A quick overview of the CAM Program including who is eligible, benefits, and how to apply for it.

1. Refugee Processing For
Minors In Guatemala,
Honduras and El Salvador
Updated November 2016
Paula Forero, Esq.

2. Topics for discussion
• What is the U.S. refugee admissions program?
• Role of the resettlement agencies
• CAM Program: Who Can Apply?
• CAM Program: What is the Process?
• Benefits for Refugees

3. Refugee resettlement agencies

4. U.S. refugee admissions program
DOS Annual Refugee
Admissions Priorities
• Determines who can apply for the US
Refugee Admissions Program
USCIS
application/
interview
overseas
• Applicants examined to determine if they
meet the legal definition of a refugee
Admission
to the
US
• Assistance through refugee
resettlement agencies

5. Central American Minor Program
Who Can Apply?
• Parent over 18 years old
• In US with “lawful/authorized presence”
• Can apply an Affidavit of Relationship for a qualified
child
Who Is a Qualified Child (QCH)?
• Unmarried child (includes adopted and step-children)
• Under 21 years old
• National of and residing in El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras

6. Central American Minor Program
Lawful/Authorized Presence includes those with:
• Lawful Permanent Residence (“green card”)
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
• Parole
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Deferred Action (non-DACA)
• Deferred Enforced Departure
• Withholding of Removal

7. Central American Minor Program
Inclusion of family members when accompanying a
QCH:
• Child of QCH can be included on the case as a
derivative (gets same status as QCH)
• The children, regardless of age or marital status, of
a U.S.-based lawfully present parent
• The biological parent of a QCH even if not legally
married to the U.S.-based lawfully present parent
• The caregiver of a QCH related to the U.S.-based
lawfully present parent or the QCH

8. Central American Minor Program
• U.S. based parent files Form DS-7699 CAM Affidavit of
Relationship (AOR)
 must file through a refugee resettlement agency only
• Retroactive application may be possible

9. Refugee benefits
• Travel loan
• Food, shelter, basic needs
• Case management services
• Referrals to health care, education, other social
services

10. Refugees benefits
• Refugee status does not expire
• Refugees must apply for Lawful Permanent
Residence (“green card”) status after one year
• Refugees are work authorized
• Refugees may travel outside the US
• Refugees may petition for family members

11. Thank You