I have not noticed any improvement at the asylum office in terms of scheduling interviews, which was somewhat surprising for me given you the changes you describe. I know people are still coming to the US under different parole programs, and so that may be taking resources from the asylum office; also, many people are still arriving at the border, though much fewer than before. I think a big part of the problem is that the asylum offices are not efficient. However, I would have expected more interviews given that the border has slowed down. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason,

You mentioned that the USCIS had been really busy with credible fear interviews, which resulted in staff-shortage. An executive order from Biden in June drastically reduced encounters near the southern border, which of course is a bad thing for defensive asylum seekers. But have you observed a shorter interview turn out time (increased number of cases that actually get sent to the LIFO track) for newly filed affirmative asylum applications considering potentially reduced number of credible fear interviews? I know this is just mere speculation since we will never get the precise data.

I heard many AOs were sent to the southern border to help with the surging number of defensive asylum seekers before. Is that the same situation for every asylum office or are some asylum offices disproportionally affected (rumors said Chicago office is basically empty)?

Thank you!

I would just write your best guess, circle the question, and write “see cover letter.” In the cover letter you can briefly explain that you do not remember the city of arrival. They will not care about this and I doubt they will even notice it. Take care, Jason

Could you please advise on what to write for the city name? Would it be acceptable to list my final destination? Thank you for your help!

I am not sure what type of interview, but if it is at a field office, I think you can ask your Congress person for help, you can contact the DHS Ombudsman (there are links for both these under Resources), and if all else fails, you can file a mandamus lawsuit. It is very frustrating, as rescheduled cases should receive top priority. Take care, Jason

My scheduled interview was canceled due to COVID in March 2020, since then I have not heard anything regarding rescheduling my interview. I started sending the field office letters to explain my situation (thanks to your suggestion), after multiple try, I received a letter from USCIS saying “No interview has been rescheduled as of the date of this review.You will be notified by mail two weeks prior to the interview date.” What can I do in this case? is there anything I can try besides waiting?

Thank you

Hello Jason, very true your writing my wife applied for political asylum in 2015, she had the interview at the Arlington VA office on July 2, 2024. And we are still waiting for the decision. Tomorrow is already 3 months of the interview.

You can ask for a multiple entry AP when you fill the I-131 form, and if you do that, it should be multiple entry. Take care, Jason

Jose & Jason, do you know if 5 year advanced parole (and advance paroles in general) allows you to travel multiple times abroad?

1) That’s a good action, meaning somebody was trying to do sth, and that is something as you said.

2) Your experience once again confirms my belief that procedural justice doesn’t apply to persecutors. Of course you won’t win, they are not subject to rule of laws, so they are immune. I think China, as well as some persecutor countries (like, Iran, North Korea, Russia…etc) high on the asylum application list…should be seriously destroyed…