and a $235 biometric services fee.

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

Yes. Asylees and refugees in Hawaii who are eligible to apply for a Green Card must complete an interview process. This process involves an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. During this interview, the officer will ask the asylee or refugee questions to verify their identity, background and application information.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees who wish to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident in the state of Hawaii must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted refugee status, or asylee status.

2. The income of the sponsor must meet certain requirements set by the United States government.

3. The applicant must pass a background check and be otherwise admissible to the United States.

4. Must submit an application for adjustment of status or green card to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Hawaii provides free language assistance to refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card. Language assistance is available in the form of interpreters, translated documents, and other services as needed.

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

The types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Hawaii include:

1. A copy of your I-94, Arrival/Departure Record or other proof of legal entry into the U.S.

2. A copy of your Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, or Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, if applicable

3. Documents from your country of origin showing persecution or fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion

4. A written statement from a government official, social service agency, or other organization verifying the persecution you experienced based on one of the five protected grounds

5. Evidence that you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year after being granted asylum or refugee status

6. Evidence of good moral character

7. Evidence of meeting the English proficiency requirements

8. Evidence of financial self-sufficiency and/or an Affidavit of Support from a sponsor

9. Evidence that you have maintained lawful status (if applicable)

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees traveling with a Green Card issued in Hawaii. Refugees and asylees may have to get permission from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before leaving the United States. They may also need to obtain a refugee travel document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling outside of the United States.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Hawaii can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by first filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. After the form is submitted, the applicant must attend an interview at their local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office and pass a test on English language proficiency and U.S. history and civics. They must also demonstrate good moral character and provide proof of residence in the United States for at least five years before applying. Once these steps are completed, the applicant will be scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony, during which they will officially become a U.S. Citizen.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Hawaii. Generally, eligible family members (spouses, children under 21, and unmarried sons or daughters over 21) of a refugee or asylee can apply for permanent residency (a Green Card) at the same time the refugee or asylee applies.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Hawaii may be eligible for additional benefits from the State of Hawaii, such as special employment services, medical and dental care, housing assistance, cash assistance, and educational opportunities.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Hawaii, an individual must meet certain income and resources requirements. Specifically, individuals must have an income and/or resources that are less than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). The FPG is updated each year and can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition to the income and resources requirements, individuals must also meet certain other criteria, such as demonstrating that they are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors who seek refugee or asylee status in Hawaii must have a representative appointed by the court to represent them in their immigration proceedings. The representative must be an attorney or a qualified representative from a recognized nonprofit organization. Additionally, unaccompanied minors are eligible for special funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement for legal assistance and other necessary services.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Hawaii may be able to access additional support from organizations such as the Aloha United Way, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Hawaii Refugee and Immigration Consortium. These organizations provide a variety of assistance including employment services, legal services, language and cultural orientation, financial assistance, and health care.

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

Yes, there are several organizations that provide free or low-cost assistance for refugees and asylees who want to apply for a Green Card in Hawaii. These may include:

• HIAS Hawaii: HIAS Hawaii provides services and advocacy for refugees. They have an immigration team that can provide assistance with Green Card applications.
• Catholic Charities Hawaii: Catholic Charities Hawaii’s Refugee Resettlement Program provides legal services and assistance to refugees and asylees in applying for a Green Card.
• Immigrant Justice Corps: The Immigrant Justice Corps provides free legal assistance to immigrants, including those seeking a Green Card.
• American Immigration Lawyers Association: The American Immigration Lawyers Association has chapters in Hawaii that offer free or low-cost legal advice regarding immigration matters, including Green Card applications.
• Immigrant Welcome Center: The Immigrant Welcome Center provides free legal consultations for immigrants, including those applying for a Green Card.