THE U.S. REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT (FORM I-571) ASYLEE TRAVEL GUIDE

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES!  The new design of the United States Permanent Residence Card commonly referred to as the Green Card.  A Green Card known officially as a Permanent Residence Card, It is a document that is issued to immigrants under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) bestowing rights, benefits and privileges of permanent resident in the United States.  RIGHTS OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS A Green Card known officially as a Permanent Residence Card, It is a document that is issued to immigrants under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) bestowing rights, benefits  and privileges of permanent  resident  in the United States.  - Reside permanently in the United States provided they do not commit actions that would make them removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  - Join and serve in the United States Armed Forces, including in many law enforcement agencies.  - Wo...

U.S. REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT WITH NEW ENHANCED SECURITY FEATURES To prevent secure document tampering, counterfeiting, and fraud, The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin producing a new security-enhanced U.S. Refugee Travel Document effective October 24, 2019. The Refugee Travel Document booklet will look similar to the U.S. passport and serves dual purposes including that of the U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571).  U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571): Those with refugee or asylum status use a Refuge Travel Document if they wish to temporarily travel outside of the United States and, in some cases may use a Refugee Travel Document in place of a passport.  The new Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) will include a variety of secure features:  - Redesigned booklet cover  - Four montages containing three images, each of notable U.S. architecture, used throughout the booklet.  - A com...

The Beautiful Kingdom of Rwanda on the continent of Africa.  LGBT RIGHTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA The Republic of Rwanda is considered a leader in the progress on human rights for LGBT persons in East Africa. Rwanda is a signatory of the United Nations joint statement condemning violence against LGBT people, being one of the only few countries in Africa to have sponsored the declaration, and stands in sharp contrast with neighboring Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.  In the old Kingdom of Rwanda, male homosexuality was common among young Hutus and Tutsis. In 1986, a 19 year old Tutsi man was recorded as saying that "traditionally" in his tribe, there was an extended period during which boys lived apart from the rest of the village while they are training to be warriors, during which was very emotional, and often sexual, relationships were stuck up..... sometimes these relationship lasted beyond adolescence into adulthood.  Watusi still have a reputation for...

Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) who has obtained their permanent residency through asylum affords visa free travel to several destinations, Some green card holders have visa-free access to many of the destinations by virtue of the nationality already held.  Visa-Free Access with Green Card to the following countries are allowed along with a U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). Always contact the local consulate of the specific countries listed for additional travel requirements and if unsure always speak with a Licensed Attorney-At-Law for consultation regarding your particular case, for example: Some countries like Canada will not admit to their country if you have a criminal record.   Pictured: An example of how new green card are now printed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Canada - 6 months - An Electronic Travel Authorization is required if travelling by air.  Cayman Islands - 30 days  Ber...

OVERVIEW OF PUERTO RICO,  A UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES Puerto Rico, the Spanish for "Rich Port" officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In 1898, following the Spanish-American War, the United States acquired Puerto Rico under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.  Puerto Ricans have been citizens of the United States since 1917, and enjoy freedom of movement between the island and the mainland. As Puerto Rico is not a state, Puerto Rico does not have a vote in the United States Congress, which governs the territory with full jurisdiction under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950.  LGBT Rights In Puerto Rico LGBT people that lives in Puerto Rico have gained several rights in recent years.  Same sex relationships have been legal in Puerto Rico since 2003, and same sex marriage and adoptions are also permitted.Federal U.S. hate crime laws apply in Puerto Rico Are you an asylee travelling to Puerto Rico?...

Entry and Exit Stamp of a Foreign Country in a U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) A person with a refugee or asylum status who wishes to travel outside the United States needs a Refugee Travel Document in order to return to the United States. In most cases, a refugee or asylee may use the Refugee Travel Document for travel in place of a passport. The Refugee Travel Document is similar in appearance to a U.S. Passport. ***   HOW DO I APPLY FOR A REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT? To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Filing instructions and forms are available on United States Immigration website at www.uscis.gov . Follow the instructions on the form carefully.  HOW LONG IS A REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT VALID? A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to 1 year.  CAN I TRAVEL BACK TO THE COUNTRY WHERE I EXPERIENCED PAST PERSECUTION OR CLAIM A FEAR OF FUTURE PERSECUTION? Yes. However, if you have been grante...

OVERVIEW OF HAWAII, THE U.S. 50TH STATE  HAWAII nicknamed the "The Aloha State" is the 50th state and the most recent state to have joined the United States, having received statehood on August 21, 1959.  Hawaii is the only U.S. state located in Oceania, the only U.S. state located outside of North America, and the only one composed entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. Official languages are English and Hawaiian.  If you are an asylee travelling to Hawaii, You are required to present the following to get through the security check-point:  - Your boarding pass, and  - A government issued ID (Driver's License, State ID or U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). *   Please bear in mind, travel to Hawaii is considered a domestic flight and requires only a Driver's License or a State ID, because travelling to Hawaii is like travelling to ...

If you were admitted as a refugee or granted asylum (asylee) and are applying for adjustment of status (Form I-485) one year after that, you can travel outside the United States on a valid U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) and don't have to apply for an Advance Parole. Page 17 of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status indicates that Asylees only need a U.S. Refugee Travel Document while their application is pending with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. ASYLEES DON'T NEED AN ADVANCE PAROLE, ONLY A U.S. REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT WITH A PENDING FORM I-485. Asylees adjustment of status is under Immigration and Nationality Act Section 209 because you were admitted as a refugee or granted asylum (asylee), you may travel abroad and return to the United States with a refugee travel document. You may obtain a refugee travel document by filing Form I-131 as specified in the Form I-131 Instructions. However, see...

OVERVIEW OF CANADA  Canada is a country in the northern part of North America.Its capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.  Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state.  LBGT RIGHTS IN CANADA  Lesbian, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Canada are some of the most advanced in the Americas and in the world. Same-sex sexual activities has been lawful in Canada since June 27, 1969, when the Criminal Law Amendment Act came into force upon royal assent.  Canada has frequently been referred to as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, with its largest cities featuring their own gay areas and communities, and being named among the most gay-friendly cities in the world.  REQUIREMENTS FOR ASYLEES TRAVELLING TO CANADA If you possess a U.S. Refugee Travel Document ...

WHAT IS SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION? Registration is a way the Government of the United States keeps a list of names of men from which to draw in case of a national emergency requiring rapid expansion of our Armed Forces. By registering all young men, Selective Service ensures that a future draft will be fair and equitable.  All males in the United States between 18 and 26 years of age are required to register for the draft. Asylees are not exempt.   Failure to register may have implications for asylees when he applies to become a U.S. Citizen. Information about the Selective Service can be found at www.sss.gov .  Important Questions Regarding Selective Service Registration: I am applying for U.S. Citizenship. When do I need to get a status information letter from Selective Service? You only need to get a status letter if you did not register and are age 26 to 31. No letter is required if you are age 31 or older. If you are under age 26,...