1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland?
In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland, the applicant must meet the following requirements:1. The applicant must have been granted asylum in the United States or refugee status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
2. The applicant must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted asylum or refugee status.
3. The applicant must not have abandoned or lost their refugee or asylee status.
4. The applicant must not have committed certain criminal acts, such as failure to register or falsifying documents.
5. The applicant must be admissible to the United States and must not be ineligible for a Green Card due to certain criminal convictions.
2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in Maryland?
In Maryland, there are several refugee and asylee resettlement programs available. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) sponsors refugees through the Refugee Resettlement Program in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and several Voluntary Agencies (VOLAGs). ORR funds and works with the State of Maryland to provide services such as social adjustment, employment assistance, language instruction, and healthcare to recently arrived refugees in Maryland.The ORR also supports asylee resettlement through the Asylee Resettlement Program in partnership with various nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This program provides services and support to asylees and their families, including assistance with housing, employment, education, legal services, medical and mental health services, language instruction, and cultural orientation.
In addition to these official government-sponsored programs, there are a number of other non-governmental organizations that provide direct services to refugees and asylees in Maryland. These organizations include Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Episcopal Migration Ministries, World Relief Corporation of National Capital Area, HIAS Maryland, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – Migration and Refugee Services, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), CASA de Maryland, Baltimore Immigration Legal Services Project, Baltimore City Health Department Refugee Health Program, and the Montgomery County Office of Refugee Resettlement. They may offer services such as support groups for survivors of torture or trauma; mentorship; access to affordable housing; employment counseling; educational opportunities; legal advice; health screenings; mental health services; language classes; and advocacy.
3. Are there any special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Maryland?
Yes, there are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Maryland. Refugees and asylees may be eligible for an expedited adjustment of status if they are eligible for the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition (Form I-730) and have a qualifying family relationship. Additionally, refugees may be eligible for an adjustment of status even if they do not meet the physical presence requirements for lawful permanent residents. Furthermore, refugees and asylees may also qualify for fee waivers for certain immigration forms.4. How does one apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland?
To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland, the individual must first submit an application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that includes form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Accompanying documents must also be submitted including evidence of refugee/asylee status, recent passport-style photographs, medical records and information regarding prior immigration violations. The application should be sent to the USCIS Field Office in Baltimore, Maryland.5. How long does it take to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland?
The time it takes to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland varies depending on the individual’s situation and the resources available. Generally, the application process can take several months or even years to complete. Additionally, individuals may be required to attend interviews or provide additional documentation throughout the process.6. What are the processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland?
Processing fees for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland depend on the type of application that is submitted, and the age of the applicant. For applications submitted by a refugee, the application fee is $725, and the biometric services fee is $85; for applications submitted by an asylee, the application fee is $1010, and the biometric services fee is $85. Applicants who are 14 or older must also pay a $85 fee for fraud prevention and detection.7. Is there an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Maryland?
Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Maryland must complete an interview process to determine their eligibility for a Green Card. The interview is conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and typically includes an application review, biometric collection, and a personal interview.8. Are there any restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Maryland?
Yes, there are restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Maryland. Refugees and asylees who entered the United States after November 29, 1990, must wait one year after entering the United States before they can apply for a Green Card. Refugees and asylees who entered the United States before November 29, 1990, must wait two years after entering the United States before they can apply for a Green Card. Refugees and asylees must also meet certain income and sponsorship requirements in order to qualify for a Green Card. Additionally, asylees must demonstrate that they have experienced past persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in order to qualify for a Green Card.9. What language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Maryland?
In Maryland, refugees and asylees can receive language assistance when applying for a Green Card. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers services in multiple languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Haitian Creole. Additionally, the Department of Health’s Refugee Service Coordinators are able to provide interpretation services in many languages.10. What types of evidence can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland?
The types of evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Maryland include but are not limited to:1. Copies of documents from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that show admission to the U.S. as a refugee or asylee, such as Form I-94 or Form I-589.
2. Documentation showing relationships (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption records) related to the primary applicant and their family members who are also eligible to apply for green cards.
3. Court orders, deportation orders, or other documentation from USCIS regarding the individual’s status.
4. Financial documents (such as bank statements, tax returns) to prove that the applicant meets the financial requirements of the green card application process.
5. Letters from employers that show work history in the United States or letters from schools showing enrollment in educational programs in the United States.
6. Medical records related to any medical condition that may impact an applicant’s eligibility for a green card or related benefits.
7. Personal affidavits or statements from individuals who can provide evidence about an applicant’s identity, background, and qualifications for a green card.
11. Are there any restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Maryland?
Yes, there are certain restrictions that apply to refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Maryland. Refugees and asylees cannot travel outside the United States for an extended period of time (more than six months) without obtaining advance permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, they must obtain a refugee travel document from the USCIS before traveling. Failure to obtain the necessary documents before traveling could jeopardize their status in the United States. Additionally, refugees and asylees may also be subject to additional restrictions due to their country of origin.12. How can refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Maryland adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens?
Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Maryland can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by first filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS. They must then pass the English and civics tests, and appear for an interview to demonstrate their knowledge of English and U.S. history and government, as well as their attachment to the principles and ideals of the United States Constitution. The applicant must also demonstrate good moral character, pass a background check, and take an Oath of Allegiance. If approved, they will then be naturalized as a U.S. Citizen.13. Can family members of refugees and asylees obtain Green Cards through the same process in Maryland?
Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Maryland. Refugees and asylees can file Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, for their family members who are not in the United States. If the family members are living in the United States, they may be able to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for a Green Card.14. Are there any additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Maryland?
Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Maryland may qualify for additional benefits, such as:– Access to public benefits, including Medicaid and food assistance
– In-state tuition and student financial aid at certain colleges and universities
– Legal services through the Maryland Office of Refugees and Asylees
– Specialized employment services
– Affordable housing options
– English language classes
– Transportation assistance
– Mental health services
– Assistance to obtain a driver’s license
– Access to refugee health programs
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