interview

# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers

More Sneaky Ways to Deny Asylum, Courtesy of the Asylum Office

When asylum seekers are permitted to present their applications for protection in the United States, their cases are often granted. That’s because the asylum law–as created by Congress–is fairly generous.

Our favorable humanitarian law conflicts with the Trump Administration’s goal of blocking people from obtaining asylum in the United States. Rather than attempting to amend the law, the Administration has implemented a series of procedural and administrative roadblocks to prevent applicants from having their cases evaluated on the merits.

Last week, USCIS issued some new rules for cases at the Asylum Office. The most noteworthy change relates to when evidence is due. Other new (or new-ish) rules concern rescheduling interviews and biometric appointments, and attorney attendance at interviews.

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By Jason Dzubow
# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers

New–and Dangerous–Questions at the Asylum Office

Recently, we’ve been seeing some unusual questions during asylum interviews. Applicants are being asked about their views of America and of Jewish people. They are asked about their finances and community involvement, whether they attend religious services, and their family ties to the United States.

Since this is the Trump Administration, you can probably guess that the new questions are not designed to make life easier for asylum seekers. Here, we’ll look at what’s changed and why, and discuss how to prepare for this aspect of your interview.

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By Jason Dzubow
# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers

Second Interviews at the Asylum Office

Though I haven’t seen any data to back this up, it seems to me that second interviews at the Asylum Office are becoming more common. I’ve been hearing reports about second (or third) interviews from others and we are seeing it in our own practice as well. In this post, we will talk about the second interview: Why is it needed? What happens at a second interview? How should you prepare?

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By Jason Dzubow
# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers# Immigration Court

Do’s and Don’ts for the Asylum Office and Immigration Court

Moving to another country can be challenging and confusing. Navigating that new country’s legal system can be downright maddening. As an asylum attorney, I’ve observed my clients’ behavior in Immigration Court, the Asylum Office, and during USCIS interviews, and I’ve accumulated a list of do’s and don’ts (mostly don’ts) for interacting with immigration officials. So, … Read more

By Jason Dzubow
# Immigration Court

Judge Denise Slavin on the Immigration Courts, the National Association of Immigration Judges, Article I, and the Leadership at EOIR

Immigration Judge Denise Slavin recently retired after 24 years on the bench. The Asylumist caught up with her to ask about her career, her role as a leader in the National Association of Immigration Judges, and the state of affairs at the Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”). Asylumist: Tell me about how you got … Read more

By Jason Dzubow
# Asylum Office# Immigration Court

When the Judge Is a Jerk

The vast majority of Immigration Judges, DHS attorneys, Asylum Officers, and USCIS officers are professional and respectful. But what if they are not? What do you do then? First off, I think it is important to understand that the bad officials are a small minority. I’ve been to many interviews and court hearings, and I’ve … Read more

By Jason Dzubow