What is Refugee?
A refugee is defined as a ‘stateless individual’ who has undergone persecution and banishment due to their political, religious, or personal beliefs at the hand(s) of the ruling body within their respective country or origin of residence. In the event that the country or nation of destination wishes to grant those persecuted individuals refugee-contingent asylum - which would allow those individuals to reside within the borders of that nation - those individuals may be granted legal entry into that particular country or nation. Refugees – upon being granted legal entry into a country or nation – may be granted legal, permanent residence in lieu of citizenship, naturalization, or deportation.
Refugee and Associated Forms
The completion of the following forms may be necessary with regard to the establishment of international status with regard to a Refugee:
1. Refugee Form Title: I-602 (Application By Refugee For Waiver of Grounds of Excludability)
Refugee Form Description: In the event that a refugee has been denied entry into the United States, resulting from a past criminal record or underlying health concern, this form may be completed in order to appeal the rejection as a result of familial or humanitarian reasoning
Number of Pages: The form consists of 3 pages
Filing Fee and Applicable Costs: No applicable fee exists
Current Edition Date: 1/6/2010; however, certain preexisting editions may be suitable for submission
2. Refugee Form Title: I-643 (Health and Human Services Statistical Data for Refugee/Asylee Adjusting Status
Refugee Form Description: In the event that a refugee wishes to adjust, alter, or update their respective immigration status, they will be required to produce this form; this form substantiates a clean bill of health with regard to a refugee applicant
Number of Pages: The form consists of 2 pages
Filing Fee and Applicable Costs: No applicable fee exists
Current Edition Date: 10/29/2010; however, certain preexisting editions may be suitable for submission
Legal Assistance for Refugees
Individual applicants who are unfamiliar with the process of applying for a refugee permit are encouraged to consult legal experts specializing in immigration law. A refugee permit is defined as the granting of legal permission to enter the United States of America as a result of persecution, hardship, or extenuating circumstances endured by the non-citizen in question.
Refugee Assistance and Resources
The following are a list of helpful and accredited resources that may provide assistance Refugees:
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau (USCIS) is the governmental branch that is mandates all oversight of procedures latent within the achievement of legal immigration status; these statuses can range from passports, Green Cards, visas, and citizenships – the USCIS can be contacted through their toll-free phone number: (800) 375-5283
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the federal branch of the United States’ department of Homeland Security (DHS) that mandates all oversight with regard to investigations involving immigration and travel-related criminal activity; in the event that you or someone you know has been made aware of immigration or travel-related criminal activity, you are encouraged to contact ICE through their toll-free phone number: (866) 347-2423
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