1. What regulations does Alabama have in place to ensure protection of refugees and asylees?

In Alabama, refugees and asylees are protected by the Refugee Resettlement Program, which is administered by the United States Department of State. The program offers assistance to refugees and asylees to help them with medical care, housing, employment, English language training, education, and other services. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Human Resources provides assistance to refugees and asylees through its Refugee Assistance Program. This program assists refugees and asylees with activities such as obtaining a driver’s license, finding a job, receiving medical and mental health services, and more. The Alabama State Refugee Coordinator is responsible for certifying refugee applications and coordinating with other state and federal programs to ensure that refugees and asylees receive necessary services.

2. How do asylum seekers and refugees apply for green cards in Alabama?

Asylum seekers and refugees must first have their asylum applications approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After their asylum is approved, they can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. They must also provide supporting documents such as evidence of their identity, proof of their asylum status, a medical examination report and copy of their passport. Once the application is approved, they will be issued a permanent resident card (green card) and can begin to adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident in the state of Alabama.

3. What legal aid programs are available for refugees and asylees seeking green cards in Alabama?

In Alabama, a variety of organizations provide legal aid services to refugees and asylees seeking green cards. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama, the Immigrant Justice Project of Southern Poverty Law Center, Alabama Appleseed, Catholic Social Services of Mobile, and the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project are all organizations that provide aid to refugees and asylees. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides information on applying for a green card in Alabama, as well as other immigration-related services.

4. Are there any required medical or mental health examinations for refugees or asylees seeking green cards in Alabama?

No, there are no required medical or mental health examinations for refugees or asylees seeking green cards in Alabama. However, green card applicants must meet certain health-related criteria in order to be approved for permanent residence. Specifically, they must be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases, and they must not have a condition that is considered to be a threat to public safety or to the health of other persons in the U.S. Applicants must also provide documentation of their vaccination history and of any treatment they have received for any communicable diseases.

5. How many refugees and asylees have successfully obtained green cards in Alabama?

It is not possible to answer this question with certainty due to lack of data. However, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Annual Flow Report, in Fiscal Year 2018 a total of 8,154 refugees and asylees were granted lawful permanent residence in the United States. The number of green cards issued to refugees and asylees in Alabama specifically is not available.

6. What is the process for a refugee or asylee to obtain a green card in Alabama?

In order to receive a green card in Alabama as a refugee or asylee, the individual must first be granted refugee or asylum status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After filing the necessary paperwork and undergoing an in-person interview, the USCIS will make a determination if the individual qualifies for refugee or asylee status.

Once this status is granted, the individual must submit form I-485, which is an application to adjust their status from refugee or asylee to a legal permanent resident. This application must be accompanied by evidence of their refugee or asylee status, such as Form I-94, and any additional documents required by USCIS.

The applicant must also pay the filing fees and the biometrics services fee. After all documents are submitted, USCIS will review the application and contact the individual if additional information is needed or if an in-person interview is required. Once approved, USCIS will mail a green card to the individual.

7. Are there any special requirements for refugee or asylee green card applicants in Alabama?

Yes, there are special requirements for refugee or asylee green card applicants in Alabama. Refugee and asylee applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria as any other immigrant wishing to adjust their status to permanent resident. This includes establishing that they have an approved refugee or asylum application, having a valid passport or travel document, and meeting all other eligibility requirements for the green card. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of presence in the United States for at least one year since being granted refugee status or asylum. Applicants must also demonstrate that they are not inadmissible based on U.S. immigration laws, have not engaged in certain criminal activity, and are of good moral character.

Applicants in Alabama may also need to submit additional information such as a criminal record check, a written statement describing how they became a refugee or asylee, and proof of any employment authorization issued by the U.S. government prior to filing for the green card.

8. Does Alabama provide legal assistance to refugees and asylees seeking green cards?

Yes, Alabama does provide legal assistance to refugees and asylees seeking green cards. The Alabama Refugee Resettlement Program (ARRP) provides legal assistance to refugees and asylees in completing the paperwork necessary to obtain green cards. ARRP also provides assistance in ensuring that refugees and asylees meet the requirements needed to become naturalized citizens.

9. How long does it typically take to obtain a refugee or asylee green card in Alabama?

The amount of time it takes to obtain a refugee or asylee green card in Alabama varies depending on the individual case and processing times. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to receive a green card.

10. Are there any financial assistance programs available to refugee or asylee green card applicants in Alabama?

Yes, there are financial assistance programs available to refugee and asylee green card applicants in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) provides assistance to refugees and asylees from other countries who have been granted legal permanent resident status in the United States. This assistance includes access to cash and food stamps, while also providing referrals and connections to other resources. Additionally, the Refugee Resettlement Program of Catholic Social Services of Mobile provides assistance, including health care referrals, help finding employment, and case management services.

11. Is there any information available on the cultural adjustment for refugee and asylee green card holders in Alabama?

Yes, the Alabama Department of Mental Health provides information on cultural adjustment for refugee and asylee green card holders in Alabama. This includes information on housing, health care, education, employment, language assistance, legal services, community resources, public benefits, and more. Additionally, several organizations in the state offer resources and assistance to refugee and asylee green card holders in Alabama. These include Catholic Social Services of Alabama, International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Birmingham, and Birmingham Immigration Court.

12. What are the requirements for refugee or asylee green card applicants to obtain employment in Alabama?

In order to obtain employment in Alabama, refugee or asylee green card applicants must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The EAD will provide evidence that the applicant is authorized to work in the United States and will enable them to obtain a valid Social Security Number. Additionally, refugee and asylee applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can also provide other documents such as a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to prove their identity and authorization to work in the state.

13. Can refugees and asylees with a green card travel outside of Alabama?

Yes, refugees and asylees with a green card can travel outside of Alabama. However, they should consult with an immigration attorney or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before travel, as there may be certain restrictions that apply to their green card status.

14. Are there any special programs available to help refugee or asylee families obtain green cards in Alabama?

Yes. The Catholic Social Services of Mobile, Alabama offers assistance to refugees and asylees in obtaining green cards in Alabama. The Catholic Social Services of Mobile Refugee Resettlement Program provides assistance with filling out forms, navigating the immigration process, and understanding the benefits and services available to refugees and asylees. The program also offers counseling, job placement, and other social services.

15. Does Alabama provide any resources for victims of human trafficking who are seeking a refugee or asylee green card?

Yes. Alabama provides resources for victims of human trafficking who are seeking a refugee or asylee green card. The Alabama Coalition Against Human Trafficking (ACAHT) provides support and assistance to human trafficking victims in Alabama through their Survivor Support Services. These services include legal support, social services, mental health services, and other assistance to help victims of human trafficking obtain a refugee or asylee green card.

16. Are there any restrictions placed on refugees or asylees with a green card residing in Alabama?

Yes, there are certain restrictions placed on refugees or asylees with a green card residing in Alabama. For example, they are not eligible for public assistance or food stamps unless they have been in the US for at least five years. In addition, refugees and asylees are ineligible for certain types of state-funded medical assistance. They are also required to register for selective service and to obtain state permits or licenses before engaging in certain professions.

17. What rights do refugees and asylees with a green card have in Alabama?

Refugees and asylees with a green card in Alabama have the same rights as any other permanent resident of the United States. That includes the right to work, apply for a driver’s license or state ID, access public benefits, attend public schools, and travel freely within the country. Refugees and asylees also have access to certain assistance programs to help them settle into their new homes.

18. Can refugees and asylees with a green card participate in voting in Alabama?

No. Only US citizens can vote in Alabama.

19. Are there any restrictions on the type of employment available to refugee or asylee green card holders in Alabama?

Yes. Refugees and asylees granted green card status may be subject to restrictions on the type of employment available to them in Alabama. These restrictions may include, but are not limited to, requiring a work permit or special license, limiting the type of work allowed, or prohibiting certain types of work entirely.

20. Does Alabama provide any support services specifically for refugee or asylee green card holders?

Yes, the Alabama Refugee Services Program provides assistance to refugee and asylee green card holders in the areas of resettlement, employment, case management, English language classes, and other services. The program is funded by the US Office of Refugee Resettlement and is administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.