As of December 2014, there was 73,103 asylum cases pending in Asylum Offices across the United States. That’s up from 65,759 in October, an increase of 7,344 cases in just three months (you can see the latest stats here, including a breakdown for each Asylum Office). So it’s clear that despite their efforts, the Asylum Offices are continuing to fall behind in terms of processing cases. Indeed, in the best month of the last quarter, the Asylum Office completed 2,947 cases. At that rate–and assuming no new applicants file for asylum–it would take over two years to get through the current backlog. This is not good, and the Asylum Offices are now making changes to deal with the situation.
I’ve written before about the reasons for these delays. Primarily, it was due to a significant increase of asylum seekers from Central America arriving at our Southern border. As best as I can tell, the number of people coming here from Central America has not abated. Since most of these applicants are detained at government expense and because many of them are minors, their cases are given priority, at the expense of other asylum seekers.
So how were the Asylum Offices dealing with the increased volume, and what has changed?
Until December of last year, the Asylum Offices were attempting to process cases on a “last in, first out” basis. Meaning, they skipped over the old cases and tried to process new cases. The logic was that if they started with the old cases, processing times would be greatly increased for new cases. If an alien knows her case will take several years, she might decide to file a frivolous case, just for the Employment Authorization document (“EAD”). The slower the case moves–the thinking goes–the greater the incentive for such people to file false cases. The fear of frivolous applicants taking advantage of the system in this way is not unfounded.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, when a person filed for asylum, he received an EAD more quickly. At this time, there were massive delays and cases took many years. The combination of long waiting periods and quick EADs encouraged fraud. I heard one anecdote from an INS officer who remembered a U-Haul truck full of applications arriving for processing. They were all boilerplate cases from China, filed by the same (probably unscrupulous) attorney. Even if the cases were ultimately denied, the applicants would have an EAD and be able to live and work in the U.S. for several years. Of course, many cases during this period were legitimate. In those days, there were very brutal civil wars in several Central American countries. As a result, many people fled to the United States.
In 1995, the law changed so that asylum applicants had to wait 180 days before they were eligible for an EAD (though they could mail the application for the EAD after 150 days). This was intended to reduce fraud. I have my doubts as to whether this change made much of an impact, but as the civil wars to our South ended, refugee flows decreased, and the Asylum Offices slowly reduced wait times. By the time I went into private practice (in late 2003), asylum cases were interviewed a few months after filing, and most applicants received decisions a few weeks after the interview.
This all changed in early 2013, when large numbers of Central Americans–mostly young people–again began arriving at our border. The migration was not spurred by war, but by generalized violence from gangs and domestic abusers, as well as a failure by Central American governments to protect their citizens. The influx of new people overwhelmed the system and created the situation that we have today.
USCIS (the Asylum Office) has been struggling to keep up. Here is a recent announcement about their efforts:
The USCIS Asylum Division is hiring an additional 175 asylum officers, increasing the number of authorized asylum officer positions to 448. This represents a 65% increase since July 2013. As of January 2015, the Asylum Division has 350 officers on board and continues to hire and train new personnel. During 2014, USCIS also trained and temporarily detailed officers to the Asylum Division to assist with the increasing workload.
Unfortunately, their efforts have not been enough. As of December 26, 2014, they abandoned the “last in, first out” system. Now, the Asylum Offices will process cases in the following order of priority:
- First, applications that were scheduled for an interview, but the applicant requested a new interview date;
- Second, applications filed by children; and
- Third, all other pending affirmative asylum applications will be scheduled for interviews in the order they were received, with oldest cases scheduled first.
In other words, aside from rescheduled cases and cases involving children, the Asylum Offices will now process old cases first. So what does this mean?
First, the good news. For those who have been waiting for two years for an interview, hopefully, your time is coming soon (though in my office, we have not yet seen any of our old cases scheduled).
Next, the bad news. If you are a new asylum applicant, you can expect to wait a long time for your interview. How long, we do not know, but I suspect that–even if they hire more officers, as they are trying to do–it will be at least a year. There are some minimal things to do to make a case faster (the “short list” and a request to expedite for emergent reasons), but generally it is very difficult to obtain a faster interview date.
And finally, the possibly bad news. We will see whether long delays encourage people to file more frivolous cases. If so, it will further clog the system.
As for me, of course I am rarely happy about change, and this change is no exception. I am glad that the government will start processing old cases. Those people have been waiting a long time. However, I wish they would give priority to people separated from their spouse and children–whether they filed two years ago or two days ago. It seems to me that single people can endure the wait much better. Like the old system, the new system does little to help people who are missing their family members, and to me, that is the real tragedy of the backlog.
hello jason, i apllied for asylum and have recommended fro aproval now my question is this time acount to take the citizen or not.
thanks
Unfortunately, it does not. Once you get the final approval, then you wait for one year to apply for a green card. Once you have the green card, you must wait four more years to apply for citizenship.
Hello Jason,
Appreciate what you are doing. My question is how fast they are looking into old cases. I noticed from your previous comments that they process a month worth of cases in one month more or less , is my assumption correct?
I have applied in Virginia in July 2014 and yet to receive an interview notice so with my assumption should I expect an interview by March 2016?
Thanks
I think that they will actually move faster than that. Back in 2013, they were processing very few cases, but in late 2013 and much of 2014, they processed the majority of cases they received (at least that is what I recall), so I expect they will move faster than you are suggesting. At least I hope that is the case. So far, things are still moving pretty slow.
Sorry, no 2014 but 2015
I think they are pretty slow in San Fran. My guess is that you will be waiting for at least a year for the interview. You can always contact a local non-profit like Catholic Charities and ask whether they know the time frame.
Hello Jason . I apllied for asylium on February 2014 in San Francisco. I want to ask what do you know about San Francisco office ?how fast are they calling at interview ?
hi, Katia, as i know, SF office is pretty fast, they are interviewing the case been filed in May 2013, but if u filed u case Feb 2015, i guess u might wait for a year or more.
Mine is pending since 31/12/2014, so I will wait a very very long time?
Waiting times vary depending on which office you are in. Our office in Virginia is probably one of the faster offices and they are currently processing cases from summer 2013, so probably you will be waiting for a while. Good luck, Jason
hi Jason,
i just wanted to know what month cases are being interviewed in virginia now. Mine is pending since sept 2013. Thanks
We’ve just had some interviews for June 2013 cases, though we are still waiting for interviews from a few April 2013 cases.
Hi Sir
I have filed my application in Chicago on July 2014. I know that estimating the time of interview is kinda impossible. But, I only want to know, is it possible that my interview schedules more that two years after I filled my application? In addition, what’s the rank of Chicago in terms of being fast and the number of applications received? Do you think the fact that I am on F-1 status till next few years influence the delay in my case? My last question is that Can I leave the US (obviously not to go to my hometown Iran) and come back while I’m not interviewed yet?
You’re so nice thank you!
If you want to leave the US, you need to get Advance Parole using form I-131. However, whether you can re-enter and how it affects your case are important issues that you should discuss with a lawyer who knows about your case. I do not think that the outcome of a case is determined by whether the person is in or out of status, but if the case is denied and you are out of status, you will be sent to court. If you are in status, you will receive a letter describing why the case is being denied and then you can respond and ask them to change their mind (sometimes they do). As for the time frame, from what I can tell, Chicago and Virginia are the two fastest offices, but predicting anyone’s individual time frame is not possible. Good luck, Jason
I need help with this too!Thanks Jason for sharing the info. BTW, if anyone needs to fill out a “Form I-131”, I found a blank form here: http://goo.gl/ygCCgW
I have not used that link – we use http://www.uscis.gov, the forms page, which is the US government website.
Dear Jason Dzubow …i applied my case in 2012 on may than i got denied my court need to be 2015 on january but cuz of new reform my court is pending do u have any idea when my court can be??thank you in advance
It completely depends on the Judge – different judges have different schedules. We get cases scheduled anywhere from a few months to four years.
hello Jason!!!my husband and me aplied for asylum in december 2014 and we had the fingerprint… you think that we are not going to have the interview very soon??? its been almost 5 months since we are waiting…or we have chances to be called for interview sooner??? thank you!!
I doubt you will be called soon. Here (in the Virginia office), they are currently processing cases from summer 2013. From what I know, our office is one of the faster offices, if not the fastest. I would guess you have at least 6 months to wait and it may be much longer. Since you filed 5 months ago, you should be eligible to apply for your work permit soon. Good luck, Jason
thank you so much Jason you are the best!!!
what about miami florida office, are they processing the cases faster or slower??
I don’t know for sure, but my impression is that it is slower than Virginia (where they are currently processing from about June 2013).
Thank you for reply jason
Hi Jason I apply as asylum 8/2013till now I’m waiting interview I ask about Chicago asylum office began with late cases my be that give me a hope thank you
I do not know the exact schedule of the Chicago office, but if you filed in August 2013, you should not have to wait too much longer (hopefully). Take care, Jason
Me with my wife send the asylum documents in summer 2013. Went to fingerprints, but still never had an interview. Now my wife have a family problems in her country and she need to leave US.
Questions:
1) If she will leave the country, can she come back after that?
2) What we can do if I can’t leave with her and want to stay here. Should we divorce? What immigration status I will get if we will divorce and she will leave US.
3) Is it anyway to speed up the process, so we can have interview ASAP?
Thank you.
Forgot to tell: asylum documents coming from her case. I am just a family member of person who seeks asylum. She is principal, and I am derivative applicant.
If you are the derivative and she leaves, you may need to file your own case (if you have a fear of return).
You really need to speak to a lawyer about these questions, as there is not simple answer and a lawyer would need some specific information. I have done two postings on these topics that might be helpful: On February 26, 2015 and January 27, 2015. I hope those help, Jason
I applied on Augest 2014 got my interview at the end of October 2014 in San Fransisco, its been 6 month now after i got my interview.
My question is, am i now at their least proiority or first, what is the avarage time fram after the interview to get a decision for SFO office.
Thanks.
I think there is no known average time for a decision after an interview – it depends on security background checks or whether the case has been sent to headquarters (usually, high-profile cases like diplomats are sent to headquarters). You can always contact the asylum office to check the status, but they will usually only tell you that the case is pending. Hopefully, you will have a decision soon. Good luck, Jason
What about the priority question, are they processing the last interviewed first or last, or what you said is only for schedualing the interviews?
Supposedly (according to what I’ve heard), they are trying to complete cases rather than just complete interviews and not make decisions. Although we have had a few of our older cases completed – cases where the person was interviewed and we have been waiting a long time for a decision – for the most part, our older cases that have been interviewed are still pending. It is very frustrating.
Dear Jason., i had my finger print in Nashville TN since december 2014 and i still have no appointment for interview. But please, i would like to know if i can relocate to missouri state once i have my working permit.??
i hope it will not affect the timing of my interview ???? please i am so confused Jason
You can relocate at any time, but you must notify the asylum office using form AR-11 (available at http://www.uscis.gov). However, I believe if you move from TN to MO, it will result in a different asylum office (you can see about that here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=ZSY), which may cause additional delay (though maybe not – we had two clients who moved and it actually made their interviews faster).
Hello Jason
I am gurjit singh I have applied for political asylum in USA in Nov 2014 in newyork asylum office i have given my fingerprints but did not get any response regarding interview.I belong to India and my family is back in India.Both my parents are 65+ and I am married and I have 3.5 year old daughter.My wife has gone into depression and my parents are not able to take care of my wife and daughter because of their age factor.Earlier my sister was taking care of my family and my daughter but 4 months ago she got married and despite her doing best she cannot give enough time and care to my family and besides her newly married life is getting affected because of this.So considering all these factors I was planning to go back as soon as possible but my family donot want me to go back to India as they are scared for my life.I was very confused but luckily I got access to your website and this blog so I was wondering if I could apply for expedite case and I would like to have your guidance.
Thanks and Regards
Gurjit Singh
Your situation sounds very difficult. Unfortunately, it is also common these days. It is not easy to get the asylum office to give you an earlier date, but if you look at my February 26, 2015 blog post, I discuss some ideas. Good luck, Jason
hi janson, i applyed for asylum on nov 2013,i did the interview in august 2014,one month later i received recommended for approval , today i got notice to do second fingerprint,i already did one when i applayed asylum?
thanks for your time
That happens sometimes. Hopefully it means you will get a final decision soon, but not always. Good luck, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you for your concern and responses to our questions.
Is it possible to formally make an appeal to USCIS to consider the applications of persons separated from their children(minors) and spouse as part of the priorities? Does USCIS consider or accept such appeals anyway? I would imagine that the backlog equally hurts all children including those separated from their parent(s). Please advise on this.
I don’t know of a formal way to do that – I did a posting on (I think) February 27, 2015 where I talk about ways to try to make the case go faster. Good luck, Jason
Hello Jason,
Thanks for your effort and time. Do you have an idea about the time frame in Minnesota (my asylum application is pending since December 2013)?
Thank you
I don’t, but I think it is similar to our area (where they are processing June or July 2013). You might try contacting a local non-profit like Catholic Charities, as they may know. Good luck, Jason
Thank you Jason
Jason — I have a pro bono client with a pending affirmative asylum application that was filed June, 2014. He lives in Seattle, so his case is being handled by the San Francisco Asylum Office. After finally getting EAD, he wants to move to Chicago for a job. He wants to know how this will affect his application. As I understand from the procedures manual, this will transfer his case to the Chicago Office.
You mentioned that, under the new policy, all “pending affirmative asylum applications will be scheduled for interviews in the order they were received, with oldest cases scheduled first.” If his application is transferred to Chicago, does it go to the bottom of the backlog at the Chicago Office or does the date of filing still control?
I’d really appreciate any thoughts you have on that scenario.
Also, his wife also has a pending asylum application, and the 150 days has not yet run for her to be able to apply for EAD. My understanding is that transferring her case to Chicago will stop her EAD clock until she appears for an interview. (see info on change of address: https://www.immigrantjustice.org/sites/immigrantjustice.org/files/AILA_Explanation of the Affirmative Asylum Backlog_4.2.14.pdf).
Just curious to see if that is consistent with your understanding.
am waiting for suggestion as I have the same idea.
???????????????????????
Hi Jason ,
I made my interview at Anaheim office on march 2014 , I’ve been called for another interview after few days with the same person , the result was that my case need to go to Head Quarters for review , Its been more than a year now with no news .
do you have any idea about the cases that goes to HQ and how it get processed , what is the time frame ?
what are my options if I want get an update or speed up things ?
Unfortunately, when cases go to HQ, there is very little information available. We have had cases pending there for over one year, and I really do not know how long they take on average, and whether some cases are simply placed on indefinite holds. I did a posting on February 26, 2015 with some ideas for what to do about delay. In your case, maybe the Congressional Representative would be helpful. At least maybe they could get you some info about what is going on. Good luck, Jason
What happens if I was not granted asylum and decide to return to my country? My student visa expired before applying for asylum. Will I ever be able to return to the US? If so, how long will I need to wait and will having a history of applying for Ashlee in the US affect future visa Application?
It will probably be more difficult for you to return to the US if your asylum case is denied.
I mean August 2013
We filled in August in Arlington office and we have not heard anything so far. Do you know when we will get an interview appointment?
Our cases from June 2013 are now being scheduled, so your case should be soon. Remember that you must file any additional documents at least one week before your interview, so you might want to make sure that you have everything you need. Good luck, Jason
I filed an asylum June 2013 and no interview time yet!
We submit our family case under my wife name since November 2013 and we didn’t hear anything till now. We have 2 children in the case . My questions is :
Our Visit visas are still valid till end of 2016, can we use it to go to Bahamas and enter again to USA?
If you have a B visa and you leave and then try to enter, you will likely be denied entry. If you do want to go and return to the US, you should consult with a lawyer before you go, as any travel, on any visa, can cause problems for asylum seekers.
Jason,thank you very much for your services to desperate people. I just filled my asylum application March 2015 and I have a wife and young children left behind in danger in my home country. I have read that application by children are being considered as part of priority cases.
1. Is there any way that my children can apply from the home country?
2. Will USCIS consider the applications of persons separated from their children(minors) and spouse as part of the priorities especially where they are endangered?
3. Will the finger print date determine that the asylum interview will be soon scheduled?
Thanks in advance for your response.
For better and worse, cases are now processed in the order received, which means you will have a long wait before your interview and – if your case is granted – you will then have to file for your family, which could easily take another 6 months or more. Your children cannot file from home. You can try to expedite your case by informing the asylum office about the difficulty. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it does not. I suggest that your family should be prepared for a long wait, so if they need to move to another country where it is safer, and they can do that, they should consider that option. Maybe you could also try to bring them here on some other type of visa (student visa?), but that will likely be difficult. It is a tough situation, and I wish you good luck. Oh – as for the fingerprints, that part should be within the next month or two.
Hi Jason,
What about people who applied for asylum back at 2011 and finished interview in 2011, but still are pending?
I was on the interview in December 2011 and still my status is Pending!
I applied in Arlington office.
Thank you.
That is really ridiculous – no case should take that long. None of my cases are that old, but some are pending from 2012. First, I think you should email or go to the asylum office (in Arlington, you can only go on Wednesdays) and inquire about the case to make sure it is still pending. Otherwise, if you look at my February 26, 2015 posting, I list some ideas to help where a case is delayed. Good luck, Jason
Hello, Jason ,hope you doing great, thanks a lot for the every word you posted, it really helps. Would you like answer me some questions? I really need some professional opinion.
My case is been delay since March 2013, do you have any idea about LA Office’s status?
And I know that changing office will cause delay of the interview，but how about just moving in area (still belong to LA office) ? It’s that doesn’t matter?
Again, thank you so much for helping us, god bless you.
I don’t know much about the LA office, but here they are interviewing cases filed in June 2013, so hopefully you are not too far behind in LA. I would make sure all the documents are ready in case you get scheduled for an interview. As for moving, as long as you stay in the same asylum office there is no effect. If you move to another office, it could cause delay, though we have seen some people who moved actually get interviews more quickly. Despite this, my guess is that, in general, if you move to a new office, it will delay the case.
thank you Jason.
since LA office is very backlogged, I guess I will wait longer than your area.
As soon as I get interview notice, I’ll let you know.
Hello Jason,
My husband applied for an asylum in January this year. He included me in the case, however I still have my F1 status and I’m willing to remain in the status. Since there is a delay in the interviews, would I also receive work authorization in 180 days if interview is not scheduled or it could be denied since I still have a status?? I also work right now under my CPT from school.
Thank you for your help
You will be eligible to apply for a work permit 150 days after the application was filed. However, if you already have a work permit, you don’t have to apply for the new permit. There are delays in obtaining work permits, so you might want to apply for the new one well before the old one expires.
Hello Jason,
Thank you for your reply. I have another question: can my employer file I-140 form for green card, without adjusting status to H1B, while I’m in the pending asylum status? No interview been scheduled. I still have my student status as well, so I remain in US legally.
You’d have to talk to a lawyer about that because it depends on your individual situation. But generally, if a person has an asylum case pending, it should not affect an I-140 petition.
Dear Jason I apply as asylum with Chicago asylum offic since 8/2013 any news about Chicago asylum office till now iam waiting interview
Dear Jason
first of all, thank you very much for the effective information, I applied for asylum at Houston office on April 2014 and I`v not been interviewed till now, Do you know what month they interviewing now on Houston office, also I sent An E-mail to them asking about my case so they reply and suggested me to put my case in Call-in list is it same as short list and is it effective or not?
thank you in advance
My guess is that the “call-in” list is the same as the short list, but I am not sure. Also, I do not know about the time frame in Houston, but I have heard it is slow. I suggest you contact a local non-profit (like maybe Catholic Charities), as they may have a better idea about these things. Good luck, Jason
dear, Ahmed
I would like to talk to you as am looking to transfer my case to Houston Office, please call me on 3474452064…. thanks.
Bakri
Dear Jason,
I hope you are doing good.
I applied my asylum application on Nov 2014 in Houston’s asylum office. I have not received any interview notice so far.
I am Iraqi and married. Do you please have any idea if we will get it soon or not. Your reply is highly appreciated.
The backlog began in early 2013, and they just started on cases from the beginning of the backlog, so I would guess (and it really is a guess) that you will wait at least six months, and probably quite a bit longer, before they get to cases from November 2014. As I discussed in another posting, there are some limited things you can do to try to make it faster. Also, if there is no decision five months after you filed, you can apply for a work permit. Good luck, Jason
Thank you
Good morning Jason!
This morning i was surprised, i checked my status on the uscis website about my i-589 ( Asylum application), all along its been saying receipt number invalid, but today it showed me this.
On March 11, 2015, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number ZCH1xxxxxxxx, and will mail it to the address you gave us. If you move, go to http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Which card are they talking about? is it a card or my approval letter?
Remember i got my work permit about 10 days back, and went to apply for the ss number and thats where i learnt that i had been granted asylum already. So i went to the AO AND inquired about it and they told me, they will mail me something in two weeks!?
Whats coming? ss card or approval letter.
congratulations!!!!!!!!! approval letter davis . ss has nothing to do on uscis website btw
Thanks Mena, guess what! It has just got on my adress. Am gon pick it…..am so lucky, just lucky God is good if its my approval!
That is wonderful – Congratulations. The card is probably the new work permit based on asylum granted (a different category than asylum pending). Best of luck to you, Jason
Its Approval letter guys! Thanks alot
Oops – I directed my congratulations to the wrong person – Congratulations to you and best of luck, Jason
Hi I apply as asylum since 8/2013till now I’m waiting interview I’m ask about anything that’s give me hope I have 3 children with me in same application if you now when May be I get interview
Thank you
I don’t know where you are, but in our local office (Virginia), they are processing cases from about May 2013, so hopefully you will not wait much longer.
Hi iam in Chicago thank you so much your answer give me a hope that my be I resived appointment for interview
Dear Jason,
Greetings to you and thanks for your helpful sharing here regarding asylum.
I did my asylum interview 5weeks ago and got a letter of recommended approval for asylum. However, for 6weeks now I haven’t yet received my final approval for asylum. Do you know how long it normally takes and can I check the status online?
Thanks you so much.
You cannot check the status on-line; you can only check directly with the Asylum Office. In our experience, some final approves are fast (a few weeks) and some are slow. The longest took over two years and he has still not received his final approval. That is pretty rare, though. Most of them have the final approval in a few months. Good luck, Jason PS: You know that once you have the recommended approval, you can apply for a work permit, if you do not already have one.
Thanks Jason for your reply, we appreciate.
Yes I already have a work permit but it expires in 4months from now. In case I haven’t yet received my asylum final approval by 4months, do I still need to renew my work permit or my recommended approval for asylum is good enough?
Regards.
Felix
You can renew that permit now. If you get a final approval, you will get a new work permit for free. However, if your final approval takes more than 4 months, your permit will expire. You can take a risk and hope you have the final approval before 4 months, or you can pay the fee and renew the work permit so you will have it even after your existing permit expires.
Greetings to you Jason,
Thank you very much for your reply and for your advice, I am definitely gonna apply to renew my work permit, and I really pray and hope that my final approval comes out soon.
Once again, thanks a lot Jason.
dear Jason
my case is pending since Jan2014 and my EAD which valid for one year will expire on Aug2015. will the USCIS renew it free for the next year as they now issue it for two years, OR I have to pay $380 for the next year if I haven’t been schedule for interview?.
please try to find out details as many of us in the same situation.
thanks..
Normally, the first EAD for an asylum pending case is free. After that, you have to pay the fee or apply for a fee waiver (using form I-912).
Hi jason
I think everybody feel comfortable by your words and i like to thank you for that
My question is my passport will be expire next may and if the interview will be at that time and still waiting to get the work authorization , does that affect the interview when the passport is not valid ، at uscis website they say bring any passport you have does that mean even it is expire as a form of identity ?
You should certainly bring your passport to the interview – even if it is expired. You should be careful about renewing the passport, as the asylum office might view renewing the passport as “availing” yourself of the protection of your country. In other words, if you plan to renew the passport, you should speak to a lawyer first about how it might affect your asylum case.
I dont know if you got my reply to your reply, so i copied and pasted it as a new comment! Its the one down!
“”Good morning Jason!
I went to the Asylum office actually, but they were closing. i left the necessary information with the one officer and she promised to get back to me by call.
She called and told me, that her supervisor told her she doesnt know why the SS office told me that, but she asked that i give them 2weeks and i will have something in the mail. She told me i dont have to go back to the office.
Jason, am anxious now, does this MEAN my case was approved? Does the SS system infor i got mean i was granted?
Am i an asylee already?
Also, the woman at the SS office told me, she has experienced that before, and that it normaly takes 4weeks.
Again, you are the best. i have given this link to all i know that needs your help, you are a terrific guy!””
I wonder if there is a problem with the comments on my website, anyway, I got it twice. As to the question, I think it is best to try not to think about it and when you receive it, you will know. Of course, I know that is not really possible, but there is nothing else you can do. One point: When an asylum office tells you “two weeks,” it is often not two weeks – it could be slower (hopefully not), so it is really better to try to put it out of your mind as much as possible, and hopefully you will get good news soon. Good luck, Jason
Thanks Jason!
I will do as you suggest!
Dear Jason.
A cup of coffee, milk and sugar as you suggested for sure you deserve that 🙂
I have mixed good news, today i picked up my EAD, and straight away i went to apply for SSN. i was surprised their when the lady on the counter told me after punching in all my information, that the status on my work permit card ( PENDING ASYLUM co8) doesnt not match the one in the sytem( Asylee).
She told me, she sent a notice to the concerned party and they will get back to me in about 4weeks.
My question is, how can the system read that am an Asylee, in otherwise, it implies i was approved and granted but was not notified? Whats happening and should i expect my approval letter very soon now that the EAD and SSN has triggered the alert??
Thanks a bunch!
Hmm – I posted a reply to this before, but maybe it did not work. Here it is again:
I don’t want to jinx you, but we have seen this a few times – where the SS offices knows that asylum was granted before the applicant. It is simultaneously good and annoying. For our cases, it has sometimes taken longer than 4 weeks to get the final answer. If possible, I suggest you go in person to the asylum office to ask them (that has worked for some clients). If not, email them. Good luck, and here is a link to the asylum offices: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=ZSY.
Good morning Jason!
I went to the Asylum office actually, but they were closing. i left the necessary information with the one officer and she promised to get back to me by call.
She called and told me, that her supervisor told her she doesnt know why the SS office told me that, but she asked that i give them 2weeks and i will have something in the mail. She told me i dont have to go back to the office.
Jason, am anxious now, does this MEAN my case was approved? Does the SS system infor i got mean i was granted?
Am i an asylee already?
Also, the woman at the SS office told me, she has experienced that before, and that it normaly takes 4weeks.
Again, you are the best. i have given this link to all i know that needs your help, you are a terrific guy!
Hi Jason!
Thanks for the informative post. I have a question. I filed my asylum in NJ Office January 2014, still waiting to get an interview date. Do you know when I can expect to get a date? Hopefully by this summer. Finger kept crossed.
Thanks,
D
NJ seems to be going slower than most offices. I think it is not possible to know when you will have an interview. Maybe if you contacted a non-profit in that area (like Catholic Charities in Newark), they may do more asylum cases in NJ and they may have a better idea about the time frame. Good luck, Jason
Dear Jason Dzubow,
I applied my asylum in December 2012. it’s has been more than 2 years waiting for interview. i applied in San Francisco Office hope that they will process old cases. recently i had my renewed work permit.
any thought on this
I don’t know how long the delays are in San Fran, but I would not be surprised if you were interviewed soon. Here (in Virginia), they are interviewing cases filed in May 2013. You can always contact the asylum office to ask about the status (to make sure the case has not somehow been lost). Here is a link to the asylum offices: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=ZSY.
Dear Jason,
I’d like to say thank you so much from a bottom my heart for your efforts. No matter how all this will end, you’re doing an extremely great job in working tirelessly and free to keep pending asylum cases community informed about what’s going on.
This last news of “the old cases being a new priority” brought wide hopes to many of us being waiting for years right now. However, it’s not exactly like it appeared from the first glance, how? good question! I was told by my attorney that the New Jersey Asylum Office are not planning to do any circuit rides (my case was filed in Buffalo, NY) in the immediate future. And it does not appear that they will be automatically scheduling persons for interviews in Newark office who live in circuit ride locations. What does that mean? It means that the USCIS will skip old circuit ride cases in favor of somehow newer local office cases. That being said, the new policy of first in fist out will not be fully implemented. It’s worth mentioning that, at the time I applied (April 2013) there are more circuit ride cases pending than local office cases.
What your thoughts on this? do you have any idea if this is the same case with Arlington office?
Again thank you so much for your time and efforts!
Nuba, Upstate NY!
I don’t know much about Newark. However, I did see that the backlog there has grown faster than in other asylum office. I do not know why. Here are two websites that might help:
http://www.uscis.gov/outreach/notes-previous-engagements?topic_id=All&field_release_date_valuevalue=&field_release_date_value_1value=&multiple=&items_per_page=10
http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Outreach/Notes%20from%20Previous%20Engagements/2013/March%202013/Affirmative_Asylum_December_2012.pdf
I applied for asylum in july 2012. It’s been 2.5 years I ‘ve been waiting for interview . I hope that they will process old cases. I heard that my friend got an interview, and she applied 8 month approximately before I did. I’ll post if I will get the interview
My cases that were filed in May 2013 have been scheduled for interviews (in the Arlington, Virginia office). What office is your case in?
I applied in October 2013, first at the Anhiem office then moved to Baltimore and moved my case to the Arlington office. You think that change of address and asylum offices would delay the case? If they’re interviewing the people who applied in May 2013 does that mean I will be interviewed within the next couple of weeks? Months?
I don’t know. I used to think that moving created more delay, but we had two clients move, and both received interviews about six months after they moved.
[…] recently, the Asylum Office changed its policy and is now interviewing old cases before new cases. This means that new cases will probably take […]
Dear Jason!
You are doing a great work, we all appreciate for your time and much efforts! This knowledge brings smiles and relief in our hearts, especially when you have a family back home!
My case is pending, i did my interview in Chicago 2014 May, untill now am still waiting for my decision. However, my EAD was appoved.
I want to ask, in the new changes you mentioned about where they are considering the oldest applications, whats the time frame and where do you think my situation falls? I did the interview, just waiting for the decision.
Also, does the fact of getting EAD mean, my decision is going to delay?
The EAD has no effect on the decision. I do not know the time frame in Chicago, but I do not think the recent changes affect you – they only affect people who have not yet been interviewed. I wrote a blog post some weeks ago about people who have been interviewed, but who do not have a decision. Maybe this will help: http://www.asylumist.com/2014/10/21/i-was-interviewed-for-asylum-but-i-never-received-a-decision/. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason, if i were in your state or if i ever visit your state, i would buy you a cup of coffee! And i know thats not enough at all for the working you are doing for people like us, thank you, thank you and may God grant your wishes in life!
Thanks. I like it with milk and sugar…
Dear Jason.
A cup of coffee, milk and sugar as you suggested for sure you deserve that 🙂
I have mixed good news, today i picked up my EAD, and straight away i went to apply for SSN. i was surprised their when the lady on the counter told me after punching in all my information, that the status on my work permit card ( PENDING ASYLUM co8) doesnt not match the one in the sytem( Asylee).
She told me, she sent a notice to the concerned party and they will get back to me in about 4weeks.
My question is, how can the system read that am an Asylee, in otherwise, it implies i was approved and granted but was not notified? Whats happening and should i expect my approval letter very soon now that the EAD and SSN has triggered the alert??
Thanks a bunch!
I don’t want to jinx you, but we have seen this a few times – where the SS offices knows that asylum was granted before the applicant. It is simultaneously good and annoying. For our cases, it has sometimes taken longer than 4 weeks to get the final answer. If possible, I suggest you go in person to the asylum office to ask them (that has worked for some clients). If not, email them. Good luck, and here is a link to the asylum offices: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=ZSY.
thanks, Jason for the new good news..
As my case is pending since January 2014 @ Newark asylum office. have you any ideas of the older cases they are working on it now, so we can expect when I can be schedule for interview. because I decide to move to Virginia and transfer my case to Arlington asylum office within a few months later. please provide me with any details about backlog cases in Newark asylum office and how much it goes over there?
thanks.
I saw some recent data showing that the backlog in Newark has gone up dramatically and they actually have more pending cases than NY city. Here are two websites that might help you:
http://www.uscis.gov/outreach/notes-previous-engagements?topic_id=All&field_release_date_value%5Bvalue%5D=&field_release_date_value_1%5Bvalue%5D=&multiple=&items_per_page=10
http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Outreach/Notes%20from%20Previous%20Engagements/2013/March%202013/Affirmative_Asylum_December_2012.pdf
Hello Jason,
Thank you for your effort and time. I have a question I would like to ask you. What happens if you win the Diversity Visa Lottery but have applied for asylum and your case is still pending? Can you process the Diversity Lottery Visa and get the green card without going through the asylum process (Assuming that you entered the USA legally)? Thank you in advance.
Whether you can get your green card based on the lottery depends on your immigration status – if you are out of status (even if you applied for asylum and it is pending), you would probably need to leave the country. If you are in status, you should be able to get your green card without leaving. Either way, there can be real complications, and it would be a good idea to consult a lawyer about this.
Hello Sir. I have heard that there is a new center in New Orleans in Louisiana. Is this right ? Is it taking new cases ? Thank you !!
I am not sure what you mean. This link may be helpful: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.summary&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASC&OfficeLocator.statecode=LA
I was ASKING IF SOMEONE CAN SEND HIS i-589 FOR asylum ?
Mr. Dzubow,
Thank you for your appreciated efforts here!
I could not find a case which is similar to my case in the previous posts and I wanted to consult with you in quick:
I applied for asylum in May 2013 (Houston), I did my interview in June 2013, they requested a second interview in July 2013 and I went for it; and since that I have heard nothing!! I Emailed them and they replied that my case is being studied by the “headquarter” and no decision has been taken yet!
I and my family are maintaining a TPS and an F1 status and never went out of status!!
Any ideas?!!
Thanks in advance.
Sadly, your situation is not very unique. Certain cases are reviewed by headquarters (high profile, where there is the possibility that material support was provided to terrorists, cases of diplomats, cases of former soldiers, etc.). for such cases, the local office sends the file to headquarters, and review can take a very long time (as you are experiencing). My guess is that there is not much you can do about it: You can contact your Congressperson (not very effective), you can file a mandamus lawsuit to force the asylum office to make a decision (probably expensive; maybe effective) or you can contact the USCIS Ombudsman (probably won’t be effective with a case at headquarters). Sorry I do not have an easy solution for you. I wish you good luck, Jason
Thank you very much.
One last quick question:
I have to make a trip to Canada soon, I have got my advanced parole in hand and it’s valid.
Any special concerns considered?!
Thank you very much.
One last thing; I have to make a quick trip to Canada, I received my Advanced Parole document and it’s valid!
Do you recommend travelling and coming back to US?! Is there any issues you are aware of with traveling other than the warnings written at my advanced parole!
Thanks,
Generally, there should not be a problem, but it really depends on the specific case, and so if you have concerns, it would better to talk to a lawyer before you go. I could not give advice about that without knowing more about the situation.
Thank you very much.
One last quick question:
I have to make a trip to Canada soon, I have got my advanced parole in hand and it’s valid.
Any special concerns considered?!
Hello, “First, the good news. For those who have been waiting for two years for an interview, hopefully, your time is coming soon (though in my office, we have not yet seen any of our old cases scheduled)”.
3 of my friends get their interview dates last week, are they doing it randomly or by city or what?
How long your friends have waited to get an interview ?
How long your friends have waited to get an interview ? Are there really calling for old cases ?
Since they don’t tell us much, we really don’t know, but supposedly they will go in order of oldest cases to newest. I imagine each asylum office will be on its own schedule.
Hello Sir. I have heard that there is a new center i New Orleans ( Louisiana) . is this true ? Is it taking the new cases ?
Hi Jason I am pending asylum from March 2013 and there is something weird every time try to check my status online it don’t give any thing or it told me that the case number is wrong although my number I am sure is right what is that mean
There is nothing wrong with this George, as an asylum seeker, you cannot request update about your asylum case based on your asylum receipt number for security purposes, this is what is written on the USCIS asylum website, you can only inquire about it through mail. Unfortunately, even when you send a mail request, your reply will be a letter from USCIS that they did receive your case and due to unusual circumstances they are expecting delays, apologizes..etc but nothing will change. if you have filled more than 150 days, apply for your EAD. cross your fingers that you didn’t fall in the blacklog like myself.
Hi Jason ..i applied for asylum Oct 2013 at Miami office and since then I’m waiting for an interview ..do u have any idea if it could be soon to be scheduled for an interview ? Also how long could it take to give me respond knowing that my kids are American. ..its becoming critical as all my resources are almost gone!!
Hopefully it will be soon. We are seeing interviews from cases filed in July 2013, though I think our office is faster than Miami. After the interview, there are still sometimes delays in getting a decision, but it seems a bit better than previously. Some countries are slower than others (we have found Afghanistan and Iraq to be the slowest, but some cases are fast – it is unpredictable). Good luck, Jason