FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is a green Card?
A green card (an Alien registration Card)is a card that is issued by USCIS, and it proves permanent residence status. It authorizes the holder to live and work in the United States for the specified duration. Most green cards are valid for 10 years, but conditional green cards based on marriage or investment must be replaced after the first two years. A green card holder is known as a permanent resident.
2. What is conditional permanent residence?
A conditional green card is valid for only two years, and the designation “CR1” on the card stands for “conditional resident” A conditional green card holder must file an application with USCIS to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent green card.
3. How can I apply for asylum?
To apply for asylum, one must file an application with USCIS, or, if the person already has a case before an immigration judge, file the application with the Immigration Court. Generally, the application for asylum must be filed within one year of the applicant’s date of entry into the United States. An applicant for asylum must show that he or she fears persecution in his or her home country because of his or her race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
4. What is Naturalization?
Naturalization allows a foreign national to become a U.S citizen. To be eligible to naturalize, the foreign national must typically have to have been a permanent resident for a certain length of time. The foreign national also has to be of “good moral character” and pass English literacy, history and civics test and know how to read and write.
5. What if I am unable to pay the USCIS fee?
If you are unable to pay a USCIS fee, you may be considered for a full or partial fee waiver. USCIS has a criteria that they use to determine who and who does not qualify for a full or partial fee waiver.
6. How many questions does a USCIS officer ask at the naturalization interview?
You must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to be approved for naturalization.
7. Are there any tools to help me prepare for my naturalization Interview?
The USCIS website uscis.gov has a Citizenship Resource Center where one can learn about naturalization and find study materials.
8. I am a conditional resident and my spouse is abusing me. Can I leave him and apply for a green card without him?
There is provision under the law to assist victims of domestic violence to go through the immigration process without the help of their abusers.
