Jason Dzubow is an immigration attorney who specializes in political asylum, immigration court, and appeals. He is a partner at Dzubow & Pilcher, PLLC, and his full profile can be found here.
Contact Jason Dzubow about an Asylum or Immigration case:
JDzubow@DzubowLaw.com
(202) 328-1353
Hi Jason, my of mine who’s in the USA seeking asylum.
just heard that his family is already in mexico but he is so worried about the ban. Do I qualify as bona fide person if my family were to present themselve to border to join me, or are they going to be denied entry?
Because they all my dependents,
Sorry, I do not understand the question. I can tell you that we are hearing many stories from the border about people who have bona fide asylum claims being turned away, which violates US law, but seems to be happening anyway. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason,
My friend and her daughter live in Ethiopia , her husband came USA before 6-7 month and he already submit his asylum application. She is planing to come to USA for a training and about to apply her visa application in Ethiopia. Do you think her husband situation can affect her visa application? Does she have to declare his situation in her visa application? Would it affect his asylum process?
Thank you
She will need to tell them if her husband is here and his status, and this will likely make it much more difficult for her to get a visa. I wrote a blog post about this on April 18, 2014 – maybe that would help. Take care, Jason
Hi,
I heard a news that political asylum applied in New York State has been cancelled for people from Nepal. Is it true? I tried to find information but i couldnt get it. And i dont know where to look.
Best Regards,
Santosh
I highly doubt that this is true. While it is more difficult these days to get asylum from Nepal, we have won a case relatively recently, and so it is still possible. Also, asylum office and courts do not deny cases for everyone from a particular country – they make an individual determination for each person. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I got an appointment for asylum interview recently but due to lack of communication with my attorney, only my story and no documentation was presented to asylum office yet.
Will it be ok if I take all documents right to the interview, is it acceptable? Have you seen such cases personally?
Thank you so much!
When did you apply and when is your interview? Please tell me. Thanks
I have applied 2.5 years ago and my interview is in 3 weeks.
Thanks.
Thanks. Where did you apply? Sorry for asking too many questions
Chicago office.
It may not be acceptable. In my local office (Virginia), they generally will not accept document unless they are submitted one week before the interview. The rules may be different at different asylum office. I recommend you try to get the documents submitted before the interview if at all possible, and if not, maybe you can postpone the interview to a later date so you have time to submit the documents. Take care, Jason
Your answer has been very helpful. Thanks Jason.
Dear,
To clarify my question is a person who came for medical can he apply for political asylum?
Yes – Anyone who is physically present in the US can apply for asylum. It does not matter why he came here or what visa he used (or even if he did not use a visa but came here illegally). Take care, Jason
Is it a violation of immigraton law to apply for asylum while on a B1/B2 visa? A Customs and Immigration officer at O’Hare airport claimed that I “broke the law” by doing so. Is he right? Is it grounds of being inadmissible? (By the way I already won asylum)
He is wrong. It might be a violation of your B-visa status, but that is not the same as breaking the law. You are allowed to apply for asylum, that is the law in the US. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I was granted asylum on court and have received a new I-94 card. By using this new I-94, I have also obtained my unrestricted social security card and driver’s license. I understand that a(5) is the type of work authorization card for asylees, and I wonder is there still necessary for me to apply for the a(5) card since I already have the unrestricted SSN? Any consequences if I choose not to apply for the a(5) card? Thank you in advance for your answer!
If you won your case in court, you are suppose to make an Info Pass appointment (which you can do at http://www.uscis.gov). Bring the court order and your ID with you to the appointment. They will give you a new (free) EAD based on your asylum status. You should do this, and normally the Judge or government attorney (or your own lawyer if you had one) should have told you about this. Take care, Jason
Dear,
Thank you for your valuable responses.
My husband applied for asylum 3 years ago. He is waiting it’s decision.He came USA with my 8 years daughter for her cancer medical treatment. Being coming for medical only will the reasons for waiving his asylum grants? If he has fear of return in his country by his political opinions.
I do not understand your question. If your husband filed for asylum for political reasons, that can be a basis to grant asylum. If he has been waiting for three years, he should email the local asylum office to ask about the status of his case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
My husband’s EAD expires in September but he hasn’t applied for a new one yet. Is it too late or he will be ok? What do you suggest to apply through an attorney or he can do it by himself? Is there any difference?
Thanks in advance.
He can apply for the new EAD now (form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov). Once he gets the receipt, a few weeks after filing, his old EAD will automatically be extended for 180 days – so he should be able to keep working and extend his driver’s license. Normally, people get the new EAD card in 2 to 4 months. He can use a lawyer or not, it is up to him. Using a lawyer does not make the process faster (though hopefully, the lawyer will do it correctly and so there will be no delays caused by errors). Take care, Jason
Hi Mr jason thanks for help
To renew my work permit and i submit all docs requared the immigration send me new requast and thy ask me to submit new photo and thy ask me if i have new G28 or no
Whats the G 28 ?
What i understand G28 is docs show if i have someone reprisent my case .i put( no ) . Coz i stop with my attoreny but the day when i went to intervew with immigration another attoreny from association to helping people come with me
Do i need to answer (yes) i have new G 28 or its ok .thanks
The G-28 is for the lawyer, not for you. If you have no lawyer, you can tell that to the asylum office and you would not need a G-28. But if you had a lawyer in the past, they may think that person is still your lawyer, and so you should tell them that you no longer have a lawyer and that all mail should be send directly to you (and make sure they have your correct mailing address). Take care, Jason
Hi jason
My case is pending assylum & i requested my 1st EAD on last April but 90 days will be passed tommorow after i recived confermation letter from nabaraska center. What can i do next to get my EAD? The newe 120 days refugee ban can affect me?
As far as I know, the ban does not affect asylum seekers filing for EADs, but if I learn something different, I will post it. We see EADs take up to 4 months, so you may get yours soon, hopefully. Also, you can call USCIS (their number is on the http://www.uscis.gov website) and ask about the status of your EAD case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have been waiting for a decision for 7 months and now I am called for a follow-up interview. The letter states that I need to bring consultant, witnesses and evidence. Is the follow-up interview similar to the first interview? Who is the consultant? I have provided all evidences that I have during the first interview. What kind of evidence can be provided at this point?
Thanks.
I imagine by “consultant” they mean a lawyer or BIA-accredited representative. As for evidence and witnesses, I do not know, but if there is any additional information you want to give to them, you should bring it. Otherwise, you will need to wait and see what they want, and then you can answer questions or send them more info after the interview. I would recommend you prepare for this interview as if you are preparing for a first interview, as they may very well go over the whole case again. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you very much! How long does it take to get a response to FOIA document request? I thought it will be useful to get the previous records.
Best,
Kuku
It varies. Maybe between 2 and 6 months. You can ask to make it faster if you have a pending court case (or maybe some other reason to expedite). Take care, Jason
hello Jason,
i am a dependent on my mom’s asylum case pending since nov 2015. If i wanted to apply for a travel permit to be able to travel and meet with my father and other family members due to the 2 years separation, do you think it would be safe to do so? or would it be too risky on our asylum case and me being able to go into the US again?
Thank you for your help
If you get Advance Parole (form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov), you can travel and return to the US. However, if you are from a “banned” country, I am not sure whether you will be able to return (I have been away and have not had a chance to read the new rules issued last Friday) and so I think you should talk to a lawyer before you start the process to make sure you can travel and return with Advance Parole. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have filed a case 2 years ago and want to change my attorney because they have messed up my story and sent incomplete version of it and changed the entire logic in it.
If I change my attorney now, will it cause a delay in processing my case or it won’t affect it?
Thank you beforehand.
It should not cause a delay. Your new attorney would need to correct the old lawyer’s errors and make sure the case is ready for an interview, and this work may take some time, so the sooner you switch lawyers, the better. Also, you should get a copy of your file from the old lawyer – he or she is required to give you a copy. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason, I worked with U.S forces in Afghanistan. I was incorrectly classified and blacklisted. I tried to take my name off the blacklist and applied for resettlement but I waited for 4 years without any results. I sold all my properties and paid smugglers to bring me to Europe. Now I’m in Germany and the legal advice say I have strong case but if I apply the info can be shared with other governments. The only problem is that the U.S government might harm my case. I’m not sure what to do, should I ask the US gov not to comment or intervene in my case in Germany? or I should ask the German gov to not share my info with American gov?
I do not know the rules in Germany, or what the German government shares with or requests from other governments. I recommend you talk to a lawyer in Germany for advice on this. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason, We would like to thank you for your blog. It is so help full.
I entered to the US via J1 and my family J2 visas. we had not finish the program (exchange program) and J visas terminated after one year from the start. Then we applied for asylum. We granted asylum Sep/2016. Do we need to fill a waiver form to apply for green card? and which form?
I think you do not need a waiver. We have done this for a number of people with the J-1 two-year bar, and they adjusted to green card without the J-1 waiver. Take care, Jason
thank you for your reply. I appreciated it.
Dear Jason, I work in a U.S embassy in the middle east where people like me are targeted (cannot specify for privacy). I was threatened before and my American manager did not take the threats seriously. I sent my family to a neighboring country and I came to America on visa b1/b2. If I seek asylum now while I’m still employee for the embassy, would I have legal problems with state department? How long it takes to bring my wife and daughter to the U.S. thank you Jason.
We have seen a similar story for a client. Some DOS people help; others don’t. If you apply, I believe DOS will know about it, but unless they purposely try to undermine your case, it should not be an issue. As for your family, unless you find another way to bring them here, you have to wait until you win the case and then file for them. That can take several years (you can get an idea about wait times for asylum cases if you check the link at right called Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin). You can try to expedite a case – I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for your website!
I have applied for asylum in June 2015 and our asylum case is still pending at the asylum office in Arlington, VA.
I would like to inquire about the impact that changing the address for a pending Asylum case, to a different address in a different state with a different asylum office affiliation, might have on the wait time for an interview.
Does changing the address put us in the same wait time slot (June 2015) at the new affiliated asylum office or does it reset the clock for my case to the date of the move?
Thank you for taking the time to read my question, and I would appreciate your response.
If you move your case to a different asylum office, you are supposed to keep your place in the queue. I would recommend that you email the old and new asylum offices to make sure your case gets moved and that you keep your place in line. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Thank you very much for your response! It really helps to know that. However, I’m really worried that by changing the Asylum Office, I would waste 2+ years of waiting….What I would to ask is: Is there a stated USCIS policy affirming that or giving some guidance in that regard?
I thank once again for all the efforts and your expert insight!
Best,
Ghada and family
I know of no such written policy, but they do not place people who change offices in the back of the queue. You can email the asylum office and ask if they have a policy. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
I Jason i applied for EAD, but i did not get my reciept but when i call uscis i was given my case. The problem is that I need the reciept in order to stay employed and renew my licence. can the USCIS issue me with a duplicate?
I am not sure. You might try making an Info Pass appointment with USCIS and telling them the problem. Maybe they can give you something. You can make the appointment at http://www.uscis.gov. Good luck, Jason
Good day Sir,
I Iraqi interpreter worked in US force. In Iraq one group detain me and beat me to give information and took my car and ask my family to pay money. After they release me I go to Jordan and stay one year and now I arrive to the United States with visa. I ask charity for legal advice and they say the U.S government will block me because I support terrorist group with information (terrorism inadmissibility). I was victim and they beat me. Now I see deportation for Iraqis and I have fear. Sir you have experience you think no chance here? better I go to Canada? advice me sir.
There are issues if you go to Canada, so talk to a lawyer there before you try to go to Canada. Since your problem in Iraq was under duress, I do not think you will be blocked from asylum. You could be – depending on the facts of the case and how the US government is interpreting the law on this point (which could change under Trump). We have seen people in this situation who face very long delays, but we have not (yet) seen cases denied. I think you need to talk to a lawyer here to better evaluate the case. It is not so simple as, the US government will block you because of the terrorism issue. I did a blog post on September 22, 2016 with lists of free attorneys – maybe you could find another lawyer there who could better evaluate the case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am petitioning asylum from Venezuela. I am a single mother with two children, but one of them is 24 years old with down syndrome. I understand that I would be unable to include him in my case since he is over 21, but I was wondering if his condition makes a difference? I would really appreciate your feedback. Thank you!
We have had some cases like this. You cannot include him in your case, but you can prepare his asylum case and yours, and mail them in the same envelope. Include a cover letter explaining the situation and requesting that you be interviewed at the same time. Probably, they will not read the cover letter, but include it anyway. When it comes time for the interview, you will each receive a separate notice. Once you get the notice, contact the local asylum office and again inform them that you need to be interviewed together, or at least that you need to attend his interview. I think you should be fine, as the asylum offices have been accommodating of such situations. You can find the local asylum office’s contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (but you do not need to do that until you get notice of the interview). Take care, Jason
I had TPS approval (for Syria) that ended in Oct 2016. I applied for TPS renewal when it was due in September 2016. I received the EAD which is valid till March 2018. But I didn’t receive a formal TPS approval/renewal letter. Some people told me I won’t receive one as “they don’t send approval letters for renewal TPS, only for initial one”. Is this true? If yes, How do I prove my current status when I apply for change of status when it comes to my employment sponsored green card?
Thank you Jason.. your help is truly tremendous
I do not do a lot of TPS, so I am not sure, but the receipt you received should at least show that you applied for TPS. Also, there is a code on your EAD, which indicates you have TPS status. For purpose of changing status, TPS is not always enough, and you may need to leave the US and re-enter with the new visa. I recommend you talk to a lawyer about all this so you know what you have to do, as this is not really something I know a lot about. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Is fear of future persecution enough to win asylum or does someone must show past persecution?
Thanks…
Fear of future persecution is enough – the majority of our cases do not involve past persecution, but the person does fear harm if he/she returns to the home country. Take care, Jason
I have pending asylum application since June 2015, me and my wife got SSN + EAD and we renewed already this year – my question how can i apply for SSN / EAD for my 02 daughters.
1st is 7 years
2nd is 4 years.
If the daughters were included as dependent in your case, you can apply for EADs for them. It is the same as your EAD application. Once you have the EAD, you should be able to get their SSN. Take care, Jason
Thanks a lot Jason – it’s really very healthy information for me.
Yes my daughters are include a s dependent in my case, So should i use the regular process for them also do i need to pay EAD fee $410 for each of them ? Even its first EAD for them ?
First time applicants for the EAD based on asylum pending do not need to pay the fee. The form is the I-765. Take care, Jason
Thanks a lot JAson Dzubow.
Hi Jason,
I want to submit country conditions documents but my lawyer tells me that the asylum officers are fully aware of the country country conditions and so not to submit them? Is this true?
Also he says no need for witness letters as there is no way to ensure the witness is telling the truth or the letters could have been prepared by the applicant and signed by the witness?
What are your thoughts on these two?
I disagree on the first point and I completely disagree on the second point. The officers certainly do have access to country conditions, but we submit that info anyway, especially it is something that pertains directly to your case (for example, you attended a demonstration on Mar 8, 2005 – we should submit an article that such a demonstration took place). As for witness letters, I wrote a post about that on August 16, 2012 that might help. These are crucial and while they cannot be 100% verified, there are things you can do to make them better (as discussed in that article I wrote). Not submitting such letters absolutely can be fatal to a case. It concerns me that any lawyer would recommend not submitting such letters, and if you are sure you understood him correctly, then (at least in my opinion) he is giving you bad advice and you might want to look for another lawyer. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Does it hurt your chances to add incidents which were not mentioned in the declaration or affidavit or application during an asylum interview? Does it impact negatively on your case if you add something not previously mentioned during the asylum interview???
Thank you.
It could cause problems. It would be better if you submit a supplemental affidavit before the interview listing the incidents and explaining why you did not include them in the original affidavit. Take care, Jason
Greeting sir,
I’m from Houston, TX, I had my interview more than 2 years. I’m from Iraq yet haven’t received my decision. should I sue them since I’m limbo for ever? I’ve tired anything u said like congress and others things. I’m only left up with sue them or keep waiting forever.
What do u recommend and would you take my case and sue them to get a decision?
Thank hyou
If you have contacted the asylum office and the Ombudsman, filing a mandamus lawsuit may be the last and best option. It can work, and so if you want to try, you should. You would need to talk to a local lawyer about that; it is not something I could assist with. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason, thank you for your help.
My question is…..
I’m on pending asylum status , if I leave USA and abound my case, will I be able to get a visa for just visiting my relatives in USA in the future ?
I mean, will I have problem with getting a visa because of asylum case ?
You should contact the asylum office and withdraw your case. This will make it easier for you to return (though it likely will still be difficult to return on a visitor visa). You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I applied to renew my EAD with form I-912 and I get the waiver approval .USCIS mail me the recipt number and it is stated that my case on process.my question is ,the recipt statement doesn’t mentioned that my previous EAD validity will be extended 180 days ,so do I expect another letter regarding this extension.thank you
I think the receipt normally says that. If not, and you need the automatic extension, maybe your best bet is to make an Info Pass appointment (at http://www.uscis.gov) and talk to USCIS in person. Maybe if you explain the problem, they can issue you a receipt stating that your EAD is extended. Also, I did a posting on January 25, 2017 with some links to the regulations, and these make clear that a person with an asylum-pending EAD is eligible for the automatic extension. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am an international student on F1 visa and I will be graduating next year in May. My country is currently going through a civil war which has been characterized by ethnic killings. Famine has also been declared in the country and my hometown is currently a ghost town due to this targeted ethnic killings and famine. I have lost family members due to this war and I have a credible fear that if I go back, I will be killed.
1.My first question is what will happen to my F1 status if apply for asylum, and I will my school know that I have done so? Will it appear to the school in the system of any sort?
2.My second question is, I plan to go graduate school, and will the history of my asylum application affect my chances of a new 1-20 being issued to me by the graduate school?
3.And finally, if I plan instead to get a job after I graduate. Will the history of my asylum application affect my chances of getting my OPT or a work visa approved?
Thanks
1 – You can apply for asylum and continue in your F-1 status as long as you remain a full time student (but leaving the US and returning or getting a new F-1 visa could be a problem). I think the school will not know that you have filed for asylum, as the application is confidential. 2 – I think as long as you do not leave the US, the asylum application will not impact this. Also, once you get the work permit based on asylum pending, you can use that document to attend school (most schools accept it, but not all). 3 – Asylum should not affect OPT or a work visa, but again, if you leave the US, it could be a different story. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I got my asylum case aproved last year and this year I m going to apply for Green card.i want to change the name of my daughter in the application. It is just a slight adjustment in first and last name..could it be done with green card application or is there any other way to do that?
Regards
I think you cannot do that with a GC application. You can do it when she applies for citizenship, or if you want to do it sooner, I think you have to go to the state court where you live (call the court clerk’s office to ask about this). Once you have the name change, you can apply for the GC under the new name. Take care, Jason
I am applying for asylum in the US. After I win asylum I plan to bring my wife and kid to the USA…until then they will move to Europe and apply for asylum there in Europe…so will them applying for asylum in Europe hurt my success of bringing them here once I win asylum? Will their application for asylum there have any negative consequence for my applying for them to join me here????
Thank you.
If they seek asylum in Europe, it should not hurt your case here. If you win, you can bring them here, even if they already have asylum over there. Take care, Jason
Good day Sir,
Sir i have a question that :
If i want to travel from one state/city to another state/city via air for leisure purpose with my kids while my asylum case is pending, what documents should i carry? and my 3 year old child EAD is expired should i get it renewed before travelling?
Thnak you and God bless you.
You should be fine with your driver’s license, EAD, and asylum receipt. I see no reason why your young child would need an EAD to travel with you. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have an application for afirmative asylum since June 2015 in NY office. I saw according to the bulletin my interview could be soon. How long before to the appointment day I receive the letter with that information?
Thank you.
Usually, you receive it about 3 weeks before the interview. If your interview is coming, make sure you have all your evidence submitted to the asylum office, so they have it for your interview. Take care, Jason
Ok, Thank you Jason!
Hi Jason, I have a question .
How much is the fee for EAD renewal, I have pending I-589 form???
Thanks
In most cases where it is based on asylum pending, it is $410, but you should review the instructions to the form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, one more question .
Can I submit form I-912 with I-765 for renewal, would it be helpfull with the fees, because I don’t have a job at this time and I can’t afford the fees?
Thank you.
You can. Form I-912 allows you to get the EAD without paying the filing fee. The form is kind-of a pain to complete, but it can allow you to save some money. Take care, Jason
Hi,
Sir, i am irfan. I am a b.e. mechanical engineer graduate. I come from kashmir india. Sir i wanna come to us on a visitor/tourist visa and apply for assylum. Sir i wanna clear from you that my case is a country condition. In kashmir there are everyday killings and last year we had 8 months complete shutdown. We want freedom from india as they have occupied us. Its very hard life in kashmir. Also in my country, i mean india, we cannot live peacefully. They torture us mentally and dont give us accomodation and job easily because we are asking freedom from them. Sir, is country condition a firm case on my behalf or it must be personal? Please assist me.
Thanks.
It is not enough that country conditions are dangerous – you have to show a specific problem to you. It could be past harm or the threat of harm, and it must be on account of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or particular social group (a “family” is an example of such a group). Also, you need to show that you cannot relocate safely within India and the government cannot protect you. All that said, it is really not possible to evaluate the likelihood of a successful asylum claim without knowing more about your situation, and so if you want that, you should talk to a lawyer who does US asylum cases and ask for an opinion. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I have a question. My husband has filed in to expedite our case. We are still waiting for the reply. But he has done it by himself. We want to fire our lawyer. What should we do? Do we need to tell the USCIS about it? What’s the procedure to fire a lawyer?
Thanks in advance.
Tell the lawyer. You do not want him/her to do anything more in your case if you are firing the lawyer. Also, if you have not done so, get a copy of everything your lawyer sent to the asylum office (the lawyer is required to give this to you). You should also tell the Asylum Office – you can contact them if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
You should tell the asylum office that you want to fire the lawyer. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Also, tell the lawyer and ask for a copy of your entire case, so you know what the lawyer already filed. Take care, Jason
Hi everyone! Special greetings to Jason and his team. I wish to know if I have to submit another copy of my application for asylum and withholding of Removal(I-589) alongside the application for employment authorization( I-765 ) to uscis.
Secondly, do I have to submit another fingerprinting for the application for employment authorization?
Thanks for your valued exchanges!
You should check the instructions to the I-765 (available at http://www.uscis.gov) for what documents you need to submit. In some cases, we do submit a copy of the I-589, but not for most affirmative applicants. If you are not sure, I suppose there is no harm in sending it. If you do not send it, and USCIS needs it, they will send you a letter asking for more evidence. Most people do not receive a second fingerprints when they apply for an EAD. Take care, Jason
All the best!
hi Jason,
I was reading your all blog comments, in one reply to some one you says you can submit the supporting documents later on before interview,
but I already submitted all supporting documents with my application, is that ok?? ,
kindly advise,
At the time of interview, if there are any necessary updates that you feel will help in your case, you can always submit those originals at the interview. Better contact an attorney.
Some offices do not allow filing documents at the interview (or at least they don’t like it). Contact your local asylum office to ask about filing rules. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
That is fine. If you want to submit more documents later, you can, but you have to follow the rules for your asylum office (in my local office – Virginia – we have to file everything at least one week in advance). Contact the local office to ask about their filing rules if you have questions. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I had filed for an asylum and received a notice stating that I need to go to New Orleans USCIS office for fingerprinting. The letter states that I should go for fingerprinting between 05/28/17-06/11/17 from Mon-Fri 08:00-03:00. Do I still have to make an appointment through USCIS website for a specific date and time or do I just walk in within this timeframe. I had planned on going today but for some reason the New Orleans Office shows as closed on Friday, I am a little confused. If you could shed some light on this, your help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Jay
Based on what you are describing, it sounds like you need to go there anytime during the open period. Why it was closed today, I do not know. Take care, Jason
Good day Sir,
Please Sir check your email, your prompt reply will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
God Bless You.
Hi Jason. my name is Joseph. my asylum case is pending. My clock will stop on July 2nd 2017. cause I received my first letter from USCIS on February 2nd. so I have to request my EAD July 2, 2017.My question is: my wife and my kids 16 and 11 are included into my case. Can I request EAD for them too? Let me tell you, they had TPS since 2010 (Temporary Protection status).I will appreciate you help me to understand. Thank you in advance.
You can request EADs for them too if you want. You may not need it, if the already have an EAD based on TPS, but that is up to you. Take care, Jason
thank you so much Jason. I really appreciated your answer. Let me tell your their current EAD will expire on July 22, 2017. what do you think to submit a new one for them in the same time I will submit my request. for my EAD. this is my first EAD. they are still at school.thank you Jason
Normally, children do not need EADs, but if you do not care about the money, there is no reason not to get them EADs too. Take care, Jason
Sir, I am on a visitor visa and I am seeking asylum. Some one told me that you need to put your case yourself without any proof/details. After 6-12 you can submit all the documents or before your first interview. After your first interview you may need any attorney ….
Sir as I read asylum is a very complex matter…. Is it right to involve your attorney after your first interview…
My opinion is that if you want to use a lawyer, it is better to use the lawyer from the beginning. You can submit your case yourself, and in our office, we do not submit all the supporting documents at the time of filing; we submit it later according to the rules of the asylum office. Take care, Jason
Hi,
What is the fees for renewal of EAD is it still $410 or different as now EAD for 2 years , what is the procedure of renewal without asking assistance from lawyer..
Appreciated your help.
Sorry, I cannot answer specific questions like that as I do not know about your case. You can do it without a lawyer – you just need to read the directions carefully for the I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I’ve submitted my expedite request to Newark asylum request one month ago. I didn’t receive any approval letter so far but yesterday someone from the asylum office called me and ask me if I can make it to the interview for Today or Tomorrow. I said no because I am not ready yet. I told her that I was expecting this expedite request is different from short list. but she said now they just call people on expedite and short lists when there is a space available! and she may again call me back like this for immediate interview in the coming days! this is really frustrating because expedite should be different from short list. If I say yes to her, i cannot guarantee that my lawyer will be available for the interview. Do you think it is possible if I say yes to the asylum office for interview, then call my lawyer, if may lawyer says he cannot go, can I call the asylum office to reschedule it? does it affect my EAD in this situation? Thanks for your time.
I’ve already have my EAD at hand by the way
First, you need to complete your case and submit all the evidence. Unless that is done, you cannot accept an expedite request. As for the lawyer, he needs to be involved in this process and he needs to know what is going on. Expediting a case without completing it or telling your lawyer sets you up to lose your case. Talk to the lawyer and see how he wants to handle the situation. Different offices expedite cases in different ways, and what you are experiencing happens elsewhere as well sometimes. None of this should affect your EAD. Take care, Jason
Thanks for the valuable advice jason! I will submitted additional evidence to the asylum office next week. Actually I have a strong case and it is nearly complete with good evidence. I just want my lawyer available for the interview. I hope they can give me a time frame when they call me next time. take care.
Don’t count on that – if they did not give you advance notice before, I doubt they will do it next time. Tell the lawyer, and hopefully he/she can be prepared and attend, or maybe another lawyer in their firm (or in another firm) can attend. Even if the lawyer cannot attend, at least if the lawyer can prepare you for the interview, that will be a big help. Good luck, Jason
Thank you very much for your time Jason! I will keep your words in mind! really appreciated!!
Hi,
My first EAD is expiring on 25 Sep 2017 please tell how soon before expiring I should apply for the renewal.
I have 3 kids all under 6 years , should it necessary to renew thier EAD. My concern is fees also tell if kids need EAD for school enrollment Etc . All kids have Medicaid if I don’t renew the EAD for them is it effect on Thier Medicaid ,
You can renew your EAD now (I normally recommend that people renew the EAD 120 days in advance, but I believe you can renew up to 180 days in advance). Young children can attend school; they should not need an EAD. I do not know about Medicaid, but you can ask them. If you do want to renew the EADs and try to avoid the fee, you can request a fee waiver using form I-912, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Greeting sir,
Im an Asylum that had my interview in Houston TX 2 years ago. The Houston Asylum Office informed me that its still FBI security check. I’m in limbo sir and lost my patience and getting crazy. I don’t know when will I get a decision regarding my Asylum Case? I’m from Iraq and worked an interpreter with the U.S Army.
Can you help me with anything or take my case Sir?
Unfortunately, this is a pretty common story for people from Iraq. You can contact the asylum office to follow up. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Also, you can contact the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is also at right). Finally, you could try a mandamus lawsuit, but you would need to speak with a lawyer about that, and you cannot really do that until you try the first two options. As for me, I would not be able to assist with a case like that, sorry, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you very much for your informative platform. I have one query and hope you help me on this.
I applied I-589 petition form in Nov-2016. Because of family matter in my home country, I want to apply for expedite. Am I expected to submit the original supporting documents or copy might be enough. I want to know your experience on this.
Thanks
I wrote a blog post about this on March 30, 2017 – maybe that would help. You submit 2 copies. You can submit originals if you want, but I think it is better to submit copies and bring the originals with you to the interview. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason
Hello Jason,
I have been reading your blog for a while and I have been very informed about asylum cases. I have a troubling question and hope you can help me.
My husband, 3 of our children and I applied for asylum and have been shortlisted but still waiting for call for interview. However what can I do now seeing how I our marriage is plague with domestic violence for decades. Now I can’t bear it anymore. I want to seek separation. He is the primary applicant. He even threatened to take my name off. I don’t know what to do because 2 of my daughters are above 21 now (we filled 2014) so I can’t even file for them. They are tired of this domestic violence but I told them we should just wait so that we are granted asylum then I can leave him. Please I need your advice. What should I do or not do? Thank you
Hello, don’t stay in an abusive marriage. The fact that you applied for asylum means you are living legally here. Report him to authority. In fact he will be in trouble. You won’t be deported so don’t fear. You can still win asylum on your own and actually reporting him may be a bonus to your case. Goodluck.
Thank you – Also, there may be a visa available to you if you have been subjected to domestic violence. It is worth discussing with a lawyer as well. Take care, Jason
You should talk to a lawyer, as there are a number of legal issues here. You do not have to be together with him to benefit from his asylum case – as long as you are legally married (i.e., not yet divorced), you can get your asylum too. However, if the Asylum Officer thinks he is committing domestic violence, the asylum case could be denied on that basis. One possibility is for your and your children to leave him and leave the case, and then re-file. Your children who are over 21 will have to file their own cases (assuming that you and your children have a case for asylum). Also, maybe there is a way you can divorce him and somehow keep your and your children’s cases together under your name based on the previous filing (by him), but I do not know about that. There is a link at right called “Affirmative Asylum Procedures Manual” and this may contain an answer to your question. But I think you need to talk to a lawyer to go over all the options, assess whether you have a case of your own, and see whether you can somehow leave his case but keep your own case going. Good luck, Jason
Guys! My EAD was approved today after 60 days(my wife’s took 50 days) in Nebraska Service Center. I have USPS tracking number at hand now. How did I do it? let me explain it to you:
1. register for my USCIS in case tracking website and add your case number to your profile. if USCIS do any update, you will receive phone message or email alert immediately!
2. register for my USPS and enroll in informed delivery (you have to verify your address online or at local post office). Then if someone place a mail for your address, you will have email or phone alert immediately with tracking number. I just got my EAD tracking number and it was just picked up by USPS.
Now, you don’t have to worry about mailing problem and you can track everything, you will have your destiny at hand, do it now!
Thank you – that is helpful. Take care, Jason
Hi Allen ! Can u tell me how much you paid for your renewel EAD ? Cuz i paid only 410 dolors and i got receipet the receipt said 410 for fee and no fee for biometric . I didnt pay for biometric fee is that fine or you paid for biometric too ? Thanks alot
This is my first EAD so I didn’t pay anything. If you received your receipt with 0 bio-metric fee you should be fine! otherwise, they would just deny your case due to wrong filing fee. the people who were denied because of wrong fee were just received denial letter instead of receipt.
Normally, the renewal is $410, and if you received the receipt, it means USCIS accepted it. Take care, Jason
Thanks sir but it is almost 3 weeks i didnt get another reciept fortrucking number it takes long or it will be soon dnt know now they send me another letter or no ? Normally when i receipt the letter after 2 or 3 weeks they send me another letter bytrucking number im confiouse now . Thanks
I really do not understand what you mean. If you received the receipt, you should get the work permit in a few months. Take care, Jason