Green Card Options for Certain Family Members of Asylees and Refugees

1. What family members of asylees and refugees are eligible to receive a green card?


The immediate family members of asylees and refugees who are eligible to receive a green card are the spouses, minor unmarried children (under 21 years old), and the parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is over 21).

2. How do family members of asylees and refugees apply for a green card?


Family members of asylees and refugees who are in the United States can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is submitted along with supporting documents such as a copy of the asylee or refugee’s application for asylum, passport, and birth certificate.

3. How long does the application process take for family members of asylees and refugees to receive a green card?


The application process for family members of asylees and refugees to receive a green card typically takes between 8 to 12 months.

4. What requirements must family members of asylees and refugees meet in order to be eligible for a green card?


Family members of asylees and refugees must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for a green card:

1. Have a valid I-130 visa petition filed by the asylee or refugee on their behalf.

2. Maintain proper immigration status in the United States.

3. Submit a valid application for adjustment of status, or Form I-485.

4. Attend an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

5. Pass a medical exam.

6. Submit biometrics (fingerprints, photograph).

7. Demonstrate that they have not been convicted of any crime and are not inadmissible to the United States based on any other grounds.

8. Provide evidence of financial support (Form I-864).

9. Provide evidence of a close family relationship to the asylee or refugee (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc).

5. Are there any special fees or costs associated with applying for a green card for the family members of asylees and refugees?


No, there are no special fees associated with applying for a green card for family members of asylees and refugees. The same filing fee for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, applies as it does for any other individual. The filing fee is currently $1,140. It is important to note that individuals may be exempt from the filing fee due to certain circumstances and should consult with an immigration attorney to determine if they qualify for a fee waiver.

6. Does the US government recognize any special circumstances which might make it easier for a family member of an asylee or refugee to receive a green card?


Yes, the US government recognizes certain special circumstances which might make it easier for a family member of an asylee or refugee to receive a green card. For example, the US government allows an asylee or refugee who is granted asylum in the US to petition for certain family members to receive a green card.

7. How can family members of asylees and refugees prepare for the interview process when applying for a green card?


Family members of asylees and refugees should be prepared for a thorough interview process when applying for a green card. They should review all documentation and be prepared to answer questions about their background, family, and any other relevant topics. They should also be aware of the types of questions that may be asked, such as confirmation of marriage and birth dates, family member information, and details about their reasons for immigrating to the U.S. Additionally, they should research any potential issues or red flags that could arise which could affect their eligibility for a green card. Finally, they should rehearse their responses to potential questions and practice speaking in English if necessary.

8. Does the US government grant priority to family members of asylees and refugees when considering their green card applications?


Yes. Family members of asylees and refugees are granted priority when considering their green card applications. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), “Priority is given to certain family members of asylees and refugees when they apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence).”

9. Does the US government offer any assistance to family members of asylees and refugees while they wait for their green card applications to be processed?


Yes, the US government does offer assistance to family members of asylees and refugees while they wait for their green card applications to be processed. The US government provides financial assistance through the Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance program, as well as other forms of support, such as English language classes, job training, and counseling.

10. Are there any restrictions on employment that family members of asylees and refugees must be aware of when they receive a green card?


Yes, there are some restrictions on employment for family members of asylees and refugees when they receive a green card. Generally, you must wait until you become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) before you can begin working in the United States. LPRs are subject to certain restrictions on employment, including:

• You must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to work legally in the United States.

• You cannot work for certain employers, including those who are not authorized to hire non-U.S. citizens and those who are involved in criminal activity.

• You may not be eligible for certain jobs that require a security clearance or other special qualifications.

• You must pay any taxes that are required by the U.S. government.

• You may be required to show proof of identity and/or legal status in order to obtain or retain employment.

11. Is there any way for the family members of asylees and refugees to receive permanent residence status sooner than normal if they have certain skills or qualifications?


Yes, depending on the country from which they are seeking asylum, family members of asylees and refugees may be eligible for expedited processing of their green card application. They may also be eligible to apply for a visa under the family reunification or other special categories of immigration. Additionally, certain qualified family members may be able to apply for a green card through employment-based immigration or professional workers’ programs.

12. What type of documents will family members of asylees and refugees need to provide when applying for a green card?


Family members of asylees and refugees will typically need to provide a variety of documents when applying for a green card. This can include a copy of the refugee or asylee’s passport, proof of the family relationship (such as a birth or marriage certificate), and evidence of the refugee or asylee’s status. Depending on the specific country and situation, other documents may be required.

13. What rights do family members of asylees and refugees have once they receive a green card?


Once family members of asylees and refugees receive a green card, they have many of the same rights and privileges as other lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the U.S. These include the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently, to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (or three years if obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen), to sponsor other family members for immigration, to receive certain public benefits, to travel outside the U.S., and to receive protection from deportation, among others.

14. Are there any special benefits or programs available to family members of asylees and refugees who receive a green card?


The primary benefit of having a green card as a family member of an asylee or refugee is that you can live and work in the United States permanently and enjoy many of the same rights as a U.S. citizen, such as the right to apply for certain government benefits. Additionally, family members of asylees and refugees who have held a green card for at least 5 years may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

15. How does the US government protect the rights of family members of asylees and refugees after they receive a green card?


The US government protects the rights of family members of asylees and refugees through the Family Unity Program, which ensures that family members of asylees and refugees are not separated in the process of legal immigration. The Family Unity Program provides a number of benefits, including: employment authorization, access to public benefits for which the family is eligible, legal representation, assistance in obtaining permanent residence, and access to health care services and other social services. The program also offers support to help families build their lives in the United States.

16. What is the process for renewing a green card that was granted to family members of asylees and refugees?


In order to renew a green card that was granted to family members of asylees and refugees, individuals must fill out form I-90 and submit it with the appropriate fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the form has been submitted, USCIS will review it and contact the individual if they require any additional information or documents. After all the requirements are met, USCIS will issue a new green card valid for 10 years.

17. Are there any restrictions on traveling outside the United States that apply to family members of asylees and refugees who have received a green card?


Yes, there are restrictions on traveling outside the United States that apply to family members of asylees and refugees who have received a green card. These restrictions include a bar on travelling outside the United States for more than one year without getting an immigrant visa. Additionally, family members of asylees and refugees must get permission from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before leaving the country. Failure to do so may result in the denial of reentry into the United States.

18. Can family members of asylees and refugees become US citizens after obtaining a green card?


Yes, family members of asylees and refugees can become US citizens after obtaining a green card. After they have lived in the US for at least five years (or three years, if they are married to a US citizen) and met other requirements, they can apply for naturalization.

19. What is the process for replacing a lost or stolen green card that was issued to family members of an asylee or refugee?


All family members must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The application must be accompanied by proof of the refugee or asylee status of the family member. This can include copies of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, or other documents. The application and supporting documents must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the application is approved and the new green card is issued, the family member can resume his or her permanent resident status.

20. Are there any limitations placed on bringing additional family members into the United States once one member has received a green card based on their status as an asylee or refugee?


Yes, there are certain limitations placed on bringing additional family members into the United States once one member has received a green card based on their status as an asylee or refugee. Asylees and refugees cannot petition for their spouses or unmarried children to receive derivative asylum or refugee status in the United States. Additionally, they can only petition for their immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, or unmarried children under the age of 21 to receive permanent residence.