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.
Hi Jason,
Few questions.
I applied for asylum, they scheduled my interview but when I got there the agents informed me that they would be rescheduling my interview as they are short staffed. That was in 2012.
Finally I get notice recently for asylum interview. Which is now Oct 2015. I already have had my EAD and SS.
I got married to a us citizen in august 2015 (not for immigration puposes, but truly love) how will this affect my upcoming asylum interview? We have not filed anything for our marriage based immigration needs. Jist only the original asylum. I’m continue being told because I got married I jeopardized my asylum case and interview, but I believe I should be fine as the asylum and marriage are 2 separate things.
Thank you in advance.
Marriage to a US citizen does not make you ineligible for asylum and generally, it will have no effect on the case. If you lose your asylum case, your spouse can file for you and that may be a good alternative to waiting another few years in the court system. Good luck, Jason
Hi, Mr. Jason,
I read all your answers but I couldn’t find answer to my question. I applied for asylum in early 2015. I am not asked for interview yet. I start dating with someone here in the USA. Now, we want to marry and my boyfriend is not from America. He has J1 visa. What happen to my pending case If I marry with my boyfriend and get pregnant?
I do not see why the asylum case would be affected, at least not from a legal standpoint. Maybe marrying him or getting pregnant will make it more dangerous for you to return home, which would make your asylum cases stronger, but I do not know how it would help you remain legally in the U.S. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason ,
first of all i would to thank to you for all this ur helping others i really appreciate it and brother my question is that
as i will file an asylum my father who is US citizen he going to give me financial support until i get my work permit so the question is there any specific letter for this or i can type my own letter and my father it . it will be acceptable or not please tell me.
Maybe I do not understand your question, but your father giving you financial support is not relevant to your asylum case.
Hi jason,
I applied for aslymu in June 5, 2013 I when for interview Dec 5, the same year, now I just my second biometric September 21… hoping for the best! Can someone please help me?
Fingerprints “expire” after 15 months, so it may be a routine fingerprinting. We have had a few clients who were fingerprinted receive decisions, so hopefully you will get good news – good luck, Jason
Hi Jason. I files for EAD as I have completed 150. I heard from friends that the Immigration Office will request a second finger prints in order to get EAD? Is that true? Thanks a lot.
There is a fingerprint appointment specifically for the EAD, if that is what you mean. It usually comes a month or two after you file for the EAD.
Hi Jason,
I applied for asylum in February 2009. I was interviewed in May of the same year. Since that day I have not heard of final decision. I continuously requested the status update both by mail and personal visits but all is the same. The case is pending. It’s been almost seven years. Since that time my two boys are born here. One has started kindergarten this year. I don’t know what to expect. What should I do to expedite this process? One guy on other forum suggested to send a letter of intent to file a suit against asylum office for unusually long process time and that will push them to resolve my case since they don’t want to get into any law suits. Do you think its a good idea? If my case is denied is there any chance to stay? I simply do not want to take my kids to the place which is not safe for my family at all. They belong here.
I appreciate you advice!
Thank you so much.
You can file a mandamus lawsuit, as your case is taking way too long. However, you should not make the threat unless you are prepared to file the lawsuit. You can also try to contact the Ombudsman office to see whether they can help you (I provide a link to them in a posting I did on February 26, 2015). If your case is denied, you might have other options, but you would need to consult with a lawyer to gain a better understanding of the options. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason.
Applied for asylum in March 2015
Have done the biometrics
We(with my lawyer) applied for EAD in September 1 2015 but have gotten a receipt yet to apply for SS
Please how long does it take to get The receipt to apply for SS?
Can asylum seeker get married here in US and will it complicate getting a green card?
Receipts usually take 3-4 weeks. Marriage would probably not affect your asylum case, though maybe you could get a green card through marriage instead of asylum. Your lawyer should know about that.
Hello Jason.
First of thank you so much for helping us all. I have a quick question. My dad applied for i730 and my case was approved. But unfortunately before I change my status to Green card, my dad became Naturalized. And my pending case of GC refereed me to apply fresh copy of 159 application, which I did on 2013 as in nunc pro tunc(my understanding ). Afterwards I had an interview and my application was pending since then. Now last week I have got biometric done and interviews scheduled on late September. Is second interview normal, or how should I prepare myself. Nothing has happened since then in life.
Thank you in advance.
Bt
Normally, a nunc pro tunc application is fast and easy. Maybe they called for a second interview because they forgot to ask something, or maybe there is some other concern. If you are worried, you might want to hire an attorney to assist you. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason! My name is Dmitrii i aplied on jan 2013. Did finger on feb 2013 .Since then nothing. I applyed being married. I got divorce after 3 years of marriage. And now i want to get married again. How can i remove the ex wife and update the info and put the new wife with me in my asylum case. Thanku
Usually, we update cases at the interview. If you have a substantial change, like this one, maybe you will need to submit an updated I-589, plus evidence of the divorce and marriage. You would do well to speak to an attorney who can give you more specific guidance, but you should be able to make this change.
Hi Jason,
Hope all is well!
Like I said before I applied for asylum in Anahim on September 2014 and till now I did not receive any interview letter. Last week I talked to my lawyer and he told me one of his clients who applied for asylum (same as my case) on November 2014 got interview letter!
I want ask you is it possible!? If yes how and why!? Because I think it should be first come first serve!
Thank you very much
Supposedly, it is first-come-first-served, but maybe that other person is on the short list, or maybe they asked to expedite and it was approved. We are finding that cases in our office are proceeding as expected (in order of filing). Maybe it was just luck; I really do not know.
Hello Jason
May i know if my asylum interview not done until 5 month of application accepted date then i can apply for EAD and SS .
Thank you Jason, i really appreciate that if i got the write answer .
If you do not have a decision in your case within 150 days of filing, you can apply for the EAD. Once you have the EAD, you can get the Social Security card. Take care, Jason
hello i come at 2014 to USA and i make asylum and i got re command approve and i have work par met drive licences but yet i did not received my back ground chick .
and i was in CA stat and now i move to NY how i can chinge my asylum casa from CA to NY ?
If you moved from CA to NY, you need to file a change of address (form AR-11). Your case should then automatically move to NY. Take care, Jason
I applied with my wife for political asylum 4 years ago, I was interviewed, but since then I haven’t received an answer. I have asked several times but they always answer with a letter saying it is still in process. I just was called this week for new fingerprints and biometrics, but as I read, it doesn’t mean nothing different that my fingerprints expired. What do you think about my waiting time? Thanks. Javier
It is too long, but many people are (unfortunately) waiting a long time. Try contacting the Ombudsman; maybe they can at least tell you something – Good luck, Jason
hello MR.Jason
i applied for asylum with my 5 years daughter, does my case will be considered in the second category periority or by order?
appreciate your help, thanks alot
No – If you applied affirmatively for asylum, your case is in category 3 and you will be in line with everyone else. Take care, Jason
sorry MR, Jason for my questions but why this ? i knew from you that applications filled with children are in 2nd category? appreciate your help, thanks
Only unaccompanied children fall into the other category. You are a regular asylum seeker with a dependent child – so it is category 3.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for helping those who are in need of you, I too have some queries regarding my husband asylum process for court hearing which was scheduled in 2017 ,he had applied in 2013,can his scheduled time can be prepond . Is it possible , if yes how ?
Thanks Jason for your time .
You want his case to move faster? Or slower? He can try to make the case move faster by filing a motion to advance. It may work or may not, but if his case is in court, he needs a lawyer and the lawyer should be able to file such a motion.
Hello Jason,
My husband applied Asylum case in September 2013 he put like depend now I will be finish my school in December and my I-20 he will be expire in May. I got a church to save as elder pastor it possible to apply a religious visa as my husband case is pending?
Thanks
Nad
Hello Jason,
My husband applied Asylum case in September 2013 in Chicago he put me like depend now I will be finish my school in December and my I-20 he will be expire in May. I got a church to save as elder pastor it possible to apply a religious visa as my husband case is pending?
Maybe, but it is difficult to get such a visa. You would need to consult with a lawyer.
Thank you for your information, I have question in Chicago asylum which month the interviewing now? Because my husband applied in September after 4 weeks the call as for interview in October 10, 2013. Am asking for your advice to wait or to apply religious visa.
You have to look at the USCIS asylum bulletin – I provided a link in a posting I did on August 10, 2015.
Hello Jason, I applied for my asylum on April ,2015. I would like to know what date is the asylum office in Houston Texsas scheduling interviews? Thank you in advance.
This website will tell you, and it should be updated monthly: http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-scheduling-bulletin
Hello Janson,
I applied for asylum Arlington office with my daughter the interview was delayed i need to visit my by my husband with my second daughter. can he apply vistor visa with her? or Is it better to apply only himself? what is the possiblity of getting visitor visa?
Thank you.
He can certainly try to get a visa for himself and/or your second daughter. It will probably be more difficult since you have an asylum case pending (the embassy will suspect that he/they will not return home after the visit) and we have had cases where someone was denied a visa because his spouse had applied for asylum in the US. Good luck, Jason
can you tell me the period between filling the application and getting the interview
I cannot – I did a post a few weeks ago (about the asylum office publishing waiting times) and I provide a
USCIS link that will give you a better idea about the waiting times, but that just says which cases are interviewing now; not how long you will wait. Good luck, Jason
I have looked at the link you provided but it seems it has not been updated as of October 2015. Our prayer is that there is consistence with the schedules provided. Many of us are concerned about our families and their safty. It’s our humble request the family issue is taken seriously because even if one is allowed to temporary work when the family is constantly in danger, it does not help much or serve the purpose of running away to safty when other people are left exposed to danger with no protection.
I agree that family separation – especially when the family back home is not safe – is the worst part about the delays. I wish USCIS would prioritize people with family back home, but they do not. You can ask to expedite a case based on family members in danger (we have successfully done that a few times, but it is not easy, and more often, they will not expedite). Good luck, Jason
Me and my husband we apply for asylum in oct 2013 how long i need to wait for interview date
My posting from last week contains a link to the asylum office bulletin, which can tell you what is happening at your asylum office.
Hey jason me nd my husband we apply asylum on oct 2013 didnt get interview date yet.. How long i need to wait
Hello Jason
Thanks for your help
Hey guy ilunga
I have small question
How long you stay to get your asylum interview
Done in chicago office
Thanks
Hi Jason I applyed for asylum may 2013 for me and my family than get my ead and ss me and my wife so what should i do to get ss for my kids of the age of 7 and 5 with a pending case
I do not know. You should ask the social security office. Maybe with the asylum receipt, they can get an SSN. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Since I did my interview in October 10, 2013 to Chicago Is now 1 year 8 months and 1day.how much time I should wait to get my decision.
There is no way to predict the time. You can try contacting the Ombudsman’s office to see whether they can help. I wrote about that in a posting on February 26, 2015. Good luck, Jason
Jason, on humanitarian grounds, I believe this applicant and many in his category need an update regarding their cases. You have interviewed them, a decision is pending for more than a year and there is no feedback or case status update? I wish the authorities understand what the delay is causing this country & the applicants psychotically. I have read peoples comments, many are resorting to marriage and trying to find short cuts to get out of the asylum system because its very frustrating & tidus. I have seen people’s comments where they have to wait for more than 5 years their case be heard or concluded. That ceases being an asylum case to me beacuse many times there is no way circumstances can be the same after that long. It becomes more expensive to trace the renegades. I still insist, despite the backlog, there must be away this can be improved to avoid this backlog situation we are stuck in. There are many advantages of clearing fresh cases and they benefit the country and the applicants.this doesn’t mean the backlog should be cleared. By looking at fresh cases you are reducing or stopping the number of fraudulent applicants getting work authorisation. As it is now regardless of whether you are genuine or fraudulent, as long as you hit the 150 day mark, you automatically apply for work authorisation. The longer people stay the harder it gets to get them out. Naturally people get to know the system and find ways to go round it. That’s again my humble observation.
I agree with everything you say. I do think USCIS is trying its best to improve the situation. They need more resources (money) to do that, and I do not know whether they will get that.
Dear Jason, I filed asylum application in Seattle, September 2014. I hired an immigration lawyer and I need a second opinion. I want to move to New York and my lawyer said “I have to transfer my case otherwise you will have to return here for interview”. What steps do I have to take in order to properly transfer my case? Will I wait even more by transferring my case? Can I keep my case in Seattle jurisdiction and come for an interview when it schedule? Thanks a lot Jason.
It is not such an easy question. If a person moves, and the move is permanent (not temporary), you must inform the asylum office (using form AR-11) and if you move into the jurisdiction of a new asylum office, they will automatically transfer your case. This can cause delay or – in some cases – make the case go faster. If you are not confident in your lawyer’s advice, you might want to seek out a proper consultation with another lawyer. Good luck, Jason
Hey Jason. Thank you for your help.
I filed for Asylum on July 15, 2015 with the California Service Center in Southen California. I am told my case is now with the Los Angeles Asylum Office. I live in Orange County (50 miles from LA). My questions are as follows:
1- What is the most recent batch of applications that the LA Office is processing? (year or month)
2- Am I close enough to the LA Office for a conventional interview? Or am I too far and should wait for a circuit ride by an Asylum Officer?
Thank you.
I do not know about question 2, though I think you will probably be interviewed in LA. As for number 1, unfortunately, they are interviewing cases filed in August 2011, so you have a long time to wait. Good luck, Jason
noted. Thank you Sir
Hi Jason,
What is the website address were you getting the asylum case process dates from?
Thanks!
I got them from a source at the asylum office, but now they have posted them online here: http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-scheduling-bulletin
Thank you.. this is valuable report!
Hello! my asylum application was received on August 30 2013, after 4 days i received finger prints letter, and nothing after. I have a receipt number , but on website it says:My Case Status does not recognize the receipt number entered.” what do you think it means? Thanks
You cannot check the status of your asylum case online. Many asylum offices are interviewing cases filed in 2013, so hopefully you will have an interview soon. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason!
I applied for political azylum on April 2014 in Miami office ! In May 2015 i moved to Massachutets and my office changed on Newark ! How long I may wait for my interwiev? Thanks
I do not know whether the move will slow things down, but Newark is currently interviewing cases filed in about January 2013, so I expect you still have some time to wait. Good luck, Jason
Hi there! I need help please. I filed my Asylum case to Chicago Asylum office in September 2013. I had the interview 4 weeks ago. How much waiting time should I expect to receive the result?
Thanks!
Amer
Waiting times vary. Usually, there is a decision in less than a few months, but some of our clients have waited over a year. Hopefully, you will get a good decision soon. Take care, Jason
Thank you very much for reply! I appreciate that!
Hi there, I applied for Asylum from San Fransisco , CA on April 2014. Do you have any ideal how long it might take to get the Interview date or any updates on for which month is Asylum Office in San Fransisco scheduling the interview?? Appreciate the info.
San Fran is currently interviewing cases filed in about June 2013, so you still have some time to wait. Good luck, Jason
Dear Mr. Jason
you are a great man to help people like us without any charge, i realy want to tell that a time ago.
i would like to ask you if is it better to apply for asylum while iam pregnant or after i put my baby? appreciate your great effort to me and all of us, thanks Jason
I don’t think it should make any difference. Given the long waiting times, it is probably better to apply sooner. Plus, you are supposed to apply within one year of arriving in the US. Other than that, I don’t think it should much matter. Good luck, Jason
Hi,
I already applied in March,2014 still now they have not scheduled me for the interview.why is Chicago delaying asylum cases and what can I do please help me.
Everyone is delayed due to the backlog. I wrote a posting on February 26, 2015 discussing ways to make the case go faster, but it is very difficult. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason. I really appreciate for your assistance to those of us who do not know anything on asylum. I have a friend who has worked for the U.S. Embassy for 11 years and is an asylum now. He has not been interviewed yet. According to what he said any U.S. Embassy employee is granted a green card once he completes 15 or more years of service. Can this help him? Thank you very much for your continued assistance.
I do not know much about that law. I do think there is a way for embassy employees to get a green card after a certain period of service, but I have not done that for anyone. If your friend wants to try this, maybe he should hire a lawyer to research the question for him. Good luck, Jason
Thanks. Am I going to apply EAD through my lawyer also or just by myself?
As you like, but it is not particularly difficult. Nevertheless, if you are not certain about it, maybe you are better off using a lawyer.
Hi Jason,
I filed my case on january 2015 at Arlington asylum office what do you think when they will schedule my interview ?
Thanks Jason
It will be at least 6 months, I’d guess. Maybe a year or even more – currently they are interviewing cases filed in August 2013. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason, I applied for my asylum on August 25th,2014. I would like to know what date is the asylum office in New York scheduling interviews? Thank you in advance.
NY is scheduling cases filed in about February 2013. Take care, Jason
dear Jason
thanks alot for your help, please give your advice, i have a 5 years old kid and also iam pregnant now in egypt, what benefit we will get if i put my baby in the USA , i have a tourism visa but my husband doesn’t,
please give me your advice, thanks alot Jason
If your baby is born in the US, he will be a US citizen. Otherwise, I do not know what benefits you are asking about.
i mean that if the baby may give us a permanent resident or any legal paper in the usa if he is porn in the usa
In general, the baby does not help, but you would need to talk to a lawyer about the specifics of your case to know for sure. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
My mother applied for political asylum, (we are from Iran), in June 2013. She went for finger print a month after that but she hasn’t heard anything since then. She has got her social security card and employment authorization card but she hasn’t been able to find a job because of lack of English. My brother is still in Iran and has been in a very bad mental situation since my mother left because we all thought my mother’s asylum application process would take up to 6 months (per what her lawyer promised us !!) and she would be able to travel to turkey to see my brother and help him. But none of these happened unfortunately.. My mother is even ready to give up her case and just go back to Iran for her only son in spite knowing that she would be in serious danger once she eneer’s Iran.. She applied for travel document to go to turkey and meet my brother there (we chose turkey because Iranians do not need a visa to enter turkey) and it took almost a year to get the travel document and a week before she wanted to leave she fell down a ladder and broke her ankle, got surgery and she has been in a cast for 4 months .. Also she doesn’t have insurance and we are paying the hospital bills ourselves with monthly payments..
Now my questions is , could you help us know when will she be called approximately for an interview? Her alien number starts with ZNK.. We just need to know an approximate time so that if it’s going to take more Han a month my mother would just give up everything and go back..
I would really appreciate your response.
I do not know the different codes (ZNK) and so I would need to know which office has her case in order to give you any info about the time frame. She might also have a good basis to expedite due to your brother’s illness (I wrote about this on February 26, 2015). Finally, in defense of your lawyer, we really did not know about the backlog in June 2013. It had just started, and so most lawyers (including me) did not realize how bad it would be. Good luck, Jason
Hi,
I applied for asylum since Nov. 2013 till now I didn’t get any news for an interview, although i am here alone with two daughters (7-11) years old. don’t you think i deserve to be in the priority list??? how can i apply to list my case as priority.
thanks,
Zinah
There are many people in your situation, and so it is difficult to get the asylum office to expedite. I did a posting dated February 26, 2015 with some ideas about expediting the case. Maybe that would help – good luck, Jason
Hi! Dear,
I have heard that asylum officers will recruit nearly.is that would be a solution for reducing the asylum backlog in national wide? most of us suffered from waiting the decsion that is an expence to USA in terms of health and alike… if we know the decion we will decide our future.what do feel about this? thank in advance.
They say that they have hired new people and that they are hiring even more. Hopefully this will help.
I applied for Asylum is now 1 year and 6 months, I did my interview in 10 October 2013 since today I am still waiting the decision, I have apply to renew EAD cards is now 125 days today I was checking my case online the ask me to send evidence. What can I do?
Unfortunately, there are delays for people renewing EADs. Unless you know what evidence they need, you will have to wait to receive the letter from USCIS. Hopefully, that will be soon. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thanks for information I received a letter from USCIS the evidence the asking is the picture I send the old pictures now the want new pictures. Have another question about in Asylum office why Chicago Asylum office is delaying to give people decision.
All the asylum offices are delayed in issuing decisions. I am not sure why, but it is probably the security background check. To say the least, it is very frustrating.
Hello Jason,
Since I did my interview on October 10, 2013 in Chicago is one year 8 months and 2 days. How much time I can wait to get decision?
Thank you your help.
Guy
No one can predict that. If you have not done so, maybe you should contact the asylum office and the Ombudsman’s office to check the status of your case. I provide contact info for these offices in a posting dated February 26, 2015. Good luck, Jason
Hello,
I applied for an Ashylum and also for my work permit, social security and my New York State ID. I Hv no idea when I shall be call for and interview and this really worries me as I left my wife and two daughter behind. Do you think I could be call anytime soon it take 1 year and a month…
Thanks
Each asylum office is different, but they are all pretty slow. I am hopeful that things wild be speeding up soon. Good luck, Jason
Hie Jason
Today i don’t have a question but i just want to say thank you so much for taking your time out of your busy schedule to answer all our queries, i have noticed that you don’t ignore even a simple question thank you so much may you stay blessed. May the Almighty abundantly fulfill all your desires. May you continue to find strength to help in these trying times for us.
Thank you – your comment is sincerely appreciated. Take care, Jason
Jason,
I am sorry, you may have not understood my last question. I entered the U.S with a B2 visitor’s visa and applied for asylum. My case is pending with USCIS and I am now applying got EAD. How do I fill in question 15 ( current Immigration status) on the EAD I-765 form.
I do not know your current immigration status, and so I cannot answer your question. In general, if a person comes here on a B-2 and files for asylum, we will write “B-2” or “B-2 expired”, but it depends on the person’s status and if he has changed status. In your specific case, I do not know.
I entered United States on a B2 visitor visa and applied for asylum and received a response that my application was received and pending. I also completed fingerprints though still pending interviews. Am now filling in EAD forms but I don’t know what I have to fill in as my status. Your help will be greatly appreciated
I do not know about your specific case, but someone who is an asylum applicant usually files under category c8. Here is a list that may help: http://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I applied for political asylum 6 yrs ago i did my interview , received a responce 15 days later and till this day i havent recived a responce every 6 month i request the status of my case and i get a responce saying we arechecking backgroung etc…i received letters till saturday G56 appt notice, with all my family members, reason for appointment interview, and another letter under my son name explained that the day the interview the us vist system was inoperable for registration photographed and fingerprinted failed and he has to go before the office can issue decision on your asylum case, my question is the interview could be about that or could be a second interview after 6 years, thanks for your help.
I really think you will have to go and see, as I do not know. I recently met a Guatemalan man whose case was pending for over 20 years. They finally called him for a second interview, and his case was denied and sent to the Judge. I have no idea why his case took so long. In your situation, if you do not get a decision after the next interview (or whatever it is), you should consider filing a mandamus lawsuit – I discuss that in a posting dated February 26, 2015 – as 6 years’ waiting is completely unacceptable. Good luck, Jason
Hi! Jason,
Thank you in advance for what you are doing.
My question is I have heard that Arlington asylum office not working due to officers, is it true? on average how many invited for interview in aweek?
I was there this Monday, so they are working (or at least on Monday, they were), but it is pretty quiet, and I do not have any cases currently scheduled, which is unusual. Anyway, I have not heard about any news about that.
Jason,
I am filling in my EAD application form,how do I complete question 16 (who may file form I-765). There are 3 spaces and yet my category is C8 pending asylum applicant . Which 2 spaces should I use?
If the category is c8, we complete the form like this: (c)(8)( ).
Adding to your respond, I filled mine online and it generated all the answers one’s i selected Pending Asylum Applicant as my category. I will advise that is less hectic and very accurate when filling the form using the online portal.
dear king kong
you need to send photos and documents by mail according to this application, did you? because it will delay your application. check on the needs to apply for EAD. so you can get more details on that… good luck buddy.
i applyed for political asylum 6 years ago, i did my interview after 15 days, went for the answer 15 days later, but i didnt received anything, i get my EAD every year for my husband and I, 1 year ago i received ingerprinters letter for me and my husband, and in may this year for my son, now i received a letter G56 reason, interview, i dont understand could be a second interview or something else , also another letter for my son explain that the system failed that day and he has to be identificated again, thanks what do you yhink that i have to expect, thanks.
I never heard of a G56 interview, so I do not know what that is. It does sound like something is happening with the case, but I cannot tell from your description what it is. I think you will just have to comply with their instructions and hopefully you will get some good news. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you for the intervention you have been doing on this page. Almost all the queries i had in me several months ago about my Asylum case has been answered here by you. But i am still having a question as below;
I filed my application in Mid December 2014 at the Chicogo Asylum office!, I had my EAD within 58days of filing for it. I wanted to know if i have a chance of being interviewed within this year? or may be in the next two years?
Secondly, I am currently a student and with my situation i am unable to pay my tuition neither I am able to pay for the campus accommodation but it is the only option i have because i don’t know anyone who could harbor me in the USA until I get a job and find my own place. My debt with the institution is currently about $55000. They have been very silent on me but deep in my mind I know that they may be filing a litigation case against me in the nearest future particularly as my graduation is going to be in December! I am doing an MS in Industrial and system Engineering and althrough the one year academic term that I squeezed the program and despite the fact that i took 22credits in Winter 2015, I succeeded to maintain a GPA of 4/4 including courses of the summer too. I will like you to tell me the repercussions that my asylum status will face if this institution actually take me to court or file litigation case against for the Tuition and housing debt that I have accumulated?. Will I be deported or Jailed for this fact? Is it going to be considered as a Felony?. I am so worried about this. I haven’t slept for the past 2weeks now because of this issue.
Finally, I am also having an overdraft with my bank for about $500 and have not been able to repay because during the summer, the school wasn’t feeding us on campus, so i had to withdraw more than my balance from an ATM to survive on eating! Is this also going to be considered as felony and what impacts will it have on my Asylum Application that is pending! Do I face a detention or deportation chances?
I will be glad to hear from you as soon as possible.
The Chicago office is interviewing cases filed in about June 2013, so you probably have a few more months to wait. As for the other questions, they do not sound like crimes to me, but I am not a criminal lawyer, so I really do not know. If they are crimes, it could affect your asylum case. You probably should talk to a lawyer if you are worried about civil or criminal liability. You might want to check with your school – maybe they have an immigration clinic that could advise you for no charge. Good luck, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you. I have not been able to meet with my supervising Attorney as of now regarding the issue but i will request for audience now.
Thank you dearly
I got this letter: we are in receipt of your inquiry regarding form I-589 . Your asylum application is under review . An additional review had to be performed on your case and this has caused a delay in processing your case . When the review in this matter is completed, you will be notified in writing of any decision pertaning to your case. What you think . It is a normal and i should to send them an email thank yoy so much for your help. I am waiting the desicion about one year and four months