Resettlement in the United States

We assist newcomers in the United States to:

• Understand U.S. immigration policies, laws and procedures
• Adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent residency
• Apply for political asylum
• Seek restitution for hardships endured during World War II
• Locate long lost friends and family members

Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Residence

HIAS Chicago strongly urges clients to adjust their status to permanent resident (green card holder) as soon as they are eligible to do so. Obtaining a “green card” or lawful permanent residency is the crucial first step that a refugee, parolee or asylee must take to ensure their rights and protection under U.S. law. The green card is a very important immigration document that is used in the workplace and other institutions as proof of eligibility for employment, education, healthcare and access to public benefits. Lawful permanent residency is a mandatory prerequisite to U.S. citizenship. 

HIAS Chicago staff will assist you in determining whether you meet the eligibility criteria and, if you do so, will assist you in completing the permanent residence application, translate all related documents and file your application in compliance with standards set forth by the Immigration Service.

For Refugees: After being physically present in the U.S. for one year, a refugee can apply for “lawful permanent residency” (LPR). The processing period with the Immigration Service for a green card for refugees may take up to six months or more.

For Parolees: According to current U.S. law, individuals from the former Soviet Union who were paroled in the public interest into the U.S. after denial of refugee status, are eligible to apply for permanent residence (green card) one year after arrival in the U.S. The processing period for a green card with the Immigration Service for parolees may take up to six months or more. We encourage parolees to call HIAS Chicago so that we may assist you in applying for permanent residence.

For Asylees: An asylee is eligible to apply for permanent residence (green card) after being physically present in the U.S. for one year following the grant of Asylum. Asylees are encouraged to apply for adjustment of status at the earliest opportunity. The processing period for asylees may take up to six months or more.

DV Lottery—Diversity Visa Lottery

For each of the past several years, the United States government has awarded legal permanent residence (“Green Cards”) to 50,000 eligible winners and their families who are chosen randomly from those who send applications to the U.S. State Department’s annual “Diversity Visa Lottery.”
The information required on a Lottery application, and the method of submitting one has changed over the years, but HIAS Chicago staff is kept informed of all these changes and are qualified to assist those who wish to make an application to the lottery for themselves, family, or friends.