Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Mississippi

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

To be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Mississippi, an individual must have been granted status as either a refugee or asylee by the US government. This status must be currently valid and the individual must have resided in the US for at least one year since being granted this status. The individual must also demonstrate an intention to remain in the US permanently and must be able to demonstrate that they are not a security threat to the US. Additionally, the individual must provide evidence of financial stability and be able to pass a background check.

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

There are several refugee and asylee resettlement programs in Mississippi, including Catholic Charities, Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance, Mississippi Center for Justice, Mississippi State Refugee Program, International Rescue Committee, World Relief, and Southern Poverty Law Center. These organizations provide a variety of services to refugees and asylees settling in Mississippi, such as helping them find housing, employment, and access to health care and educational programs.

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

Yes. A refugee or asylee in Mississippi who is seeking a Green Card must meet the same eligibility requirements as any other applicant. Additionally, certain requirements may be waived for refugees and asylees. For example, asylees and refugees may be exempt from the requirement to file an Affidavit of Support. They may also be eligible for a Fee Waiver or Reduced Filing Fee. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also offers special protection for refugees and asylees to help them obtain their Green Card faster and more easily.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Mississippi, applicants must first obtain a green card application (Form I-485) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form must be completed and submitted with required documentation, including evidence of refugee or asylee status, proof of identity, and two passport-style photographs. Applicants are also required to submit biometric information to USCIS. Once the application is received, USCIS will review the application and determine whether the applicant is eligible for a green card.

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

The time it takes to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Mississippi varies depending on the individual case. Generally speaking, it can take up to 2 years for an application to be processed and a green card issued.

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

The processing fees for getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Mississippi are the same as any other state in the US. The fees include the Application for Permanent Residence (Form I-485) fee of $1,225, the Biometrics Services fee of $85, and the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) fee of $410. The total cost of applying for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Mississippi is $1,720.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Mississippi must go through an interview process. This process includes a review of the individual’s application and documentation to confirm their eligibility for a Green Card. The interview may also cover any other topics relevant to the individual’s application.

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

Yes, there are certain restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Mississippi. Firstly, they must meet certain eligibility criteria as outlined by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must also have been admitted into the United States as a refugee or asylee and have an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record that indicates either “refugee” or “asylee”. They must also have resided in the United States for at least one year since their admission as a refugee or asylee. Furthermore, refugees must obtain an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) from USCIS before filing for a Green Card in Mississippi. Lastly, they must attend an interview with an immigration officer upon completion of their application.

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

In Mississippi, the Catholic Charities of Jackson provides language assistance and interpreters for refugees and asylees who are applying for a Green Card. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) also provides language assistance in the form of interpreter services for legal proceedings.

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

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

1. Documents from the Department of Homeland Security or Department of State showing that the individual applied for and was granted refugee status or asylum.

2. A copy of the person’s Refugee Travel Document or Form I-571, if applicable.

3. A copy of the individual’s passport, if available.

4. Immigration court records and other documents showing that the individual has been granted asylum or refugee status.

5. If available, a copy of the immigrant’s Form I-94 arrival/departure record, which shows the date and port of entry.

6. Other documents that may be relevant, such as medical records, employment records, school records, and/or military records.

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

Yes, there are some restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Mississippi. Refugees and asylees may travel to the United States from abroad, but reentry to the United States after any travel abroad must be with the refugee or asylee’s Refugee Travel Document. The Refugee Travel Document will be valid for a maximum of one year and must be renewed prior to expiration. If the refugee or asylee is traveling abroad for more than one year, they must also obtain a Reentry Permit.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Mississippi can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. To be eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship, the applicant must have held a valid Green Card for at least five years prior to their application, must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years prior to their application, must have been residing continuously in the United States as a lawful permanent resident during that five-year period and must meet all other eligibility requirements. The applicant must also prove that they are able to read, write and speak basic English and pass a civics test.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees in Mississippi can obtain Green Cards through the same process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows certain immediate relatives of refugees and asylees to apply for a Green Card through a process called “adjustment of status”. This process allows the family member to apply for a Green Card without having to go through consular processing.

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

Additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Mississippi include: access to health care through the state’s Medicaid program; access to job training and placement services; eligibility for state-funded college tuition assistance; eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Additionally, refugees and asylees are eligible to apply for driver’s licenses and other state services.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Mississippi, you must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself without having to rely on government assistance. This includes proving that you have a steady source of income, enough money saved for at least three months of expenses, and access to health insurance. Additionally, you must have a sponsor who is willing to financially support you if necessary.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards are eligible to work in the U.S., regardless of the state in which they were issued.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Mississippi are eligible to access public benefits and services. Eligibility for certain benefits and services is based on individual circumstances, but eligibility may include programs such as Medicaid, food assistance, cash assistance, and other social services.

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

Unaccompanied minors in Mississippi who are seeking refugee or asylee green cards are subject to the same requirements as adults. This includes the filing of an Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, submission of supporting documents, and payment of the applicable filing fees. In addition, they must be interviewed by an immigration officer and pass a medical examination. Special considerations may apply depending on the individual’s circumstances.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees who have been issued Green Cards in Mississippi can turn to the Refugee Health Program of the Mississippi Department of Health for additional support. The program offers various services, including health screening and health promotion services. The program also provides refugees with access to primary care, mental health, and dental services. Additionally, the Refugee Resettlement Program of the Mississippi Office of Refugee Services provides support to refugees and asylees in the form of case management services, employment assistance, and language and cultural orientation.

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

Yes. There are several organizations that provide free assistance to refugees and asylees in Mississippi who are seeking to apply for a Green Card. These include the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (MIRA), Catholic Charities, the Mississippi Center for Justice, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). All of these organizations can provide resources and guidance to refugees and asylees as they navigate the process of applying for a Green Card.