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

To be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New York, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Have been granted refugee or asylee status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security;

2. Be physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year from the date of their grant of refugee or asylum status; and

3. Have maintained continuous residence in the United States since their grant of refugee or asylum status.

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

In New York, there are multiple refugee and asylee resettlement programs, including the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), and the International Institute of New York (IINY). IRAP provides legal assistance to refugees and asylees in navigating the complex asylum process. HIAS helps refugees with job placement, English language classes, and other services to help them resettle successfully. IINY provides language classes, job training, and other services that help refugees and asylees build successful lives in their new communities.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in New York may be eligible for special consideration. The New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) provides services and support to refugees and asylum seekers, including assistance in preparing applications for Green Card applications. ONA can provide legal advice, help with the process of applying for a Green Card, and answer questions on eligibility requirements. ONA also runs a Refugee Resettlement Program that helps refugees with housing, job placement, and other services.

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

To apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New York, an individual must first submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be accompanied by supporting documentation such as a copy of the individual’s foreign passport, refugee travel document, or asylum documentation. The individual also needs to submit Form I-765, Application for Work Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. After the application is reviewed and approved by USCIS, the individual will be notified of his or her eligibility for a green card and will need to attend an in-person interview at the USCIS office. Following the successful completion of the interview, the individual will be able to obtain a green card.

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

The processing time for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New York is approximately 8 to 10 months, depending on the individual case. In some cases, the process may take longer if security clearances or other forms of verification are required.

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

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New York is $725. This fee includes the $170 fee for biometrics services and the $555 fee for the green card application (Form I-485).

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

Yes, refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in New York will have to go through an interview process. The interview process includes having an in-person interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. During the interview, the USCIS officer will review the applicants’ documents and ask questions to confirm their identity and eligibility for a Green Card.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in New York. Refugees and asylees must meet certain requirements to be eligible for permanent residence in the United States, including:

-Have a valid passport or travel document
-Be admissible to the United States
-Have been granted asylum or refugee status by the U.S. government
-Have not abandoned or lost their refugee or asylee status
-Be physically present in the United States at the time of filing an application for adjustment of status
-Be able to demonstrate that they have not been convicted of any crimes of moral turpitude or any aggravated felony
-Have not become a public charge in the United States

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

Language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in New York. Asylees and refugees may be able to get free language interpretation and translation services provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in their local New York offices, as well as through a network of USCIS-designated organizations. Additionally, the New York Immigration Coalition, a statewide immigrant rights organization, provides free interpretation services for immigration-related issues including Green Card applications.

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

In order to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New York, applicants must provide documentary evidence such as a passport, birth certificate, proof of persecution or fear of persecution, proof of asylum or refugee status, and any other relevant documents. The evidence must demonstrate the applicant’s identity, nationality, that they have been persecuted or fear persecution in their country of origin, and that they meet all other eligibility requirements for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New York.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in New York may be subject to certain restrictions on their travel outside of the United States. These restrictions include the requirement to obtain advance parole from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling abroad, as well as the possible denial of re-entry into the United States without such advance parole. It is important for refugees and asylees to understand these restrictions before they travel outside of the United States.

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

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in New York must meet the general requirements for U.S. citizenship before they can adjust their status. These requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a Green Card for at least 5 years, demonstrating continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years prior to filing, and having good moral character. Additionally, they must demonstrate a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government and demonstrate an understanding of English. Finally, they must take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. After completing these requirements, they can submit an application to adjust their status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees in New York can obtain Green Cards through the same process. Refugee and asylee family members may be eligible to apply for Green Cards after their relative has been granted asylum or refugee status. The process involves filing the necessary forms and supporting documents with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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

Yes, there are additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New York. These include access to public assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid/Child Health Plus, food stamps, and refugee cash assistance. Additionally, health care coverage may be available through the New York State of Health Marketplace. Refugees and asylees may also be able to access legal services, English language classes, job training services, and other resources.

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

In order to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in New York, applicants must prove that they have not received any public cash assistance for more than five years, or that any assistance was limited to an emergency situation. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate an ability to support themselves and their dependents, including any family members who immigrated with them. This means that applicants must provide documents such as federal tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and other evidence of financial resources. They must also provide proof of health insurance coverage.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New York are eligible to work in the U.S. All refugees and asylees can apply for a Green Card (permanent residency) after one year of residence in the United States. Once they have received their Green Card, they have the same rights and privileges as any other legal permanent resident of the U.S., including the right to work.

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

Yes, refugees and asylees who have green cards issued in New York are eligible to access public benefits and services. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the benefit or service.

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

Yes, there are special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in New York. These include special provisions for unaccompanied minors who are under the age of 21 and who have been in the U.S. for more than 180 days, as well as those who are victims of certain kinds of exploitation or abuse. Additionally, unaccompanied minors from countries that have been designated as a “safe third country” may be eligible for expedited processing of their Refugee or Asylee Green Card applications. Finally, unaccompanied minors can request a waiver of certain eligibility requirements if they meet certain criteria.

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

Yes, there are additional support services available for refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in New York. These services may include: legal assistance, resettlement assistance, employment assistance, health care access, mental health counseling, housing assistance, education and language classes, and access to community resources. Additionally, the federal government has a Refugee Resettlement Program that provides a variety of services to refugees and asylees.

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

Yes, there are resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in New York. Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Catholic Charities, the Urban Justice Center, and the New York Immigration Coalition can provide assistance and information to those looking to apply for a Green Card. Additionally, there are organizations that provide legal services and/or pro bono representation to immigrants in New York, including the Legal Aid Society, Safe Passage Project, and the Immigration Advocates Network.