We’ll return to our regularly-scheduled content next week, but here, I wanted to share some (mostly) positive reviews I’ve received for my new book, The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity. Proceeds from the book will benefit asylum-related charities, and you can purchase copies here. Without further ado–
Jason Dzubow is a leader in the new due process army and part of the “gold standard” for practicing asylum aficionados. For over ten years, his blog “The Asylumist” has been providing “practice tips” and sage advice for asylum seekers, attorneys, and even Immigration Judges. Now, in his new book, Jason collects “The Asylumist’s Greatest Hits”—his best and most useful blog posts—and updates them to reflect the current state (or dystopia) of the law. Understanding the process is essential for protecting your rights! The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity provides clear, accessible, practical, useful guidance, with a touch of humor, to help you navigate the asylum system. It’s an essential “problem-solving tool” for asylum applicants, attorneys, policy makers, and anyone interested in ensuring that asylum seekers obtain the protection that they need and deserve and in restoring due process and best practices to our now sadly and badly broken, dysfunctional, and intentionally unfair asylum system. Due Process Forever! — Paul Wickham Schmidt, Former Chair, Board of Immigration Appeals, and blogger at ImmigrationCourtside.com
Jason Dzubow is a thoughtful and balanced voice in the often highly charged world of immigration. He cares deeply about the law and the people it impacts, from those seeking refuge to those tasked with administering the processes for delivering both relief and justice. In his new book, The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum and Keep Your Sanity, he offers pragmatic advice and valuable insights on asylum and many other issues in the immigration arena. — MaryBeth Keller, Former Chief Immigration Judge of the United States
The U.S. asylum system is complicated and confusing. Jason Dzubow’s new book, The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity, offers practical advice for understanding that system and presenting the best possible asylum case. This is an invaluable resource for asylum seekers and their families. — Mohsen Sazegara, Iranian Journalist and Democracy Activist
In his new book, The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity, Attorney Jason Dzubow has accomplished a translational triumph. He has managed to make the labyrinth of US asylum law clear and approachable with procedural insights and case anecdotes that make the reader feel not just enlightened but represented. It takes the ultimate expert to translate the obscure into the manageable and, as with his blog The Asylumist, his gifts in this regard are on full display here. The plain speaking in this manual is both accessible and inspirational, with uplifting reminders about why we open our arms and hearts to those seeking protection from persecution in other lands. — Judith G. Edersheim, JD, MD, Founding Co-Director, The MGH Center for Law, Brain and Behavior, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
This book sucks – Do not buy it! — Stephen Miller, Former Senior Advisor to the President
I cannot find the rights words to appreciate the contribution of The Asylumist blog to the lives of torture survivors and other asylum seekers in the USA. This is one among the very few tools available to people fleeing violence, government oppression, and other inhumane treatment, who are looking for safety and the protection of the United States as required by international treaties. I have seen many of my clients and many of my friends use this blog when they had no one else to ask. This is how important this blog has been. Providing life-saving information to asylum seekers and preventing them from getting lost in the complex asylum system is as important as getting asylum itself. Accessible and easy to digest, The Asylumist has been a lifeline to many. — Léonce Byimana, Executive Director, Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC) International
I have been reading Jason Dzubow’s blog The Asylumist for years now, and I was thrilled to hear that he was turning his blogs into a book. Jason’s clear, practical, and often-times-entertaining approach to explaining the U.S. asylum application process is both helpful and refreshing during a time of chaos and dysfunction for those seeking protection in the United States. I highly recommend The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity to asylum practitioners, asylum-seekers, and anyone interested in a straight-forward approach to discussing this complex and broken system. — Dree K. Collopy, Author of AILA’s Asylum Primer, partner at Benach Collopy LLP, and Adjunct Professor at American University Washington College of Law
Written by one of the nation’s foremost experts on asylum law, Jason Dzubow’s The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity provides clear, straightforward advice on how to navigate all aspects of the asylum process in ways that maximize the possibility of success. Given that we often learn as much, if not more, from our failures than from our successes, Jason generously shares real life examples of cases both won and lost. This book, which also contains helpful tips for clients on how to best support their cases, is a must-have for any attorney with an asylum practice. — Kathy Doan, Executive Director, Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition
This is the WORST BOOK EVER! Writeen by a TOTAL LOSER!! The so called author should covfefe himself!!! — DJT, anonymous blogger
In The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity, one of the country’s top experts in asylum law shares his knowledge in a readable and easy-to-understand format. Lawyers and non-lawyers alike will benefit from this book. — Ahmad Sear Zia, Anchor and Editor, Voice of America
For over a decade, Jason Dzubow’s blog The Asylumist has been a go-to resource for attorneys and asylum practitioners seeking updates on changes in asylum law and in-depth analysis of issues affecting the asylum community. I have been a beneficiary of his professional guidance for years. His book is a welcome and valuable resource, not only for the intending asylum applicant, but also for the practitioner. Having been both a Supervisory Asylum Officer and an Immigration Judge, I can attest that he touches on the most crucial issues for anyone navigating our government’s asylum process. This book should be on the shelf of any immigration lawyer interacting with the asylum office or immigration courts. — Judge Paul Grussendorf (Retired), Author of My Trials: Inside America’s Deportation Factories
When we are born, we don’t know what life has in store for us. For me, it was a 13-year journey to obtain asylum in the United States. If life throws a hurdle like asylum at you, you don’t want to be without this book. I heartily recommend it. — Kani Xulam, American Kurdish Information Network
Jason Dzubow is a nationally recognized expert in U.S. asylum law who has represented hundreds of asylum applicants from all over the world. For over a decade, Jason has shared his wisdom and experience on his blog, The Asylumist. Now, in his new book, The Asylumist: How to Seek Asylum in the United States and Keep Your Sanity, Jason brings together his most useful blog posts in an updated and accessible format. This book contains helpful practical advice that will benefit asylum seekers, attorneys, and law students. I recommend Jason’s book and his blog to anyone interested in learning more about the U.S. asylum system. — Stephen Yale-Loehr, Professor of Immigration Law Practice at Cornell Law School and Co-Director of the Cornell Law School Asylum and Convention Against Torture Appellate Clinic
For asylum seekers and immigration practitioners alike, The Asylumist has long served as an accessible resource to make immigration lawmore understandable. In book form, The Asylumist synthesizes a wealth of information and perspectives from Jason Dzubow’s many years of work as arecognized advocate for asylum seekers. It is sure to become a valuable, go-to resource. — Katharine Clark, Managing Attorney for Immigration, Ayuda-Maryland
Hi Jason,
I have one expert witness expertise from well-known (for my country) expert from Canada ; after reading you book I want to ask your opinion – is the one expert witness expertise is enough or the more the merrier (for example, one from the US (or Canada, UK , etc.) and another from my country)? I will be very appreciated of your opinion.
Thank you,
Katya
It depends on the case and what the expert knows, but in general, I find that you do not need to prove the same thing more than once. If your expert proves a certain point in your case, you do not need another expert to prove that a second time. Also, even if you do want a second expert, if the testimony is redundant, maybe just get a letter from the person and do not bother to bring the person as a witness (in other words, one witness on the subject is probably enough). That said, I do not know the case, and so it is difficult to know for sure. Take care, Jason
Than you for your prompt and helpful reply, Jason.
Congratulations Jason, and thank you for the great work you are doing.
I have some i485 questions that I need help with.
1. Do stimulus checks fall under public assistance.
2. Which i94 do we use, the one after asylum grant or the one used to enter USA
Thank you. Take Care.
Thank you. 1 – Not for purposes of an immigration case. 2 – We use the most recent I-94, but when filing for asylee adjustment, we include a copy of both I-94 forms. Take care, Jason
Will Donald Trump be re-elected in 2024 ?
This will factor into my deliberation process, opinions welcome.
Unfortunately, asylum seekers always seem to have to make important decisions without complete information, and this is one of those cases. I will say that for most affirmative asylum seekers who are not from Central America, the Trump Administration did not significantly impact the chances of them winning their cases. Take care, Jason
Thanks ! That is super helpful. I dislike the turbulence of the political environment.
Hi Jason,
What do you think is a fair fee for I-485 (ASYLUM BASED)? My lawyer wants $3K for his fees alone, I just want to know if that’s the market avg as I feel it’s too much for a straightforward adjustment of status?
Thanks!
I think we are charging around $2000 for that (but I’d have to double check), and so I think that is probably fair. It depends on the case, of course, as some I-485 cases involve a lot more work than others and so the lawyer would want to charge more for the extra work. Take care, Jason
Jason, thank you for your response. Unfortunately, I would have to disagree with you about the fairness of the attorney’s fee. I think anything over $2500, especially if the case is “straightforward”, is highway robbery. In New York City, one of the most expensive places in the world, if an attorney charges $3000 just to fill out a “straightforward” asylum-based I-485 application for you, s/he’d be frowned upon. The attorney is literally helping you to fill out the form and ensuring that you do not make mistakes that can potentially cause problems in the future. Asylee-based I-485 applications are usually (emphasis on “usually”) easier to do than family-based I-485 applications, for example. And even for those applications, $3000 would be exorbitant. I would use another lawyer.
Maybe, but I think it is not a crazy fee. One important part of the I-485 for asylees is checking consistency with the I-589. Other issues often come up as well. If it were only filling the form, then I agree that $3000 is probably too much, but it is the rare asylee adjustment where everything is easy. Take care, Jason
Hello,
My case status shows “fees were waived” for EAD since Thursday, May 27th. Some questions:
– Does this mean hopefully approved asylum?
– How long does it typically take to change to a new update? My case is in the Chicago office pending since 2013.
– Does anyone have such experience with the Chicago office? If so, how long did it take to get your documents?
Thanks.
1 – Some people here say that does mean an approved. I am not sure that is 100% correct, and so you have to wait for the letter, but it is a hopeful sign. 2 – I do not understand this question. 3 – In my experience, they are pretty good and so hopefully you will receive news in a few weeks (though in some cases, it can be a lot longer). You can also email them to ask. You can find their email if you follow the link under Resources called Asylum Office Locator. Good luck, Jason
Hello Jason, hello to all of you.
I want to share my experience.
San Francisco office.
– August 2015, I have applied for asylum
– September 2015, My lawyer sent motion to expedite (Medical reasons)
– October 2018 I had the interview, and the officer referral my case to court.
– May 2019,M Hearing
– December 2020, individual hearing,COVID-19 rescheduled for May 2022.
– January 2021, My lawyer sent motion to expedite (Medical reasons) and denied.
– April 2021, My lawyer sent motion again.
– April 2021, I had the trial., and my case/application it’s GRANDET.
Hello, I have the same story with exact time and date , But I didn’t send 2nd motion to court. My lawyer said he will send the motion to expedite (Medical reasons) in July.
When did yo get the Individual hearing ? Or you meant that you already did the Individual hearing and Granted I hope lol ?
Can you please tell me which city ?
I’m in Boston
Thanks
It was in San Francisco office
Wow – Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this. It shows that persistence can sometimes pay off. Best of luck in the USA! Jason
Thanks so much Jason for everything you do for asylum community!
I am planning to apply for green card based on my asylee status. Can I use just credit card statements to prove the one year physical presence? I have no other documents/records/receipts unfortunately to prove it.
Also, should I hire a lawyer to file my green card application? Does it make a difference If I file it on my own compared to having a lawyer?
Thanks in advance
We normally do not include any info about the one-year physical presence. If USCIS needs it, they can ask for it. If you think this will be an issue, then you would want to get evidence, such as letters from people who know you, work or school records, copy of your passport, etc. Maybe the credit card statement would help too. In terms of using a lawyer, it depends on you – if you do not have any criminal or immigration problems, you can probably do it on your own. Just be careful to read the form and all the yes/no questions carefully, and try to make sure all your responses are consistent with what you wrote in your asylum case. I did a post on November 13, 2017 that might help. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your consistent and professional help.
I have a question, is the six month extension for EAD counted from the date of application for the renewal which is on the approval receipt or from the date the EAD actually expired. I am kind of confused.
If it is counted from the date on the receipt of my renewal application, then am in big trouble.
Pease clarify this for me,
Thanks
I am not Jason but i can tell you without doubt that they count 180 days from the day the EAD expires.
@ethio Jason will respond to you.
From my personal experiences, the extension becomes effective when your current one expires.
They add 6 months to the validity period of your EAD – so it counts from the date your EAD expires. Take care, Jason
Thank you very much Jason, Tina and Frustrated.
Be very Blessed!!!
Hi Jason,
Congratulations on the book. My GC application based on approved asylum has been pending since June 2019. My EAD will expire in two months so does my driving license. Am I legally required to renew my EAD to renew my driving license and for work or is my approved asylum sufficient for both (renew driving license and work)?
Thank you, Asylee
Your approved asylum is enough to work (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/handbook-for-employers-m-274/60-evidence-of-status-for-certain-categories/63-refugees-and-asylees). I do not know if it is enough for a driver’s license, as those rules vary by state. You will have to ask the DMV, and probably need a supervisor. It is ridiculous that a GC should take so long, but unfortunately, these delays are common. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
I have been waiting for my interview for 6 years. I filed an asylum application with some blank spaces in the form, i.e I stated that ‘more information will be provided in the interview’. The application was prepared by a lawyer, but I realize now she did not even look at my evidence. Essentially the asylum application was blank, no history was provided. I have medical reports and police evidence but did not have time to organize it because I was about to fall out of status at that time.
I am now ready to do this and have a few questions. If I complete the affidavit, can I send to my asylum office and enclose all evidence now? Or should I wait for interview? If my lawyer made mistakes, i.e. using my ignorance she filed a blank i589, can I make amendments to it now? Thank you.
You can add an affidavit and additional evidence – we do that all the time. I recommend that you do not submit any of that until the interview is scheduled (asylum offices sometimes lose documents if they are just submitted randomly). Do note that most asylum offices want the additional evidence at least a week before the interview. In terms of the form, they will have to use the form that was already submitted, but if you have changes, you can make a list of those changes to give to them at the asylum interview. If there are substantive changes to what was previously submitted, you should be prepared to explain why you submitted incorrect info in the first place (it sounds like that is because the lawyer was not careful). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Do I bring my statement and evidence to the interview or have to submit them beforehand via mail? Thank you!
Most offices want the evidence and statement at least one week before the interview, and so you have to submit by mail. They normally require two copies of everything, so we are mailing one copy and bringing a second copy to the interview (in case the mail does not reach them). This has worked pretty well, though they are almost always declining to take the second copy, which leave me with a lot of extra paper. You can email the office to double check the rules for submitting evidence – you can find their email if you follow the link under Resources called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
My friend applied for GC, provided evident and was told that a notice was send explaining uscis action was mail. We are actually worry what the notice might be. What do you think? Please let us know thanks.
It could be an RFE
My friend applied for GC, provided evident and was told that a notice was send explaining uscis action was mail. We are actually worry what the notice might be. What do you think? Please let us know thanks.
There is really no way to know – you will have to wait for the letter. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, congratulations on your new book, you are such a blessing for asylum community.
Jason Have you heard about President Biden’s blueprint for legal immigration and budget to address backlog?
We are just hearing about it now and I have not reviewed it closely yet. It does sound like there will be more funds for additional immigration judges, and probably more resources for the crisis at the border, which (presumably) would free up asylum officers to work on affirmative cases. They also want to significantly increase the number of people at USCIS, which would also help reduce backlogs. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason, thank you for the immense support of people who had to seek asylum in the US. You have the best resource for everything related to asylum in the US.
We received the asylum status and green cards. My wife is a dependent since I was the person prosecuted. That said, she’s supposed to be able to use the passport of her county of origin, which was the country of prosecution for me instead of or along with a travel document and return to the country of my prosecution while I wouldn’t of course, or travel to countries that don’t accept the US travel document, most notably Singapore on her original passport.
Do you know anything about the best practices on using the original passport by a dependent who received a derivative green card?
Do you know where represents the best practice
Congrats !
Best practice is probably not to use the passport, but in reality, I have never heard of a dependent having a problem. The only issue might be if your asylum case indicated that the government wanted to persecute your spouse too, and by her using the passport, it might cause the US government to think your asylum case was fake. This is very unlikely, but I suppose it is not impossible. That said, I have had many clients who are principal asylees travel using their passports, and no one has had a major problem. She should be prepared to explain why she used the passport, in case she is asked. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Are the asylum offices interviewing LIFO? I live in Maryland, and my office is in Arlington VA. If I apply, what are my chances of getting an interview quickly.
They are all under LIFO. We are finding that they are interviewing maybe 50% of new cases. It is hard to say, but some cases are being interviewed, so you should be prepared in case you do get a quick interview. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Can I request a copy of my I-589 from USCIS using the FOIA request? If yes, what category should I select as I don’t see I-589 listed in the dropdown box? Do I select A-file (which I’m not sure what it is) or “Other”? They also require a PIN when I try to log into my request. Do I have to wait for that PIN via mail from them? Thank you so much!
Hi. I selected ALIEN FILE and received a whole copy of my documents related to the US. Everything beginning from the visa application and including last action from USCIS on my I-589 form. Be careful the request may expedite your asylum interview, it’s just my thoughts.
Hi Evan,
Thanks for your input! I selected “Other” not “A-file” and specified that I wanted a copy of my I-589. Did they expedite your interview after you requested the documents? Did they send it to you by mail or you just downloaded it? Thanks!
I requested a copy after the interview. I downloaded it. It’s took them to make it about a month. But if you need it for the court you should mention it in your request so they can put it in the fast route.
Thanks, Ivan! Did they also send you a copy of your I-589? Are you waiting for the result? All the best!
Thanks for the info. May I ask are this FOIA documents have redaction for personal identifiable information ?
The A file should have the I-589 and all the forms, but I can’t remember exactly what we check when we do a FOIA request. I also do not remember about the pin number; I do not recall needing that. There is a link under Resources called FOIA USCIS that should allow you to specify what you want from USCIS. Maybe it requires a pin number, but like I say, I do not remember needing that. Take care, Jason
For non-binary folks, how should this group fill out USCIS forms ? A lot of forms like I-589, I-765 or I-485. The USCIS only offers 2 options for sex/gender…Is there anyway that the real gender could be reflected ? After all, there are 60+ genders out there…
It’s a good question. I have not had that situation for a client, but I would check whichever box (male or female) the person preferred, and I would circle the question and write “see cover letter.” In the cover letter, I would provide an explanation about the person’s gender. Take care, Jason
Thanks 🙂 . I am debating 1) what to choose 2) whether I need to provide an explanation…cause this issue is central to my asylum claim as well…so I don’t want to be wrong. Thanks for the insight. I will just do more deliberation on that.
I think if you provide an explanation, you will be fine – I do not know that it much matters which box you check, as long as you explain. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
thank you for you book; it is very helpful and positive and I feel better about my situation than before even if I have been waited for my interview since August, 2015. There is one thing I didn’t find in the book and which, I believe, could be helpful for other asylum seekers – if you asked for asylum and had had a legal status at the moment when you filed I-589, you are eligible for changing your status, according to https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/IN…48843.htm. I understand, that it is a grey area, but I know at least one asylum seeker why can adjust his status using this info.
Thank you – I did talk about that a bit (in the section where I discuss other types of relief), but I felt that it is a bit complicated and anyone who wants to try that needs to talk to a lawyer (except maybe where it is easy, such as marriage to a US citizen, assuming the person is eligible). Take care, Jason
Hi Katya,
This link is broken. Could you please copy paste the whole link? So I can check for my future 🙂
Thank you.
Here you are, Ricky. if you asked for asylum and had had a legal status at the moment when you filed I-589, you are eligible for changing your status, according to
\Matter of L-K-, 23 I&N Dec. 677 (BIA 2004)
As a dependent already a GC holder, if the asylum case is withdrawn by main aplicant, the GC is going to be taken?
If you have a GC and the principal still has asylum, I do not see how the principal can withdraw the asylum case, as that case is over (asylum was granted). I suppose the principal can leave the US and abandon asylum status. But if the dependent has a GC, that would not affect the dependent. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I need to travel to another country ( not my hole country) for a specific surgery. How can I apply for advanced parole? And also, do I need a passport from my home country to travel?
Is it Thailand…just curious…I encountered similar issue.
Hi Jason,
Thank you so much for being a beacon of hope to Asylees. My question is, can a person that was a granted a green card based on “derivative “ asylum -spouse of the principal asylee- file a petition I-130 for immediate relatives after remarried (wife and kids) to come to the United States?
Thank you,
If you get a GC based on marriage to a US citizen or Green Card holder, there are some restrictions on filing a petition for a new spouse (if I remember correctly, you have to wait 7 years since you received the GC, but I am not certain). However, I do not know whether those apply to people who got a GC as a derivative asylee. I think you need a lawyer to look into that. If more than 7 years have passed since you got the GC, you are probably fine, but I would still have a lawyer double check. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much. I wasn’t aware of that rule. In fact it is 5 years. I tried to do a little google search and indeed there are restrictions on marriage based green cards to citizens and green card holders. Not much about derivative asylum. My understanding is that marriage based green cards go through a different process all together. My derivative asylum was granted in 2014. We went through couple counseling. I’m not concerned As far as “Bona-fide” requirements. Would it be better to naturalize first before petitioning? Or will my case still be subjected to the 5 years rule. Provided that this rule applies to derivative asylees.
I do not remember much about the rule, and I don’t know whether it applies to derivative asylees. However, if you want to petition for a spouse who is in the US and who is out of status, you probably need to be a citizen anyway, unless the spouse plans to leave the US and process the case overseas. There are exceptions to that rule, and I think you should talk to a lawyer to review the specifics and make a decision. I have a feeling that you would be fine to start the process now, given that it has been a while and that it sounds like the first marriage was bona fide, but it is definitely better to talk to a lawyer before you start the process, just to be safe. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason!
I have a question; I applied political asylum with my husband in 2017 (no life threatening issues but home nation mentality, politically and socio/psychologically don’t fit ours) our case was in pending status. Sept2020 we voluntarily withdrew our case(with clean background)and left USA due to family reasons. We have been in our home country (Turkey) for almost a year. According to our attorney it is possible to reopen our case but she avoided to comment on whether or not it is possible to get travel visa without any issues during embassy interview for re-entry? Is immigration database and embassy records synchronized? Thank you very much in advance for your time and patience
I am not sure I understand the question, but I highly doubt you can re-open the asylum case and use that as a basis to return to the US. Also, I expect that if you apply for a new visa, the US embassy will know that you had an asylum case. This will probably make it more difficult to get certain types of visas (B, F), but should have little or no effect on other types of visas (H1, L). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I’ve got a notice from USCIS asking whether I want to waive the asylum interview with an asylum officer because I didn’t file within one year of last (also my first) arrival in the US. My case is with Houston office since Sept 2016. My questions are:
1. Can the asylum officer approve my case even if I filed after one year if I can clarify my reason or they would have to refer me to the immigration judge anyway? In your experience, should I go to the interview with an asylum officer or the judge?
2. They said if I don’t want to waive my interview with an asylum officer, no action is needed on my part and that I will be scheduled for an asylum interview at a later date. How long usually should I expect to get a date from them?
3. If the asylum officer refers me to the judge, how much longer approximately would I have to wait to see the judge?
4. In which situation (asylum officer interview or immigration judge interview) would a lawyer be helpful for me?
Thank you so much in advance for your answers and all you have done to help the asylum community.
1 – If you want to do the asylum case, you should not waive the interview. You can try to overcome the one year bar – I wrote about that on January 18, 2018. 2 – There is no way to know that based on the letter. You should make sure you are ready in case the interview is soon, which I suppose is possible, but we do not know. 3 – Again, it is not predictable. Most court cases probably take 1 to 2 years to complete. 4 – Both, especially if you do not have an easy way to overcome the one-year bar. Lawyers do more in the court itself than at the asylum interview, but they can do a lot to prepare you for the interview and address any issues, such as the one-year bar. Take care, Jason
I applied for EAD renewal 2 weeks ago. The personal check was cashed , is that mean my work permit was approved? Also USCIS mailed me two letters last week But its been 10 days and I never received them, is there a way I can ask them to resend the letters? Thank you in advance for your answers.
Sign up for USPS informed delivery and check what the status of those letter is. I usually get an email from USPS whenever some letter is arriving from USCIS. This way I am careful to receive it in mailbox or report it if the letter gets lost.
I do have that, that’s how I found out the letters were sent. But I never received them.
If the check was cashed, it doesn’t mean EAD was approved. They are reviewing your application.
When you log in to informed delivery, there’s a box next to each envelope scan, you can check them and confirm that you haven’t received the letter.
I had a similar problem with my first EAD. I received all receipts and approval letters, but the final letter with EAD went back to our USCIS processing center, because the mailman wasn’t sure if it was my mailbox. So I had to put a sticker with my name on it inside the box. And received my EAD one month later.
If they cashed the check, it means the application was received. You can get a copy of the check from your bank and find the receipt number on the back – you can use that to check your case status online. I do not know how you know that they sent you two letters, but if you did not get them, you can try calling USCIS at 800-375-5283. It is difficult to reach a person, but if you can, you can ask them to resent. Also, maybe make sure they have your correct address. If not, you can change the address using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov, which you can file online (but you need your receipt number). Take care, Jason
If they sent 2 letters it can mean that it’s an online case and they give directions (and a code) to open online account.
I also received 2 letters when applied for my EAD renewal in November, 1 – was with details to open online account, 2 – was the notice of receipt and mentioned that it will be processed at Potomac. They both came within same week I think.
@Jason
I finally finished reading the asylumist.
If I devote time to finishing a book, it must be a good read, because I am that restless.. I love the touch of humor too.
Page 92 had me laughing loud when you talked about people giving advise, and how you described it.
I imagined what must be going through your mind when we keep dropping BS advise on the blog.
I plead guilty.
TINA, I don’t think this is funny, nor I would I describe genuine advice as “BS”. I haven’t read Jason’s book yet, and so I am not going to accuse Jason of describing our advice- though sometimes the advice may miss the mark- to our fellow asylees/asylum applicants as “BS”. Though supposedly said in jest, your description of well-meaning advice from other people’s experience- and don’t tell me to “lighten up”- leaves a rather bad taste in my mouth. From what I’ve seen- and I have been around for a while to know- more than 90% of the advice comes from a good place and are mostly accurate/helpful.
Jamie,
Jason NEVER made any references to discussions or any advise on this blog on the book, “the asylumist”
When you read the book, you may understand why I made that attempt at a failed humor.
I have read some post here that I felt were incorrect, and members of this blog from time to time disagreed on such infos. Whether they were correct or incorrect, we have always respectfully disagreed, and he seldom weighed in.
I probably should not have used the word BS, but from the bottom of my heart, it was intended more for pun and nothing else.
I am the BS dropper in chief on this blog.
I think you have misunderstood my intentions, but I also should have been more sensitive with my joke, so you have a right to feel offended.
I apologize to everyone else who may have misunderstood my badly presented humor.
We disagree from time to time here, but I respect everyone and the contributions here.
Once again, my use of BS was not derogatory but intended for pun.
@Jamie, thanks for calling @Tina out.
@Tina, Thanks for not being arrogant and your apology seems sincere, however, just be more aware next time because a lot of people may not forgive you for it.
I think she is referring to an article where I discuss examples of people being misled by (probably) well-meaning friends. Take care, Jason
Thank you. It was really not meant to be read strait through, so I am impressed that you read it. As for advice, I guess the one positive about getting advice here is that since you do know the person giving the advice, you are (hopefully) more likely to double check yourself than just follow what someone tells you. Also, I guess if the advice is too cray cray, I will make a comment about it or remove it. Take care, Jason
I had been reading almost every comment posted on Asylumist for the past few years while my application for asylum had been litigated. I learned so much useful information that helped me to remove my application for GC from TRIG hold. In fact, it was my attorney’s BS advice that kept my application on hold for four years. My attorney had 25 years experience in representing asylum applications and he had no idea about TRIG. If you check DOJ’s website, you will see the names of hundreds of immigration attorneys who have been permanently disbarred from practicing law for giving “BS” advice to their clients. So, believe me sometimes attorneys also give “BS” advice…
Finally I was done with my interview yesterday. It was 5 hours almost and questions asked by Officer were not in any particular pattern. Started at the beginning, then he jumped at the end of my story. One question was asked from different angles.
At the beginning of interview Officer said he will wrap up this in an hour but it was strange that it took 5 hours. I have no idea why it took so long . Half of the interview time, Officer took good time typing my response.
If anyone experienced the same please share.
Some interviewers are faster than others, or it may be that your case was more complicated or required gathering more info. Hopefully it went well, but normally, whether an interview is long or short has little relationship to whether the case is granted or denied. At least I have never observed such a pattern. Take care, Jason
5 hours interview time signals a good understanding of your case. Most of the people I know whose interviews took so long were granted asylum shortly after. It might be the case for you too. Except that sometimes, uscis results are unpredictable.
Good luck
I don’t think that it is always true because my interview took about 5 hours, yet I have been waiting for my decision for 5 years now. for me, asylum is a mystery that no one will understand and matter of luck in most cases. If the interviewing officer likes you, you good if not you are dead
While my green card application was pending, I applied for travel document with asylum granted status, now that I got my green card, do I need to apply new travel document or the one I applied before is enough?
Hm…you applied for RTD ?
If it is a Refugee Travel Document, and it is still valid, you can use that. If you got your GC based on asylum, it is better to use the RTD and not your home country passpoer, but in some cases, there is not much choice (since the RTD is only valid for one year and not all countries accept it). Take care, Jason
Sorry for my ignorance, I applied Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), is that it RTD?
For people with an approved asylum case, the I-131 is for an RTD. It is also used for other types of applications, such as Advance Parole. Take care, Jason
After 6 years of the asylum process, I finally got my Green Card
Asylum Applied : Aug 2015
Interviewed : April 2019
Apply Adjustment Status April 2020
Got Green Card : May 2021
To all those waiting, don’t loose hope, u will get it eventually. Just take care, your mental and physical health.
Congratulations!
Congrats !
Thank you for sharing and Congratulations, Jason
Quick question for Jason- applied for GC in January 2019 after 1 year of asylee status. I saw the case status online has changed and says “Request for Additional Evidence letter sent”. I haven’t received the letter yet. What kind of evidence is USCIS looking for? I have submitted the medical form with the i485 application.
Thank you
The only way to know is to get the letter, as there are many things it could be (including that the medical exam expired). Once you get the letter, you can figure it out and respond. Take care, Jason
Thank you
@Solo,
I like how you subtly made it clear that your question was for Jason only🤣
I did wonder though how Jason would know the contents of a letter from USCIS that is specific to you and your application.
On the other hand, members here who have experience with GC application might have helped with some sort of possibilities based on their own experiences.
Just saying!
Will a pre-employment background check reveals immigration status ? or asylum seeking status ?
I guess it depends on the type of background check. One part of the employment process is e-verify, and that would indicate whether you are eligible to work. Take care, Jason
Thanks ! Just did some research on that. If e-verify is the only one. Then I am I can finally be not as worried then.
Thank you Jason for your effort for us.
I hav one confusion about the renewal work permit. I am from Jamaica, NY so which USCIS office address should I put in the address place? I called my attorney office they didn’t tell me cos they wanted to do their self and charged for work permit renewal 100 bucks. During this pandemic and jobless its hard to pay extra $100. So can you please help me with that or anyone here who from Jamaica, NY. Please answer me. My work permit expires in next July 24 2021.
Thanks in advance.
Just Google I765 filing location. Uscis will be on top of the search results . Use it to find your filing location.
I think it also depends on the EAD category, that information is on the USCIS website.
S/he will have to locate category c8, and find the location.
It’s pretty easy to navigate the site.
Why are you assuming that she/he is an asylum applicant? It is not mentioned in the post
You are correct that I am assuming.
@Ayesh.
I might have assumed wrongly that you are an asylum applicant.
You can find your category, and filing location on the same website.
@TINA
Hi, Tina thank you so much for your help. Do not worry! your information was absolutely correct for mine case. Cos I am pending asylum seeker since 2016(waiting for my first interview) hence I am the c(8) category. However, I have send my EAD renewal application today cos my EAD going to expired July 24th 2021. You can’t even think how much I am benefited from your information. Thanks again.
Welcome!
You have to check the I-765 webpage at http://www.uscis.gov. There is a page called Direct Filing Addresses, which should tell you. If you are filing based on asylum pending, your category is c-8. Take care, Jason
I just bought for my daughter .. Asylum Pending Interview since December 2015 (Newark NJ)
Thank you, Jason
Thanks Jason.