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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Missouri, applicants must first meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Have been admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted asylum
2. Have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.
3. Be admissible to the United States.
4. Have not abandoned his or her refugee or asylee status.
5. Have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year before filing the application and during the entire processing of the application.
6. Have not traveled outside of the United States for more than one year or more than 90 days consecutively without prior permission from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
7. Demonstrate good moral character and not be inadmissible to the United States based on certain criminal convictions, security, or other grounds.

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

In Missouri, refugees and asylees can utilize a number of resettlement programs. The Missouri Office of Refugees coordinates the state’s refugee program with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. It provides resettlement services to refugees, asylees, and other humanitarian immigrants. In addition, numerous non-profit organizations provide vital services to refugees and asylees including housing assistance, employment services, case management, health screenings and mental health services. The International Institute of St. Louis provides resettlement assistance to refugees and asylees through its Refugee Resettlement Program. Catholic Charities of St. Louis also has an Immigrant & Refugee Services Program that offers case management, job training, and other services to help immigrants assimilate into their new communities. The Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates (MIRA) is an advocacy coalition that provides legal assistance to immigrants and refugees facing deportation. Finally, Missouri’s state refugee coordinator works with local refugee resettlement organizations to ensure that all immigrants and refugees receive the necessary support and resources to become productive members of their new communities.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees in Missouri may be eligible for Green Card status through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Refugees must have been referred to the United States by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another designated referral agency. Asylees must meet the definition of an “asylum seeker” and have a “well-founded fear of persecution” in their home country. Both refugees and asylees may be eligible to adjust their status to a Green Card if they meet certain requirements. In addition, refugees and asylees may be eligible for certain benefits, such as certain waivers of inadmissibility or additional time to remain in the United States while their application is pending.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Missouri, you must first be a refugee or asylee who has been admitted to the United States. After being admitted, you will need to fill out Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Along with the application, you must provide any necessary evidence such as copies of your asylum or refugee status documents and copies of your passport and birth certificate. You may also need to fill out other forms related to your application. After completing all the necessary materials, submit them to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) local office in Missouri. Once the application is received, USCIS will review it and decide whether to grant or deny your green card application.

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

The amount of time it takes to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Missouri depends on the individual case. Generally speaking, the process typically takes from 8-12 months for an individual to receive their Green Card.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Missouri are the same as those for any other type of U.S. green card. This includes a filing fee of $725 and an biometric services fee of $85, for a total of $810.

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

Yes, individuals seeking a Green Card in Missouri must go through a formal interview process with a USCIS officer. The interview is conducted to verify the information provided in the application and to confirm that the applicant is eligible for a Green Card.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Missouri. All refugees and asylees must first be admitted to the United States with an immigrant visa. In addition, they must be granted asylum or refugee status prior to being issued a Green Card. Finally, they must meet all other criteria required for all applicants for permanent residence in the United States, such as having a valid immigrant visa, being admissible to the United States, and meeting all other eligibility requirements.

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

In Missouri, language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card through the Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS) program. RAIS provides free interpretation services in foreign languages, including Spanish, French, Somali, Arabic, Swahili, and Vietnamese. They also provide a wide range of immigration-related services, such as obtaining immigration documents and helping with naturalization applications. RAIS is located in St. Louis and is available by phone and email.

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

Types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Missouri include:

1. Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, indicating admission as a refugee or asylee,
2. Form I-688B, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), for certain refugees and asylees,
3. Proof of a grant of asylum by USCIS or an Immigration Judge,
4. Evidence of a pending asylum application,
5. Copies of the applicant’s travel documents (passport) and any other documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other governmental agency related to his/her application for asylum or refugee status,
6. Birth certificates and/or marriage certificates,
7. Copies of military records and/or service cards showing service in a foreign military,
8. Letters from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or other relevant governmental agencies,
9. Any other physical evidence or documentation that may prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Missouri.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Missouri must comply with all U.S. travel restrictions. In addition, they must have valid travel documents, such as a valid passport or U.S. Refugee Travel Document, and they must receive permission from the U.S. government before traveling to certain designated countries. They may also be subject to additional restrictions when traveling to certain countries due to their refugee or asylee status.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Missouri can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The applicant must meet all requirements for naturalization including being at least 18 years of age, having been a permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. Citizen), and being able to demonstrate good moral character and English literacy. They must also pass a citizenship test, and attend a naturalization interview with USCIS.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Missouri. The refugee or asylee must file a Form I-730, Petition for Relative or Following-to-Join Refugee, with USCIS in order to petition for a family member to join them as a refugee or asylee.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Missouri may be eligible for additional benefits such as health care, food assistance, and cash assistance programs. Additionally, the Missouri Office of Refugees can provide additional services such as job training, English language classes, housing assistance, and other social services.

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

To obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Missouri, applicants must meet certain financial requirements. These include having an annual income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, having a place to live, and having the ability to pay for medical care. Additionally, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are not likely to become a public charge and must show proof of health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors applying for refugee or asylee green cards must meet the requirements of the Refugee Act of 1980 or the Immigration and Nationality Act, as applicable. Several special considerations apply to unaccompanied minors, including that they must have a designated representative appointed through the Office of Refugee Resettlement in order to submit their application. Additionally, they may be eligible for certain waivers, such as those related to having a qualifying relative, being able to demonstrate financial hardship, or filing fees.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Missouri may access additional support through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Refugee Resettlement Program. This program provides a variety of services to refugees, including housing assistance, job training, and access to health care. Additionally, the Missouri Office of Refugees provides refugees with access to social services and other resources, such as language classes and cultural orientation.

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

Yes, resources are available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Missouri. Organizations such as the International Institute of St. Louis, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RICELS), the Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates (MIRA), and the International Institute of Kansas City, all provide assistance with filing applications for permanent residency. Additionally, refugees and asylees can find legal assistance by contacting the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) or by consulting a private immigration attorney.