Dear Resettlement Partners-
Please see some important APA program resources and updates below.
APA Network Call Registration
USCCB has extended the weekly APA Network calls for an additional four weeks. Join us Wednesdays at 2:00pm ET from October 27 through November 17. Please register for this call series here.
Screening Tool for Special Immigrant Eligible Parolees
As a follow-up to several questions from the APA call this week, please see this Special Immigrant Screening Guide for Afghan Parolees. Please note that Afghan nationals already present in the United States are not eligible for a visa, which allows someone to enter the country, but they may still be eligible for special immigrant status. With special immigrant status, an individual is able to apply for permanent residency (a “green card”) and would not apply for asylum. Ultimately, however, the decision to apply for special immigrant status, asylum, or any other status is subject to an individual’s discretion, and he or she should consult with an immigration attorney to determine the best way forward.
TANF and SNAP Eligibility Letters
On this week’s call, a few Resettlement Directors mentioned challenges with benefit approvals for APA clients. Issa Spatrisano from Catholic Social Services in Alaska shared memos for TANF and SNAP that had been shared with State Refugee Coordinators and can be used for local advocacy. These are now housed on MRSConnect for easy access.
SAVE Announcement on Special Immigrant Conditional Permanent Residents and Parolees
Please see this notice from SAVE which includes details on the verification response provided by SAVE for different categories of Afghans. This document is now housed on MRSConnect.
In solidarity,
Rachel Pollock, MSW
Director, Resettlement Services
USCCB | Migration and Refugee Services
