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​Client Eligibility

To be eligible for federally-funded refugee services in Pennsylvania, an individual must be:

    • A refugee:
        • Having been admitted to the United States as a refugee pursuant to INA § 207;
        • An asylee whose status was granted under § 208 of the INA;
        • Cuban and Haitian entrants, in accordance with the requirements in 45 CFR § 401.2;
        • Certain Amerasians from Vietnam who are admitted to the United States as immigrants pursuant to § 584 of the Foreign Operations, export financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988; or
        • Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants per section 1244(g) of Div. A of Pub. L. 110-181, as amended (8 U.S.C. § 1157 note) and section 602(b) (8) of Div. F of Pub. L. 118-8, as amended (8 U.S.C. § 1101 note); or
        • Victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons per the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-386, as amended, 22 U.S.C. § 7105(b) (1) (A) and (C); and
    • Time-eligible, having resided in the United States:
        • Less than five years, for most programs;
        • Without time restrictions, if over the age of 60, residing outside of Philadelphia County and participating in the Older Refugees Program; or
        • If receiving citizenship preparation, referral, community outreach or interpretation services.

The following categories are ineligible for federally funded refugee services:

    • Public Interest Parolees (PIPs), including so-called "Lautenberg" parolees;
    • Humanitarian Interest Parolees (HIPs);
    • Cuban/Haitian entrants who have not adjusted their status to "Lawful Permanent Resident" within two years of entry into the United States; and
    • Applicants for political asylum, including those who have received notice of intent to grant from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).