Last night was the State of the Union address, a speech presidents give before Congress each year to assess where our country has been and where we are going. President Trump’s speech highlighted one of his favorite themes–the dangers to our economy and our security posed by non-citizens.
I recently came across a poem by Brian Bilston, which eloquently rebuts the President’s anti-immigrant and anti-refugee talking points, and so I wanted to share it here. If you would like to learn more about Mr. Bilston, check out his website. Without further ado, enjoy–
Refugees
They have no need of our help
So do not tell me
These haggard faces could belong to you or me
Should life have dealt a different hand
We need to see them for who they really are
Chancers and scroungers
Layabouts and loungers
With bombs up their sleeves
Cut-throats and thieves
They are not
Welcome here
We should make them
Go back to where they came from
They cannot
Share our food
Share our homes
Share our countries
Instead let us
Build a wall to keep them out
It is not okay to say
These are people just like us
A place should only belong to those who are born there
Do not be so stupid to think that
The world can be looked at another way
(now read from bottom to top)
Dear Jason
my wife and my kids had already accepted as Asylum and my wife open a case petition for me since 1 month can i apply to B2 visa or i should wait
You can apply for a B-2, but it is very unlikely that it will be granted – that visa is for people who plan to visit the US and leave, and they normally would not give it to someone who plans to go to the US and stay permanently. Take care, Jason
Dear Sir/Madam:
Thank you for your inquiry. We do not have a record of receiving your petition.
It can take at least six weeks for the National Visa Center (NVC) to receive an approved petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and enter it in the U.S. Department of State’s database system. If it has been less than six weeks since USCIS approved your petition, you don’t need to take any action at this point.
Hi me and my kids apply for asylum Dec 2017and we went to for finger print and other on jan 2018 am single mum when can i get work permit
You can apply for the work permit 150 days after your asylum application was received (the date on your receipt). Take care, Jason
Hi
I applied for asylum in December 2017 and had the biometric appointment in January 2018. Does this mean i’m gett the interview very soon?
I’m currently having the EAD card (OPT and not renewable). In April I’ll apply for a new EAD for asylum applicants. Is this considered a new EAD? Or it’ll be like renewing my EAD?
Thank you very much. You spend time answering people’s questions although they aren’t your clients and that’s really impressive and nice of you.
Have a wonderful day/night
You may get an interview soon, but no one really knows, as we do not yet know how the new system will work (or not work). In case you do, make sure that your case is ready to go. As for the EAD, it will be your first EAD based on asylum pending, and so you do not pay the fee. Take care, Jason
Hi, I have a problem like interviewing three years ago and there is no answer. This is normal and can I somehow drown on this sitiation? thank you.
It is not normal, but it is not all that uncommon. Contact the asylum office to inquire about the case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. You can also try the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is at right. Finally, if nothing works, talk to a lawyer about a mandamus lawsuit. Take care, Jason
I applied two years a go
I have my all documents with me waiting for my interview
But new policy frustrated me?
Can i apply again with new i 589?
Second question
I crossed red light and it’s considered to be a criminal offense in Virginia ? Does this affect my background and my asylum case thank you?
Regards
Under the new policy, it would not work for the same person to re-apply to get a faster interview. Running a red light would not normally be a criminal offense. You should have a copy of the ticket in case it is needed, and if you are worried, talk to a lawyer, but I doubt this would have any effect on an asylum case. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason
I applied for work permit after 150 days passed from my asylum application date. Then after 3 weeks, I received the recipient number and when I check it online it says
“On January 19, 2018, we received your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , Receipt Number SRCXXXXXXXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by February 18, 2018, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283.”
What is confusing here is the last sentence. “If you do not receive your receipt notice by February 18, 2018………” From the start, One can check online if and only if she/he has received the receipt notice. Do they mean the work permit card or there is another recipient notice to come?
Thanks,
John
It is probably just boilerplate language – if you have the receipt, you should be fine. If they need more info, they will let you know. Take care, Jason
hi Jason
i would like to ask if the short list will be effected by the new policy or not.
As far as I know so far, the short list is not affected by the new policy. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason – I moved my case in Boston asylum office 2 yeRs ago. Almost. I filled in feb 2015 and was eagerly waiting for my interview. I don’t have any reasons above to expedite my case. How ever I have a certification that needs a grren card or citizenship in order to go to that field and I have been depressed because my crtification is a waste right now. Can I please know if there is a way to expedite the request. I also have a valid TPS which I applied last year just to be ok the safe side. Do you think I can withdraw ny asylum and just go with TPS and still be in status? Would that be a problem? Please help me Jason. I cannot think or bretahe after waiting for 3 years.
We recently expedited a case where the person was single with no children, but he was suffering from depression, so you may want to try this as well. Get some evidence of your depression. As for withdrawing the case, it is not so easy to do. But if you are currently in valid TPS status, you can try (though I guess I am not sure why this would help you). You can contact the local asylum office to ask about withdrawing. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Our application was a few days above 150 days and we have just applied for EAD. IWe have not receive any receipt from USCIS, I want to know if this new policy will affect the process and issuance of our EAD. Thank you.
The new policy does not affect EADs. It normally takes several weeks to get the receipt. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Great I was waiting for more than 2 years and finally I thought my interview is near. Now again I should wait another 2 years or more, because I filled in 2015 and now they statrted interviewing from new files to older ones. I can’t expedite my case. I am very confused. God have mercy, You know best.
We will have to see how the new policy is implemented, and then we will know better. Maybe you can expedite your case – at least you can try. I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Thank you for your compassion and advice Mr. Jason. As you advised I will wait and see what they will decide for our lives. It’s like death sentence. They destroy us mentally. Now we can’t even know when will be our interview date.
I am not important to expedite my case, I don’t want to take the place for those who are separated from their families, they need that place more than me. I am hoping to have more strength.
God bless.
I hope your thoughtfulness is rewarded with a timely scheduled interview, and a positive outcome for your case.
If you decide to try expediting your case citing the hardship the delay is causing you as the reason, they will approve your request only if they agree that it merits an earlier interview date, so no harm done.
As always, Jason will give you the best advice here.
Good luck 🙂
Thank you so much for your comforting and thoughtful message dear Sara. I wish the best of outcome for your case as well.
My hardship is not much for now compare to many others. I pray and wait. I can only hope it does not get too hard that I can’t handle. Waiting for so many years can cause irreversible damage to mental and physical health.
I pray the asylum officials realize our hardship and be more compassionate and see us as human beings like them.
God bless
This is very well said. I wish they would read your words and take them to heart. Take care, Jason
I did a post about waiting on January 9, 2018 – maybe that would be of interest. People who are not separated from families are also suffering due to these delays. I think the best you can do is live your life and try not to think about the cases. Also, of course, if you need help, you should reach out to local immigration organizations and they can often put you in touch with people to help support you. I did a post on September 22, 2016 that provides lists of non-profit groups. Take care, Jason
I am wholeheartedly thankful for your compassion and advice to all of us seeking freedom from torture and persecution. You are the blessing for all of us.
Thank you so much
God bless
Hi Jason
I filed my asylum application at Arlington asylum office with the help of my lawyer. However, I am moving to NY because I got job in my profession. Do I have to change my application center? Or I can attend my interview coming back to the Arlington center?
Thnaks,
John
You have to change your address using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. This will cause your case to move to NY. I wrote about that on June 24, 2015 – maybe that would help. Take care, Jason
Excellent poetry and thanks for sharing . I like how it reads differently from bottom to top 🙂
Hi Jason,
First and utmost I thank you very much for all your informative, well articulating, up-to-date and very useful posts that you are sharing to us -who are suffering with the flip flops of the USCIS interview rescheduling prioritization – tirelessly.
It’s very unfortunate to see the news that surfaces since yesterday. It really means very painful for those who have been waiting the que for the handful of years.
Just to my point, I’m the dependant of the primary applicant for asylum. However, recently our marriage has come in danger and in divorce process. The question is, will I lose my current EAD immediately once the divorce is done and when I file a new I-589 application by myself?. I have tried to search all information platforms about this issue but no luck. Your response is highly appreciated!
Once you are divorced, I believe the EAD automatically becomes invalid, but USCIS will not know that, and you will still have the card itself. You can file a new case for yourself, and presumably be interviewed based on the new, faster schedule, but you will have to wait 150 days to apply for a new EAD. Take care, Jason
I thank you very much for your prompt response. Really appreciated!!
How this new decesion is affecting asylem cases which pending decesion at the AO ??
The new rule specifically affects people who are waiting for a decision. However, it might cause more delay in general as they shift their priorities, and so Whether it causes problems for cases awaiting a decision, we will have to wait and see. Take care, Jason
I guess you mean people who specifically waiting for an interview ?
Dear Jason hope your doing well , this new rule effect for the people who already interviewed or it’s just for people’s they are waiting for interviews ?
Thanks
The new rule specifically affects people who have not yet been interviewed. Whether this causes problems for cases awaiting a decision, we will have to wait and see. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason & everyone!
With this new rule is going to be any effect in emigration court ?
Appreciate, take care
Hey L.F.,
My understanding is that it only affects applicants who have not been interviewed yet.
This means that people who’s going to apply now they going to be interviewed in a month as I understand because this “window” is still not clear?!
They put a 21-day window:.
https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-take-action-address-asylum-backlog
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-interview-scheduling
I think USCIS hopes to deny “fraudulent” cases and send them to court, so maybe this will shift even more cases to court. We shall see. Take care, Jason
I sent my application 7 days ago
I didn’t recieve the receipt yet
Will The new system be applied on me?
I hope I had the interview as soon as possible
But if it is not, at least will be a grantee that I could apply for EAD after 150?
If your application is less than 21 days old from the receipt date, then yes you should make it into their second priority camp. First priority is rescheduled interviews, followed by applications that have accrued less than 21 days from the receipt date — that is, unless workload arise due to officers being sent to conduct credible fear interviews at the border.
Your asylum clock will start from the date on the receipt notice you will receive. You count 150 days from that, and file your I-765.
That’s assuming your interview doesn’t get scheduled within those 150 days.
Workload issues*
I guess if your application is received on or after January 29, 2018, you will get an interview soon. So make sure you are ready to go. Take care, Jason
What does it mean I filled my case on February 2015 I am wondering what I should do????please Jason advice me
You can try shortlisting or expediting your case, Nana.
Please refer to Jason’s post dated 02/26/15 for more information: http://www.asylumist.com/2015/02/26/my-asylum-case-is-delayed-what-can-i-do/
I did a post today that tells all that we know. When I have new info, I will post it. For now, we need to wait and see exactly how cases like yours will be treated – we just don’t know. Take care, Jason
hello Jason, and everyone in this forum,
I read this on the news , I though it was joke, to finally find that it was a sad reality . I filled in 2013 and no been interviewed up today. As I was expecting interview in few months, I am gonna be the last one to be interviewed according to the new system . I ll have to wait exactly the same amount of time I have been waiting that interview.This gonna take me 10 years,oh Allah. My question is how are they going to put us old applicants? can you please let us know you thoughs about this. I think instead of putting such laws to discourage people seeking a peaceful place , refuge , they can simply remove asylum in their laws, .It is like doing a thing and its opposite .
We do not know yet exactly what will happen to old cases like yours. I think we will have to see. Maybe you want to try expediting your case – I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I placed my application with my husband and 1 years old child as dependents 1 years ago and we were expecting an interview in 2 year at Sanfrancicso Asylum office. Since the scheduling rule changed, we don’t know how long we will have wait for the interview now. Is it helpful to get quicker interview and is it wise decision if my husband file his own asylum application and include me as a dependent to the case for a quick interview? thank you
This is a question that many people – including lawyers – are now asking. We do not have an answer yet. If I learn anything, I will post it, but we may know in a few months (if not sooner), as some people will surely try it. Take care, Jason
Hello , Jason
How r u ?! I went to my interview which took more than three hours , the AO asked me about everything without skipping anything in the application . She told me the decision will be mailed to us and it might be denial or approval and as long as I have TPS there will not be any concern that I will be sent back to my country . Just pray I will receive the decision soon . Regarding my lawyer that AO told me he was not recognized by them . I contacted him and I was so upset and frustrated that he took all that fees and did not prepare us or called us back . I texted him and I told him I would file a bar against him , he immediately called and talked to me and tried to calm me down . He asked to send him my full name and address to send me my money back. He sent my a message” To recap our conversation, the asylum officer said that your lawyers g-28 was not accepted. I want to find out why and contact them to correct this, but you told me that you do not want me to do this. We are also treating your affirmative asylum case as pro-bono. Our representation for your affirmative asylum case is terminating today. Please confirm.” I just want to ask you do I have to confirm it or not . Thank u for ur time
If you can get your money back, that would be great. However, if you want to file a complaint against him, that is up to you. If he is not a lawyer, then providing legal advice without a license may be a criminal offense. You might reach out to the bar association for advice about what to do, or maybe you just want to take the money. It is up to you, but if you want specific advice, sit down with another attorney and talk through your options. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks for the information. Is this new rule applicable for derivative asylum application (I-730)?
The new rule does not apply to I-730 petitions. Take care, Jason
Thanks for posting this!
Jason, how many applicants apply for asylum per year? Just wondering!
Around 8000 per months
right now 300000 case is pending
Thanks for the info! Just wondering where did you get this source from?
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Outreach/Upcoming%20National%20Engagements/PED_AsylumStats_Sept2017.pdf
This a recently one i think they update every 6 months
Or every October
Hi Jason,
I placed my application with my husband and 1 years old child as dependents 1 years ago and we were expecting an interview in 2 year at Sanfrancicso Asylum office. Since the scheduling rule changed, we don’t know how long we will have wait for the interview now. Is it helpful to get quicker interview and is it wise decision if my husband file his own asylum application and include me as a dependent to the case for a quick interview? thank you
Second priority: Applications that have been pending 21 days or less.
Third priority: All other pending affirmative asylum applications will be scheduled for interviews starting with newer filings and working back towards older filings.
Chronological Order means people filed in 2014 and still waiting will wait for forever? This is brutal and inhumane!! It would have been slightly better if they pick certain percentage from the new filings and the rest from the oldest filings.
they removed Asylum applications filed by Children from the priority list too. Does it mean they are just considered as new asylum applications?
I like the little poem. Very creative and meaningful.
What documents you require to expedite the case?
See my post dated March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason I will surely read that post
Hi Jason, looks like we are all backlogged now. I placed my application with my wife as dependent 1.5 years ago and we were expecting an interview in 1 year at Newark Asylum office. Since the scheduling rule changed back to old way, we don’t know how long we will have wait for the interview now. I share the same story with my wife for asylum case. In current situation, do you think it is wise to let my wife file her own asylum application and include me as a dependent to the case for a quick interview? thanks.
What is ur filing month?my two smalls kida are back in the country…I can’t afford much delays
Consider expediting your request. Now might be a good time, as everything is in flux – maybe they will have openings to expedite. I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
I filed in September 2015 interview January 2018
Newark office.
So you have to wait right now from your filed date
2.5 years to 3.5 years
Late 2016 a lot applications were filed.
I filed august 2016….so what could be the waiting time?
Think you should get an interview date from November 2018 -January 2019
I just read the news on the comment that would be effective your case that might take more time
No one knows – this morning, USCIS changed the whole system of how cases are interviewed, and what will happen with cases that are pending is unknown (since they have not bothered to tell us). When I have more info, I will try to post it here. Take care, Jason
Lawyers are currently asking the same question (and I think this helps put the lie to USCIS’s claim that these applications are filed only to get an EAD). As of now, we really do not know. This decision was a surprise, and we will have to see how things work out. Also, remember that if she is a dependent in your case and she files a new case, it should be filed at the asylum office directly – not at the service center. Check the I-589 instructions. You might want to wait a bit to see how things play out, or you can be the pioneer and let us know what happens! Take care, Jason
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-interview-scheduling
Starting January 29, 2018, the Asylum Division will give priority to the most recently filed affirmative asylum applications when scheduling asylum interviews.
Are we all screwed again??
Hi Allen,
Thank you for this update! This is very disturbing news.
I’m sorry you and others waiting to be interviewed have to deal with this. I experienced it firsthand when I moved here with my family and they changed their interview prioritization policy a couple of months later in December 2014.
It’s just not fair!
OMG! This is very unfair to people who have been waiting for so long! There are people who have been waiting for an interview for years. I feel like they are doing this to discourage people from filing for asylum. Just another anti-immigrant move to me. It’s just operating under the guise of trying to weed out frivolous claims.
Waiting on top of waiting. It’s like serving a sentence except that you don’t know how much longer you will have to wait.
This is pure torture for people separated from family.
I agree with this – they did it with no warning no reasonable explanation. Why not notify us and implement the policy in a few months? I think it is based on the premise that most asylum cases are fake, but the policy was not working in 2012-2014 and I doubt it will work now. Anyway, I will try to write something about this soon. Take care, Jason
It looks that way. This is a surprise to me. I will be attending a meeting next week where I hope to learn more. But I expect this will be a disaster…
Hi, Jason, this news for me is absolutely unfair, I have been waiting for an interview since July, 2014, almost 4 years now, and I haven’t received anything. I have been separated with my family, all by myself alone it’s very very hard. I don’t know what they are thinking! The new application still flooding in USCIS nonstop! If they are using the majority of their resources to deal with new cases, then there is never going to be any chance for people stuck in the queue! So my question is, did this kind of priority shift happened before? How long would it last? If it is just Trump’s influence, would it be changed after his presidency over? How would this affect EAD processing? I am so afraid that he will cut the working sources for those stuck applicants. I am waiting for your insights after your meeting, God bless you and we really are so miserable now…
this was the rule before 2014. Obama changed the policy after that. Now Trump changed it back so it is very likely stays that way quite for some time.
I hope this wouldn’t affect our EAD though? We have to live!.. Anywhere that we can make our voice heard???
It should not affect the EAD. Call your Congress people, talk to the press, protest. Most important, do not give up. Take care, Jason
I will write more about this when I have more info, but it should not affect EADs. They could try to block EADs, but they have not yet tried that. As for when the interview will be, no one knows. We need to see how the new policy is implemented (this is the exact same policy that did not work in 2012-2014, so why they think it will work now, I do not know – maybe because fewer people are entering the US at the border and they think they can keep up with the affirmative applications). You might considering trying to expedite the case – I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
This is worse than when they changed their prioritization policy in Dec. 2014. I wonder if they have a plan for the people who have been waiting for years. For new applicants it’s looking like less EADs, more NOIDs and more heartache.
Also, this sounds like it will make the backlog situation even worse!
This is cruel. Looks like they put us in a loop. it is just not right but we don’t have any option and I believe no one cares us whether we wait a year or 10 years.
It is very cruel and inhumane. As Jason mentioned, this seems to be based on the premise that most asylum cases are fake. So instead of dealing with us as people who have been through some awful and horrific experiences, and who are seeking refuge here, we are being treated as liars who need to leave.
I still believe in America, but these are some very dark times for people like us and we all know why.
It’s tough but we need to stand our ground and wait for this storm to blow away — hopefully soon.
Human Rights First is speaking up:
“This change will impose even more suffering on the many refugees who have already been waiting —in some cases up to four years—for their asylum interviews. While the asylum office backlog is a real concern, the agency’s announcement reflects no process to ensure timely interviews for the many asylum seekers who have been desperately awaiting their asylum interviews so they can, after their grant of asylum, bring their children and spouses to safety or take other critical steps to care for their families,” said Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer. “We urge USCIS to ensure a fair process for those asylum seekers with pressing humanitarian needs—such as children stranded abroad and those with medical concerns—to request and receive a timely interview.”
Maybe if enough people speak up, they will amend the policy to take into consideration those who have been waiting for years and separated from family.
I guess EADs won’t be affected as the clock has always been there, but a denial at the asylum office while in status doesn’t give you the second and third chance (appeal) in court.
I suspect it will be a disaster, especially for the many tens of thousands who filed in the last few years and now have no idea when to expect an interview. What do those people tell their children who are waiting to reunite with them? Anyway, we will see how this plays out, but I am guess, it will not be good. Take care, Jason
They sometimes make positive changes, like when they launched the bulletin and it gave us some indication of when the interview will be. It was all a mystery before that, but then again it was also one of these cases where ignorance is bliss.
It does feel like a hostile, anti-immigration environment right now, so I’m not feeling optimistic that this will turn out ok either.
It physically pains me to think about what those who are separated from their children must be feeling. The rest of us have to deal with separation from our parents who are older and need our care. I guess we’re all struggling one way or another, and paying a very dear price for freedom.
I’ll be listening to Sam Cooke telling me that a change is gonna come, tonight.
They also increased the EAD from 1 year to 2 and provided for automatic extensions. Of course, that was under Obama. Anyway, at least you have good music to listen to. Take care, Jason
I have been saying from day one that all the new “policies” that the administration is implementing, or wanting to implement, are nothing but anti-immigration actions or beliefs. You have to be blind and deaf if you don’t realize that they are going after all the routes, legal or otherwise, that people can take to immigrate to the US. First it was “ban Muslims”, then cut the number of refugees accepted, “end green card based employment”, “end TPS”, “end ‘chain migration'”, “end visa lottery”, and now end asylum or discourage people from seeking asylum.
When you look at the demographics of the people who use all these means of immigrating to the US (usually black and brown people/ethnic people), we shouldn’t be surprised that they are going to try to curb the flow of migrants from these groups of people. I don’t think we have any hope if the current “policy advisers” on immigration continue to hold their positions in the White House. It’s not like the advisors are covert with their views on black and brown people and immigration. There is a long history of their anti-immigrant and racist views in plain sight for everyone to see.
What truly bothers me is that the president of the United States of America can make a speech that essentially reduces immigrants to MS13 gangs! The State of the Union speech against legal migration to the US hinged deeply on the atrocities of the MS13 gang and the few crimes committed by immigrants or their off-spring. I know it’s a political ploy to affect the public’s attitudes and perception towards immigrants, but I find this move to be very egregious and reckless as most immigrants are decent people.
I agree with all this. The only bright side is that asylum is written into the law and cannot be changed by presidential decree. Congress would have to act to eliminate asylum, and I have not seen any move (yet) to do that. We will hope for the best, and keep fighting. Take care, Jason
Sad, sad, sad… as someone who knows first hand what it is like to be stuck in the backlog, I find this disturbing.
Thinking about the people separated from their families.
Take care,
WOW! JUST WOW!!!!
This is a very creative piece! Thanks, Jason!
Thanks for your response all the time pls i want to know the actual period it takes to get EAD after biometric have been done.
It is not predictable – it could be a few weeks or a few months. Renewals of EADs take 6+ months in many cases. Take care, Jason