A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine examined the heart health of young asylum seekers and found concerningly high rates of cardiovascular disease and other stress-related illnesses.
The study, which was published earlier this month in Nature Mental Health, “analyzed medical evaluations from 453 U.S. asylum seekers for symptoms associated with psychological stress, cardiovascular disease risk and physical pain.” “The findings surprised researchers as the median age for the asylum seekers was 30, which is young to be showing cardiovascular concerns.”
The study found that 94% of participants exhibited symptoms of psychological stress, 47% had symptoms of cardiovascular disease, and 50% suffered from somatic pain (pain in the bone, muscles or skin). In addition, 33% of asylum seekers in the study reported heart palpitations, 25% reported fainting or feeling faint, 20% had symptoms of a stroke, and 16% reported chest pain. The study’s senior author, Dr. Gunisha Kaur, states that the researchers “would not have expected the rates of these illnesses or conditions to be this high in such a young, otherwise healthy population.” “This is an unexplored, untapped area of scientific investigation,” Dr. Kaur said. “Now that we know these diseases are unexpectedly prevalent, we should be addressing this upfront.” “Increased rehabilitation and decreased healthcare costs benefit not only these individuals, but the communities in which they reside.”
What does this study mean for asylum seekers? Most importantly, asylum seekers need to take care of themselves and pay attention to their bodies. Cardiovascular disease can lead to a heart attack or stroke, but early detection can help avert more serious problems.
Potential symptoms of cardiovascular disease include: chest pain or discomfort; shortness of breath; pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly or back; pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms; dizziness; fainting or almost fainting; racing or slow heartbeat; or shortness of breath.
If caught early, cardiovascular disease can be treated through lifestyle changes such as eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat, getting more exercise, and not smoking. The condition can also be controlled with medication. More serious cases could require heart surgery.
According to Dr. Kaur, medical providers “typically do not prioritize cardiovascular assessments in young patients, which may lead to misdiagnoses or delayed treatments.” “This new data suggests that clinicians should adopt a more comprehensive approach when evaluating the health of asylum seekers, particularly regarding cardiovascular risks.” Given the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in young asylum seekers, make sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have any potential symptoms. And remember that medical professionals may not be aware that asylum seekers suffer high rates of cardiovascular disease (and other stress-related illnesses), so don’t be afraid to educate them and let them know about this study.
In addition to all this, it is important to try to reduce your stress level (easier said than done, I know). This is particularly important now, as we await a new Administration that has expressed hostility towards asylum seekers and immigrants. So how can asylum seekers reduce their stress?
One idea is to work on your case and make sure everything is in order. That way, if you get called for an interview or court date, you will be prepared. Perhaps completing the case will help reduce stress, since you will know that everything is ready and you can (hopefully) set the case aside and not think about it too much. Also, once the case is done, you can try to expedite, at the Asylum Office or in Immigration Court. Even if expediting does not work, taking action–as opposed to waiting passively–might help alleviate stress.
Taking other “future-oriented actions” might also help reduce stress. Attend a class, volunteer, go to therapy, buy a house, start a family. Do your best to live as if you will be staying here permanently. That’s not easy, but it beats the alternative (going insane).
If you need help, you might reach out to a local immigration non-profit. While these organizations mostly focus on legal assistance, they can potentially refer you to nearby health care providers.
Asylum is a long, difficult, stressful process, which takes a real toll on applicants’ physical and mental health. Unfortunately, the situation is only going to get worse once Mr. Trump takes office. And so it is very important for asylum seekers to pay attention to their health and to take care of themselves, so that they can care for their loved ones and be ready to face the challenges ahead.
Hi Jason,
Let me start by appreciating you for all the things you do. I have a question, I am about to apply for naturalization. I got green card through asylum and now it’s time for me. My wife and son got asylee status as derivative asylees through me. We have applied for green for them last year and we are still waiting for that. My question now is, if I apply for naturalization now before they get their green card, can it impact their application? Can they be out of status?
Thank you,
Drem
If you apply to naturalize, there is no effect on them. However, if you are naturalized before they get their GCs, there will be a very significant delay for them and they will need to file a “nunc pro tunc” asylum (I wrote about this on February 10, 2022 near the bottom of that post). Alternatively, once you have citizenship, you can file I-130 petitions for them if they are eligible. The safer path, since they have already filed for their GCs, is to wait for them to get their Green Cards, and then you can file for your citizenship. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
First off, we are refugees under UNHCR.
I have a big question regarding USRAP and the The US Embassy consulate.
USRAP made a split decision on our cases where my son was taken to USA while we are rejected.
The rejection was caused by false accusation submitted against us to the USRAP office.
My son filed for his refugee parents I-130 petition who are outside the USA.
If we the parents presents about the false accusation against us to US Embassy during the consulate interview at the US Embassy.
Does US Embassy have power to reopen USRAP case that was closed due to false accusation or they will tell us they cannot do anything a case that was closed. We want the whole family case to reopened. Again does US Consulate have full power to contact USRAP about our case that was wrongly denied? Unfavorable decision was made by the USRAP. PLEASE LET US KNOW. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Thanks.
I do not do refugee cases, and so I do not know whether it is possible to get the US embassy to reconsider such a decision. I do expect that will be very difficult, and certainly, you would need to explain why someone made a false claim against you, and some evidence to support the fact that the claim is false. The only organization I know that helps refugees is in Egypt – you might reach out to see whether they can help or if they know an organization in your country that can assist. Their contact info is here: https://stars-egypt.org/. Finally, I am not sure what you mean about the I-130. Only an adult US citizen can file an I-130 for a parent. If your child is an adult US citizen and is filing for you, you will still need to deal with the false accusation, and so you should try to get evidence about that and your son may want to talk to a lawyer to assist with the case, since the false accusation could be a problem to get a green card this way. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am not sure if you have read the last version of I-485 adjustment of status form. I am trying to apply for green card after approved asylum, and some of the questions are very tricky to answer and I would like your advice if possible.
Part-1
Questions 12:
1-Provide information from your most recent 1-94. Are they talking about the one I received with my asylum approval, the white card with the stamp?
2- Expiration date of authorized stay shown on form I-94. Or type or print D/S for duration status. As an asylee there is no duration status in the I-94 USCIS sent to me. What should I put in this section?
3- Immigration status on form I-94?
Questions 14:
What is your current immigration status (if it has change since your last arrival) ? II suppose I have to asylee, what do you think?
Questions 15:
Expiration date of current immigration status, or type of print “D/S” for duration of status.
Thank you for help with this questions. This form is complex for asylees to fill out. If you could have an article about it that would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.
I can’t really provide specific advice, as I do not know your case, but I tried to answer here: 12 – I think if they want the most recent, that is either your last entry or your asylum I-94, whichever is most recent. You should include copies of both I-94 documents with your application, so if the one they need is not listed on the form, they will have it with the documents. 14 – If you have received asylum and still have that status, it should be “asylee.” 15 – If your status is asylum, there is no expiration, and so we put “n/a” for that answer. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, considering the recent updates on the situation in Syria (knocking down the dictator president), as a family of Syrian asylum seekers in the U.S., I have a couple of questions and would greatly appreciate your insights:
1- Some of the family members have been anxiously waiting for 10 years for an interview without being scheduled by the Asylum Office (AO). Despite the long delay, I’ve heard that the AO may have no more reason to approve asylum cases for Syrian nationals after the ex-Syrian regime is knocked down. Is this accurate?
2- For Syrian asylees who have become permanent residents (green card holders) based on approved asylum, is there any risk that their future naturalization applications might be denied due to changes in the situation in Syria?
Thank you in advance for your guidance!
1 – I think that is not accurate. It is far too soon to know how things will look in Syria going forward. The country has a dominant faction, but they may or may not retain power. Also, the country is being bombed by Israel, the US, Turkey, and maybe other countries as well, and there are lots of Assad fighters still free. Also, while the new leadership is saying positive things, it remains to be seen what they do. Finally, while cases where the person feared the Assad regime will likely become harder to win, there may be other reasons to fear returning – as one example: if a person lived in the US for many years and now returns, perhaps the new government will treat them as an enemy, since they will think the person is an American spy (this has been an issue for some people in Iraq, for example). 2 – Unless the law changes, I do not see that this is a risk. The people at risk are asylum seekers and maybe people who already have asylum (and whether asylees should apply for the GC now is a difficult question – maybe it is better to stay quiet and hope that the US government ignores you, or maybe it is better to try to get the GC; I suppose we will know more about that once the Trump Administration starts processing Syrian asylee green card applications). Take care, Jason
I think I was overthinking over the weekend, so here was my thought
Trump is not bureaucrat and he delivers what he promised when compared to most recent Presidents. After 2016 election he run on making supreme court conservative and he did that. He gave tax break for the rich. He returned thousands of asylum seekers to Mexico, and he built some wall.
Now to my worriness- so he promised to deport 1 million each year and there are only 1.4 million with deportation order right now so to fulfill his promise he might go for easy target. The easy target will be TPS, humanitarian parole and pending asylum. All these groups are already applied for some kind of immigration benefit (such as work permit or TPS) to uscis and they know where we live and work. As a result he just send his Tom guy and detain as much as he can to make that magic nimber of 1 million. So the actaul people with deportation order will stay in USA as they are out of radar and the pending cases will be taken to detainition center and fast tracked for deportation.
What do you think dear Jason?
I think this is definitely possible – my sense is that they do not care too much about who gets deported, as long as they can show that many people are being deported. Also, they claim that they will be deporting criminal aliens, but there are not enough of those to meet the numbers and such people are already being deported, or in some cases cannot be deported for various reasons, and so they will not be able to meet their number (or even get close) by deporting criminals. I wrote more about this on November 27, 2024. Take care, Jason
Thank you @Overthinking & @Jason
This is def a wake up call and good alarm.
If the pending asylum will become target most probably they are going to be the one who entered US illegally without border processing and visa
Maybe – at this point we really do not know how the next administration will implement its mass deportation plans. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for everything you do!
I was wondering after granted asylum, when do you recommend to apply for green card ? Given the possibility of slowing down/complicating the process by the new admin.
Thank you!
Since USCIS changed the rules last year, I have been recommending that people wait 6 months before filing – I explain the reasoning in a post dated February 6, 2023. Whether the Trump Administration will change this rule again, we do not know, but sch changes are generally not retroactive, and so if you can file before the new Administration, that is probably a good idea (on the other hand, maybe they would try to make a retroactive change, but I think this would be more trouble than its worth and so probably will not happen). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason in gc application in the field where they want information about petition and principle applicant, should i just skip or put n/a? Since asylum gc as derivative doesn’t have a petition or principal applicant,thank you.
Hello, Jason will respond soon. Below is the clarification from USCIS on this. USCIS continues to be a hot mess. I’d wait close to the full year before I apply. There are many articles on the internet about USCIS denying asylee based I-485s because they’re “filed too early”.
“On Feb. 2, 2023, we updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that asylees must have been physically present in the United States for 1 year when we adjudicate their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, rather than when they file Form I-485 to get a Green Card. This guidance applies to all Forms I-485 and Forms N-400, Application for Naturalization, pending on Feb. 2, 2023, and to those filed on or after that date. For more information on lawful permanent resident requirements for naturalization, including physical presence requirements for asylees and refugees, see Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part D, General Naturalization Requirements, Chapter 2, Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization [12 USCIS-PM D.2(D)(7)].
If you are an asylee, this clarification does not change the statutory requirement that you must have at least 1 year of physical presence in the United States in asylee status before you adjust your status to lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card), or that you start accruing the required physical presence on the date you are granted asylum. You may file Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card before you have been physically present in the United States for 1 year. However, if you file Form I-485 less than 1 year after you are granted asylum, and we cannot determine whether you have been physically present in the United States for 1 year, we may request additional evidence of physical presence, and it might take longer to process and adjudicate your application. This means your application may be processed more quickly if you wait until 1 year after you are granted asylum to file Form I-485.
In the past, USCIS guidance has differed on whether refugees and asylees must satisfy the 1-year physical presence requirement from when they file Form I-485 or when we adjudicate the application. The updated guidance clarifies that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the United States for 1 year as of the date we adjudicate your application, rather than when you file it. For more information on the physical presence requirement for asylees, see Volume 7, Part M, Chapter 2, Section A, of the USCIS Policy Manual.”
Ignore my response. It’s for the person about you. LOL
We generally list the principal asylee’s info there, but I think technically, this is not needed. As long as you include the info about the principal (asylum approval, marriage or birth certificate linking the derivative to the principal), I do not think you need to list it on the form. Take care, Jason
Hi JASON,
This is an extract from USCIS website
“On Feb. 2, 2023, we updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that asylees must have been physically present in the United States for 1 year when we adjudicate their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, rather than when they file Form I-485 to get a Green Card. This guidance applies to all Forms I-485 and Forms N-400, Application for Naturalization, pending on Feb. 2, 2023, and to those filed on or after that date. For more information on lawful permanent resident requirements for naturalization, including physical presence requirements for asylees and refugees, see Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part D, General Naturalization Requirements, Chapter 2, Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization [12 USCIS-PM D.2(D)(7)].”
Few Questions please :
1- Does this rule apply to asylee derivatives ( Who entered US as asylees after form i-730 approval) ? What do you advise to them?
2- How does this rule affects N-400 application eligibility and residency requirement as mentioned above?
Thanks for all the hope and the support you spread to the most vulnerable immigrant community ( Asylees and refugees) in their hardship journey .
1 – Yes, the one year begins to run from the date they entered the US based on the approved I-730. I wrote about this rule on February 6, 2023 if you need more info. 2 – I do not see how it affects N-400 forms, except that it allows asylees to get their GCs a bit earlier, which allows them to naturalize sooner. Note that the principal should not file to naturalize until all dependents have their GCs. Otherwise, it will cause very long delays for the dependents. I wrote about this on February 10, 2022 near the bottom of that post. Take care, Jason
I think you earlier said that open border has triggered people to vote for Trump.
I agree. But now the worry is that, the Republicans seem to have cracked the code. They have a reliable way to win elections by running on immigration and borders. Biden has already shifted rightward by a lot, but it didn’t seem to help ? (And it certainly hurt many asylum seekers)
Many of what the Republicans are saying are lies…People pass credible fear interview at the port of entry, they than be permitted to seek asylum or challenge negative credible finding…everything is lawful, prescribed by INA…yet Republicans still say they are illegals, and people believe them and vote for them…
So I agree that an open border will bring back Trump…but now asylum is in danger of becoming in accessible to people who need asylum…what’s immigration advocates’ response to Republican lies ? how do immigration advocates plan to win next elections, how to counteract their immigration message ? I want to share my experience, I try to explain the legality of seeking asylum and credible fear interview and border crossing i.e. what they think is illegal may not be necessarily illegal…but it didn’t seem to work very well…it seems they tend to believe Republicans more than me…maybe I am not the best messenger ? But is there a better message/response that I can say to counteract Republican message ?
I do think there are specific things asylum seekers and asylees can do – I wrote about one idea on May 28, 2018, and that is telling their stories to churches, civic groups, etc. that include people who are skeptical of asylum. Asylum advocates can try to help with that. In general, advocates have failed to bring their message to the public in a way that is convincing, and the negative view of asylum seekers – which is largely false – has prevailed. Xenophobia is a very natural human emotion, and so I think our side has it more difficult than the opponents, but I do think telling the stories of why people have fled and why they have come here is very important and can make an impact. I know this because I have personally seen it many times. How to effect that on a larger scale, I do not know, but it would be nice if there was a non-profit working specifically and effectively on this cause. Take care, Jason
I really like the insight. Xenophobia is a very natural emotion and you are right, and my feeling that we have it harder is confirmed and validated. And I am glad that you shared your successful experience
But at the same time though, it does make me worried that…this difference in difficulty mayyyyyy prove to be insurmountable…but I hope it’s just my worry…
What’s your message towards some people, some of themselves immigrants, they say that “people should wait in line, not jump in line, I waited my turn, so should you”. Tbh, I don’t really feel it’s worth it to change these people’s mind. They are horrible people anyway. But I feel that these people could be used by Republicans to inoculate them from criticism that they are anti-immigrant, they will just say, see we are not anti-immigrant, we are just anti-illegal-immigrant, thus making their position sound more justified. For these people, I tried to say no, they didn’t jump in line, they passed CFI, and was processed in lawful order. You maybe waiting in line because, too many of your countrymen are immigrating to the U.S. so in order to maintain diversity and equality. You have a line because of your home country, not because of illegal immigrants taking the spot. Asylum seekers need to seek asylum also because of their home country. But obviously these people don’t like the idea of DEI as well…so my rationalization simply doesn’t seem to work…
How to win a debate, win over support with the “I waited in line, so you should not jump in line” mentality ? I tried to point out the inaccuracy of their claims, but these people also don’t know what it means to be truthful and accurate…so…really hard for me…
I know of no easy way to “win” a debate on this point. Telling refugee stories, explaining the law, listening, compromising on our position in order to get something in return and accommodate the public will – I think these are all ideas that could lead towards some limited progress. Take care, Jason
I believe you gave it some thinking.
But even a top legal mind like you cannot think of a way to win the debate like this…then this actually makes me fearful. That means they can run on this point, unopposed…
But I guess that means I don’t have to dwell on this point … since…a top legal mind cannot even win the debate…then certain can’t I…
But on the other hand…people seem to legitimize republican absurdity a lot more…so…unfortunately rationalization is not a good idea…counter attack and insulting are the way to go…
i.e. out Trump Trump…
I have something to say again.
A lot of times, I feel that this blog and many other immigration-related blogs focus too much on immigration rights…but completely disregard the immigrant responsibilities…
Including but not limited to: Attending court hearings; not crossing the border and absconding; not lying to immigration officials; learning English; not falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen.
If immigrants are too well-off. Real Americans will be angry and jealous and they will vote for Republicans to punish immigrants…If immigrants could be more subservient and not be too aggressive in advocating their rights but focus more on shoulder responsibility and voluntarily take the lowest paying jobs…then maybe real Americans will be more comfortable voting for Democrats ?
The reckless advancement of immigration advocacy, in my opinion, triggered a strong backlash and swung a lot of voters…It played a factor in the Republican’s victory.
And immigrants should not abuse BIA and federal appeal process. Once the immigration judge issues the removal order, please leave and self-deport accordingly. And immigration advocates should not help asylum seekers file those appeals because it will clog the system and waste government resources. It’s not good for efficiency.
I wrote on this point on January 11, 2022. Also, you seem not to understand the purpose of immigration advocacy and due process of law. Under our system, which is based on contested proceedings, the job and duty of advocates is to represent client and protect their rights against the government. This is true for the criminal justice system as well. Without that advocacy, the government rolls over the rights of individuals, which is antithetical to our system of law. Take care, Jason
I think me taking a respectability attitude is not good.
The backlash is more of a them problem. I think they need to be punished, I hope the worst happen to them in terms of economy. I really believe in retribution now…cause I think it works…Republicans run on retribution…and they win…
What’s the difference between FOIA eoir and Request a Record of Proceeding (ROP)? I had my hearing in court, so which one do i need?
Also, doesn’t FOIA/ROP from EOIR has all the files from USCIS?
I would guess that they are mostly the same, but the FOIA might contain some documents that are not in the ROP (for example, internal documents about the court case, though much of that might be redacted). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Happy holiday. I have a question. We decided to move to another state. Which addresses should we change? Especially moving from a blue state to a red state
You need to change the address for any pending applications, or if there are no pending applications, you change the address for your asylee status or GC. Use the USCIS online portal or form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
I applied for an asylum based green card on 03/17/23. Last month I sent an expediate request and it is currently under review (expediate request received). How long it takes USCIS to decide on my expediate request? 30 days or 60 days??
Thank you
I am not sure – I would think within a few weeks, but given that Christmas is almost here, it may be longer. Take care, Jason
Respected Jason,
Our asylum case was denied and is now pending in NY EOIR. My wife is a principal applicant and I’m a derivative on this application. our master hearing is scheduled in mid-July 2025. At this point, my attorney said, now I have to file a new asylum (I-589) application because my home country’s condition has changed drastically. My question is, Is it a wise idea or it is mandatory to file a new asylum application as I’m a derivative on my wife’s file? Both of us were tortured by the same group and the same reason. I’m very much worried about my future. Please, please advise what should I do at this point? Appreciate your kind help as always. Thank you very much.
In court, the best practice is for each person to have their own I-589. Maybe your wife will still be the lead applicant and you will present her case first, but you (and any non-US citizen children) should also file I-589 forms. The reason for this is because if she receives asylum, you also get asylum, but if she receives a lesser form of relief (such as Withholding of Removal or relief under the Torture Convention), that is only for her. If you do not file your own form, you will get nothing. If you file your own form, you would also get Withholding or Torture Convention relief. In some cases, this may not be relevant, but given the unknown changes that Trump will make, I think it is safest to file your own form. Take care, Jason
Is it safe and normal to do FOIA requests of your own case? Can this be used against you?
It should be totally fine and you can do it on your own. There are links under Resources called FOIA USCIS and FOIA EOIR (if you have a court case) and maybe those would help. I do not see how a FOIA could be used against you. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am applying for refugee travel document and will also apply for green card soon. What I-94 number should I include in my document? The one from my last entry in the US? or the number from the I-94 card the asylum office sent me after asylum is granted? Thanks you.
We include copies of both and on the form, just check the question carefully – if they want the number for the most recent entry, use that, and if they want the most recent I-94, use the asylum I-94 (assuming that is the most recent). If you are not sure, you can always write “see cover letter” next to the question on the form and explain in the cover letter that you have two I-94 cards and you are attaching copies of both to the application. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason, thank you for doing this for us!
I have a questions about my green card application.
In the section about arrests, what is a better/correct answer ?i got arrested in my cop couple of times, but every single arrest was unlawful and it’s part of my asylum case, should i say YES and explain or should i say NO and explain?technically i was arrested physically, but arrest was unlawful and just to prosecute me because i belong to certain social group.
I don’t think it really matters, and so you can choose whatever seems best, circle the question, write “see cover letter,” and in the cover letter, you can explain what happened and indicate that you discussed this in the asylum case. As long as USCIS does not think you are trying to hide an arrest, you should be fine. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
In a situation where one’s COP is rapidly changing, should the applicant update their I-589? Or, still go in when called with the existing testimony on file, and, explain (assuming the AO keeps up with world events) that while major changes have occurred, a strong credible fear of persecution still exists that is not independent from the prior existing situation? And, how would one go about updating their I-589 statement? Thanks
I would save all the relevant evidence and then once the interview is scheduled, submit everything together at the same time (for the asylum office, evidence should be submitted at least 1 week prior to the interview and in court, the judge should give you a schedule to submit evidence). At the asylum office, it is probably best to submit evidence by email in PDF format. You can find the email if you follow the link under Resources called Asylum Office Locator. I also did a post about winning old cases and maybe that would be useful – it was on June 14, 2023. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, lets say someone apply for green card after asylum approved and for whatever reason USCIS deny the green card, do you think they will put the applicant in removal because of that? Or would the applicant have a chance to reapply for the green card and keep asylee status?
It completely depends on why the GC was denied. If it was denied for a criminal reason or immigration fraud, you could be put into removal proceedings, but if it was rejected because you were not eligible (maybe you did not have enough time physically present in the US), you made a mistake on the form, did not give them evidence that was required or failed to appear for an interview, then I highly doubt you would be referred to court. Take care, Jason
Hello sir.I got my asylum status granted and i have valid refugee travel document. I don’t have my permanent residence card yet, but can i travel with RTD+Passport? RTD has so many restrictions and a lot of safe countries don’t accept it , where i can meet with my parents. I’ve been prosecuted due to my nationality mostly and by local police authorities that are not in charge with passport issuance.i will try not to use it, but in case i will be denied entry with rtd i need a backup plan
In the past, I never had anyone use the passport and run into any serious trouble. However, with Trump coming, I think it is best to be as careful as possible. I wrote an article about asylees using their passport on May 25, 2022 and maybe that will give you some guidance. Take care, Jason
Great Topic Jason. Feeling like death is “better” at times is a common experience, often arising from extreme emotional distress, overwhelming pain, or a sense of hopelessness in the face of difficult life circumstances; it’s important to remember that these feelings are usually temporary and seeking help is crucial if you are experiencing such thoughts. Thought Doctors believe that such feelings are temporary but I have been living with it for well past 10 years. USCIS doesn’t give shit about people like asylum seekers because I cannot understand how come my green card application that has been pending for almost 20 months has never been reviewed by an officer. I learnt yesterday while chatting with Emma that no officer ever reviewed my file though it has already moved from 3 different offices. That is insane.
These are good points, and your observations are spot on (though I would use a stronger word than “shit”). Things are also likely to get worse under Trump. One point – just because no one has yet reviewed the GC application does not mean there is no progress. As I understand it, the case moves up in the queue and once they actually get to it, they should hopefully process it quickly. You might check the processing times at http://www.uscis.gov to see whether you can make an inquiry about that. If so, you can try that and if it does not work, you can inquire with the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is under Resources and they sometimes help with delayed cases (but you have to inquire with USCIS first). Take care, Jason
Hi! Do people usually receive an a form I-797 from the asylum office after their asylum is granted? I went to do a state ID today and I was told such document is needed despite the fact I provided the approval notice from USCIS. I also gave the the EAD with asylee category but still they deny my card.
Depends on the state, it can be easier or harder to get your DL/ID .
After approval USCIS or Immigration Court will mail you i-94 Granted Asylum card. With that card you can go and get the ID or DL. I do recommend asking for a Supervisor because most likely they are familiar with this document and regular workers aren’t
I do not think so – I think it is just the approval notice and I-94, and later you get a new EAD. I think the state ID people are wrong – maybe you can bring all those documents back again and if they still refuse, as for a supervisor. Take care, Jason
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/dec/10/dhs-power-revoke-visas-sham-marriages-supreme-cour/
DHS has power to revoke visas for sham marriages, Supreme Court rules
so does it also include people who get denied from BIA? like no more federal court appeals after BIA side with the immigration judge to deny an asylum case or that has no connection?
I don’t see how this would apply, as the federal appeals courts can review situations where a person was denied due process of law. There are limits to what can be reviewed in federal court, however, but as I recall, those were all created by statute. Take care, Jason
Sir hello good morning, im an asylum seeker with work permit and waiting in backlog . I have a question does filing taxes late or non failure of taxes result in asylum
Denial or work permit ead denial or i-485 denial. This year due to some reasons i couldnt pay taxes due to not being issued 1099 by employer after he closed his company . Will this result in ead denial which is in renewal process
This should have no effect on the EAD or asylum (technically, if you qualify for asylum, you need to demonstrate “good moral character” to actually be granted asylum, and not paying taxes is a negative factor; however, I do not see how it would be enough to result in a denial). It could affect the I-485, especially under Trump, and so I would try to fix the problem somehow – maybe talk to a tax professional about what can be done. Take care, Jason
Would discrimination against lgbt people be counted as lack of good moral characters ?
Cause I feel a lot of immigrants discriminate against gays and lesbians…I don’t think it’s a good virtue to discriminate…right ?
I am not sure why you need to generalize about a large group of people like immigrants, but I doubt discriminating against someone would be a basis to find a lack of good moral character. Take care, Jason
Many LGBT people seek asylum here to avoid discrimination in their homeland…if immigrants can be allowed to discriminate…wouldn’t this permission to discriminate, slowly turn American to as homophobic as their home country ?
The point of LGBT migration is to escape violence and discrimination. So are you saying that LGBT immigrants can’t possibly expect a better environment than the countries they flee from ?
The US is far from perfect, and under the new Administration, that community will face more challenges, but it is obviously far better here than in the places where LGBT asylum seekers generally originate. Take care, Jason
If a person chooses to discriminate jewish people, you think this person is not in lack of good moral character necessary to adjust status or naturalization ?
If I were in your shoes, I would not be the attorney for antisemitist asylum seekers. In addition, I would work hard to advocate for the removal of these asylum seekers.
Discrimination against any group would be a negative moral character issue, but how USCIS would know about it, I have no idea, and even if they did, it would depend on what the discrimination was. If it involved a crime, it would likely block the person. If it was just a rude statement, I don’t see how that would have any effect. Take care, Jason