We learned last week that hackers have been using the Arlington Immigration Court phone number to make “spoof” calls requesting personal information from the recipients. EOIR (the Executive Office for Immigration Review – the office that oversees the Immigration Courts) warns that, to “protect yourself, be wary of answering phone calls from numbers you do not recognize” and never “give out your personal information over the phone to individuals you do not know.” Good advice. But how do you know whether a call from the Immigration Court is, in fact, fraudulent?
Fear not, for I stand ready to assist. Below are the top ten ways to know whether a phone call from EOIR is a “spoof” or the real deal. If you receive any of the following calls, hang up immediately because it ain’t the Immigration Court–
10 – The caller says that your court date has changed and he wants to check your availability before rescheduling.
9 – The caller tells you that she looked into your Asylum Clock issue and they have decided to re-start the Clock.
8 – The caller uses words such as “due process,” “equal protection,” “the Constitution” or “I’ll take care of that right away.”
7 – The caller states that there is a minor error in your filing, but the clerk has corrected it and they will accept the document.
6 – The caller leaves a message for you to call her back. You call her back and she answers the phone.
5 – The caller asks whether you need an interpreter for your upcoming hearing. But you don’t understand because you need an interpreter.
4 – The caller says that they just received your emergency motion and that they are taking action immediately.
3 – The caller congratulates you for being the two millionth respondent in Immigration Court and offers you a Green Card for a prize.
2 – The caller says that you missed your hearing, and she wants to check whether you are okay. She also tells you not to worry; the hearing will be rescheduled so you can attend.
1 – Someone from the Immigration Court calls you.
So there you have it. If you receive a call like any of these, it is clearly not EOIR. Hang up and never answer your phone again. That is the best way to stay safe in these troubled times.
Hi Jason.
Can my biological refugee parents who are in the US as a permanent resident with linked case under UNHCR and USCIS petition for me by using the form I-730?
Consequently, my previous case was denied and my RFR was denied as well and my case is considered closed/final and USCIS will take no further action.
The form I-730 says the following information:
WHO CANNOT BENEFIT FROM A FORM I-730
People ineligible for refugee/asylee follow-to-join benefits include:
• A spouse or child who has previously been granted refugee or asylee status.
I would like to know if I am still eligible for the I-730 Program since my refugee case status was closed.
Thank you so much for your help.
I look forward to your reply.
I do not know about this, sorry. I think you need to talk to a lawyer who knows about this. I do not know of any, but maybe some non-profits would be a good place to start, such as HIAS or maybe Lutheran Refugee and Immigrant Services (these are resettlement agencies and so they deal with refugees and may know). You might also try the link under Resources called I-730 Family Reunification Manual. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am a refugee. My USA Citizen brother is considering to bring me in the US as Visitors Visa within 2 months.
Does on visitor visas permit me to apply form -i-589, Application for Asylum and remain in the US until i got approved even if the timing elapses?
I hope your holiday weekend went well.
I look forward to hearing from.
Thank you.
If you are in the US based on a visitor visa (or any visa), you can apply for asylum. You are permitted to remain in the US until the asylum case is resolved. Take care, Jason
So I have a question, I already have the permanent residence card and I’m currently eligible to apply for naturalization and acquire my citizenship. My ex wife, whom have abandoned the house and took off with our kids about four years ago, had recently filed an order of protection in court to stop supervised visitations between me and my children that were ordered originally by the court, citing violence during visits. The visitation center had already submitted a response to court that no such violence occurred during the visit. The judge had accepted the visitation center’s affidavit and ordered the visits be continued on the original schedule. The judge also had set up a future court date to listen to the kids therapist affidavit that was also requested by my ex-wife.
My question is, would this affect my application for naturalization and subsequent decision in any way? It is worth mentioning that it has been over five years since I received my permanent residency status.
I think it is possible that this would affect your naturalization, as domestic violence allegations and protective orders are relevant, including to good moral character (you have to prove GMC to get citizenship). You should talk to a lawyer about the specifics in order to determine whether there is any effect. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Thank you once again for having time to respond to our concerns. I intend to apply for the renewal of my EAD, which will expire in 6 months’ time. I am a Health Care worker and have heard that healthcare workers’ applications are expedited. Do I need to attach a copy of my license to the renewal forms?
I do not know that such cases are still being expedited, since the government automatically extends EADs by 540 days as long as you apply before the old card expires. That said, you can include a cover letter indicating that you are a healthcare worker and some proof of your job. Maybe it will help. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason and everyone here. I’m one of the ‘lucky’ people whose ead renewal is stuck in the limbo, and my driver license expired, I went to the dmv and they renewed it for me just for additional 540 days(not real id), I’ve read on other blogs how some people got renewal for 8 years. It seems that there isn’t one law, so even if my ead is expired (c8), I’m still should be considered as lawfully present, correct? I think there is a big informational gap between these agencies and people like me suffer as a result.
1.EAD RENEWALS SUCKS….
2.i never heard of 8 years DL, usually it’s 5. Also,DL is a state law NOT FEDERAL, so states can do what they want.
3.majority of states will give you DL for 5 years IF your status/visa is indefinite, otherwise you will get your DL for the length of visa or EAD extension, which is 540 days.
4.New York for exAmple will give you DL for 5 years regardless your immigration status, but even with EAD it is very hard to get Real ID, but MA and RI for example will give you DL for the length of ID/visa which is 2years for EAD or 540 days for extension, but they wil give you Real ID just with ead+2 proof of address…
Depends on your state, you CAN or CAN’t Get Real id with ead/extension and length will depend on your atate as well.
P.S. if you have any problems with DL in your state you have 2 options:
1.Ask to speak with a supervisor. They are pretty useless usually, but they are more experienced so maybe they know more or at least dealt with something like that in their practice.
2.You can always call the MAIN DMV/RMV office…Be ready to🤞Spend 1-2 hr waiting on the phone, but usually those people are “top notch” professionals and they can overrule or make your local RMV/DMV do some amazing things….in the end of the day get your 540 days DL and just renew it once u got your EAS, hopefully by then u will have tour interview and asylee status!)good luck!
The EAD is not related to whether you are lawfully present (though I guess some people and agencies view it that way). You are lawfully present because you have a pending asylum case. The EAD is proof that you are eligible to work while you wait for the asylum case. Also, it is correct that different states have very different laws about driver’s licenses, and sometimes different DMVs within the same state treat people differently – I think this is because they sometimes do not understand certain immigration documents. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have a DACA status, and trying to renew my work authorization. My lawyer filled out the paper work and put that I need a work permit to continue working in the US and to help with my children expenses. I never had kids and not sure why he actually put something like that 😀 I know I should have looked it carefully before we sent it but I have completely missed that part, and I know should have thought better!!
What do you suggest? Should I call USCIS and explain?
Thank you.
I would wait for the receipt and then send a letter (by certified mail, so you have proof of delivery) to the address on the receipt. In the letter, you can explain that there was an error on the form. Keep a copy of whatever you send. I recommend this because if USCIS accuses you of lying about the children, you will have some evidence that you tried to correct the problem. Take care, Jason
i485 Timeline:
•Applied March 2021
•Biometrics April 2021
•Heard nothing for months
•Submitted medical Jan 2022 (without them asking)
•Between April 2021 and May 2022, submitted about 7 expedite requests with either denials or no response.
•Found out in June 2022 that May case was “internally” transferred to Philly field office.
•Submitted enquiry to ATL congress person in April 2022 (USELESS)
•Submitted inquiry to USCIS ombudsman in May 2022. •Received info from USCIS ombudsman in July 2022 saying the USCIS sent me RFE (which I didn’t get an update for and USCIS said they didn’t send me anything when I called to ask; this was a lie because I did eventually get the RFE couple days later).
• Responded to RFE quickly and got Green Card in hand about two weeks after the RFE was initially sent. (RFE was about me sending receipt proof for a question I answered “yes” to on the application).
•Now, I don’t know if it was the USCIS ombudsman office that made them looked at my case or it was just my turn, I really can’t tell.
• All I can say is that, the USCIS is VERY INCONSISTENT with their process, the information given and the officers are NEVER on the same page. Can I tell you how RUDE they are as well!!??
•Anyway I’m just happy I’m done with them for the next 3.5 years (yes I got it back dated to one year).
•This blog has helped me kept calm and I personally used this blog as my own personal timeline calculator lol. I love reading peoples timeline and story. Even though I don’t need to be active with the USCIS anymore for a while, I’ll try to keep coming back here from time to time so I can still be up to date with new polices to read the lovely stories. Thank you Jason!
•I’m willing to answer any questions, just please don’t ask anything I already disclosed. Thanks.
@liam
Congratulations what a journey!!! Can you please tell me what kind of question they sent you RFE for it? Was it medical assistance or serving in
your home country army or what? Thanks in advance
You just made me worried
Thank you – I am no fan of USCIS (as you can probably tell), but I would quibble with one point – I doubt they deliberately lied about the RFE. My guess is that the person either did not know or did not bother to find out (but probably the former). Hopefully, they will one day get their act together. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks for all your help.
Please with a granted TPS in US, should someone apply for Parole or for Reentry Permit? These 02 seem confusing to me. Also with Parole or a reentry permit, do I need a passport again to travel ?
Thanks.
Both applications use form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov. A Reentry Permit is for people with a green card. Advance Parole is for people with TPS (and other people with pending immigration applications). AP is only a re-entry document; it does not serve as a passport (when you get it, it is basically a piece of paper with your photo on it – and it works like a visa), so you need your passport and the AP document in order to travel and return to the US. Take care, Jason
Hello,
I am an approved asylee, inside the US, and with a pending I-485 application. I have applied for RTD without photographs and I have included the original I-485 receipts (which I filed 2 years ago and include photographs). The I-131 instructions say: “If you are outside the United States and filing for a Refugee Travel Document, or if you are in the United States and filing for an Advance Parole Document: You must submit 2 identical color photographs”. Neither one of the options applies to me as I am in the United States and filing for an RTD. Should I have sent the photographs anyway? If yes, Is there a way to fix the application that I have already mailed?
I have not looked at the instructions in a long time, as we always send the photos and that works just fine. But it may be that the photos are not needed, and so you might just wait to see what USCIS does – if they need the photos, they should send you a request for evidence and you can submit the photos at that time. I think they would not deny the case for lack of photos, but if you are very worried about that, you can just make a photocopy of the receipt, attach the two photos (with your name and A number on the back) and mail them to the address on the receipt. You should include a cover letter explaining that you forgot the photos and are sending them now. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason and everyone,
Anybody knows how long it currently takes to get a refugee travel document? The website says 80% of cases are processed within 12.5 months but I want to know the general impression here. Is it getting any faster, since USCIS is trying to improve processing times?
My impression is that it is not improving – we are seeing cases take about 11 or 12 months. Take care, Jason
Hello everyone, i saw some comments on this website about background check being delayed after individual hearing in NYC immigration court. Can you guys share your story or your timeline? After my IH the Judge said that my BG check isn’t ready and that i need another hearing for “final decision”, then they canceled my “decision hearing”, so now I’m just waiting.
If you have the same situation with your court, please share the timeline!
This is not so common, but it happens. If there is no news after a couple months, you may want to call the judge’s clerk and ask about the status or call DHS, which does the background checks. You can find the phone numbers of you follow the links under Resources called Immigration Court and DHS Office of the Chief Counsel. Take care, Jason
I was granted cancellation of removal yesterday. God is good. Thanks Jason for everything. God bless you.
Congratulations! And thank you for sharing the good news, Jason
Congrats, did you show hardship.If yes,if you could share please
My green card application based on asylum is pending with national benefits center! Its just one year now since I applied for my green card based on asylum
Is national benefit center same as Nebraska services center
I wanted to check the processing time for national benefit center it only show texas service center and nebraska service center both center process asylum based green card within 40.5 month? I dont know about national benefit center!
It seems that for some people, particularly for newer cases, the wait time at the NBC is faster (maybe 6 months), but I do not know if that applies to everyone, and it clearly does not apply in your case. USCIS does not report wait times at the NBC (why this is, I do not know), and so there is no way to know for sure. We have generally seen GCs for asylees take about 2 or 2.5 years, though I do expect the wait time is slowly improving. Take care, Jason
Thank you!
Which case usually go to national benefit center?
And why it excludes my case while everyone else get faster ?
@elli
When it comes to USCIS never say why not me or why that person applied after me and got it before me! That’s bad and greed! Focus on yourself and mind your own business better! Who knows maybe that person who got it before you applied for asylum years before you even applied and you got decision before he/she enters the interview so god is good and again don’t compare yourself with others
I do not know how they select cases for the NBC – I think they just move cases around depending on the workload. It is unfair, since some people’s cases go a lot faster than others, but that is the system. Take care, Jason
Hello jason
As i told you earlier I received my RTD and it says the bearers has to sign this document to be valid! Am i the bearer ? Sorry i didn’t understand that word is the asylee called bearer and i have to sign this space?
I have traveled with RTD, just come back from another trip, you are the bearer as one who receives it. Sign your signature and it is good until it expires.
Thanks a million suli ! You’re so helpful I appreciate you a lot
Thank you friend , take care.
I think that is one of those instructions that everyone ignores (like signing your credit card). The bearer is the person whose name is on the document, so if that is you, you should sign it. Take care, Jason
Hi Moe,
Yes, you are the bearer and you have to sign it.
Hi Jason,
Do you have any insight into when the posting on the extension of TPS for Venezuela and the rules for reregistration of TPS and renewal of the EAD will be published in the Federal Register? Or why it is delayed? The announcement on July 11, 2022, states that the extension runs from September 10, 2022 through March 10, 2024. It also says that the instructions will be published in the Federal Register. It’s been a month and nothing yet. We’re concerned about meeting deadlines and what to do if there is no word yet on the initial application. As always, thank you for everything you do for asylum applicants, their families and concerned friends.
I don’t, sorry. Everything there is slow, so it is not surprising, and it sounds like the extension period does not begin for another month, so maybe they are not in a tremendous hurry. Since everyone is in the same boat, I think if nothing happens soon, there will be pressure on them to take action, and so I do not think you should worry too much, as the new instructions will likely be published soon. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason.
Hello Jason
I am an Asylee and received my green card soon. I have applied for RTD and got rejected twice. The rejection notice isn’t specific and not clear. It just says make sure to complete the application fully. I double-checked and made sure I’d missed nothing for the question that needs to be filled. Do I need to put N/A and should I not leave any blank boxes? Could that be the reason? I appreciate your usual support.
I do not think you should have to write N/A, but I guess it won’t hurt. The I-131 form is confusing because it is used for many different applications. Make sure you complete the correct sections. Also, carefully review the rejection notice, since they usually tell you why the case was rejected (though sometimes, that info is hard to see in the text of the letter). Take care, Jason
Hi
Do I have to send two passport-style photographs. for me when I apply for RTD as Asylee ( Granted Asylum April -2022) at court? Im still in The US
Thanks
If you are applying for an RTD, you should send 2 passport style photos with the application. Take care, Jason
My mother is now at peace. Even though I never got to say goodbye, I am thankful for all that she was able to do for me. I knew this day would come, but never thought it would be so soon. RIP Mom.
I am very sorry for your loss. It is particularly difficult when you are far away. I wish the best for you and your family. Take care, Jason
Sorry for your loss! May she rest in peace!
My condolences to you and your family.
May her soul rest in peace.
Enronn, please accept my condolences. I hope you are doing fine. I had to change to my email address to make this comment, which I’m making twice, because my old email address was apparently blocked.
Hello,
I am applying for an RTD as a granted asylee meanwhile I am waiting for my green card. In one of the questions, they asked “Have you applied for and/or obtained a national passport, passport renewal, or entry permit” from the country of claimed persecution? I have renewed my home-country national passport in 2017 (I applied for asylum in 2013 and I was granted asylum in 2019) and I am intending to renew the passport if it expires. I need this passport to visit my parents who are critically sick in a 3rd safe country that does not recognize U.S. RTD. If I did/do not renew my home country’s national passport, I will not be able to visit them. I have provided a copy of the renewed passports to the asylum office already during one of the asylum interviews and I have sent a copy of it with the I-485 application.
1- Does answering “Yes” impact the ongoing GC case or the possible future naturalization case?
2- Does that create any admission (US Entry) troubles when I come back?
3- Do I need to attach a letter document that explains why I need to renew it? Knowing that I can renew it by post using a consulate that is located in a fourth safe country. (I will not have to send my documents to my home country itself)
1 – I doubt it, but you can include an explanation in the cover letter about when and why you renewed the passport (and maybe also about why the government would agree to renew your passport, if you think that is an issue). 2 – I highly doubt it, but I wrote a post about that issue on May 25, 2022. 3 – I would only write about what you already did (in 2017), and not about what you might do in the future. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
I submitted my application for naturalization to USCIS in the beginning of June of 2022 and the check was cashed on June 10th, 2022. However, I haven’t received the receipt notice from the service. My questions are:
1. How long should I wait before I contact USCIS?
2. Will the delay in issuing the receipt affect the receipt date? And
3. Should I decide to contact the service how should I go about it…?
Thanks
1 – We have not see receipts arriving slowly for N-400 forms. Maybe check to make sure your address on the form is correct. Also, if you can get the cashed check from your bank, USCIS may have stamped your receipt number on it, and you can check case status at http://www.uscis.gov. On the other hand, it may just be that the receipt is slow, which does happen often. 2 – It should not. 3 – You would have to call: 800-375-5283. This is usually very difficult and time consuming. Take care, Jason