For those granted asylum in the United States, achieving lawful permanent resident status is a monumental step toward building a new, secure life. This status, represented by a Green Card, offers stability, freedom, and a clear path forward. If you were granted asylum and now reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, understanding how to transition to a permanent resident is crucial. This guide provides information on applying for a Green Card through Asylee Status and highlights resources available to you in the DFW community.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Unlike refugees who are required to apply for a Green Card after one year, asylees have the option to apply but are strongly encouraged to do so. Securing permanent residency protects you from potential changes in your home country’s conditions that could otherwise affect your asylum status.
To be eligible to adjust your status from an asylee to a lawful permanent resident, you must meet several key requirements:
- Granted Asylum: You must have been granted asylum in the United States.
- One Year Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year since the date you were granted asylum. You can find this date on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or the approval letter from the asylum office or immigration judge.
- Continued Status as an Asylee: Your asylum status must not have been terminated.
- Admissibility: You must be admissible to the United States for lawful permanent residence. Certain grounds of inadmissibility may be waived, but it is important to address any potential issues.
Meeting this one-year physical presence milestone opens the door for you to file for adjustment of status.
The Application Process: From Asylee to Permanent Resident
The process of applying for a Green Card requires careful attention to detail and timely submission of all required forms and evidence. Following these steps can help ensure your application is processed without unnecessary delays.
Step 1: File Form I-485
The primary form for this process is Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. You must fill out this form completely and accurately. Any inconsistencies or missing information could result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which will delay your case.
Step 2: Assemble Your Supporting Documents
You will need to submit a comprehensive package of documents along with your Form I-485 to prove your identity and eligibility.
Essential documents typically include:
- Evidence of Asylee Status: A copy of your I-94 card or the letter from USCIS or the immigration judge that granted you asylum.
- Proof of One-Year Physical Presence: Documents like employment records, rent receipts, or school records can help demonstrate you have lived in the U.S. for at least one year since being granted asylum.
- Identity Documents: A copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport from your home country (even if expired) or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Photographs: Two recent, identical passport-style photos that meet USCIS guidelines.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of your foreign birth certificate. If the document is not in English, you must include a certified English translation.
- Medical Examination: Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, must be completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. This form is valid for two years.
Step 3: Submit Your Application Package
After preparing your application, you will mail it to the designated USCIS lockbox. The correct address depends on your state of residence. Always double-check the official USCIS website for the most current filing addresses before sending your package. For principal asylees, there is no filing fee for the initial Form I-485.
Step 4: The Biometrics Appointment and Potential Interview
USCIS will send you a receipt notice after accepting your application. Shortly after, you will receive an appointment notice for biometrics services. At this appointment, USCIS will capture your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for required security and background checks.
While many asylee-based Green Card applications are approved without an interview, USCIS may schedule one if they have questions about your application. If called for an interview, you should bring copies of all the documents you submitted and be prepared to answer questions from the USCIS officer honestly.
Why Obtaining a Green Card is Important
Securing a Green Card is a transformative achievement that provides numerous benefits and a solid foundation for your future in the United States.
Key advantages include:
- Permanent Residency: You can live and work anywhere in the U.S. on a permanent basis without needing to renew your employment authorization.
- Path to U.S. Citizenship: After five years as a permanent resident (which includes your one year as an asylee), you become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
- International Travel: A Green Card allows you to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter. For trips longer than one year, you will need a reentry permit. However, you should avoid traveling to the country from which you were granted asylum.
- Sponsor Family: As a lawful permanent resident, you can petition for your spouse and unmarried children to immigrate to the U.S.
- Access to Benefits and Loans: You gain greater access to federal student aid for education, mortgage loans for buying a home, and social benefits like Social Security.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Resources in the DFW Area
The immigration process can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Several non-profit organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area offer free or low-cost legal services to help asylees with their Green Card applications.
- Human Rights Initiative of North Texas: Provides free legal representation to asylum seekers and asylees on their path to permanent residency.
- Catholic Charities of Dallas: Offers comprehensive immigration legal services, including assistance with adjustment of status applications for asylees.
- Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas: Delivers free civil legal aid to low-income residents, which may include help with immigration matters.
- Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES): This statewide organization has a Dallas office and provides free and low-cost legal services to immigrant and refugee communities.
Move Forward on Your Path to Permanent Residency
Adjusting your status from asylee to lawful permanent resident is a critical step in securing your future in the U.S. The process requires careful preparation, but the security and opportunities it provides are invaluable.
If you have questions about your eligibility or need help preparing your application, consider reaching out to an experienced immigration attorney. Professional guidance can provide peace of mind and help you navigate the process efficiently, ensuring you take this important step with confidence.
