Refugee and Asylee Green Cards in Wisconsin

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Wisconsin, applicants must meet certain criteria set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The criteria are as follows:

1. Refugee Status: Applicants must have been granted refugee status by the US Department of Homeland Security and possess a valid I-94 arrival/departure record.

2. Asylum Status: Applicants must have been granted asylum status by the US Department of Homeland Security and possess a valid I-94 arrival/departure record.

3. Residence in the US.: Applicants must have resided in the US for at least one year from the date of admission as a refugee or asylee.

4. Continuous Residence: Applicants must have maintained continuous residence in the US since being admitted as a refugee or asylee.

5. Physical Presence: Applicants must have been physically present in the US for at least one year from the date of admission as a refugee or asylee.

6. Good Moral Character: Applicants must not have committed any crimes or engaged in any activities that would render them ineligible for a green card.

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

There are several refugee and asylee resettlement programs in Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin Refugee Resettlement Program (WRRP), Lutheran Social Services (LSS), Catholic Charities of Madison (CCM), and Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSSM). WRRP provides case management, employment services, and refugee cash assistance through local county agencies. LSS provides services such as case management, job placement, English language classes, and other integration services. CCM offers similar services such as immigration legal services, employment and economic self-sufficiency services, language classes, and educational programs. JSSM also provides case management, English classes, job placement, and other resettlement support.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees who have been granted refugee or asylee status can apply for a Green Card in Wisconsin. They must meet all the requirements to become a permanent resident, including being physically present in the United States for one year, and filing the necessary forms and documents. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they have not abandoned their refugee or asylee status. Furthermore, certain refugees and asylees may be eligible for a waiver of high fees associated with the Green Card application process.

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

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Wisconsin, you must first file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is available on the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must include supporting documentation such as a copy of your passport, birth certificate, any travel documents, your asylum approval letter and evidence of your eligibility for an immigrant visa. After filing your application, you must also attend a biometrics appointment at a local USCIS Application Support Center. USCIS will contact you to schedule an interview at your local USCIS office.

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

The processing time for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Wisconsin may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. Generally speaking, the process can take anywhere from 4-6 months from the time an application is submitted.

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

There is no specific processing fee associated with obtaining a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Wisconsin. However, if you are applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS) to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you will need to pay a filing fee of $1,225. This fee is the same for all AOS applicants, regardless of their immigration status.

Note that other fees may be applicable depending on the type of application you are submitting. For example, if you are applying for U.S. citizenship, you will need to pay an additional fee of $725.

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

Yes, there is an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Wisconsin. The interview process begins with an application form which is submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After approval, applicants must attend an in-person interview with a USCIS officer at their local USCIS field office. During the interview, the applicant will be asked questions about their background and personal history. The officer will also review the documentation provided with the application to confirm the applicant’s eligibility for a Green Card.

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

Yes, there are some restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Wisconsin. Refugees and asylees must meet certain eligibility criteria to be eligible for a Green Card, including: being lawfully admitted to the United States, having resided in the United States for at least one year since admission, possessing good moral character, and not being subject to any criminal or security-related bars to admission. Additionally, refugees must have been designated as refugees by the U.S. government prior to their arrival in the United States. Asylees must have been granted asylum by the U.S. government prior to their arrival in the United States.

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

In Wisconsin, refugees and asylees can receive language assistance in their native language through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Refugee Employment and Training Program. This program offers services such as career counseling, job search assistance, language classes, and other forms of assistance. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has translated materials related to applying for a Green Card into a variety of languages.

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

In Wisconsin, the types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card include:

1. Proof of refugee or asylee status, such as an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, or other official documentation;

2. Original passport with all necessary stamps and visas;

3. Proof of residence in the United States, such as a lease agreement, a utility bill, or other evidence of residency;

4. Birth certificate;

5. Marriage certificate and/or divorce decree (if applicable);

6. Proof of employment in the United States, such as pay stubs, W-2 forms, statement from employer(s), and/or copies of previous tax returns;

7. Records showing any applications for benefits from the U.S. government;

8. Evidence of financial support while in the United States, such as bank statements, proof of payment of rent and/or other expenses;

9. A copy of the Form I-360 (if applicable);

10. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state identification card if available; and

11. Court records (if applicable).

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Wisconsin are still subject to the same travel restrictions as all other immigrants and permanent residents of the United States. They must present a valid passport and a valid Green Card for re-entry into the United States. Additionally, they must comply with the travel restrictions imposed by the countries they are visiting.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Wisconsin can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In order to be eligible for naturalization, the individual must have held their Green Card for at least 5 years, must be at least 18 years old, must demonstrate good moral character, must be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English and must pass a civics test. The individual must also have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the 5-year period and have resided within the state of Wisconsin for at least 3 months prior to filing the application.

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

Yes. Family members of refugees and asylees may obtain Green Cards through the same process in Wisconsin. The process involves filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS, along with the appropriate supporting documents and fees.

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

Generally, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Wisconsin have the same benefits as other persons living in the state. These include access to healthcare, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and educational programs. However, refugees and asylees may be eligible for additional benefits not available to other residents, such as Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), and Refugee Social Services (RSS). These programs provide assistance with medical care, cash assistance, job training, and other social services.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Wisconsin, the individual must meet certain economic requirements. This includes being able to provide for themselves and their dependents, having enough money to support their family without relying on public benefits, having a job and/or income, and having access to health insurance coverage. There are also other requirements that applicants must meet in order to be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee green card in Wisconsin. These include showing proof of identity, having passed certain exams such as the English language proficiency exam and civics exam, and having a valid immigration status.

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

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

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Wisconsin are eligible to access public benefits and services. To qualify for benefits and services, refugees and asylees must meet the program’s eligibility requirements. These requirements can vary between programs, so it is important to contact the program directly for more information.

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

Yes, special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Wisconsin include the following:

1. UACs should be aware that they may be eligible for special protection or benefits under the law, such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

2. UACs should be aware that they can contact the Wisconsin Refugee and Asylee Program (WRAP) for assistance with their applications. WRAP provides legal assistance to unaccompanied minors in applying for Refugee or Asylee status.

3. UACs should know that they may be eligible for additional benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and cash assistance.

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

Yes, there are additional resources available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides resources for refugees, asylees, and other immigrants with Green Cards. Resources include health care coverage, employment assistance, housing assistance, food assistance, and legal assistance. Additionally, the Immigrant Relief Fund of Wisconsin provides financial assistance to immigrants and refugees living in Wisconsin. The fund provides emergency grants to cover basic needs such as rent/housing assistance, food/nutrition assistance, medical/mental health services, and legal services.

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

Yes, there are a variety of resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offers assistance with the Green Card application process and other support services for refugees and asylees. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides information about the application process and other resources for refugees and asylees. For more information, please visit the website of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.