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

In order to be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Jersey, an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. They must have been granted refugee status or asylum in the United States.
2. They must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted refugee status or asylum.
3. They must not have abandoned their refugee or asylee status.
4. They must be admissible to the United States as an immigrant.
5. They must not be ineligible for a green card based on other grounds, such as criminal history or health-related issues.
6. They must not have engaged in any activities that would make them ineligible for a green card, such as participating in terrorist activities or being convicted of certain crimes.

2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, refugees are resettled through the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP), administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development. The purpose of this program is to provide refugee families with financial and social services assistance. This assistance includes help with finding housing, employment, and medical coverage. The program also offers English language classes, cultural orientation, and job training. In addition, the Office of Resettlement Services, a branch of the NJ Department of Human Services, provides resettlement services to asylum seekers in collaboration with various community partners. This includes help with identifying appropriate housing, applying for financial assistance, and obtaining medical care.

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees who have been granted asylum in the United States may be eligible to apply for a Green Card in New Jersey. However, they must meet certain requirements, such as having lived in the United States for at least one year since receiving their asylum status. Additionally, refugees and asylees may qualify for an adjustment of status if they are otherwise eligible for permanent residence and have a qualifying family relationship.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Jersey, you must first complete an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400. You must be physically present in the United States and meet the required eligibility criteria for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card. You must provide proof of your refugee or asylee status, such as Form I-94, to support your application. In addition, you must submit documents to prove your identity and your immigration and citizenship status in the United States. Once your application is approved, you will be eligible to receive a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

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

The amount of time it takes to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Jersey varies depending on a variety of factors, such as the individual’s country of origin, how long they have been living in the US, and the backlog of applications. Generally, it can take up to a year for an individual to receive their Green Card.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Jersey are:

• Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): $1,225
• Biometric Services (Fingerprinting): $85
• Medical Examination: Varies
• Total Fees: $1,310 – $2,000+

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

Yes, there is an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in New Jersey. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires refugees and asylees to appear for an in-person interview at the USCIS Field Office located in Newark, NJ. The interview will include questions about the applicant’s identity, background, and eligibility for a Green Card.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees are subject to the same restrictions as other immigrants seeking Green Cards in New Jersey. This includes income requirements, admissibility criteria, and other factors outlined in the US Immigration and Nationality Act. Additionally, certain refugees and asylees may be subject to additional restrictions based on their country of origin, such as certain travel bans or additional security checks.

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

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides language assistance services for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in New Jersey. The USCIS provides translation services in more than 100 languages and interpretation services in English and Spanish. Additionally, the USCIS has developed a variety of written materials such as brochures, forms, instructions, and other resources in multiple languages. These materials are available for download on the USCIS website.

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

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

1. Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
2. Form I-588, Request for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
3. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
4. Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
5. Court orders granting asylum or withholding of deportation
6. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) correspondence
7. State Department documents showing refugee status
8. International Organization for Migration (IOM) documents
9. Medical examinations
10. Police clearance certificates

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in New Jersey are subject to the same restrictions as other Green Card holders. They are allowed to travel within the United States and to other countries, but may be subject to additional security checks or visa requirements depending on their destination.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in New Jersey can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The application must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the completed application, the applicant must provide proof of residency, two passport-style photos, evidence of good moral character, and other required documents. The applicant must also pass a naturalization test and attend an in-person interview with an immigration officer. If approved, the applicant will need to take the Oath of Allegiance at a ceremony to become a U.S. citizen.

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees may be able to obtain Green Cards through the same process in New Jersey. The eligible family members must meet specific criteria and submit the necessary documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Yes. Refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New Jersey are eligible for the same public benefits as U.S. citizens, including access to health care, food stamps, cash assistance, and public housing. Additionally, they can apply for Social Security and disability benefits, as well as for employment authorization. They may also qualify for special programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other refugee assistance programs.

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

In order to be eligible for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New Jersey, applicants must meet certain financial requirements. These include having income and/or resources at or above the federal poverty guidelines as established by the US Department of Health and Human Services, and demonstrating that they are not likely to become a public charge. Applicants must also provide documentation showing that they have paid any past due taxes, as well as proof of medical insurance. Other requirements may apply depending on the individual’s circumstances.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New Jersey are eligible to work in the U.S. under federal law.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with green cards issued in New Jersey are eligible to access public benefits and services. They can apply for benefits such as healthcare, food, and housing assistance.

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

Yes. Unaccompanied minors in New Jersey may be eligible for special consideration when seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards. These minors may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, which allows them to petition for permanent residence without the assistance of a parent or guardian. Additionally, they may be eligible to file for refugee or asylum status with the assistance of an appropriate legal representative.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New Jersey may access additional support. The New Jersey Office of Refugee Resettlement (NJORR) provides a variety of programs and services to assist in the self-sufficiency of refugees and asylees, including employment and education assistance, English language training, financial aid, and more. Additionally, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) provides mental health services to refugees and asylees, including counseling, psychiatric services, case management, and more.

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

Yes, there are several resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in New Jersey. These include legal assistance organizations such as the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, Legal Services of New Jersey, Rutgers School of Law Immigration Clinic, and others. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Human Services Refugee Resettlement Program offers free assistance to refugees and asylees with the applications process.