Arrive Ministries’ Immigration Legal Services team recently hosted a two-day Green Card clinic, assisting 70 refugees in filing their applications.
After one year of residency in the U.S., a refugee applies for a Green Card which declares their Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR). While all refugees arrive with legal status, obtaining LPR provides additional benefits, including protection from removal, access to family sponsorship for spouse/children, and access to certain public benefits. It is also a necessary step in the citizenship pathway for refugees.
“Obtaining a Green Card is an important step in a refugee’s journey toward citizenship. It was a joy to assist to many fathers, mothers, and children in this process,” said Ruth LePage, Director of Refugee Services.
One client applying for their Green Card brought our staff an orchid and card that read, “Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and care during this hard time. Your support and encouragement meant a great deal to our family, and we are truly grateful that you stood beside us and did not leave us alone when we needed support. May God bless and protect all of you.”
Recent policy changes have made this step significantly important. A January 9 order, Operation PARRIS, is specifically targeting refugees who have not yet adjusted to Green Card status and is subjecting them to re-vetting interviews to reverify their refugee status. A March 1 order makes individuals with refugee status, who have not yet received their Green Card, ineligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These basic food benefits provide essential assistance to many income-eligible families.
This green card clinic allowed our immigration staff the opportunity to make significant progress in meeting the needs of our refugee neighbors seeking permanence and stability,” said LePage. “These are some of the most vulnerable of our new neighbors who have been affected by Operation PARRIS over the past few months.”
We currently have 150 people on our waitlist looking to file their Green Card applications.
Note: While applying for their Green Card is a critical step, in late 2025 USCIS placed an indefinite hold on Green Card processing for many refugees. We continue to advocate that processing for legal pathways will reopen and remain a priority for the U.S. government.
