Refugee Status & Resettlement
YO PELEO™ - Building New Lives in America
Whether you're already a refugee seeking to adjust status or helping family members join you in the U.S., we provide comprehensive support for refugee resettlement and family reunification processes.
Comprehensive Refugee Services
Refugee status offers protection and a pathway to permanent residence for those who have fled persecution in their home countries. Unlike asylum seekers who apply from within the U.S., refugees are processed overseas and admitted to the United States for resettlement. YO PELEO™ helps with all aspects of refugee status, from initial resettlement to family reunification.
Refugees vs. Asylum Seekers: Key Differences
Refugees are processed outside the U.S. and admitted for resettlement, while asylum seekers apply from within the U.S. Both receive similar protections once approved, but the processes differ significantly.
Our Refugee Status Services
Adjustment of Status
Help refugees apply for permanent residence (green card) after one year in the U.S.
- • Form I-485 preparation
- • Medical examination coordination
- • Supporting documentation
- • Interview preparation
Family Reunification
Bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to join you in the United States.
- • Form I-730 petitions
- • Derivative refugee status
- • Consular processing abroad
- • Travel document assistance
Travel Documents
Obtain refugee travel documents for international travel and family visits.
- • Form I-131 applications
- • Refugee travel document renewal
- • Emergency travel authorization
- • Re-entry permit applications
Resettlement Support
Guidance on rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a refugee in the United States.
- • Legal status clarification
- • Work authorization renewal
- • Public benefits guidance
- • Pathway to citizenship
Understanding Refugee Status
Who Qualifies as a Refugee?
A refugee is someone who is outside their country of nationality and unable or unwilling to return due to persecution or well-founded fear of persecution based on:
- • Race or ethnicity
- • Religion or religious beliefs
- • Political opinion or activities
- • Nationality or country of origin
- • Membership in particular social group
- • Other protected characteristics
Refugee Resettlement Process
Overseas Processing (Pre-Arrival)
UNHCR referral and U.S. government screening process conducted in refugee camps or third countries before arrival in the United States.
Arrival and Initial Resettlement
Upon arrival, refugees receive initial support through resettlement agencies and are eligible for work authorization and public benefits.
One Year Milestone
After one year, refugees must apply for adjustment of status to permanent residence. This is a mandatory step to maintain legal status.
Permanent Residence
Once approved for adjustment of status, refugees become lawful permanent residents with green cards and full immigrant rights.
Path to Citizenship
After five years as a permanent resident (or four years from refugee admission date), refugees can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
Family Reunification for Refugees
Refugees can petition for their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to join them in the U.S. This process must be initiated within two years of the refugee's arrival.
Eligible Family Members
- • Spouse (legally married)
- • Unmarried children under 21
- • Children born after refugee status granted
- • Stepchildren (in some cases)
Process Requirements
- • File Form I-730 within 2 years
- • Prove family relationship
- • Family members overseas processing
- • No filing fee required
Refugee Benefits and Rights
Immediate Benefits
- • Work authorization (no waiting period)
- • Social Security number eligibility
- • Refugee Cash Assistance (8 months)
- • Refugee Medical Assistance
- • Resettlement agency support
- • English language training
Long-term Rights
- • Path to permanent residence
- • Family reunification rights
- • International travel (with documents)
- • Protection from return to home country
- • Eligibility for federal programs
- • Path to U.S. citizenship
Critical Deadlines for Refugees
Mandatory Deadlines
- • 1 Year: Must apply for adjustment of status
- • 2 Years: File family reunification petitions
- • 5 Years: Eligible for citizenship
Recommended Actions
- • Start adjustment process at 10-11 months
- • File family petitions as soon as possible
- • Maintain accurate immigration records
Why Choose YO PELEO™ for Refugee Services?
- Extensive experience with refugee cases from all major refugee populations
- Successful family reunification for thousands of refugee families
- Multilingual support for refugee communities from around the world
- Strong relationships with resettlement agencies and community organizations
- Comprehensive understanding of refugee rights and benefits
Refugee Services Help
Schedule Refugee Consultation⚠️ Important Deadlines
- Adjustment of Status:1 Year
- Family Reunification:2 Years
- Citizenship Eligibility:5 Years
Don't miss these critical deadlines!
Languages We Speak
Related Services
Building Your New Life in America
From resettlement to citizenship, YO PELEO™ supports refugees every step of the way.