Some asylum seekers file their applications and never receive an interview. Others are interviewed for asylum and never receive a decision. I’ve discussed the first problem–called the backlog–several times, but today I want to discuss the second problem. What happens to people who are interviewed for asylum, but then wait forever for a decision?
I’ve had a number of clients with this problem. They fall into a few broad categories.
One group are people from countries that are considered a security threat to the United States–countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Somalia. People from such countries are subject to more extensive—and thus more time consuming—security background checks. The security check process is very opaque, so we really don’t know much about what the government is checking or why it takes so long, and the length of the delay seems to have nothing to do with the person’s personal history (for example, I’ve had clients who worked in the U.S. Embassy in their country or with the U.S. military, and still the background check was delayed). To me, the security background check delays don’t make sense. If the person is a threat to the United States, allowing him to live freely here for months or years while the government investigates his background seems like a bad idea. Another aspect of the background check that does not make sense is that asylum seekers in court never seem to be delayed by security checks. Also, aliens seeking their residency in other ways (marriage to a U.S. citizen or through employment) don’t seem to have problems with background checks either. While the need for background checks is clear, the inordinate delays for asylum seekers is hard to understand.
Another group of people who face delays after the interview are people who may have provided “material support” to terrorists or persecutors. I have a client like this–he was kidnapped by terrorists and released only after he negotiated a ransom (which was paid by his relative). Had he not paid the ransom, his case would not have been delayed post-interview. Of course, had he not paid the ransom, he would have been killed by the kidnappers, so the point would probably be moot. I imagine that his case is subject to review by Headquarters, which again, seems reasonable. But why it should take 10 months (so far) and what they hope to discover through an additional review, I don’t know.
A third group of people whose cases are delayed are members of disfavored political parties or organizations. Such people might also be subject to the “material support” bar, but even if they have not provided support to persecutors, their cases might be delayed.
A final group are high-profile cases, such as diplomats and public figures. When such a person receives asylum (or is denied asylum), there are potential political ramifications. Again, while I imagine it makes sense to review such cases at a higher level, I am not exactly sure what such a review will accomplish. The law of asylum is (supposedly) objective–we should not deny asylum to an individual just because her home government will be offended–so it is unclear what there is to review.
These delays are particularly frustrating given that decisions in asylum cases should generally be made within six months of filing. According to INA § 208(d)(5)(A)(iii), “in the absence of exceptional circumstances, final administrative adjudication of the asylum application, not including administrative appeal, shall be completed within 180 days after the date an application is filed.” Unfortunately, the “exceptional circumstances” clause is the exception that swallows the rule. These days, everything from backlog to background check to Asylum Office error seems to pass for exceptional circumstances. I know this is not really anyone’s fault–the Asylum Offices are overwhelmingly busy, but it is still quite frustrating.
Indeed, I have had clients waiting for more than two years (two years!) after their interview, and the asylum offices can give us not even a hint about when we will receive a decision. The worst part about these delays is how they affect asylum seekers who are separated from their families. I’ve already had a few clients with strong claims abandon their cases due to the intolerable wait times. The saddest case was an Afghan man who recently left the country, two years after receiving a “recommended approval.” The client had a wife and small children who were waiting in Afghanistan. After he received the recommended approval–in 2012–we were hopeful that he would soon receive his final approval, and then petition for his family. After enduring a two-year wait, during which time first his child and then his wife suffered serious illnesses, the client finally gave up and returned to his family. This is a man who worked closely with the U.S. military in Afghanistan and who has a very legitimate fear of the Taliban. In his case, we would have been better off if the Asylum Office had just denied his claim–at least then he would have known that he was on his own. Instead, he relied on our country for help, we told him we would help, and then we let him down.
Delays after the interviews seem to affect a minority of applicants, and they have not garnered as much attention as the backlog. However, they can be just as frustrating and never-ending as backlogged cases. At the minimum, it would be helpful if the Asylum Offices could provide some type of time frame for these people, particularly when they are separated from family members. As DHS struggles to deal with the backlog, I hope they don’t forget about those who have been interviewed, but who are also stuck waiting.
Hi Jason,
Will they ask me at the interview if I would like to withdraw my lawful status? My husband applied for asylum and I’m included in the case but I still have a F1. He is out of status already.
In case I will stay in the status, if application is denied, will I be able still to apply for I 765 or not? And if not, will I be able after the decision made, withdraw from the status in order to get work authorization?
Thank you
I do not understand the question. You can withdraw from an asylum case at any time. If you are part of the case, and if 150 days have passed since you filed the case, you can apply for a work permit. An F-1 visa has no effect on any of this.
Hi Jason
Thanks for ur answers
I’m from Iraq and I applied to asylum and I did the interview since January 2015. I’m still waiting but no decision yet. Also, I applied to work authorization documents, I’m still waiting too. My question is why it takes so long to get the decision? And how many months do u thing to get the decision? Yes I read ur article, it does makes sense but I’m just worry.
Thanks
The backlog has made it slow for everyone. Once you are interviewed, there may be additional delays due to security background checks. The main reason for all this is because there are too many asylum seekers and not enough resources. Good luck, Jason
hi jason
the asylum office sent me letter to fingerprint
and i went yesterday and i did the fingerprint
so what that meaning ?
The meaning is that you applied for asylum. Everyone who applies has a fingerprint appointment in the beginning. Now you just have to wait for the interview.
Dear Jason,
I field asylum back on Feb 2014. I expedited my case for humanitarian situation and was approved. I did the interview in Jan 2015. any prediction or time-frame for the expedited cases to reach final decision?
thank you
It is impossible to predict. Most cases are decided in less than six months, but we have many cases that take longer than that. I hope you will have a good decision soon. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am in pending status but I am thinking of this: can I still apply for Employment based green card while still waiting for the interview since the asylum case might take very long time as I am seeing here. However, If I got a green card through Employment or through others (like marriage), can I withdraw later for the asylum case like something did not happen?
Thank you, Zackariah
You can apply for a green card based on employment or marriage. If you marry a US citizen, you generally (but not always) can cancel the asylum case and get your green card. For an employment visa, you generally (but not always) can obtain the green card as long as you are in lawful immigration status (for example, you are still a full time student on an F-1 visa, or you have a B-2 visa and your B-2 status has not expired). If you are no longer in lawful immigration status, you generally (but not always) have to leave the US to get your employment-based green card. Sometimes, this will create real problems and you will not be able to return. These situations are very case specific, and you should consult with a lawyer to make sure you are safe.
Yes, I am still a F-1 student will graduate in Dec 2016 that’s why I don’t want to lose the opportunity of being lawful at the same time of process just in case of worse cases like waiting very long time or even rejected later. Do you think that relying essentially on standard employment based process until I got a result for my asylum case will be applicable to safeguard me from any bad circumstances like long waiting or rejection?
In other words, Can I use the Employment Authorization Document that I can apply for it later to be used for the employer to process for me the green card. OR should I try to find sponsor for H1B and continue into the standard process?
Thank you so much in advance,
Zackariah
The EAD does not give you independent status, so if you want to have a “Plan B,” you should look into the H1B or other visa options.
A person can go from F-1 to OPT to H1B while his asylum case is pending, and that might be a good path for you (as a backup plan to asylum). However, there are all sorts of variables in a case like this–too many to discuss here, and so it is very important to talk to a lawyer about your plan, so you can make sure you are safe.
hi dear jason someone his security cleared and his medical check cleared and his case is onhold how long uscis will determine and why they send me medical check if don’t qualified and security check then completed all steps except cultural orientation and still waiting final approval decision
Are you seeking refugee status through IOM? I really do not know their procedures; I would not be surprised if they did a security check even for people who are ultimately not approved, but I do not know. Take care, Jason
hello Jason . thank you for help us and give us advice .
i have recommended approval on 9 of October 2014 . its almost 8 monts . i went many time to the asylum office ( 6 times ) and they tell me still pending until complete check background . also i went to the congress women in my area and she answered me after 2 weeks and told me they still check background . i filed application to the ombudsman dhs and i still waiting the answer .
in 28 of may 2015 i sent fax to the officer i made interview with her and i told about my case .
today 6 of jun 2015 the assylum office send me letter and saying ( your case is under routine review by an asylum officer . the decision will be completed and mailed to you as soon as circumstances permit ) . so my question is how i get recommended approval and now they send me letter and say my case under review ?
thank you jason
I don’t know – but maybe the new letter is just a form letter, and is not specific to your case. We have never seen an example of a recommended approval that was then denied. I suppose it could happen, but I think it is very rare. Your situation is particularly frustrating, and I hope you get a final approval soon. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason for your every efforts towards the people those who are living in agony.
will wait to listening fm you soon.
Go bless you.
Rgds,
SM
Hi
Thank a lot for all the information you providing everybody.
I filed my asylum case in may 2013. I had not any status at that time. I did my interview in July 2013 at San Francisco. Interview took like two hours and officer told me to come back in 2 weeks to pick decision. I went after 2 weeks, but hey told me that my decision is not ready. My case is pending since then. I got work permit after 180 days, and i have renewed it once.
In first week of april i got a letter for fingerprints again. I did them, but i have not heard anything about my case after that. I want to know what does second time fingerprint means. If i will get my decision soon.
I also wanted to move to other state. if that is going to put any effect on my case?
I will really appreciate your help.
Moving should not affect your case. However, you must inform the asylum office of your new address. In our experience, the second fingerprint notice sometimes comes before a decision or a second interview, but other times, it has no relation to another interview or a decision. In other words, I really do not know that there is any significance to the new fingerprint notice. Hopefully, though, you will receive a positive decision soon. Good luck, Jason
Thanks a lot. I was thinking about moving to Louisiana. So if i move, then my case will be moved to asylum office of Louisiana or it will stay in San Francisco office?
Thanks again.
If you move to Louisiana, your case will no longer be at the SF office. The move could cause additional delay, and if you do not yet have your work permit, it could prevent you from getting it. If you have already been interviewed, the move should have no effect. Either way, you need to inform the asylum office that you moved.
Thanks a lot. May God bless you.
Dear Jason,
Greetings!
May be I am the most unlucky person in the world. My asylum case filed by USCIS on 04th April, 2014 and I had my asylum interview on 14th May, 2014 with Arlington USCIS Office. During my interview I was told by the asylum officer that I will get my decision through mail within one month, since then no luck.
I have a spouse and two daughters who living with me, eldest daughter just completed her 1st semester form the Montgomery College with outstanding result, and youngest one secure third time honor roll from the FSKMS. This is the achievement I have in my basket.
Day by day I am becoming frustrated and lifeless, I could not sleep at all, and even sleeping dose doesn’t work. I went to the Arlington office (physically) three times and email them more than two times, but every time a desk person came to me with a update that your case with officer for review and the mail answer also same.
Many people who file their asylum case later then me get either recommended approval/ Final approval or referral to the court, in my case it is not happened. Still I don’t know what going on with my case, whether I will get approval or denial.
thank you JASON as u helping the peoples lot.
have a blessed night.
kind regards,
SM
It is very frustrating, and I will be posting something else on this issue (delays after the interview) in the next month or so, once I have time. At least you can have some comfort in that your family is with you and safe; I have many clients who are missing their children or their spouse, and they are waiting forever for their decision. Hopefully you will hear something soon. I wish you good luck, Jason
Hello MR Jason thanks a lot for spending your time doing this blessing thing by helping us (the immigrants ) ,my question is i did apply for asylum in texas ( its the place where i do leave permanently ) and i go to Chicago and work there (applying for Chicago driver license ) and come back home every 6 month and leave again to Chicago .My family do stay in Texas and they check my mail and i had already asylum interview in Houston and they give me a recommended approval ( they did not ask me why i do have Chicago driver license …but i am waiting for the final approval for 8 month ..do you think its because i do go to Chicago for temporary job and staying there 6 month.
I highly doubt the reason for the delay is related to your job in Chicago or your driver’s license. Many people are delayed, and usually it is due to security background checks. Good luck, Jason
God bless Jason
Hello Mr.jason
Thank you so much for your helpfull website and articles.
I had my first interview in march 2013 and i m still waiting for a decision.
I sent a status inquiry to miami asylum office and 2 days ago, i got a letter by mail from the miami asylum office telling me that” an asylum interview will be scheduled in the future as soon as resources permit ;please provide a filled out AR-11 to update your address; we have received your biometrics”.
Sir what does this letter indicate ?
Am i going to get second interview in the future?
Please if you can explain the letter and what is the next steps?
Thank you so much
I don’t think the letter means anything – it sounds like a form letter. Most people do not get second interviews, but some do. I would email them again to ask for clarification (and maybe make clear to them that you have already been interviewed). Good luck, Jason
Thank you so much Mr.jason, you are helping people, god bless you.
Wishing you the best and for sure your website became the 1st reference for people who is seeking asylum in the USA.
hello jason . i have question
i have recommend approval . can i apply for the travel document to travel to Europe for vacation ?
or that will make my asylum cade worest
You cannot apply for the Refugee Travel Document until you have the final approval. You can apply for Advance Parole now, but there have been problems with those applications (see my posting from January 27, 2015). Good luck, Jason
Hello Mr Jason . Thanks a lot for doing this great job by helping us .I did apply for an asylum on November 2013 and a year after i had an interview and i did receive an recommended approval for my asylum case right after the interview and a couple month ago i did receive a EAD for two years with the code A5 on it , as i know to learn about the asylum case status you can either send a request mail or go in person to the office ,so a month ago i did send LA asylum office a mail to learn the status of my case but they didn’t reply and i did send them again a couple weeks ago but the same situation … What you think is the reason they act like this , A5 code is for asylum granted but they did not send me any letter did you had any situation like mine in your experience ,and how should i act ..thanks a lot Jason .
Hi Mr Jason i did apply for an Asylum on November 2013 and on October 2014 i had an interview after two weeks they send me a mail with the Recommended Approval and on March 2015 i was gave my second biometric right after that they send me a EAD coded A05 and i send the LA asylum office request about my case status they did not respond and after waiting a month i did request second time but nothing yet !!! My question is was i approved because my EAD coded with A05 ,in your experience was there people in my situation ,what should i do to learn about my status !!!Thank you Jason
There is no way to know. We have had several clients with recommended approval learn about final approvals in this way, but it could also be a mistake on the EAD. There is not much you can do other than inquire of the asylum office and keep waiting. If you do not hear anything, try the Ombudsman’s office or contact a Congress person for help. Good luck, Jason
Thanks a lot !!!
Hi Jason please help
The government just ask my lawyer to stop requesting my asylum basic the government is offering me no deportation and of course I will get a working permission but that won’t let me help my family member by bringing them here we are all in danger study or get any benef.
Why would the government ask for that ? Is anything wrong ? Any chances to win the case ?
Thank you Nali
Unfortunately, I cannot answer the question without a lot more information. Your lawyer should help you with this and if he or she is not helping, you need a new lawyer. I have never had this happen to a case that was with the asylum office, but it is pretty common in court cases. There are different reasons that they give this offer in court, and you are not obligated to accept the offer. Again, your lawyer should help you or you should find a new lawyer. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason
My name is neli I have a question is it normal for the government to give an offer saying they want me to close the case but will be no deportation at the same time I won’t have a status .why would the do that I’ve been waiting for 2 years please help me to understand any possibilities they can denied my case.
This does sometimes happen in Immigration Court (it is called prosecutorial discretion or PD). I have not heard about it at the Asylum Office, but I guess it is possible. If you are in this situation, you would do well to hire a lawyer to assist you, as it can be a difficult choice. Good luck, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you for such an informative blog, I provide one for inmates and help as much as I can.
My friend is filing for Asylum, she was persecuted in Venezuela and we need clarification on A.II she has 2 sons with the same man neither will be seeking Asylum and the man is involved with the govt in Venezuela, we are listing the two sons per the instructions however all of her documentation lists her as Single and the man who made a police report in Venezuela because of an abduction attempt on her is also listed as single in the police report which took the information from the government ID card.
The question is should she list him on the form or not, they did live together for a time.
Thank you
For specific questions, it is best to talk to a lawyer, as I do not know all the facts. In general, we list all biological and legally adopted children, and the spouse if they are legally or religiously married. When in doubt, we list the person and provide an explanation in the affidavit (or maybe on Supplement B of the form).
Hi Jason,
Quick Question please: I applied to Asylum in Houston, TX May 2013. I did my 1st interview in June 2013, I did my 2nd interview in July 2013 and since that I heard nothing! I moved to Seattle and changed my address and kept asking Houston office about the case and they keep telling me bout the headquarter and the checks! Now, in May 2015 an FBI officer came to my home and scheduled an appointment with me and with my family to LEARN FROM US ABOUT OUR COUNTRY AND TO CHECK HOW IA OUR LIVES IN THE US! This is what she said. I have this meeting with the FBI agent this coming week, I have no idea what it’s all about but I have strong feeling that it’s all about my asylum case! Any thoughts or recommendations from your end will be appreciated.
Thanks
We have had several clients interviewed by the FBI. Generally, the officers wanted to know about people our clients knew in the home country. It was not really related to the asylum interview (as far as I could tell). Some lawyers advise people never to talk to the FBI. I am not one of those lawyers, but there really is a potential danger in speaking to them, and you would do well to hire a lawyer to attend the meeting with you. Good luck, Jason
That sounds very serious!! Thank you Jason for the advice!
hi,
first of all thank you very much Mr Jason.the asylumist site is very useful for all of us it is like a light in the dark.
i applied for asylum in 2014 and was interviewed in april 2014.after 180 days i applied for work authorization,at first my work authorization was refused,when i received a decision notice from USCIS,it was mentioned in the decision notice that my case was granted in May 2014 and USCIS records indicate that i should have received my approval notice and my work authorization card.which i didnt receive.soon after that my lawyer contacted asylum office,he was told that my case was not granted it was recommended for approval and i should re-apply for my work authorization card.any way i re-applied for my work authorization and received my work authorization card.iam still waiting for my final decision its going to be more thn a year now.the most confusing thing is Nebraska center said to me that my case is granted while asylum office where i was interviewed they said it was recommended for approval.iam hanging between Nebraska center and asylum office i dont know what to do..
We are seeing delays – sometimes long delays – for people with recommended approvals. Supposedly, the asylum offices are trying to finish up these cases, but it is hard to know. There is not a whole lot you can do. Maybe contact the asylum office if you need to confirm the status of the case. Otherwise, I have listed in a posting on February 26, 2015 some ideas for making cases go faster. Some of them may apply to your situation (like contacting the Ombudsman or filing a mandamus lawsuit). Good luck, Jason
hello jason
i already sent to the ombudsman on 30 of april 2015 and they will answer me after 45 days .
really i hate my life now and feeling very bad and when i go to my work i feeling no power thinking too much .
now is 7 months after the recommend approval . i went to the congress woman and i contact the ombudsman and still nothing . what can i do ?
why the immgration not care about our feeling ?
we are human and have feeling .
usa is free country and help the people . so why they delay like that ?
i am sick and tired of the waiting .
i am young 27 years old .
i want start my future . but the delay is freezing my life and freezing my think .
please if you can help me tell me and i am ready to pay fee if you can help me to get the final approval
I wish I had a magic solution or I knew some trick to get these decided faster, but I do not. The last resort is to sue the asylum office in a Mandamus lawsuit. You would need a lawyer for that, but it has worked for people in the past to make their cases faster. I wrote a bit about that on February 26, 2015. Good luck, Jason
Hello Mr.Jason
thank you very much for your helpful articles.
I need your help, and your advise.
I’m a Syrian CHRISTIAN, i applied for asylum on FEB 2013 and my interview was on MAR 2013(MIAMI ASYLUM CENTER) .
I’m still waiting for decision, it’s been 2 years and 2 months since i had my interview, i did a lot of inquiry at the MIAMI asylum center but each time they told me pending and pending …..
I’m struggling so bad, PLEASE what do you advise me to do ?
thank you so much, i really appreciate it .
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to get a faster decision. You can keep inquiring, you can contact the DHS Ombudsman, or you can file a Mandamus lawsuit. I wrote about these ideas on February 26, 2015, so please see that posting for more info. Good luck, Jason
Thank you Mr.Jason for your quick answer, i already read all your articles, but do you think that its good idea to lawsuit asylum office?
Do you consider waiting 2 years and 2 months after being interviewed a long period ? And are there any issue due to these delays ? Or it happend with a lot of clients ?
Thank you very much Mr.Jason
It is a very long delay, but I do see if for many people, especially from certain countries (Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria). I think the lawsuit is worth a try; we have not done one for our clients, mostly due to cost and because I have not had time to learn how to do it. I know of at least one case where it was done, and the person’s case went faster. Unfortunately, I did not hear whether that case was granted, though, and I think it is still pending.
Hello Mr.jason
Thank you so much for your helpfull website and articles.
I had my first interview in march 2013 and i m still waiting for a decision.
I sent a status inquiry to miami asylum office and 2 days ago, i got a letter by mail from the miami asylum office telling me that” an asylum interview will be scheduled in the future as soon as resources permit ;please provide a filled out AR-11 to update your address; we have received your biometrics”.
Sir what does this letter indicate ?
Am i going to get second interview in the future?
Please if you can explain the letter and what is the next steps?
Thank you so much
I really do not know what that means – it sounds like they think you have not been interviewed before, so maybe the letter is an error, or maybe you will be getting a second interview. Maybe you can email them to ask whether the letter is correct. It is a very long time to wait since the first interview. Good luck, Jason
Dear jason,
i really appreciate your work. My question is why my interview is very early. I made my asylum on the 20th April amand my big interview is on the 12th may. Why is very early while some people waited to have interview but they can’t?
hello jason thank you for your help us
i have a questions
i am from egypt and i got recommend approval before 7 months
do you have any egyptian client of your office take that long ?
how long the egyptian wait for get the final
Most have not waited as long as you, but it depends on the case. You can always contact the Asylum Office to make sure the case is still pending. Hopefully you get a decision soon. Good luck, Jason
Thank you so much Mr.jason for your honor reviews, but please how long it could be the delay ?
I went to the asylum office last week and i tried to speak with a supervisor but they did not allow me, they said all i can do is writing inquiries 🙁
Thank you again
There is no way to know. We have cases that are pending over 900 days since the interview, but that is rare. Most cases are decided in under a year. Women are usually faster than men. Making inquiries is basically a waste of time, but once in a while, they actually provide useful information. Good luck, Jason
Hi Dear Jason
i read almost all articles you put on this website, i really appreciate your hard work and support.
i filed for asylum on April 2013 and i was interviewed on June 18th in SF, and since then i have no idea what is the decision, even they didn’t tell me if i’m recommended approval or something like that, they just tell me my case is pending.
my wife is really scared and the nightmare of being deported doesn’t leave us. is there any way to end this nightmare ? i really wanna know what is the decision even though i have to leave US and go back to my country.
Please advise.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to make them go faster. You might consider a Mandamus lawsuit (I discussed that on February 26, 2015). Even if your case is denied, you will nor be deported – they will send the case to an Immigration Judge and the Judge will decide whether to grant asylum (or some other relief) or deport you. After that, if you lose, you can appeal. In short, there is no danger that you will be deported soon; the process takes several years. Good luck, Jason
Hello Jason,
I applied for asylum on December 3rd, 2013, had my interview on January 16th, 2015 just received a letter in the mail informing me that my I-589 application for asylum has been recommended for approval. I understand that USCIS is waiting for the results of my background investigation before a final approval or denial, how long does it usually take to complete such an investigation for an asylum seeker from Sudan ?
Unfortunately, it is not very predictable. We’ve had a few recommended approvals from Sudan and they did not take that long – maybe 2 or 3 months if I remember correctly. Hopefully, yours will be quick.
Hi
I have a pending asylum case since May 2013 and did not get the interview yet. I would like to ask, I’ve been working in new company for the job overseas ” I was hired for my mother language”.
Do you think that an emergency to be sent to asylum office?
If not, do you think travel document does it work for 6 or 7 travel annually?
Whether an expedite request is successful depends partly on the reason you need to expedite and partly on luck, so you might as well try. You can request an Advance Parole document to leave the US and return, but I have not heard about a anyone using it for such a long period. You should probably have an attorney research that question for you before you apply.
I am live with my spouse and my three minor children in Maryland. I was Boston when I come us 2013 and I change the state last 20 July 2014. I am coming with political situation from my country and I was apply my asylum November 2013 but still I did not get my interview but I have work permit. my husband is coming 17 July 2014 in usa and I apply for Arlington and Texas asylum office to included my husband in to my I-589 application and I have attach copies of my I-589 along with his original passport size photo for more than three times but no one answer me for my letter. please solve me if what can I do for my problem.
If you contact your current asylum office and tell them you want to add your husband, they should give you directions about how to do it. Good luck, Jason
before 2 weeks i went to the congress woman because of the recommend approval and i told her i am waiting more than 6 months . and today she called me and told me my case is still processing . and will take little longer because i use other name .
my real name is tarek , and my friends call me mena
in my asylum application i wrote my real name is tarek and they ask me if i use other name so i wrote i use other name is mena . dawod ,
before i come to use i travelled to Germany and Netherlands and many country in Europe it was for vacations .
so my case it may take longer because of my traveling and my other name ?
mr jason i hope you help me with that
I am not sure how I can help. When people have more than one name, the background check is longer because they check both/all names. Why these checks are all so ridiculously long, I really do not know.
Dear jason please help me with this I don’t really understand it what it mean and email me abdiqani886@gmail.com
Please I would like to understand this I’m applicant of usrap rsc I completed my medical check up and they said to me your case is closed and will not be processed next step what they mean please don’t really understand is it denial or what bro
I really do not know what you are referring to. If you want to email me, you can, but I normally charge a consultation fee to review an individual case.
Fee no problem you can only tell me how I can pay you because I live in Africa and it not important that I have to u.s.a what is important to me to save my life what I faced and inteveiwed uscis completed medical and security checks but today when I contacted usrap or refugee admission program office rsc Nairobi they said your case on hold further review there I don’t want to them to hold me for no reason but I want to get any decision which unhcr I don’t. Want to think I made them to do that decision so I can get any decision. Meaningful. To me but I don’t want uscis hold me years cause unhcr can refer me any other country
I have not assisted with a refugee case before, so I may not be the best person to help. If you email me, maybe I can send you some recommendations.
hi mr jason thank you for your fully help for help the people..
my question is
is the recommend approval is mean you approved for the asylum or there is any deny ?
i got recommend approval before 7 months and i didnt get the final .
my age is 27
maybe they late because i am young or what
i dont understand why that late in the design
The Asylum Office does not tell us much, so it is difficult to know, but I believe the delay is most likely due to security background checks. Hopefully the final decision will come soon, but it could take many more months. Most of our recommended approval cases received final approval in less than one year, but one took 2.5 years and still there is no decision. We have never had a recommended approval case later get denied, so hopefully you are safe. Good luck, Jason
Dear Jason I live in Africa I don’t have problem normal fee today when I spoke to the rsc Africa located in Nairobi I was told that your case is on hold review of uscis but I completed. Medical exam security check about the normal payment fee contact to my email so we can talk about how you can help
Hello. Trying to understand one concept, it’s all about refugees and asylum appliers. Me and my five are refugees who are waiting for interview for 6 month and it’s still quiet, like nothing.Moreover I know couple and single appliers who are waiting fo simple interview more than two years, it’s becoming rediculous. But here is the gyration, I know a guy who is from Kirghizia, he had an interview in couple month like procedure says. Can invitation to interview depends on case? (the guy been shooted)
Could you please explain me how can we make any influence to speed the procedure up. Or could u just explain me the metter? Coz it’s literely making me crazy
Many people are frustrated for the same reason, so – for what it is worth – you are not alone. See my posting of February 12, 2015 (including some of the links in that post) for some info that might help answer your questions.
i got recommend approval and i am waiting more than 6 months . when i will get my final approval , really i am very upset ?
I don’t blame you. It is unpredictable when a decision will come, so I cannot tell you much. It is basically a waste of time, but you can inquire with the Asylum Office about the status of your case. Also, I did a posting on February 26, 2015 listing some ideas about making a case faster. Some of these ideas would apply after the interview, so maybe you could take a look. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason,
does the immigration decision timing depend from one state another? if so moving to a state that seems less overwhelmingly busy can expedite a decision? or is there a particular state where the immigration processing runs smoothly fast?
I have an asylum case since may 2012 and no decision was ever given. I had an interview with an immigration officer in may 2014. It’s a depressing journey that if there was no fear from returning to my country I wouldn’t be here any more. I’ve been working 2 jobs just trying to keep myself busy in order to get over the stress and depression I’m going through on a daily basis thinking about my wife and kids, but I’m getting to the point where it’s no longer effective. Now I’m feeling that I should just quit my jobs and stay home but I still have bills to pay unfortunately. I loved my both jobs but I just can’t enjoy them at all. could u please provide me with some advice?
I wish I had good advice for you. The system is a real mess right now. Since your interview is already done, moving will not affect the time frame (make sure to inform the Asylum Office if you move using form AR-11). Supposedly, the asylum offices are focusing on finalizing cases and making decisions, though it is hard to tell. We have had some decisions recently in old cases, so I hope you do too. Good luck, Jason
Hi Mr jason
I apply for asylum in 2013 got 2 master hearings the first one gadge said he don’t have my file I guess it’s because I change lawyers the second one basic he was reading my documents all the time then he said he wants to talk to my lawyer I can come if I want is that normal.
Also can I apply for working authority my lawyer said no but now it’s been over 15 days I really need a license to be able to get a better job.
I am not sure I understand the first part of the question. As to the second part, if your case is in court, you can call this number: 1-800-898-7180 and press 1 for English. Enter your Alien number (your A number), which should be on the court notice. After that, the computer will spell your name, and then you can press 2. The computer will tell you how many days have passed. If it is more than 180, you can apply for the work permit (or if it is more than 150 and the “clock” has not stopped). If the clock has stopped, or it is less than 180 days, you cannot apply for your work permit. The whole “clock” business is very annoying, and you might have to ask your lawyer for more details about your specific case. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason First of all I wanna say thank you for taking your time to help us through this asylum journey.basically what happened was I got an interview noticed then received a cancelation notice but I still went on my first interview notice date that was last week Monday at the Arlington Virginia office and got my interview done luckily so the officer told me to come 2 weeks later for the decision however I got a call today saying is gonna be mailed to me instead so I was wondering why would they do such note my case doesn’t fall under any of the category u stated I’m from west Africa and my asylum is based on FGM
There have been some problems with the Arlington Asylum Office and FGM cases – the Virginia court approves them, but the Asylum Office does not always approve them. In any case, it is very common that the decision is not ready in two weeks, and as far as I can tell, it does not mean anything (good or bad) for the outcome of the case. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason
I apply my asylum in 2013 get my interview December 12 2013 got a master hearing but for my master hearing the government guy didn’t have my file so I got another date the judge said he need to discuss my case with my lawyer I can came if I want but they don’t need me . Is that normal ? Also the judge did not give me any date .
another thing my lawyer said it won’t be a good idea to apply for working authority couldn’t understand why know nothing about the clock .
But how can I survive if I can’t apply for working been waiting for 2 years. ?
It is not normal for the Judge to say that. I would ask your lawyer for an explanation so you understand what is going on (there may very well be a good explanation but you need to know). Also, there are sometimes reasons related to the asylum clock that explain why you cannot get a work permit (I hate the asylum clock, by the way). Your lawyer should explain this to you as well, as it depends on your specific circumstances.
Hi Jason, nice site and very resourceful information!
I am from Venezuela and I applied for asylum on May 2014, got my interview on June 2014. When I applied for my EAD on October 2014 (and my family’s) we got it for two years and with category A05, when we applied for our SS, we got it without any note, I mean a “clean” SS. My lawyer said that those two facts (A05 category with 2 years validity in our EAD, and the clean SS card) meant that our asylum was granted. I went to the asylum office in January 2015 in Miami and they told me that they had intentions to grant our asylum but they were still checking our background, and that we should receive the final answer by mail, that I just had to wait. We have even applied for Medicaid and Obamacare claiming we’re asylee and showing our EADs and SS cards and we haven’t had any problem with that. Now, April 2015, I got a mail with a re-interview notice for June 2015.
Have this happened to one of your clients before? Can I consider our asylum granted? What can I expect from this new interview?
Thanks in advance for your time and advice!!!
Sorry, the new interview is in May, not June
I have not seen that before. We have had cases where the asylum was granted and the grant was entered into the system a few weeks before the client received notice – but we have not had a case where asylum was granted and it took a year to get the approval notice. All you can really do is attend the interview and see what they say, and hopefully you will get more news at the new interview.
Dear Ricardo,
I am in your exact same situation. I am Venezuelan too, and i am here with my family, and last June i applied for political asylum and i was interviewed in August. Our timeline is pretty much alike, We have our EAD, and our SS cards, the only detail is that our SS is not clean as yours, it has the note indicating that an EAD is necessary. Now, last November i was told at the DMV (Florida) that in the system i appeared as an asylee, so they issued me a driver’s license for a year. But last Saturday April 18, i received a re-interview notice, for early May.
As you i am in shock, but i am glad i found you through this wonderful website, because now i am starting to think that there is maybe some sort of detail they need to address before the final decision.
Hola Carlos,
Any news about your second interview? I have the exactly situation as yours, mine is at the end of this month….please share your experience so we can help each other ?. Thank you
Dear Ricardo,
I am in your exact same situation. I am Venezuelan too, and i am here with my family, and last June i applied for political asylum and i was interviewed in August. Our timeline is pretty much alike, We have our EAD, and our SS cards, the only detail is that our SS is not clean as yours, it has the note indicating that an EAD is necessary. Now, last November i was told at the DMV (Florida) that in the system i appeared as an asylee, so they issued me a driver’s license for a year. But last Saturday April 18, i received a re-interview notice, for early May.
As you i am in shock, but i am glad i found you through this wonderful website, because now i am starting to think that there is maybe some sort of detail they need to address before the final decision.
Hola Ricardo,
Any news about your second interview? I have the exactly situation as yours, mine is at the end of this month….please share your experience so we can help each other ?. Thank you
hi jason
my case status is recommend approval until finish check background .
what is that mean
Decision Notice Mailed
On April 15, 2015, we denied your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , Receipt Number LIN…….. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your denial notice by April 30, 2015
is that mean my case deni or the work permit is deni
hi mr Jason , thank you for help us for the fully advice …
i txt you before 2 weeks , i have asylum case and i got the recommend approval on 9 of October 2014 and every time i go to the asylum office and they tell me still pending until uscic complete check background now is more than 6 months ,
my question is . i was to renew my work permit and they denie for the second time . but yesterday i was check the case status online for the work permit by receipt number and i found strange notes . say ….
Decision Notice Mailed
On April 15, 2015, we denied your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , Receipt Number LIN………. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your denial notice by April 30, 2015
so what is that mean and that mean my asylum case is denie or only the work permit is denie .
please explain to me because i am in very bad mood and i lost my job after my work permit expire from 31 of December 2014
The work permit issue is a big problem for a lot of people. But it seems this notice means your work permit is denied. Even if your asylum was denied, the work permit would in most cases continue to be valid. Two common errors are that the person lists the wrong category on the I-765 form or pays the wrong fee. However, if you have had two denials of the work permit, it is worth talking to a lawyer to make sure the application is correct. Good luck, Jason
thank you very much .
hi Jason I am pending asylum from 3/2012 and every month i had sent an email to my asylum office in Chicago but this time they sent me a litter contain strange massage (Services USCIS records confirm that your case is pending at this time. AI other us. Citizenship and immigration benefits in a timely and efficient manner while also ensuring public uscis is comitted to adjudicating safety, national security and compliance with all relevant directives. While the processing steps for most applications or petitions are completely quickly, a small percentage of cases involve unresolved issues that may result in adjudication delays. USCIS is unable to render a decision on your case until certain issues are resolved. USCIS is striving to resolve these issues as soon as possible. We are unable to determine at this time when the review process for your application will be completed) what is that mean
hi Jason I am pending asylum since 3/12/2013 from 3 days ago I sent an email to my asylum office in Chicago last month and they sent me that iam still pending and this month i reapet my email to the office and they sent me a litter contain that (Services USCIS records confirm that your case is pending at this time. AI other us. Citizenship and Immigration benefits in a timely and efficient manner while also ensuring public uscis is comitted to adjudicating safety, national security and compliance with all relevant directives. While the processing steps for most applications or petitions are completely quickly, a small percentage of cases involve unresolved issues that may result in adjudication delays. USCIS is unable to render a decision on your case until certain issues are resolved. USCIS is striving to resolve these issues as soon as possible. We are unable to determine at this time when the review process for your application will be completed) what is that mean
One common reason for delay is the security background check. Another is that the person is high-profile (like a diplomat or a well-know person). It is a long time you are waiting (I am assuming that you were interviewed in March 2013?). I list some ideas in my posting of February 26, 2015 that might help, but sadly, we have had almost no luck with cases delayed for security reasons. You might want to talk to a lawyer about a Mandamus lawsuit (also discussed in the February 26 post). Given how long you have waited, maybe it is a good option. Good luck, Jason
Dear Mr.Dzubow,
I read most of your posting . It seems you did a great job writing these, I really appreciate your efforts .
I am a Syrian nationality , arrived to US in 2013 ,filed asylum in Feb 2014, expedited my case due to humanitarian situation as my wife is suffering from fear of persecution back home country .They accepted my request and got the interview in Jan 2015 .
We spend every second with fear and now I am completely depressed and my physician start me on Anti-depression due to very stressful situation of waiting . My question is : am I able to expedite again for granting the final decision? – I was approved for TPS as Syrian , in the worse scenario can I travel to stay with my wife in a third country ? how risky it is if I need to return.
I am a certified physician and my future built to continue my education in this country so any risky situation my put my whole future in the hill .
Please I really need a deep consultation .
best regards
We have seen delays with decisions in Syrian cases, but usually women’s cases go faster than men’s, so if your wife is the lead applicant, your family will hopefully get a decision soon. In the meantime, you have TPS, so you can work and live here. I doubt TPS will be ended any time soon, so I think you are relatively secure. And even if TPS ended and your case was denied, you would still be able to remain here for several years while your case was reviewed by the Immigration Court. In short, you cannot legally be deported from the US any time soon, so hopefully you can feel some comfort in that. Good luck, Jason
hi
we came here with b1/b2 visa from kenya. now around 6 months have gone nothing no decision yet, we do business there, during visa interview we said we married in our home country. but,during asylum interview my husband said we married in kenya, and we are from diffierent country and frm different religious so,we have a problem in our home country. after 1 months they asked us to bring married certificate and we provide that too. actully we married in kenya and have 10month old son. does this effect on our case please reply
hi
we came here with b1/b2 visa from kenya. now around 6 months have gone nothing no decision yet, we do business there, during visa interview we said we married in our home country. but,during asylum interview my husband said we married in kenya, and we are from diffierent country and frm different religious so,we have a problem in our home country. after 1 months they asked us to bring married certificate and we provide that too.actully we married in kenya and have 10month old son. does this effect on our case please reply
I don’t really understand your question, but if you said one thing at your visa interview and something different during your asylum interview, it could cause the asylum officer to think you are not telling the truth. This could cause your case to be denied.
hello sir Jason
I am worried about my decision,,still no any reply so planning to study,no EAD. now we both are free so,i am thinking to study nursing course, can I (asylumist ) get free study for nursing after I completed my nursing I want to give free service to poor people for free. i also want to help because usa government help my baby a lot and I feel America are the best . please reply me sir please
Thank u very much for supporting us,
I did the interview but still waiting since September 2013 , I am a single mum and having two children, my children are in very bad psychological condition ,they miss their Dad and I don’t know how to expedite my case, should I write a request regarding this , how can I request them
Thank u very much for supporting us,
I did the interview but still waiting since September 2013 , I am a single mum and having two children, my children are in very bad psychological condition ,they miss their Dad and I don’t know how to expedite my case, should I write a request regarding this
Take a look at my posting from February 26, 2015 for some ideas about expediting. Unfortunately, there is no easy way. You might also consider filing I-131s for Advance Parole and traveling to meet their dad in a third country (not the country where you are seeking asylum from). There are – of course – problems with Advance Parole as well (see my posting of January 27, 2015), but it might be worth a try if you can afford it. Before you do that, I would recommend you talk to a lawyer, just to make sure there are no issues specific to your case. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason
its me again
today I received my second fingerprint letter(after 20 months), just for me not for other my family member with me in application, is it good sign or bad and why u thing just me not all like first one ?
thanks u r doing great job by helping us
We have seen this for some of our clients. Sometimes, this is a good sign (as in, a decision is coming). Other times, it seems to have no meaning. Hopefully, for you, it is a good sign.
Dear Jason,
You are very good resource person.
I recently applied for asylum; what is the significance of the A# on the first i797c sent to me for fingerprints and Biometrics of which i have done right away before interview date that hasn’t been scheduled/notified of?
Thank you
Everyone gets a unique A number (or Alien number). It is the number you will have through the course of your case (and beyond) and that will be used to identify your case.