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,
thanks for your amazing help to the community
I was wondering if you heard about cases who got denied citizenship for visiting their home country due to an emergency.
Thank you,
I have not heard of any such cases. However, it is a possibility, and so it is important to save evidence about the emergency and keep any return trip as short as possible. Also, you need to be prepared to explain why you returned to your country and how you stayed safe. Take care, Jason
Good Morning Jason,
Hope you doing well i just want to know right now i am on a EAD through asylum and i want to sponsor my mom and dad to come over here for visit for 3 month so can my mom and dad apply for visitor visa in my home country on my sponsor to come here to visit us and my little baby. please advise me.
Thanks Jason
take care
If you are in asylum pending case you can’t bring somebody for visitor. Because you don’t have any status yet.
with adding above question, i want to asked you a question. my asylum case is being approved in December 2017 can i able to bring my parents to america in visiting visa.
You cannot sponsor them – you can invite them and they can apply for visa. Only a US citizen can sponsor a parent. You may be able to be a financial sponsor for them (form I-134, available at http://www.uscis.gov), which may make it easier for them to get a visa. But you will have to check the form, as I do not know whether an asylee is eligible to be a sponsor on the form I-134. Take care, Jason
You cannot really sponsor them – you can invite them. But the fact that you sought/are seeking asylum may make it more difficult for them to get visas. They certainly can try though. They will need to convince the embassy that they will leave the US at the end of their visit. Take care, Jason
thank you so much Jason Dzubow for your reply really appreciated and its very helpful. i dont think they will give visiting visa to parents i guess i have to wait till i become american citizen.second after i being approved i did nothing much just waiting for one year period so i able to apply for green card then i eliglible to apply for national guard. my i on right track???
If you are interested in the National Guard, you should talk to them about the requirements to join. I think you need a GC, but I am not sure. Once you are a citizen, you can sponsor your parents for their own GCs. Take care, Jason
Hi friends,
I’ve benefited much from this blog so I thought I’d share my timeline, with the hope it might be helpful to someone.
I-589 sent by USPS to the Nebraska Service Center: March 13th, 2018
Package received: March 15th, 2018
Letter of “Acknowledgement of Receipt” received: March 21st, 2018
Fingerprint letter dated March 19, 2018 and received March 24th, 2018 set Biometrics Appointment date: April 2nd, 2018
Received interview letter last Friday: My interview will take place 42 days after filing my petition!!!
Thank you for sharing this – what state are you located in? Take care, Jason
Hey
I am really apprecaite all what u r doing here..
Can you advise if we can file a mandamus lawsuit by myself or I have to hire Lawyer?
What is the benefits to use mandamus lawsuit as I tried everything to get the result of my interview after 0.5 year of waiting of background check?
Best Regards
Did you try the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is at right. The mandamus will likely get you a decision, but if the asylum office cannot grant (for example, because background checks are not complete), the case might be denied. At least you will be in court, which seems generally better about making decisions. I recommend you talk to a lawyer about such cases, as it can be complicated. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason. How we can check our address is correct on UCSIS
You can try contacting/emailing the asylum office to ask. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
hi jason i want to ask it is true after asylum interviews can dial 8008987180 to check the interview result？i check after a week from my asylum interview！sadly i hear
my name but i did not get court information about time and judge？thanks your answer
That is the phone number for people with court cases. So if your asylum case is referred to court, you can get some info about the case by calling that number. It may be several weeks or months before your first hearing is scheduled. Call the number once a week or so, and you will (eventually) learn your first court date. The court should also send you a written notice of this, so make sure to keep your address updated using form EOIR-33. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason!
Thanks for your help for everyone!
I applyed for asylum on may 2017 and just got the EAD card, it sais that the cars expires on October 26 2019.. Is that mean that I shouldn’t expect an interview till than?
Do you have any idea around how long should I expect an interview with all the new policies and rules of uscis?
Thank you.
All EAD cards for asylum pending are for 2 years; that is not related to when your interview might be. As for the interview, no one knows when it will be scheduled. I wrote something related to that on February 28, 2018. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I am trying to withdraw my asylum application that I did 2 months ago because I found that I am no longer in danger of persecution. I did not appear at the Biometrics and request the USCIS office to withdraw it. But USCIS keeps asking me to take biometrics with new schedule to properly withdraw asylum application. I am really worried about future immigration issues after taking fingerprints. So, should I appear at biometrics and withdraw asylum application or should I just leave it so that they are left with no biometrics evidences? which was is safest? What are the possible consequences of withdrawing asylum. I do not want to make any major mistakes as I am so scared and lost. I have valid J1 visa and cannot really afford a lawyer. Please help me, Jason.
in any way, your chance for future non-immigrant visa is slim to none in the near future.it doesn’t matter if you withdraw your asylum application or not. If USCIS ask your provide biometrics to withdraw, you should do that. Don’t assume that USCIS is stupid. they already have evidence that you have applied for asylum.
Thank you very much, Allen. Could you please elabotate the possible consequences after withdrawing asylum? After withdrawing, I need to go back my home country for family issues and then would like come back to US to continue my work here. My friends in my home country are having problems to come back United States after they withdrew their asylum case. Would that be happened to me? Could anyone can please help me out with safer suggestions for my future? God bless you all.
I highly recommend to you. Don’t withdraw your application. When they denied your case go to court it takes a few years. Otherwise you might never get residency
unfortunately same thing will happen to you. I believe the possibility if 100%. Because once you leave US, you will have to re-apply another J1 visa, which is non-immigrant visa. Once you apply for asylum in the states, you cannot get another non-immigrant visa for many years. However, you can get immigrant visa like H1b. so if you can apply for this, this is the only way that I believe you can come back.
I think that h1b visa is not immigrant visa.
It is a non-immigrant visa, but it is also “dual intent”, meaning that even if you intend to stay permanent in the US, you can still get the visa. Visas such as the B, F and J are not dual intent, and if the embassy thinks you will stay in the US permanently or otherwise violate the visa, they will deny the visa. Take care, Jason
Thank you all. These information are really helpful. I am having same issue. Would you mind telling about any possible way to extend my stay and getting green card after withdrawing asylum? I also have J1 visa and two years rule is applied to me. I came here without government fund and I am not a doctor, I don’t know why 2 yrs rule is applied. Would it be possible to waive it and other way else? Much appreciated. My heart is start aching.
There are other ways to stay, but it depends on your case – talk to a lawyer about that. As for the J1 waiver, you would need that in certain instances if you want to stay longer or you apply for a green card. It is possible to get such a waiver, but it can be difficult, and again, I would recommend you talk to a lawyer for help. Take care, Jason
Hi Rachel, if you are still in J1 status, you may be able to apply for a waiver. Even if you are self supported, the institution that sent you to USA should agree to waive your 2 year home residency request. If your asylum is based on government threat and the institution sent you to USA is one of your home government agencies, that will be a problem for you if they agree to waive your home residency. You can extend you J1 visa without any problem if you stay in the same place. If you change your work place, then it is very likely that you 1 visa extension will be denied. Again, J1 is exchange Visa, you cannot go to Green Card from this visa. You will have to covert it to H1b first and green card will come after many years. Also keep in mind, J1 visa has 5 year bar for everyone, which means, you can stay in the US for 5 years at most with J1 visa, after that you will have leave USA and there is no waiver for that. your only option is to convert your j1 visa to other type in 5 years. I
I would just add that the J1 waiver is useless by itself. It only helps if you have some other way to remain in the US, such as sponsorship for a GC through your employer or spouse. Take care, Jason
Allen, thank you very much. These are really supportive information. God bless you all, guys.
Even if you can successfully withdraw, it may be more difficult to get certain types of visas – like a B, F or J. For these visas, the embassy will generally deny them if they think you plan to remain in the US, and your asylum application may cause them to think that. You can counter this impression with evidence that you will leave the US at the end of your stay. An H1b visa or an L visa should not be impacted, so they may be worth a try if you qualify. Take care, Jason
I recommend you contact the asylum office or go there in person to ask about withdrawing. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. It is not always easy to withdraw, and even if you do it successfully, sometimes the case is stilt referred to court (where you end up with a deportation order). The biometrics office can not assist you – they just take biometrics; nothing more. Hopefully, the asylum office itself can advise you. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, thank you for making blogs and giving suggestions on immigration cases. I have one question. After an immigration judge denies my case, can I still marry to US citizen and stay?
If the judge denies your case and you appeal, you can marry and still get the GC (assuming your are eligible). If the case is finished (meaning no appeal, or the appeal was denied), you have to file a motion to reopen, which is much more difficult and depends on the situation. Normally, such a motion must be filed within 90 days of the case ending. Talk to a lawyer for help with such a case, as it is a bit tricky. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
What do you think about this : we ordered a new card to be produce for you in this date and it will be mailed to your address. Can you explain please ? It has to do with ead.
Thanks,
That is normally a message for the EAD. Take care, Jason
Jason, what do you think about “Catch and release” ending by trump? It says it will give a right to detain those who are awaiting their court hearings.
Is this rule is also applied to those asylum seekers awaiting court hearing?
The “catch and release” thing is for people who arrive at the border. The term (as are many of his terms) is deceptive and does not really reflect reality. In any event, they invent their own reality and then implement policies to hurt innocent people. We’ll see how it is implemented. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I’m wondering if there is any source I can find the entire asylum workload statistics of at least the last 5 years?
Thank you,
None that I know of. I did a post on February 7, 2018 with a link to the stats from the Quarterly Stakeholder Meeting. You would have to look at that data for each quarter. I think there is no place on the internet where it is aggravated. Take care, Jason
Jason, they say usually chances of getting approval with IJ is higher than interview at Asylum office.
How true is that statement?
I find that to be generally true, but it depends on the IJ. You can check the statistics for many IJs if you Google “TRAC Immigration”. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I’am waiting for my decision since November 27th from the Chicago office. I enquired about my case twice but it says that it is still pending. My case was expedited due to my kid’s psychological issues. Her condition is getting worse day by day. What do you think can I expedite my decision? Did you have any luck of expediting decisions?
Thanks in advance.
Have you changed your address after the interview?
No, I haven’t.
It is very difficult to expedite decisions. You can contact them again and remind them of your child’s health issue. You can also try the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is at right. If all else fails, you can file a mandamus lawsuit. Talk to a lawyer about that. Take care, Jason
Jason, after my case referral to IJ about a month ago, today I received Master Hearing notice.
Is Master Hearing the first step to stand before IJ?
I am planning to move, do you think I can still change my address at this point?
Thanks.
So roughly 1.5 months have passed since I had my asylum interview and I got Master Hearing notice scheduled for Aug this year. Is this notmal flow to your experience or are cases moving faster?
When usually people get their individual interviews scheduled in your area?
Thanks.
What does master hearing mean?
First time you see a judge for 15 minute introduction on your case.
I wrote about that on March 7, 2018. Take care, Jason
It is pretty normal. I do not think cases referred these days are moving any faster (even though we were told that they would). At least I have not seen that. Take care, Jason
You can change your address – use form EOIR-33. As for the Master Hearing, I wrote a posting that might be helpful on March 7, 2018. Take care, Jason
Both answers are greatly appreciated. Thanks Jason.
Hi Jason!
I have just received my asylum interview notice in the Arlington office. Do you have any spanish-english interpreters you work with that can assist me on that day? I do not have an attorney and filed the asylum case on my own.
Thank you!
Could you tell us when did you apply?
A month ago.
I do have a very good one – if you email me at jdzubow@dzubowlaw.com, I will send you her contact info. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I can feel that all the asylum applicants are entirely neglected in the US. Even there are least articles, news, journals, and TV reports can be found about asylum. “The Asylumist” is the ONLY source that can update us and tell us “You are here”. I do want to appreciate your great persistent help for all those applicants. Thank you.
Danyar
Thank you – I do think there are many people interested in this topic. For example, Google “John Oliver Immigration Court” and you will see a good (and funny) piece about Immigration Court. Take care, Jason
Hi Team,
I am currently on TPS and decision pending for asylum. I had my asylum interview 2 years ago but not decision has been mailed yet. Will i be able to travel to a third country with an advance parole from TPS? Will there be any problem?
You should be able to do that, but it depends on the case. To be safe, talk to a lawyer about the specifics of your situation. Take care, Jason
Is there somebody has information about denied citizenship. I saw some news about who get benefit such as snap,food,cash or tax credit. Us government denied their application
The government is changing some rules to try to block people from getting citizenship or other immigration benefits if they used means-tested assistance. I do not think that is implemented yet, but it sounds like it is coming. Take care, Jason
I came across some interesting details concerning background/security checks for asylees in an internal DHS memo, and thought it might be of interest to the Asylumist community:
“Once biometrics are collected, they are submitted for enrollment in DHS’s Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) for vetting against the Department of Defense (DoD) Automated Biometric Information System (ABIS), and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for vetting against the Next Generation Information (NGI) system. The results are uploaded into RAPS.
RAPS also automatically initiates several background, identity, and security checks, querying records held by DHS (e.g., ICE ENFORCE Alien Removal Module (EARM)), the FBI (including FBI name check30) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). RAPS receives and stores the results of these automatically initiated checks. In addition to automatically initiated checks, asylum data may be used for additional background, identity, and security checks during the process of vetting a case for adjudication.
These may include the use of classified systems, social media checks, analysis by the CBP National Targeting Center, or other forms of analysis and verification, the results of which may be stored in RAPS or APSS.
Results of Background and Security Checks Results of background and security check systems are stored in RAPS. Depending on the system, checks are based on biographic search parameters (e.g. name and date of birth) or biometric search parameters. Results are added to RAPS for newly filed applications and can be updated whenever a check is reinitiated to renew an expiring check or prior to a decision.
Each check and law enforcement system is briefly summarized below.
• CBP TECS31 performs a check on the individual’s name and date of birth and returns a positive or negative response to RAPS or APSS.
• ICE ENFORCE Alien Removal Module (EARM)32 performs a check on the individual’s A-Number and returns a positive or negative response to RAPS.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprint Check,33 through Next Generation Identification (NGI), performs recurring biometric record checks pertaining to criminal history and immigration data. A check on the individual’s biometrics returns the date of the applicant’s biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC), the date the biometrics were sent to the FBI, and the date and result of the check. All FBI fingerprint check requests and responses are routed to NGI via the USCIS Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) and IDENT. There is no direct connection between the FBI’s NGI and CPMS.
• FBI Name Check35 inspects all names and dates of birth used by the individual that are entered into RAPS or APSS and submits them via RAPS or APSS to the FBI. The FBI Name Check response is stored in RAPS or APSS.
• DHS Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT)36 provides a biometric record check related to travel and immigration history for individuals, including immigration violations, and law enforcement and national security concerns. A check on the individual’s biometrics returns the individual’s encounter identification number assigned by Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)/IDENT, the dates that the information is collected and uploaded to the system, and the nature of the record into RAPS.
• Department of Defense (DoD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)37 is a biometric record check of DoD holdings.38 A check on the individual’s biometrics returns the individual’s DoD ABIS vetting result and result date into RAPS. All DoD fingerprint check requests and responses currently flow through CPMS via ESB. There is no direct connection between ABIS and CPMS. CPMS generates a daily report of DoD ABIS vetting results for applicants vetted that day, and this data is entered into RAPS.
• National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) performs a check on the individual’s biographic information contained in RAPS that is submitted to the NCTC.
Thank you, Jason
Hi Jason and team,
I chose an immigration firm to file my affirmative asylum on January 27, 2018 after the attorney told me he will take 30 days to prepare and file my application even though I was requesting for 3 weeks.
He drew a contract which we signed. I just realised now that he did not state that he will take about 30 days in the contract (as we agreed).
He had submitted a copy of the application to me since February 24th, 2018 stating that he completed the findings and my file is complete.
However, up till today April 02, he has not submitted my application and he hardly emails me. I find difficulty getting to home on phone as well and he stated in the contract that withdrawing my application will result in non refund of any paid money.
What advice can you give me please?
Just try to find better one. Don’t forget time is running
First, the system changed on January 29, 2018 – before, we could just file the asylum form and a few documents, so we could prepare cases quickly. Now, however, interviews will be scheduled faster, and so we need to prepare the whole case – this takes more time, and so it is reasonable that the lawyer is taking more time. That said, it sounds like the contract is not proper. As far as I know, attorneys cannot write a “non-refundable” contract. We bill for each hour we work, and if we have not worked many hours, we must refund any non-earned money. In reality, of course, it is not easy to get a refund. Talk to the lawyer and see what you can work out. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, do u have an estimation of acceptance rate for the motion to reconsider/appeal to asylum office’s decision? I mean I just wanted to apply for that before my case goes to court!
I have never seen that – My guess is that it is pretty low. If you do try it, you need to do so in less than 30 days after the date of the decision. Take care, Jason
I am a physically challenged from west Africa, till date our country has not sign a law protecting a right of person with disability. So there is lot of discrimination and low life for disable person. When i met a woman to marry, the family of my wife refused that i will not marry her simply because the country has made them to accept that every disable person isnt equal to other people. They said is over their dead body will they allow it to happened but alone the line my she has to live with me and got pregnant, they force her to abort it and she refused. When they found out that there is nothing that they can do about it and they dont want the family name to be dent that their daugter got pregnant out of wedlock, the father now asked my family to come and pay her bride price but that they dont want me to be there so my family came and pay the bride price and they said there will be no church wedding. Ever since them they family is looking for a way to make sure that they Eliminate so that their daugter will remarry to a complete person. I have had series of attacked ever since the marriage. We started life in one state where i was working as a contract performing athlete, they attacked me so many times that i have to leave the state to state and being a good para table tennis player, the state offered me a contract to work with them and as i was there, attacked continue that my wife suggest that we should relocate to another state and we moved to another state and there they still offered me contract. Even right there in Delta the attacked continue so i decided to leave my Country to another country and apply for asylum. I want to know if i am eligiable to grant asylum with this my story and what you suggest that i should do.
Na naija u be abii. Dem no d grant naija asylum. Wuna guys don spoil everywgere..try ur luck sha
This sounds like it would be a strong asylum case if you were in the US. Other countries may have different laws (though they are all usually pretty similar). To apply for asylum in the US, you would have to be physically present in the US. It is probably the same in other countries, but you would have to ask a lawyer in the country where you intend to go. Good luck, Jason
Thanks
Hi, Jason,
I have q , what co8 and a05 catergory stand in asylum case, it’s was mentioned in EAD card,
Kindly advise , thanks
Here is a link:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/automatic-employment-authorization-document-ead-extension
C08 is asylum pending; A05 is asylum granted. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Last week I sent a email to my asylums office about checking my interview date . I received a reply today they said “Your case is active and pending interview.”
Can u tell me what’s the mean? It means my interview coming soon or what ? Amd they don’t answer my question about the status of interview.
Thanks a lot.
I think it just means your case is in the queue. If you want to try to expedite, I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
by the way I applied to Arlington office
Hi Jason,
I have 3 questions:
1. I’ve applied my asylum case in end of December 2017 and get acknowledgement in beginning of January 2018. With the new reform, do the immigration office started calling those applied in 2018?
2. During the interview, what are the possible questions? I know it will be depend on the case. But from your experience where should I focus and spent my time?
3. I am a primary applicant and my wife is a dependent. In what condition my wife need to apply a separate I-589?
Thanks!
1 – I do not know – I wrote about that on February 28, 2018. 2 – It depends on the case. I wrote something about that on September 8, 2016. 3 – If she has a claim for asylum, she may be able to do that, but usually that is not a great idea. Talk to a lawyer to decide whether that is a good option. Take care, Jason
Hello Sir
please myinterview i scheduoed to hold nextweek but my lawyer says he already has some asylum cases to handle for my date and time and that he is sorry he wont be able to take up my case. i have just four days left, do i still get another lawyer or just attend the interview myself
Attend by yourself; DO NOT STOP Your clock!
I will suggest you to attend yourself, this is an interview not a trial and I don’t think your attorney can intervene during the interview. PLEASE AGAIN GO AND ATTEND, you have been waiting for long time and you don’t know what will happened tomorrow.
It is better to have a lawyer if possible. You can also contact the asylum office and ask to reschedule so that your lawyer is available. It seems unfair that your lawyer would leave you alone without a back-up attorney to cover the case. If you want to try to reschedule, you can find the asylum office contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. This will normally only delay the case for a few weeks. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
The Secretary of my political party in my home country issued me an affidavit of support of facts to support my claim for Asylum and in support of the affidavit she attached a copy of her driving liscense, birth certificate and party complimentary card. What do you think about that? I was thinking in addition of asking her to write me a letter using the political party letter head stating that she is the deponent of the affidavit to support my case. What is your comment…Looking forward to your feedback and thanks for your services.
Regards
All that sounds fine. Maybe you can also go on-line and include a news article from a credible source mentioning that she is the head of the party. Take care, Jason
I am an American citizen and have been living in America for 11 years. I have a quadriplegic daughter and her husband living in Vryheid, South Africa. How can I get asylum for them as they are living in immediate danger because of this land grab. They are farmers and already 3 nearby farms have been attacked and people tortured and murdered. It is only a matter of time their farm will be next. How can I get my daughter over here as soon as possible. This cant wait.
They can apply for tourist visas. Also, you can petition them (form I-130, available at http://www.uscis.gov), but that takes several years. There is also humanitarian parole (form I-131). I recommend you talk to a lawyer who specializes in non-immigrant visas, as there are many types of visas, and maybe the lawyer can determine whether there is a good visa for them. Take care, Jason
Good evening.!At the moment I’m waiting for an interview on political asylum.My bride and her 2 children are going to come here,to LA,using their tourist visas B1/B2.I’m going to add some information to my case concerning the changes in my marital status because we are going to marry in summer 2018.The question is..what is the rightest and the best way in this situation to make sure that my future wife has an ability to leave the USA to visit her relatives in her motherland.As for me I can’t do this.
If she is a dependent on your case and gets asylum (and assuming she is from the same country as you), she may be able to go to the home country for a visit, but the level of risk depends on the case, and so you should talk to a lawyer about that. The risk goes down once she gets a GC and is probably gone if she is a US citizen. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason,for answer.
My feonsi from different country.
Hi Jason, My asylum case was referred to a an immigration judge yesterday from Arlington office but the notice of appear doesn’t state the exact date to appear rather it reads TBD(which I think means to be determined) so my question is do u have any idea on how many months or years will it take to appear before the immigration judge? Thanks!
Hi Misle,
Sorry for the result. As far as I know, individual hearings are being scheduled for late 2020 in VA at the moment. Can I ask how long did you wait for this answer after your interview?
2 weeks Allen!
It varies by judge – some judges in VA will resolve the case within a year and a half; other judges might take 4 or 5 years. Most judges are probably under 2 years. Take care, Jason
Jason, is there a website where you can check how fast the cases are moving with Immigration Judges across the country?
Maybe if you Google “TRAC Immigration” and look around that website, they will have something about it, but I do not think there is a website with a schedule based on individual judges, and given how cases are scheduled, I am not sure that such a data could even be generated (since judges sometimes schedule cases in unpredictable ways depending on openings within their docket). Take care, Jason
Good morning Jason,
Quick question I applied for asylum 2016, I don’t hear anything still about interview, I’m finishing my PhD next month can I apply for the EB1 at the same time my asylum is still going?
Thank you,
You can – as long as you are “in status”, you can apply for the green card in the US. But if you are out of status (meaning, you have no status other than pending asylum), you probably have to leave the US to get your GC. Talk to a lawyer for help with that (and the EB1). Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I would like just to share my experience from the interview I had couple days ago. Interpreter that I have hired, even stating that he is professional in his work, show up one hour later. So I could not check in for the Interview.
I was so upset. I was lucky and USCIS told me that they will reschedule my interview instead sending me to the immigration judge straight. Now my Work permit clock is stooped.
My question is next time when I show up on the Interview are they gonna reset my clock to zero and start counting from zero or 45 days that has passed so far will be included?
Guys be very careful about who you hire and how they will come to the interview so they don’t miss the address or the time of your interview.
Thanks in advance for your answer Jason.
Hi. When did you file your application?
I filed in Mid February.
You asylum clock is stopped at 45 on your scheduled interview day. it will remain as 45 until your next interview date. If you attend that interview, it will start from 45 again…
The clock should re-start from where it left off (45 days). Hopefully, you will have better luck with the interpreter next time. Take care, Jason
Hi everyone. Do you anybody who filed application on December 2017 before new rule and schedule interview? I mean that has new rule started at any states?
None of our clients who filed in 2017 have yet been scheduled for an interview. Take care, Jason
Thanks jason. Please everybody share info
Hello,
I’m from the middle east. I’ve applied for asylum and had my interview one month ago.
The interview went very friendly and it was only for almost two hours. The officer told me that they will mail the decision to my address because I’m still in status. It’s been a month now and i didn’t get any reply. my friend said that because I traveled once to Syria in 2009 this my effect the timing as they will need more time for investigation and security check.
Anyone had the same situation and is it really taking that long for the decision to be sent?
Thanks a lot
I know that some people are waiting more than 5 years to get decision after interview . But most of applicant got in a few weeks.
By the way. When did you file ?
Interview date?
it was really fast. i filed in Jan 2018, got the interview at the end of Feb.
Decision wait times are very unpredictable – it could come today, or it might take many months. If you do not have a response in a month or two, you can email the asylum office to inquire about the case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Dear Sir
Greetings!
I live in Belle Glade, Florida 33430. I am asylum applicant from Bangladesh and submit my asylum application at SCIS Texas Service Ltd, P. O. Box 851892,Mesquite, TX 75185-1892
I want to expedite my application. Pls tell me at which asylum office I should submit the application and what is that office address.
I am waiting for your kind
Thanks & Regards
Chandan
You have to contact the local asylum office. I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
I live in Chicago, and my case was transferred to immigration judge. I have had so many problems with local attorneys and dont want to deal with them again.
Can I move my case to VA judge just because I want to hire you? Or do I need to change my residence too?
Is it ok to say in court that I changed the court because of an attorney?
Please tell us.
When did you fIle your application?
When did you get interview?
When did you get final decision?
Filed in Dec 2015
Got interviewed Jan 2018
2 weeks after got decision in Chicago
Thank you. Good luck
You can move anywhere you want, but I would recommend you try again to look for a lawyer in Chicago. There are many lawyers there and hopefully, if you talk to a few, you can find a good one. If you move, you have to update your address with the court and DHS using form EOIR-33, and then they may move your case to the new jurisdiction. Sometimes, you have to specifically request that the case be moved. Also, if you move and hire a lawyer in your new location, the lawyer can move the case for you. Take care, Jason
Jason, may I know why it is better to find local attorney without transferring?
What are the main Cos and Pros?
Will the case take too long to review if transferred?
Thanks.
If you find an attorney in the location where you plan to move the case, then the attorney can help you move the case, and since the lawyer is local, he/she should be more familiar with the office and it will be cheaper to attend the interview. Take care, Jason
Many thanks Jason!
Jason, what is the main difference between free lawyers provided by state for low income families and you guys? Are the free one usually less experienced or newbies?
Only a few states provide free lawyers. As for the difference, I do not know. Many of them are probably very good. You would have to meet with the individual lawyers to evaluate what you think. Take care, Jason
One more question. If I was referred to IJ today, how many steps are there of seeing IJ? I heard there is Master Calendar hearing then Individual hearing. What are these hearings all about?
Appreciate your efforts.
I wrote about that on March 7, 2018. Take care, Jason
Jason, I was referred to IJ today. How long does it typically take to get hearing scheduled?
Is it possible for me to move to different state at this point? How do I change courts? Do I need to write a letter with a request?
sorry for the result. I heard that someone was scheduled for a master hearing just 3 weeks after being referred. However, individual hearing could take 2-3 years. Can I ask how long did you wait for the this answer after your interview?
Thanks Allen,
It took them 2 weeks to respond to my case. Is Individual hearing the first step of seeing a judge?
I did a posting on March 7, 2018 that discusses the process in detail. Take care, Jason
It varies by court and by judge. It may ne a month or two, or it could be many months. If you move, you have to file a change of address with the court and DHS using form EOIR-33. The problem is that you may not receiving a hearing notice if you move and the address does not get changed (and if the case is not yet filed with the court, I am not sure how you can change the address). You can call 800-898-7180 and enter your Alien number into the system – it will tell you your next court date. You can call every few days to make sure you do not miss your court date. I would recommend you have a lawyer for court, and if you do that, the lawyer should be able to help with all this. Take care, Jason
Very helpful info. Thank you sir.
hello Jason,
I wanted to ask you that my husband was granted asylum a year ago and now he will get his green card in june.. Well mine and my kids visa has been approved in Pakistan we are travelling soon… will I and my kids get LPR? can i divorce my husband once i arrive in US? we have been married 9 years now… it is very difficult for me to stay with him… can i remarry back in my country?
Please let me know
Thank You,
Simran
If you are coming to the US based on approved I-730 forms, you will have asylum when you get here, and you can apply for your green cards after one year. If you divorce before you have the GC, I believe you will lose your asylum status. Talk to a lawyer about that. As for marrying someone in your country, you could get divorced and do that, but I do not know how you would keep your status in the US or bring him here. You would need to discuss the specifics of your situation with a lawyer to see what you can do. Take care, Jason
Jason, I had my interview 2 weeks ago. On the letter I was given after the interview, it says I need to appear at asylum office at a certain date and time. Is it a must to appear or is it just a standard letter?
You must appear (unless they call you and tell you not to). You should get your decision when you show up at that appointment. Good luck, Jason
Thank you Jason.
hi
I was granted asylum one year ago in new jersey. I am now ready to apply for the green card but can u provide me info how long its gonna take me to receive my green card. and do they again interview u or u just receive you card after biometrics?
I think they are still not interviewing people if you were the principal asylum applicant, but I am not 100% sure (since they seem to change their policy every other day). As for the time frame, maybe 10 to 12 months is a good guess, but that is very unpredictable, so it could certainly be longer. Take care, Jason
Hi Mr. Jason
As there is no scheduling bulletin, I appreciate it alot if anyone could give any information about the year they applied and their interviewing status, Do they interview September 2016 cases.
I am in Houston , waiting for my interview filled on September 2016. Does anyone know about the Houston asylum office ?
Can u tell me something about asylum office in Houston?
Thank you.thanks a lot
I do not have info about Houston, sorry, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for all your information. One lady I know said, she submitted her application for green card 90 days before she completed one year physical presence from her grant of asylum. And she got her green card with no problem. So I am confused as the rules states that one can apply only when one has fulfilled the one year physical presence rule. But she submitted hers before 90 days and succeeded.
1. So does that mean we can submit our green card application before we complete the one year physical presence.
We are all in asylee status.
Thank you sir.
I would not rely on that lady. Maybe she got lucky. Maybe she did this 30 years ago. Who knows? We used to submit GC applications 30 days before the one year, but then one got rejected and so since then, I submit them after the full year. The delay of a rejection is not worth saving a month (or three) in my opinion, but you can try. The worst outcome is that USCIS will send it back and you will need to re-mail it. If you try, let us know what happens. Take care, Jason
Dear Sir,
I have asked question and it was showing on your blog page. Plz tell me where I can find the reply because today only few reply showing on your blog.
Thanks
Try “archieves” list on the left. Should take you there. Couple of options come up after you click the month, not sure which one to choose after that.
There are some technical problems with some of the pages, particularly this page (Bloggers). I have not had time to correct that, and so you may do better to post it again on a different page. But I think this was my response to you: Moving a case to a different office can take several months, but you keep your place in the queue. If you get public benefits, it should not affect an asylum case. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason
Hi Jason,
I got my EAD last week i just want to know can i apply for any other status from the EAD approval because i see its take long time to interview so if possible can you suggest me which status do change from the EAD to any other please.
Thanks
Whether you can apply for another status depends on the specifics of your situation – talk to a lawyer to go over the specifics. But if your only status is asylum pending, the EAD approval does not help you to change to another status. Take care, Jason
Hi greetings
I have quick q , while you go for an asylum interview or if your case approved you must have valid passport , to apply green card etc, kindly reply, thanks
If you win asylum, you do not need a passport to apply for your GC. Some asylum seekers come here without a passport – that should not be an issue. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason.
Have you heard anything about Real ID?
It’s a new type of DL…. my question is, do you know anything about it? Do u know if it will be possible to make one for Asylum ap. With EAD?
Have a small trip to FL by plane, is it still safe to fly for ssylum applicants with no criminal records? Can u guys share the info about it? Jason your experience as always gladly appreciated.
For people with no criminal issues, I have not heard about any asylum seeker having trouble flying. Take care, Jason
Regarding DLs, I believe it just contains certain identity requirements. I think with your EAD, you will be able to satisfy the requirements, but I have not specifically looked into that, and so I am not sure. Take care, Jason