The community of asylum seekers (people waiting for their asylum cases) has grown exponentially over the past few years. Across the U.S., something like 540,000 people–including many asylum seekers–are waiting for their Immigration Court cases, and over 150,000 otehrs are waiting for their cases to be decided by the Asylum Office. Because this “backlog” is relatively new, there is a dearth of services available for such asylum applicants. A new non-profit aims to help fill that gap.
The Asylum Seeker Assistance Project (“ASAP”) is a community-based nonprofit providing comprehensive services to support the estimated 50,000 individuals pursing asylum in the Washington, DC-Metro region. The group launched in 2016 and received its 501(c)(3) non-profit status earlier this week (so donations are tax deductible). Its mission is to provide services that support the safety, stability, and economic security of asylum seekers and their families. ASAP’s programs include:
Employment: ASAP’s employment program combines individualized career planning, 30-hours of job readiness training, and job placement services to address common employment barriers encountered by asylum seekers. The goal is to equip asylum seekers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to secure and retain safe, legal, and purposeful employment.
Community: ASAP’s community program facilitates opportunities for asylum seekers to connect with each other, ASAP volunteers, and the larger community. The group also maintains a list of asylees willing and able to provide support and guidance to newly arrived asylum seekers.
Legal: ASAP offers asylum law trainings, legal information sessions, and “Know Your Rights” workshops on demand to clients, attorneys, law students, and community partners. ASAP can also provide targeted referrals to pro bono and low bono immigration legal service providers.
Outreach: ASAP conducts educational awareness events co-facilitated by asylum seekers and asylees. The organization has given talks and presentations to audiences ranging from elementary school-aged children to adults. By engaging audiences of all ages, ASAP works to plant the seeds of social change.
Social Services (Coming 2018): ASAP works with clients to create a comprehensive assessment of their life in the U.S. in order to identify client needs, recognize strengths, and prioritize goals. ASAP works with a coalition of community partners to provide information, resources, and referrals to ensure client safety and stability.
To celebrate this new organization and to congratulate ASAP’s first class of asylum seekers who will have completed an intensive one-week job readiness training, the group is holding an event called Together We Rise: A Family-Friendly Celebration on April 29, 2017 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM in Bethesda, Maryland. You can sign up for this free event, or make donations, here. The celebration will include food and friends, and activities for the younger guests, such as face-painting, fishing for ducks in a “pond,” and henna art.
To learn more about the party and ASAP, visit the group’s Facebook page here, or email them at asylumprojectdc@gmail.com. Also, if you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause, please contact them at asylumprojectdc@gmail.com.
Hello Jason…thank you once again for your assistance and knowledge u are sharing and impact you are making in the immigrant community in general. My question is that, I an asylum seeker and I got enrolled in a community college in New York which begins in the fall. Now, my case is still in court which is in 4yrs time. My case is in California and I am currently now in New York plus I don’t have a lawyer yet. I want to an advice from you on what I should do in order to be fully prepared and organized so that it won’t affect with my education? Thank You
Unless you keep a permanent address in CA, you need to file a change of address with the court. Use form EOIR-33. Otherwise, it is better to have a lawyer help you, and since I do not know your case, it is difficult to comment about what you need to do. In general, you need to have submitted the form I-589 (you should already have done that), plus supporting documents – affidavit, evidence, country reports, and also get letters from witnesses who might come to court to testify for you. But a lawyer in court does make a difference, and it is worth having someone to help you. Take care, Jason
Thank you for your comprehensive response. God bless you
Yes Jason I was detained before being released from detention center. And so I have already submitted my case but since I did not have money to hire me a lawyer. Now I am in New York with my uncle who is still assisting me with accommodation and feeding.
Hello , i have been waiting my FIRST EAD. Vased on application more than 70 days, I have heard that first FIRST EAD issued during one month is that correct , if so ? What should i do ?
Thanks in afvance
Sorrry, based on asylum application
We are seeing first EADs take 2 to 4 months. If you want, you can call USCIS to ask about the EAD. Their number can be found on the website http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason, thanks for your help.I applied for EAD on the19th of may,they sent the receipt but the card has not been sent and its been pending for 78days now, pls what can I do
You can call USCIS – the phone number can be found at http://www.uscis.gov. We are seeing EADs take 2 to 4 months, so I think it is a bit early to worry about this. I expect you will get it soon. Take care, Jason
Thanks
Hi ! FIrst of all, I wanna thank you for this amazing blog, that I keep reading every possible chance I have… You’re doing an amazing job and may God Bless your kindness.
Now, this is my question:
If I applied for Pol. Asylum back in 2015, Jun, in Los Angeles. I have got my fingerprints done , but never heart anything further.. I am keeping me posted on the national asylum bulletin they have and it seems to me that they have fast forwarded the ones for Los Angeles, finally? am I right? and what would me my chances to expect my interview note, if I applied on June, 2015. Thank you beforehand
I believe LA is getting some help from a remote office in Virginia, and it does seem that they are making progress. Things are a bit faster across the US, as fewer people are seeking asylum at the Southern border (I think they are fearful of our new president) and so more asylum resources can be devoted to affirmative cases. I suspect that you will still have some time to wait, but at least we are seeing some progress. Take care, Jason
Thank you for comprehensive answer, Jason:)
Hey Jason
I have an attorney I already paid her 1/4 of the amount we prepared the form I-589 and she confirmed that she send it to USCIS office. I received the confirmation letter that says that i can remain in USA legally. Now i’m waiting for the fingerprints but after two weeks the notice is not coming, also i checked my case status at the page of USCIS and I says that the number is invalid. I contacted my attorney and she says that this is trusted information and i can’t have access to that. I’m concerned that everything is a lye because she also says me that she is preparing something now for me to receive notice for fingerprints. How can i make sure that everything is a true? and also if i write to USCIS and they see that the case is a lye will I be deported from this country?
Thank you very much for your answers
You cannot check your asylum case status on line – that is true. And sometimes, there are delays with the fingerprints. It seems to me that it is too soon to worry about that. If you wait another few weeks without the fingerprint notice, you can contact the asylum office and ask about that. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. As long as you have the receipt, you should be ok, and nothing that you are saying here about the lawyer makes me concerned. However, if you are not comfortable or satisfied with your lawyer, you can change if you want. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
The interview for my asylum case was nearly 6 months ago in the Arlington asylum office and I am still waiting on the decision. I have relocated to a different state for school and a job opportunity. I have not changed my state of residence until now. I want to change my ID with the current state that am in. Though I don’t want to change the address/state for my case, because I want to keep my current lawyer in case it goes court. How does a change of ID to a different state affect an asylum case, especially when it awaits a decision. Thanks!
You have to be careful about this. If you move but do not change your address, it can cause problems (and is actually a basis for deportation, though I have never seen that happen). The main problem is that the asylum officer or judge will think you are lying about your address, and if you are lying about that, maybe you are lying about your case. If this move is temporary (for school, for example), maybe you can just keep your old, permanent address and not change addresses until the case is resolve. Maybe your lawyer can make suggestions about this too. Take care, Jason
[…] (April 29) I had visited a fundraiser event in Bethesda, MD for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Project. Right now, the Eventbrite link has the […]
Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for helping us ” asylums seekers” on here.
I read your post on “case expedition” and I applied to UNHCR’s office,New Delhi,India for my case expedition. Just after two days, pop! they called me and set my interview on May,1-2017.
I just can’t wait this Monday and yeah I’m going all alone. No attorney
Pray for me y’all
The post was actually meant for asylum seekers in the US, but if it worked for you in India, that is great. Good luck with the interview, Jason
My interview went on successfully and the Immigration officer told me I will surely get my result shortly. It took us 3 hours and 30 mins.
To my asylum seekers on here, Jason has said everything. Just “know your case” and everything else will be just fine.
Jason,Thanks once more
John
Thank you and good luck, Jason
Hello Jason,
I got my RSD case granted in India. Thank you for everything !
Qn. What would Happened if I travel to US with a Refugee travel document? Will I have to freshly restart my asylum case again in US?
Sorry, I do not understand your question. And I do not know what RSD is. Take care, Jason
Jason,
I am an Ethiopian woman with an individual asylum application in since last fall. My case is complicated because I came here through an semi-arranged marriage (to another Ethiopian) and ended up being abused by him. Late 2015, when the law got involved, he decided to submit an asylum application for the both of us; I believe it was so he wouldn’t be deported. I finally was able to escape that situation. An American friend helped me to get a restraining order, go through divorce proceedings, and submit my own individual asylum application. During this time, I have gotten involved in another relationship with a green card holder. We intend to marry this year. What will that do to my asylum application?
Thank you, Jason.
Lola F
Dear Lola, I am also asylum applicant and I am not legal expert. I thing you can marry but wait until you are interview for you asylum rather than trying to apply for status change (marriage). I mean keep your relationship, got married but don’t withdraw your asylum application.
This reminds me, if you have not done so, contact the local asylum office to tell them that you are divorced and are no longer part of your first husband’s asylum case. You can find the asylum office contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Dear Sister TINA
thank you for your judgmental advice i will take it as a tip
i know your concern! And i know it was fast move !! but i can not explain all detail ,because in people life so many thing will happen, but the way you think about my new relationship you are wrong it is not about the immigration status if so, i would do with some one who is already citizen,i want you to clear your mind that the person i involve with not taking advantage on me because off my situation! if he was the firs person i would not be suffer or abused or divorced .but thank you for your pessimist concern.and i wish you good luck with your case too .much love.
So sorry my sister that you feel my post was judgemental. I was just saying to you to be careful not to be on the defensive regarding the following: The semi-arranged marriage, consenting to a joint asylum application that in your own words, was for the purpose of averting deportation, grounds for the joint application and grounds for your solo application(if they differ,), and then the marriage. I am really sorry that my post robbed off wrongly on you. It was written with love and as my honest opinion. Remember, we are all in this together and trying to make it successfully, so why should I judge you?The most important input here is Jason’s ,which he has given. Once more, I apologize.
Dear SCOPA thank you for your advice. i will not withdraw my case it helps.
My dear,
I am an African too, and do you really think, moving from a semi -arranged and abusive marriage, to another one in less than 2 years, with 2 different asylum applications,is a good idea? I would give myself time to heal and not get swayed by anyone, especially someone, who may think he would benefit my immigration status. I am being extremely honest to you. Think about this.. from an arranged abusive marriage, to joint asylum application, to a divorce and then a solo application, and now,another marriage to a green card holder. Isn’t that some kind of emotional mortgage? I have a pending asylum, I have children, I do not know my fate, but I do know what I do not want.” Getting married for the sake of status”. No form of citizenship is worth our peace and souls. I can say to you my sister, I will hold off on this next marriage and pursue the asylum,except it is not valid. I am adding the caveat, because you said he applied for asylum for you two to avert deportation.Marriage to me is much more than getting together with someone. From my understanding, your husband for the semi- arranged marriage had no status. GOD bless you and be strong. I hope you do not get upset..My honest 2 cents and I know Jason will respond to you. You are my sister and we are in this together, lets be strong and not let people take advatange of us.Much love.
wow Tina, what an advice to our sister! genuine and well elaborated explanation!
I think this is helpful – it is good to remain cautious in such a situation. The advantage of asylum is that it allows a person to file on her own, without needing to rely on anyone else (like a spouse) to gain status in the US. Also, since it is slow, it can give a person some time to heal and then later make a decision about marriage (the slowness of asylum is, of course, a double edged sword). Thank you for the comment, Jason
First, you may be eligible for other types of visas based on the abusive marriage. You may want to talk to a lawyer about that, if you have not done so. Second, if you came here using a fiancé visa, it may be a problem to try to get your GC through a new marriage. I recommend you talk to a lawyer about that too. As for your own asylum case, the new marriage should not affect that, though probably you will need to explain how you came here and what happened with the first marriage. Take care, Jason
dear jason thank you for your help , i will continue with the asylume,
hi Jason, please could you share some information why LA office has moved from August 2011 to August 2012 within a month? https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-scheduling-bulletin
I do not know, but there is an office in VA that is helping the LA office and maybe that is helping. Also, it could be that back on 2011/2012 the LA office interviewed some of the cases (at the time, the system was different), and so now they are skipping ahead to continue working on backlogged cases. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Would a Red light camera ticket effect my asylum? I am having asylum interview with a USCIS officer in near future, maybe next moth.
Today, while giving a ride to a passenger (I do Lyft part time), the traffic camera blanked at me. I thought I will pass the yellow light based on my driving experience, but unfortunatly the light turned red very quickly. I was surprised by change of light from yellow to red that quickly, but still I confess that I commit the traffic offense.
I came home and told the the red light story to my friend. He commented on my mental health. He said do you remember, the other day you was looking for your phone while you had your phone on your hand? the day you forgot your school bag in class? The weekend you woked up to go to your class? blah, blah… and today you crossed the red light? are you ok?
All this is true but he said it in a fun style. And his comments do not come as a surprise for me, because these last two month I got depressed thinking about asylum.
Thank you
And yh I am 26 from Afghanistan. Have strong case, but the strong case looks weak under Trump radar.
We just had a case from Afghanistan granted; I do not think Trump is affecting decision at this time. Take care, Jason
Unless it is something very unusual, a traffic ticket has no effect on an asylum case. Take care, Jason
Jason,
Thank you so much for your amazing blog!
I have one question.. Regarding the deportation of a legal DACA recipient couple days ago. Can this happen to asylees?
I am from Syria, and I am scared of the thought of being sent back to Syria.
If they’d ever do such thing, do they deport you directly to Syria? Or do they send you to the third country?
I know I might be overthinking. I’m not as scared of the deportation itself as I am scared of ever being near Syria.
Thank you!!!!
Under the law, an asylum seeker cannot be deported until his case is heard by the Immigration Judge (and the appeals court), so there is no danger of that. Trump does not have the power to change this unless Congress changes the law, and there is no indication that they are considering such a change. In addition, I believe no one is currently being deported to Syria due to the war (though I am not sure, since the Damascus airport seems to be open). Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for your service, my attorney reschedule my interview, after two weeks I got letter from USCIS about biometric again, I am confused about it, because I have already did it two year back. Please guide me is it normal or they are USCIS starting from square one, I wait already more than two years for a single interview.
That happened to me as well. Last month my interview was rescheduled and after a week I got letter to do Biometrics again. I think that is a normal procedure and also a good sign. Normal because biometrics has expiry date and USCIS need your update security check to take decision on your case and it has nothing with reschedule. You would have received one, even if you did the interview. And good sign because your security background is clear, and as your old biometric is expired they ask you to do it again, just to make sure you did not do anything wrong it the past 2 years.
It is probably fine – Biometrics expire after 15 months, and often, the person is asked to re-take them. They should re-schedule your interview soon. If not, your attorney (or you) should follow up with them for an appointment. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason, they have send me rescheduled date today.
Good luck from your asylum seeking fam, Jimi 🙂
Thank you I will keep you posted about my interview..
Very good – Good luck, Jason
Thank you Jason..
How long does take you to be rescheduled??? I’m also waiting for my interview to be rescheduled.
Hi
How long it took USCIS to reschedule your interview. I am also waiting to get interview notice since 34 days, I was rescheduled at Asylum office, but did not hear from them yet.
You people are dangerous. Helping illegal aliens promote false claims is against everything we stand for as a nation of laws. Sickening. Do you help them defraud social services too? If you want them here do bad you should have to 100% pay for their care.
This is the kind of comment that one should not even dignify with a response, but I have some free time so why not.
Run along, Melinda, and educate yourself on asylum seekers and refugees. I know ignorance is bliss and all, and being a keyboard warrior is fun for “you people”, but it’s a bad look.
I would say that the real danger here is your ignorance, but then again people like you usually let their hate consume them while they live on the sidelines, powerless, watching us all get along.
FYI, not everyone is like that. Of course there are some people who don’t tell the truth or people who live of a welfare. But how many native born Americans cheat and live on welfare just cos they’re lazy?! Don’t blame the people, blame the system.
I’m an asylee and I never asked or will ask for any kind of welfare. I pay almost 30% tax because I make decent money. Yes, I’m upset that I have to pay for everything low-income people get for free, but again- blame the system.
If you don’t like living here, in a free country for everyone, move somewhere else. I suggest Africa, where people might not have electricity for 2 weeks and can never get any protection or any kind of welfare from the government.
The way she write it’s looks like she is an immigrant too
With due respect educate yourself
I am not sure who you think is helping aliens promote false claims. I did a post talking about the reason why asylum exists (it was created to further US-foreign policy interests) and some of my asylum-seeker clients. Maybe you would be interested: http://www.asylumist.com/2017/01/06/the-refugee-ball-why-we-celebrate/
From a both sides of the desk point of view (I’m back in private practice) there are a lot of attorneys who do promote asylum fraud as a means of scamming the system. A lot. People who I had respected in private practice I lost all respect for on the other side and don’t know how to deal with now. I think AILA needs to partner with DHS to weed these attorneys out of the system. Because it’s more prevalent than people admit, and at times the legimitmate applicant ends up with an attorney that the officer presumes to be bringing fraudulent cases.
Jason,
After approval of asylum . If I marry a British citizen what would I need to apply so that they can come and leave with me here ? If there is a way do you offer application services ?
Thanks ,
I mean if I marry after I get approved for asylum
You would need a green card or US citizenship to petition to bring a foreign spouse to live in the US. If you received asylum, and you were not married at the time, you cannot bring your spouse to the US until you have the green card. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, thank you so much for always helping and answering questions.
I have a question about family of asylum applicant visiting. Do you think that the family (father) of an asylum applicant can be given a visa? The family is not staying just visiting. And if they apply for a visa will that hurt the asylum case? (the father is visiting his daughter who are under their mother’s application as dependents. They are divorced).
Thank you.
It is often more difficult to get a visa if a family member has applied for asylum, but he can try. If he returns after the visit, it would only hurt the case if the applicant’s case somehow relates to the father (for example, if the applicant has claimed that the government is persecuting the whole family, and then the father returns home, that could undermine the claim). Talk to a lawyer about the specifics of the case if you are worried about this. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason
Back to 2013 one of my friend was granted asylum by IJ in Boston but in 30 days DHS attorney appeal this decision. Until today, the case is still pending. What will be happen next ? she is going to have another court schedule next year.
Thank you and GBU
It depends on what happens with the appeals court (called the Board of Immigration Appeals). Hopefully, your friend will win her appeal and then that will be the end of it. But if DHS wins, the case will probably be returned to the Judge for additional work. Take care, Jason
It looks like that DHS wins the appeal. She has a court date for next year. Is it possible to win the case if her case is returned to the IJ ?.
Thank you for your help.
It depends on why DHS won the appeal, but in general, it would be possible to win such a case. She certainly should not give up. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
A blessed day.
1.Our case is still pending no prior interview yet, my daughter just had her biometrics, she was 12 at the time we had ours now she’s 14. Now that she has her biometrics, how can we apply for her SSN?
2nd question, based on the schedule bulletin, our case is at Los Angeles center, and they’re still interviewing cases from year 2011, we filed ours year 2015, do you think with hiring additional officers which Pres. Trump promised to do so, will make it faster or will we still be relying on the bulletin
schedule.
3. Will it be faster for us because we have minor child?
Thank you.
Thank you.
God speed.
1 – You can talk to the SS office about this. She should be able to get something with the receipt for asylum and/or the biometric notice. If not, she can apply for an EAD and then get the SSN (the first EAD is free, but she probably does not need it, unless maybe she wants a summer job). 2 – The Bulletin tells you who is being interviewed today, it does not predict when you will be interviewed. I think that cases will move faster and that you will not wait 6 years for the interview. However, my ability to predict these things is pretty weak, so we will see. 3 – No; it is the same. Take care, Jason
In a hurry to get that welfare money aren’t you?
You really think people come here for your welfare money? Be thankful that you are a citizen of a civilized and free nation. One thing you need to know though is, most people give up comfortable lives and come here to live at the lowest level of poverty, because they want peace.
Hi, Jazon. When I go to the USCIS website to check the status on my application by entering the receipt number, the system is telling me that, this receipt number does not exist. Do you think that my application was canceled?
You cannot check the status of an asylum case on-line. If you have the receipt and did the fingerprints, you should be fine. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Thanks a lot for any assistance you provide for people like me here!
I am an asylum applicant. I have applied for EAD renewal and fee waiving 40 days ago. However, I did not receive any response. I was wondering if I still have to wait or I should take another action.
Thank you again.
Just to share my experience while you wait for Jason. My fee waiver was approved the same month I applied for my renewal,but it has been over 60 days and my status keeps saying my case was transfered to another office. My current EAD expires on the 12th of may. You should have gotten a rsponse by now. Did you include your w2 or any proof of your income? I included my w2. Goodluck.
The EAD should be automatically extended when you received the receipt. I did a post about that (with some links at the end) on January 25, 2016. Take care, Jason
Thanks, Jason
Thanks. Yes, I have sent my W2 as well.
Normally, the receipt arrives in about a month (the receipt should automatically extend your old EAD by 180 days). Maybe double check that you sent the form to the correct address, and if you did, you might want to call USCIS (you can find their phone number here: http://www.uscis.gov) to ask whether the I-765 was received. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason.
Hi jason ,
thanks for your kind efforts supporting all asylum seekers , do you know by chance how fast Boston asylum office is processing Asylum application,i sent them recently and they replied back saying that they are interviewing people who filed in July 2013,so i’m curious to know any one was was interviewed recently and what date they filed their application to know how Fast Boston are moving .
thx ,
Hi Ana,
I filed on August 2014 in the Boston office but have not received an interview date yet!!
Thanks,
Angela
do you know any one who was recently interviewed ? i filed mine in june 2014.
No unfortunately I don’t.
I have not heard about it, sorry. Maybe some others will see your question and reply. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Do you recommend domestic flights if we have pending asylum case and work permit with us?
Thank you.
It should be ok. I have heard one story about someone who got detained after a flight, but we do not know whether he had a criminal record or some other issue. None of my clients have had trouble, and I have not heard any verified reports about people having problems, so I do not think there is currently an issue with flying domestically for people with asylum cases pending. Take care, Jason
Hi.i have a question.My a friend given Asylum interview.Furing his intetview when he talked about his family he weeped 2 times.His this act can effect on interview negative or positive?
I doubt it would affect one way or the other. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have a quick question, after approval of I-730 for the assylee family members; how long does it takes to complete the remaining process? How long u think it would take more for them to join the asylee in US? Please advise.
Thanks
It varies. We had an I-730 approved in 4 weeks and then the family came in less than 2 months after that (after the US embassy processed the paperwork). We have also seen the process take much longer (maybe a year all together). It depends on I-730 processing times, which go up and down, and the particular embassy where the case will be processed (some are faster than others). Of course, there are also security background check issues that can also cause delay, though usually that is not a great problem for these types of cases. Take care, Jason
hi jason
i appriciates for a wonderful and informative blog
i have a simple question that when a asylum applicant can apply for his SSN and DL. is it after issued EAD or just after god receipt of asylum application acceptance.
Thanks
Hi Kamal,
I am not a lawyer, SSN should be applied after getting EAD but DL it depends from which state you going to apply. Different States have different policies. Like Virginia you can apply and get your DL before EAD and SSN. Hope it will help.
Ahmed
Dear kamal, Ahmed and Jason
My experiance , I had my DL before get the EAD and SSN but within the first 6 months of arrival and that in NY.. just got the 6 points and good luck
Thanks for sharing – different states have different policies, and sometimes people just get lucky. Take care, Jason
It may depend on the state, but typically, you cannot get an SSN or DL until you have the EAD. You might want to check with your state DMV (or look at their website) to see if you can get the DL before you have the EAD. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason
God Bless You
hi Jason
Thanks for the help
Is it acceptable to send uscis of a medical document which I don’t have the original at hand . would the asylum officer require/insist to see the original during the interview .
Thanks
You an submit documents where you do not have the original. Lately, it seems they are not usually asking for originals, but you may need to explain why you do not have the original, if they ask you. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, Thanks for always giving us a headsup on info that can benefit us. I have received a notice for fingerprint and biometrics. I have moved to a new address so please I would like to know if filling the change of address online with the link you once provided would suffice and/or if they also need the hard copy format mailed to them. Also since I would go in for the fingerprint and biometrics, is that an opportunity to give them the new address? Please what exactly should I do to change the address? Thanks for your kind assistance.
You cannot change your address at the biometrics appointment. You have to give your change of address form (AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov) directly to the local asylum office. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks so much for your on point advice. I did the biometrics this week. I will treat the change of address as stated. Thanks once again and may God bless you.
I have granted an asylum and it has been 2 monthS without getting my new EAD BASED ON ASYLUM APPROVAL ! MY EAD before asylum approved will expire in 2/2019. I am wondering if they will not send me a new EAD AFTER APPROVAL BECAUSE THE ORD ONE IS STILL VALID UNTIL 2/30/2019. IS IT POSSIBLE ?
They may not. You do not need it, as you can use the old EAD. If you want to apply for the new EAD, you have to use form I-765 (available at http://www.uscis.gov). But before you apply, you may want to double check with USCIS that you should apply for a new EAD given that your old one is still valid (you can try calling them; the phone number is at http://www.uscis.gov). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, my partner and I applied for asylum separately and we have received receipt and bio-metrics, no interview yet. Recently we got married, my question to you is, is it possible to include spouse as dependent in each other’s application? i.e. my name as dependent in her application, her name as dependent in my application? Thank you.
You can – to add a spouse to an asylum case, you can contact the local asylum office for instructions. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Whether you want to do it is a strategy question and it depends on the case. The up-side is generally that if one of you wins, you both win (though this would be true anyway since you can file a petition for your spouse after you win). The downside is that I think the asylum offices generally do not like having to do two cases when they know those cases could be combined into one. But again, it is a strategy question that depends on the strength of each case. You might want to talk to a lawyer about the specifics of the case to decide what to do. Take care, Jason
Hi, Jason,
God bless you for the work you are doing for Asylum seekers,
I have following this blog for more than a year and today I would like to ask a question,
I applied for asylum in 2014 and interviewed in late 2016 and as usual supose to pick the decision in 2 weeks and then as usual got the letter that I am not required to come to pick up and they will mail the decision when ready. It’s been 6 months and after sending them 4 to 5 case status inquiries a week ago they send me a letter with checked the following response:
You were interviewed by Asylum office, your case is pending the preparation of the written decision, the decision will be completed and mailed to you as soon as circumstances permit.
Kindly let me know if you have any idea what kind of circumstances they are talking about and how long more I have to wait for the decision. Your thoughts in this regard is highly appreciated.
Thanks
MAZ
Their answer really does not tell you anything. Sometimes, it takes months (or years) to get a decision. I recommend you give them 60 days, and if there is no response, contact them again. You can also inquire with the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is at right – but if the asylum office responds to your inquiry, there is really not much reason to contact the Ombudsman. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to make them give you a decision faster (unless you file a mandamus lawsuit), and so you have to remain patient. Hopefully, you get a good decision soon. Take care, Jason
dear Jason
first.. thanks a lot
second.. does the mandamus work?
please verify it for us and how much it’s positive to use it and in which states?
thanks
I think at one time, it worked. But now, with delays for everyone, I am very doubtful that it will work, and I have not heard about people using it. Also, I believe USCIS indicated that if there was a mandamus for a case that was already interviewed, and the security background check was not complete, they would simply deny the case and refer it to court (mandamus forces them to make a decision – it does not force them to grant the case). I have not heard about people using it lately, and I recommend you search for a lawyer who has done them and consult with that person about the specifics of your case to see whether it is a viable option. Take care, Jason
dear, Jason
thanks, a lot… hopefully we will get our decision soon, it’s just 22 months now since we conducted our interview.
GOD BLESS YOU
Thanks Jason
Don’t worry and be patient. We got our decision in 8 months which I thought was fast. Good luck!
GOD BLESS YOU
Thanks Jason
Thanks Sir. Need to correct the link to go fundme page, please.
Done – Thank you, Jason
What a marvelous idea!!!! Will be out of town for event, but hope I can help in the future.