Refugee Resettlement Help in Glendale: Community Resources for Armenian & Arab Refugees
Connecting newly arrived refugees with essential services and community support in Glendale
Quick Answer
Glendale is home to one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia and a growing Arab refugee population. SoCal Immigration Services connects newly resettled refugees with essential services and provides Arabic-speaking document support.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Glendale is home to one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia and a growing Arab refugee population. SoCal Immigration Services connects newly resettled refugees with essential services and provides Arabic-speaking document support.
Understanding Refugee Resettlement
The Resettlement Process:
• Referred by UNHCR for U.S. resettlement
• Approved by U.S. government after extensive vetting
• Assigned to a resettlement agency
• Arrive in the U.S. with refugee status
• Work toward adjustment of status and eventually citizenship
First Steps After Arrival
- •Complete required medical screenings
- •Apply for Social Security card
- •Enroll children in school
- •Begin English language classes (ESL)
- •Apply for employment authorization (EAD)
- •Open a bank account
- •Learn to navigate public transportation
- •Connect with community organizations
Immigration Timeline for Refugees
| Timeframe | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive with I-94 showing refugee status | Valid for 1 year |
| Immediately | Apply for EAD (work permit) | Free for refugees |
| After 1 year | Apply for Adjustment of Status (green card) | Required, not optional |
| 5 years after arrival | Eligible for citizenship | Green card backdated to entry |
| 5+ years | Apply for naturalization | Become U.S. citizen |
Adjustment of Status for Refugees
• File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence)
• The filing fee is waived for refugees
• Medical exam (I-693) is required
• Background checks will be conducted
• Failure to apply may have immigration consequences
• We help refugees complete this important application
Benefits Available to Refugees
- •Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) - first 8 months
- •Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) - if not eligible for Medi-Cal
- •SNAP (Food Stamps) - CalFresh in California
- •Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)
- •Employment services through resettlement agencies
- •Housing assistance programs
- •ESL and job training programs
- •Childcare assistance
Glendale Community Resources
• Armenian Relief Society
• Catholic Charities LA
• International Rescue Committee (IRC)
• Jewish Family Service LA
• Glendale YWCA
• Local Armenian churches and community centers
• Glendale Public Library (free ESL classes)
• Glendale Community College
Employment for Refugees
- •Your I-94 with refugee stamp allows immediate work
- •Apply for EAD for a more secure work document
- •Resettlement agencies provide job placement help
- •English classes improve employment prospects
- •Foreign credentials may need evaluation
- •Many employers in Glendale hire refugees
Family Reunification (I-730)
• Spouse and unmarried children under 21 (within 2 years of refugee arrival)
• File Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
• No filing fee for I-730
• Derivatives can follow-to-join
• Processing can take 1-2 years
• We help prepare I-730 petitions
Refugee Travel Documents
• Refugee Travel Document (RTD) required for international travel
• Apply using Form I-131
• Filing fee is waived for refugees
• IMPORTANT: Do NOT return to your home country - this may abandon refugee status
• Travel to third countries is permitted
• We help prepare travel document applications
Special Considerations for Armenian Refugees
• Armenian-speaking professionals and services
• Armenian churches (numerous in Glendale)
• Armenian cultural organizations
• Armenian-language media and newspapers
• Ethnic grocery stores and familiar foods
• Armenian doctors, lawyers, and social workers
• Strong community advocacy
Special Considerations for Arab Refugees
• Arabic-speaking services (including ours)
• Halal food markets nearby
• Mosques and Islamic centers
• Arab cultural organizations
• Arabic-language community resources
• Support from Iraqi, Syrian, and other Arab communities
Our Glendale Refugee Services
- •Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications
- •Adjustment of Status (I-485) preparation
- •I-730 family reunification petitions
- •Refugee Travel Document applications
- •Document translation (Arabic, Armenian to English)
- •Social Security and ID application assistance
- •Naturalization preparation after 5 years
- •Arabic-speaking staff available
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long can I stay in the U.S. as a refugee?
A: Refugees can stay permanently. After 1 year, you must apply for a green card (adjustment of status). After 5 years from your arrival date, you can apply for citizenship.
Q:Can I work right away as a refugee?
A: Yes. Your I-94 stamp showing refugee status allows you to work immediately. We recommend also applying for an EAD (work permit) as a more secure document for employers.
Q:Can I bring my family to the U.S.?
A: Refugees can petition for their spouse and unmarried children under 21 using Form I-730. This must be filed within 2 years of your refugee arrival. We help prepare these petitions.
Q:Can I travel outside the U.S. as a refugee?
A: Yes, but you need a Refugee Travel Document first. Important: Do NOT travel to your home country as this may be seen as abandoning your refugee status.
Q:What benefits can refugees receive?
A: Refugees can receive cash assistance (RCA), medical assistance, food stamps (CalFresh), and Medi-Cal. Your resettlement agency will help you apply for these benefits.
Q:Do you provide legal advice for refugees?
A: We are not attorneys and don't provide legal advice. We help with document preparation and can refer you to free legal services through resettlement agencies or legal aid organizations.
Newly Resettled Refugee in Glendale?
Let our team help you with your immigration documents. We speak Arabic and understand the unique needs of refugee families.
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