The CIS Ombudsman, January Contreras, has issued recommendations regarding the adjudication of applications for refugee status.  According to the DHS website, the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS; identifies areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and proposes changes to mitigate identified problems.

Concerning the adjudication of applications for refugee status, the Ombudsman recommends that USCIS:

(1) Publicly state, on the USCIS website and through stakeholder groups, the criteria by which USCIS expedites certain emergent refugee cases and how to access that expedited process. 

(2) Clearly state the reason for denying a refugee application: (a) Identify issues of concern during the applicant’s interview to enable the applicant to address, at that time, any potential grounds for denial; and (b) Articulate in the Notice of Ineligibility for Resettlement clear and case-specific information regarding the grounds for denial.(3) Issue guidance on how to file a Request for Reconsideration for a denied refugee application: (a) Provide a tip sheet on relevant supporting documents outlining the information applicants could include; and (b) Publish mailing address(es) for Request for Reconsideration submissions. 

(4) Acknowledge receipt of each Request for Reconsideration.

Suggestions or comments about the recommendations may be directed to CISOmbudsman@dhs.gov.