In my house, we have young children who love books. We have to read to them all the time (at breakfast, at dinner, before bed – oy, it makes me crazy). Below are some books we’ve read that relate to my profession: Asylum and immigration. I’ve also included a few books that have crossed my desk for older kids or teens.
Of course, these subjects can be pretty heavy. How do you talk to young children about fleeing home, moving to a new place, separation from family? Thankfully, all this is outside my own children’s experience. But I do think it is important for them to learn about it. In part, because I work with refugees, but mostly, because it is a reality for many people, and children need to understand their world.
I must admit that the below list is pretty random. People gave us these books, or we found them at the library. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive list, check out BRYCS (Bridging Refugee Youth & Children’s Services), the “What Do We Do All Day?“ blog, and the Institute for Humane Education. But, for what it’s worth, here is my reading list for small, medium, and large children interested in a very grown-up issue:
Hannah Is My Name by Belle Yang (2004) – This is the story of a young girl who moves with her parents from Taiwan to San Francisco in the 1960s. She gives up her Chinese name, Na-Li, and takes an American name: Hannah. The girl and her family struggle in America while waiting and waiting for their green cards. A lawyer (or notario?) named Mr. Choo has helped the family with their paperwork, but there seems to be no progress and the family is stuck waiting for a decision (sound familiar?). At one point, the father has to escape from INS agents. This is a brightly colored book that really gave my children some idea about what I do in the office (waiting and more waiting). This book is probably appropriate for pre-school and elementary school-age children.
The Arrival by Shaun Tan (2007) – This is a graphic novel without words. It is probably more appropriate for middle and high school-age kids, but since I love it, I read it (assuming you can “read” a book with no words) to my elementary school-age children. The illustrations in the book are magnificent, and convey a sense of moving to a new, unfamiliar land. The book tells the story of a family living in a repressive and dangerous city. The father moves to a strange new country, where he must adapt, find work, and send for his family. This is probably my favorite illustrated book about the refugee experience. It is a moving and positive story about how people can help each other.
How I learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz (2008) – When he was four years old, author Uri Shulevitz and his family fled Poland and found refuge in Central Asia. It was World War II, and conditions in their new home were bleak. They barely had enough to eat, and so when Uri’s father spends the family’s dinner money on a large world map, Uri is understandably angry (and hungry). This book tells the story of how the young author uses the map and his imagination to escape his difficult existence and “explore” the world. In the end, Uri comes to appreciate his father’s wisdom. This is a beautifully illustrated and poetic book, which covers a challenging topic in a way that elementary-age children can understand and appreciate.
Two While Rabbits by Jairo Buitrago and Rafael Yockteng (2015) – This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a little girl and her father who are traveling from Central America to the United States. Sometimes, they stop so that the father can work to earn more money for their trip. Why they are traveling and whether they reach their destination, we do not know. But the sights and experiences of the migration are shown from the perspective of the young girl, who spends her time counting the people, animals, and objects she encounters on the journey. As adults, we see a dangerous ride atop a freight train, menacing soldiers or a treacherous boat ride across a wide river. The girl in the story is barely aware of the danger. She focuses more on the beauty she encounters on her trip. There is a lot going on in this book visually, and my children enjoyed talking about the pictures and wondering about the girl’s journey. This story is appropriate for pre-school and elementary-age children.
Illegal by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, and Giovanni Rigano (2018) – This graphic novel is for teens or adults. I read it, but my children are still too young for a story like this. Illegal tells the story of two brothers who leave Niger, cross the Sahara, and try to reach Europe. The story is fiction, but the incidents portrayed are taken from real-life events. The book gives readers an idea about the difficult and very dangerous journey that many people take from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe. The themes are necessarily mature, and though the worst issues (such as rape and murder) are not directly shown, there are plenty of scary incidents, including the deaths of many migrants. This is a sad, yet hopeful tale, which humanizes people who are too often treated as less than human.
An Olympic Dream: The Story of Samia Yusuf Omar by Reinhardt Kleist (2015) – This graphic novel is similar to Illegal, with a greater emphasis on the sad than the hopeful. It tells the true story of Samia Yusuf Omar, who represented Somalia in the 2008 Olympics. After the Games, she returned to her country where opportunities to train–especially for women–were limited (to put it mildly). To escape the threats and fulfill her dream of returning to the Olympics, she fled Somalia for Europe. Sadly, Samia died en route (and by the way, I am not really spoiling the story here–Samia’s death is described in the book’s introduction). While the story is depressing, the author conveys the sense of the journey and does a good job humanizing his subject. This book is appropriate for teens and adults.
Of course, this is just a sampling of the many books that discuss migration and asylum. What these books have in common is that they tell a very human story–the struggle for safety and freedom in a difficult and dangerous world. In this respect, these books form a powerful counterbalance to the dehumanizing narrative of asylum seekers as nefarious “others.” While these stories can be challenging, they are also uplifting, and they help children (and adults) better understand our world.
Dear Jason
My mch has been rescheduled 3 times now by court is there any reason?
New York
This is not uncommon. There are many reasons. They all probably have to do with the internal workings of the court and nothing to do with your case. Take care, Jason
Thanks so much sir
I appreciate
Dear
I am an asyee and I am trying to fill the i-485 form. I have some questions and concerns please
1-the question on part 8, item number one: says have you member in any party, organization…..
Yes I am member of one opposition party in my country. The party struggles as opposition party peacefully and participated in elections. How could I answer this? I am granted because I am member of this party etc ….
2- i am college student with the help of free application federal aid( FAFSA) program. Is this public benefit?
Thank you
Hi Tesfa, I am Jamie.
I don’t know if anyone can give you specific answers to the specific question (the membership/organization/party question).
You must list any organization, group, or party, whether in the US or overseas, that you have EVER been a member of. Based on the information you have provided, it seems like you have been politically affiliated with an organization/party. If you’ve agreed that you are a member of this particular party/group, select “yes” and on the additional space provided (this section allows you to further explain an answer) explain why you select “yes” for your answer to the question.
For you second question, FAFSA is not considered a public benefit. Even if it were, as an asylee, you would have been exempted from the public charge.
1 – If you are a member of the party, you should list the party on the I-485. You should also be careful to include all organizations that you are a member of, and all that you listed on your asylum form, I-589. If there are inconsistencies, it may cause problems. 2 – I think not, but you should probably mention it anyway, maybe in the cover letter. In this way, there will be no chance that USCIS will accuse you of lying about receiving a public benefit. When we do that, we circle the relevant question on the form, and write “see cover letter”. Whether you check yes or no may not matter, but depends on whether you think that is a public benefit. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
one of my friend was arrested by ice and they sent him to detention center. he has no criminal history an just overstay on his visa. can he apply for asylum and release from detention center for his hearing or they oppose to realese him during asylum hearing?
thank you
He can apply for asylum and he can ask to be released on bond. This often works, but it depends on the case and the judge. Nevertheless, he can try. Take care, Jason
Hi Jadon
Is it a crime to apply for asylum? What perception the US government has toward asylum or asylum seekers.It seems there are penalized for simply filing asylum!
I don’t understand why a member of a family applying for asylum ,the US gov throw his/her entire family in the same basket !
When someone apply for asylum he/she must have his/her own reasons ,which is completely need to be separated from his parents or grand parents.But once one apply for asylum,it very difficult for siblings,parents etc to be given a visa.My brother managed to get a visa but he had to lie he doesn’t know anyone in the US because he knew my status ,he had no threat he went back after his visit.He was just visiting me but if he had mentioned me in his application he would have been denied.
This is a problem. However, the embassy’s job is to decide whether a person who seeks a nonimmigrant visa will leave the US at the end of their stay. If that person’s close family member sought asylum, this is evidence that the person may also seek asylum (and thus violate his nonimmigrant visa). It may not be determinative, and the problem is less for siblings and parents than for spouses, but it is evidence, so I understand why this is a consideration. Take care, Jason
Recently my mother got B2 visa without any problems. She told the officer that she’s going to visit her son who applied for asylum. He asked her about the basis for asylum and gave her visa without extra questions. So, I suppose, you exaggerate a little.
Nick, unfortunately, The Asylumist is not exaggerating. The fact that your mom applied for a visitor visa and got it does not take away from the original comment.
When someone applies for a visitor visa at the embassy, the consular officer has to to make a decision, based on the ties the applicant has to his/her home country, as to whether the applicant will return to his/her country after his/her trip to the US.
In your case, your mom might have demonstrated to the consular officer that she has ties to her home country. Furthermore, the fact that you successfully applied for asylum doesn’t necessarily mean that your mom can claim asylum, under the same category, successfully. As well, each officer, though they usually follow the same set of standards, has his/her own standards when it comes to burden of proof. In other words- and this is from personal experience- one officer can be satisfied with the ties you presented and your overall performance at the interview; another might not be satisfied with the same proof that you presented. Every case is unique and so are the officers.
Nice to see you, Jamie.
I understand that the result may be different for other person and officer. But in the case of my mother, the officer didn’t ask her any questions to reveal her tie to the home country. His only question was about the purpose of the trip and he was satisfied with the answer, that she was going to visit her son who had applied for asylum. That is why I can make a conclusion that applying for asylum isn’t a crime (at least from this officer’s point of view) and moreover it can be even positive fact when an officer makes his decision.
But I can’t understand why Asylumist is so certain about possible denial if his brother would mention his asylum case.
Nick, thank you for your response. Nice to see you as well.
Successfully getting a US visa is not as simple as you think. By that I mean, each officer or embassy has different set of criteria that the applicant has to meet in order to successfully acquire a visitor visa. Some of these criteria might, for example, center around the economic conditions of the host country, the level of civil unrest or persecution in the host country, or how much of a security threat the applicant can possibly pose to the citizens of the US once the applicant arrives in the US. And, yes, they take into consideration the the likelihood the applicant will apply for asylum in the US.
in my country of origin, for example, the US embassy doesn’t have to ask you what ties you have to your country as they can simply use their system, using something similar to a social security number, to verify almost everything you put on the application. They may ask you everything you put on your application just to observe formality and to see if you are a liar! The fact that they didn’t ask you mom about ties to her home country doesn’t mean that they don’t know. They know more than you think.
That is good news, but it only proves that your mother got a visa; not that parents of asylum seekers in general will have an easy time getting a visa. But it is usually easier for parents than for spouses or minor children. Take care, Jason
I wish there was a LIKE button for this comment.
Thanks Jason and Jamie 🙂
Dear Jason
Thanks for your blog.
One question – In recent times (Trump), are Asylees facing more questions or complications during citizenship? Like asking questions about all the asylum process once again? I have applied and now worried if I need to take a lawyer. What do you honestly suggest? I got no other issues like arrests and I have not visited home country
I have been to a number of citizenship interviews recently for old asylum clients (they brought be precisely for the reasons you mention). They were not asked much about the asylum case. One of them was asked a few questions, but she was young at the time of the asylum (she was a dependent) and she did not remember, but the officer did not press the point and he approved the case. I do think you should review the asylum application so you are prepared to talk about it, if asked (and they can ask), but based on what you are saying, I see no particular reason to bring a lawyer with you. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you very match for your help if your remember me I told you about my ead and the problem with validation date and i sent my card to them to fix the error but they sent to me last couple days denied letter ,however I called them today and i explain every thing to the officer and he said he made a request to return my ead back to me and fix it did you know about this situation ? Have you heard about it and if you have how many days could it takes
I do not know how long it takes, but it seems they acted pretty quickly with denial, so hopefully, they will fix it quickly as well. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason,
Hope all is well, i had my interview in August 2017, ans since then i have inquired my self twice, and in both times i almost got same Response ( pending for Background check first time, second time my case is still under process), three weeks ago i inquired through one of the Senate in Mass, their immigration team sent me the Response from Boston Asylum office, that my Case is pending for a Final Decision and it’s under Supervisory Review, do you think this answer is accurate thin it went trough the Senate immigration team ?
I have no confidence in any of those responses, and I get the sense that it is all boilerplate and means the same thing – the case is pending. Aside from waiting, the only other option is a mandamus lawsuit. We wrote about that on October 2, 2018. Take care, Jason
https://prnt.sc/mk7mj2
Hello!
Got such a message. How much time will pass between my message and the interview? When will I receive an invitation to an interview?
Thanks
Sorry, you would have to say what the message is. Take care, Jason
How much time will pass between my message and the interview? When will I receive an invitation to an interview?
Quote:
“Next Step Is an Interview”
The next step in your application is an in-person interview. Once your interview is scheduled, you will receive an interview notice in the mail and this case status will change. If you have an attorney or accredited representative on file, this individual will also receive a copy of the interview notice in the mail.
You must have an application pending for at least 150 days before you can apply for a work permit, which is called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The number of days your case is pending is determined by the EAD Clock. The EAD Clock is calculated based on the total time your case has been pending for adjudication, which can be with USCIS, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), or both. The EAD Clock does not include delays you caused or requested in the processing of your case before either USCIS or EOIR, which stop the EAD clock. Your case has been pending with USCIS for 750 days, not including delays, and the USCIS portion of the EAD Clock is currently running. If your case is no longer pending with USCIS, the time noted here may not be complete. For more information, please see the USCIS website.
Since we currently send all communication by mail, you must report a change of address within 10 days of moving by changing your address online or by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card by mail. You can find more information at http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange.”
Thanks
It is unknown. This is a generic message that means the next action from their side is the interview. It does not mean that they are getting ready for an interview. Maybe it will be soon; maybe not. If you want, you can request to expedite the case. I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi, Jason,
When it’s better to apply for EAD renewal? I know that we can apply 180 days before old EAD expires, but I read on this forum that people applied 1 month before, what are your thoughts on that? Does USCIS process quicker if we apply closer to expiration date?Thank you.
I think it is better to reapply between 120 and 180 days before it expires. I do not think they process cases faster just because you file it closer to the expiration date. That requires more organization than they normally demonstrate. Take care, Jason
I did apply for my EAD renewal before three weeks of my EAD expired and I just got the receipt within 3 weeks. You can work 180 days with the receipt and by the time you will get your card.
Thanks
David
Hi Jason,
Please can you help me to understand process about Following to join asylee. I went to my I 730 interview at the Embassy in my country on 12th January 2019. Officer put me on Administrative process. Since then I have been checking my application status on CEAC Website. Case last dated has been changed time to time. Then I sent them an email asking about the status of my case. they said my case is in final processing and they will call me. Last week I got a call from embassy to come to give finger prints again. ( I did gave my finger prints at the time of interview on January 12th. But admin lady took the finger prints). I went to the Embassy and this time officer took finger prints only on my left hand.Then said we will let you know. Do you have any simalar cases? What does that mean to say you are in final processing and then taking my finger prints again?
Thanks for you help.
Hopefully, this will be processed soon. It all sounds pretty normal to me – they sometimes make mistakes and it sounds like they made a mistake with the fingerprints. The process is not very fast, though, and so it may take a few months. I would give them at least another month and if there is no news, contact them again. But I suspect that this will be completed soon. Take care, Jason
Hi Cathy.
I have been checking closely to see a new comment from you as I am in the same situation. Please keep us posted when u finally get the good news. I’m so worried about my husband as the persecution continues on him, I can’t sleep, can’t work normally. I tried to expedite with all evidence but yet my case is still at TSC , March Mark’s 6months😭😭😭. I pray you hear from them soon.
God bless.
Hi Jason,
I have a pending asylum case at LA office for 3 years, we tried to expedite our case, we have a lawyer but he is doing it for probono, he is not a immigration lawyer. The way he sent our request I don’t like it and USCIS declined our expedite request. But we have a humanitarian reason and have doctors notes. Can we send the request again, this time I want to write the letter to them. Can we do that or it will be worse for the case?
Asylee
You can try again, but at least in my experience, most cases are being denied the expedite requests. I wrote about expediting on March 30, 2017 – maybe that would help. If you try to expedite on your own, you should tell your lawyer, as it could cause problems if he is surprised by an expedited interview. Take care, Jason
Jason,
What is the logic from holding TRIG cases indefinitely rather than denying them? What type of cases that are denied if TRIG ones are placed on hold?
I cannot afford mandamus. I wish if they just deny me so I start seeking another country’s help. Placing my case on-hold in the US is preveting me from submitting asylum in any other country.
As far as I can tell, there is no logic to TRIG. I do not know that they actually deny cases that are on a TRIG hold, or they just keep them pending forever (or at least until they write some regulations, which they have allegedly been working on for many years). That said, you can always leave the US and withdraw the asylum application. Even if, for some reason, you cannot withdraw the application, I doubt a pending case would block you from seeking asylum in another country (except for Canada). Talk to a lawyer in the country where you intend to go, and maybe you can get some advice about that. Take care, Jason
I know that in Germany they ask you if you have a plied for an asylum previously in any other country. Therefore your application for Asylum will be denied if you have a pending asylum in any other country And they will send you back to that country in which you have pending asylum case. However if I withdraw the asylum in the United States and then apply for another one in Germany they will ask me if I Have been denied for an asylum previously and if my answer is yes they will investigate and take very long time for the background check and eventually the same trig reasons of the US will be applied in Germany but with different naming. Since the complications have started in the US already they will extend to be applicable in Germany as well. This is my understanding.
My only crime that something was thefted from me by an armed group of men. I did not give that thing volunteerly it was taken from me by force as a punishment because I did not cooperate with them previously. I don’t see any other point in my statement that can keep my case pending for that massive number of years
My guess is the problem for you is that you are Syrian, and for some reason, all Syrian cases seem to be treated very badly. You might consider a mandamus lawsuit – it may result in a denial, but if you get to court, it is rare to see long security background check delays. That might be better than waiting forever. As for Germany, I do not know about it, but I know there is a lot of misinformation floating around, and so if you did not get your info from a reliable source (like a reputable lawyer in Germany), you might double check that the process there is this way. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Does it necessary to bring tax return for asylum interview? or in anyway the officer asks for tax informatin.
Thanks
Normally, they do not ask for that, but there is no harm in bring it, just in case they want it. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I have been waiting for 5 months for a decision and after inquiring they said it was with the supervisor. 1) Does this mean I will get a decision soon? I am currently in status but this wait is still terrible.
2) I moved from Virginia to SF and submitted the change of address in the webpage last week. Should I expect a letter from them confirming? Or no
Thanks
1 – Hopefully, but not necessarily. There is no way to predict the wait time, and it may also depend on security background checks. 2 – They do not normally confirm a change of address. You may want to contact the asylum office directly to make sure they have your updated address, just to be safe. Take care, Jason
Please what does been on the queue for interview means. I called asylum office and was told I’m on the queue for interview. Also do you know how long it takes after being on queue? Thanks
I do not know what they mean, and you cannot take much meaning from their comments. Maybe your case is pending in the backlog, or maybe it means they plan to schedule you for an interview soon. There is no way to tell from their comment. Take care, Jason
Jason,
Just a quick question. When your clients’ I-485 applications are approved, does the USCIS system where you check your application status update to reflect the approval? Someone I know got the approval letter but the system is still stuck on “Finger print fee was received…” even though they received the approval letter.
I don’t know, as I don’t pay much attention to the online messages in most cases. I have seem approval messages for I-485 forms, though. I think if the person has the approval letter, that is more important than the online message, and I would not worry about it unless the actual GC is delayed. Take care, Jason
Thank you, Jason!
Hello Jason,
Thanks for your advice. I have some questions regarding pending asylum case and f-1 status. I have had pending asylum case since 2017 and at the same time I have been maintaining my f-1 status attending university. However, I am going to graduate my school in May, 2019.
1. Is it possible that I can invite my parent to the USA to attend my graduation ceremony by requesting invitation letter from my university?
2. Should I apply for OPT if I am graduating soon? I have already gotten an EAD card but I would like to maintain my f-1 status during my asylum process.
Thank you so much.
1 – You can try. A pending asylum case is usually more of a problem for a spouse or a child than for a parent, so hopefully, they can get a visa. 2 – If you want to maintain your status, apply for the OPT F-1. That gives you other options aside from asylum (for example, change status to H1b or some other visa status without leaving the US). Take care, Jason
Thank you for your answer. Yeah, I am planning to apply for my OPT. However, when I apply for I-765 Do I receive another EAD for F-1 or how does that work? My current EAD card that was issued from pending asylum case will be ended by November 2019. And should I let know my employer that I am on 1 year OPT or extendable EAD card that is based on asylum and no sponsorship needed in the future?
Thank you so much.
I think you just apply for the OPT EAD. Remember that you do not get the automatic extension of the old EAD – you only get that if you renew the asylum-pending EAD. I do think you need to give your employer a copy of the new EAD. And maybe ask if they are willing to sponsor you. They only have until the OPS period ends, so it is not a lot of time. Take care, Jason
I see. Thank you so much. One more thing, when my new EAD (granted from OPT) expires, can I renew it as long as my asylum case is pending? Would I say to employers that no sponsorship needed even EAD expires since most of employers tend to hire someone who does not need future sponsorship at the beginning?
Thank you.
You cannot renew the OPT EAD, except if you still have OPT. If it expired, you would probably have to apply for a new EAD based on asylum pending (and remember to apply early to avoid a gap between the OPT EAD and the asylum-pending EAD). Any employer can hire you and not sponsor you. The advantage of the OPT EAD is that you are still in status, and so if you are sponsored, you can probably get a GC or an H1b visa without leaving the US. Take care, Jason
Dear respected Jason:
I applied for EAD after 155 days, and today is 181 days that my asylum application is pending totally.
Today, my ead status changed to this message, can you please tell me what does mean, I really need that soon, I am really in financial problems.
“New Card is being produced”
On February 11, 2019, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number SRC1990181790, and will mail it to the address you gave us. If you move, go to http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
And it is my intial EAD
And how long does it take to get the actual card in mail after this message based on your valuable experience?
Probably days or a couple weeks, but it is impossible to predict anything these days with USCIS. Take care, Jason
It sounds like they are producing the card and hopefully you will have it in a few days or weeks. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much for reply as always, you are very wonderful human being.
Just I have one more question, after I applied for EAD (after155 days pending asylum application), I received my reciept but I didn’t receive approval yet. Now, the status changed to “ Card has being produced”, is this fine or I need to get the approval first than card?
Thanks a lot
My guess is that it is fine. I don’t think you can read too much into their generic messages – if they say the card is being produced, I take that as a good sign. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I applied EAD based on pending decision on Jan 11th 2019, received the receipt on Jan 17th 2019 and received the approval letter on Jan 21th 2019. But till now, I did not received EAD card and the online case status for EAD is still your case was received. Should I contact USCIS or wait couple of days? Contact them by phone or Email? Thank you very much!
Dear Jack Hi:
Mr. JACK
Can you please tell me how many days were passed from clock that you applied for EAD? Was that 180 days or 150 days?
Because I applied after 155 days, I only received my reciept yet, I don’t know, will they send my approval after completion of 180 days or there is something else.
Thank you so much, please respond.
I submitted my application at 182 days not 150, because I do not need the EAD card very urgently. They sent me the letters pretty quick, that might be the reason.
It may take a few months to get the new card, especially if this is a renewal. If you have the receipt, you should be fine. Take care, Jason
I think you are worrying too much, and I do not blame you. You should get the approval letter soon, and the actual card in about a week after you receive the approval letter. I hope this helps.
Probably, you will get the card pretty soon, but if you are getting nervous, you can try to contact them to inquire, Probably phone is the nest way, though it is annoying to reach a human being. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
I am about to send my I 589 form.I aware that some of these application goes into the backlog as office receive more application than they can interview.I want to send document of expedited interview along my application. What office should I sent the letter of expedited interview,can I send the application at the service center in Texas and the expedited interview at my local asylum office since it’s them in charge of scheduling interviews
Thank you
You have to send an initial application to the service center. I suppose you can include with that a request to expedite and evidence. If you do not get a quick interview, you can contact the local office and ask to expedite. I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason. I have been interview at 4 Dec 2018. The AO told me will sent mail to me. But 2 months past. No answer. How long can get answer usually. Thanks.
It is difficult to predict, and wait times are very variable. You might contact the asylum office to ask about the status of the case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
GOOD MORNING SIR,
Please i have all my documents to submit for my 1765 but i am confused about the birth certificate . since my birth certificate carries my maiden name and my passport carries my marriage name (widow now) do i need to submit my marriage certificate .note i am still retain my husband’s surname please advice . this is my first time of applying for 1-765
thank u
It would not hurt to submit the marriage certificate and in the cover letter, explain about the name change. I doubt this will cause you any problems, but if you explain what happened, it may help avoid delay. Take care, Jason
Jason. How’s your day ?
May I ask that what’s the longest gap between case filed and interview in your affirmative asylum case ? The wait is gut-wrenching.
We have some cases from late 2014 or early 2015 that are not yet interviewed. You can try to expedite – I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason! Hope you are doing well, I am in a quite interesting situation right now. Please suggest if you can. I moved my case from Asylum office A to Asylum office B. I had to hire another attorney because the ex attorney was not able to handle the case in the B jurisdiction. My current attorney agreed to take my case knowing that the interview could be held in any of the field offices. Let’s say my Asylum office is Chicago and I live in Missouri, I just got my interview call and now the attorney is asking for 3k extra which excludes the fee I already paid. The contract I have with him says [the law office to provide the legal services in connection with the Chicago Asylum office, Chicago. The attorney shall provide the following services: prepare and file any supplemental documents pretending to previously filed affirmative Asylum with the asylum office 1. One time attorney presence at interview 2. One time preparation for the interview 3. One time travel cost will be included and the said travel cost will be capped at $800. Any additional cost that exceeds aforementioned amount will be paid by the client.] So the attorney is saying that the 3k is the cost for him to come down to be at the interview with me. Now I know that there is no way the travel can cost 3k from flying to Missouri from Chicago also the contract says that the office is already charging me $800 for travel cost. I feel like it’s something else as the attorney knows the interview is in 1 week and I would agree to whatever. Can you please suggest anything how to handle this? I am not going to quote you. I have so much in my plate right now I waited 5 years for the interview plus all the pain and miseries I went through and now this is happening I am in no position of paying 3 thousand bucks. Thank you Jason. God bless you.
At best, this contract is unclear. At worst, this lawyer is ripping you off. Either way, I would not want such a person with me at the interview. I do think you might consider a bar complaint in the future, after the interview. You can look for a local lawyer to attend the interview with you – try http://www.aila.org. This will not be easy given the time frame, but the lawyer’s role in the interview is very minimal, and so maybe you can find someone to review the case and attend with you. I do think it is helpful to have someone with you, as it helps protect you in the (rare) case that the asylum officer is not good. Good luck, Jason
Your response to Jen’s question is exactly how I feel about this case. Well said. In fact, I would go as far as saying that the contract MIGHT have been breached- if the information that Jen provided is true and there is no addendum or small prints hiding somewhere in the contract.
However, bear in my that your contract explicitly says that you and your attorney agreed that he will represent you in a particular asylum office at “x price” (“x price” being the cost for travel). THEREFORE, your attorney may argue that he was NOT PREPARED to represent you in ANOTHER jurisdiction, nor did he AGREE to represent you in another jurisdiction. He may also argue that, apart from travel expenses, other expenses will be incurred because of the travel to another jurisdiction- especially if he can demonstrate that traveling to a different state/asylum office/field office might financially interfere with his practice as an attorney. Thus, I would want to imagine that, at this stage in the contract, the attorney MIGHT have the upper hand (you saying your current attorney taking your case knowing that your interview could be held in any of the field offices was negated by the fact that you signed a legally binding document that explicitly says that the attorney will represent you in a particular asylum office) as is demonstrated by the intentional wording of the contract that you signed.
What do you mean by the attorney took your case knowing that your interview can be held in any of the field offices? Did you get this ‘agreement’ in writing? You may be able to challenge the attorney if you can prove that, perhaps because of a well-established practice by USCIS in terms of assigning asylum cases to different field offices within a particular geographic location, the attorney ought to have expected- and thus prepare for the expected-that the case may go to any of USCIS’s field offices.
Also, keep in mind that counter offers can essentially invalidate contracts. As well, new contracts can be formed.
Interesting Facts About This Case:
Jen didn’t mention if there is an outstanding balance on the final amount for the list of services that are to be rendered by the attorney. Furthermore, Jen didn’t explicitly mention if he/she and the attorney agreed upon a set amount for the services to be provided by the attorney- preparation and filing of supplemental documents, interview preparation, attorney presence at the interview, etc. Instead, Jen merely mentioned the services that he/she and the attorney agreed are apart of the contractual obligation. In other words, we would need more information about the agreed upon set cost(s), if any, for services and whether Jen and the attorney had agreed to any kind of payment plan which might explain the outstanding balance (if any).
I think this is a good point – we are only hearing one side of the story, and there may be more to it. Unfortunately, contracts are somewhat complicated and are easy to misunderstand, and so whether there is a claim here against the attorney, I do not know. Certainly, though, the attorney needs to do the best he can so that the client understands the terms of the agreement. Take care, Jason
Thank you for the reply Jamie! I forgot to mention that I paid 7k which was the agreed amount for the services I mentioned in my above post. I paid that amount about five years ago when I hired that attorney. It’s not my place to tell the other side of the story. May be my attorney can share theirs but I am not sure it they follow the blog. All I got from the office was 3 pager contract which doesn’t describe anything significant info other than I mentione. The rest is about how I need to provide the supporting documents for my claim, also that it’s a crime to provide false information and attorney has told me about that. Also if the contract is breach some of the money I paid may be refunded. I mentioned the services part so I can ask Jason if he understands the language being a lawyer and native speaker. The purpose of the question was not to defame or blame anyone but to ask what could be my options being in the situation I waited for this for more than 5 years and now it’s just 5 days away.
Also I don’t owe a single penny to the attorney. The fees was paid in full, 5 years ago.
Jason! Thank you so much for the reply. I am very nervous as I only have 10 days and who is gonna take my case? And let’s say if someone agrees it will come down to the money again. How important it is to have an attorney present at the interview? When everything else is done already. I am so nervous. I remember in one of your blogs you mentioned a link to look for a pro bono attorney. I took a screenshot but not able to find it anywhere. God bless you Jason.
That post is on September 22, 2016. Probably, it will be much harder to find a free lawyer than to pay for one. Costs vary a lot, so you might find someone to help you for a reasonable fee. Maybe see of the non-profits listed in that post can director you to a reasonably priced free lawyer. It is better to have a lawyer at the interview if you can do it, but the lawyer’s role there is small. I did a post about interviews on September 8, 2016 that might help. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, what’s the average processing time for asylum-based green card? Does it vary based on the filing office or state?
I do not know. For our recent clients, it has probably been taking 9 to 12 months. Take care, Jason
Hi i am a pending Asylum Holder. My EAD expired in October 2018 But i applied for Renewal in September 2018. I was waiting for my card. when i checked my application status on uscis website, it was showing: card was mailed to me on November 15. But i not received. I waited upto january. In January i contacted uscis. They e mail me a usps Tracking number that my card was mailed. When i checked it on usps website, it was showing that my card was on the way. But when i checked today on usps website, it was showing: Uour item has been delivered to the original sender on january 29,2019 in Lees summit MO 64002. Sir i am confused that what happed to my EAD and what next step i should take to get my Card? Thanks.
May be you put the wrong addres or may be postman put in wrong mail box talk with your local postal office and try to find there
I do not know, but I think you need to call them again and inquire (or go in person using Info Pass – a link is at right). Also, make sure the address you wrote on your form is correct. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have a pending asylum case since 2014. Past year I got married to a USC and we applied for AOS. Next week we will have our I-485 interview. Do you have any advise of what to expect from the IO? I know that USCIS can ask any question, but since they are two different cases, how deep do they go into the asylum case regarding questions?
Thanks a lot!
They can ask about the asylum case. I doubt they will, but you should be prepared for that just in case. You should also bring your asylum documents (receipts, fingerprints, and copies of documents you filed) with you, in case they are needed. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason! Sorry, looks like i wasn’t clear on my question. I just want to make sure if i travel with AP again, when i return what should i expect at the border. I’m an asylum applicant since 3/1/17 and still waiting for an interview. I came to US with B1/B2 on November 2016. Also, my asylum application is still exist and waiting for first interview. On September 2017, I got an AP and travelled to other country for a humanitarian purpose for 3 weeks and it wasn’t any issue when I returned. But now (January 2019), I got married to US citizen, we filed petition to adjustment of status and all other applications for EAD, AP e.t.c.(waiting for first interview). My questions are: 1. If I apply for emergency AP thru my new i-485 and will travel to other country, not to country which I ran from, is that will be an issue? 2. My stay in US waiting for my asylum interview will be considered as a unlawful stay (actually it should be no status authorized stay)? 3. Or should I try to get AP thru my I-589 case again (can it effect to my current i-485)? 4. I have no any convictions or criminal history, what I should expect in my situation? 5. It sounds weird but may USCIS consider that i abondoned my asylum case and left country for more than a 30 days even if i have new 1 year AP thru my i-485 case? I have to travel on March for 2 month. Thank u an advance, God bless u!
1 – If you get AP, and do not go to the country of persecution, you should be able to travel and return with no problem. 2 – No. 3 – It is better to get AP with the GC, for the reasons I stated before – you will have the AP as part of your EAD card, and so it is more reliable and lasts longer, and is good for multiple entries. 4 – You should be fine. 5 – I do not see how that could happen – if you have AP, the whole purpose is to allow you to return. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
An update on the AOS interview. The IO actually spent an hour and half with me and about an hour with my wife separately. She went after my asylum case like for an hour and ask me all of sort of question. She treated us almost with no respect and was kind of rude. I couldn’t remember everything as I wasn’t anticipating that much of questioning about the asylum case as they were two different things. She told us that we will get a decision in the mail. Now, I am not sure what kind of decision we will get.
I have not seen that for my clients, but it does seem to be happening in some cases. How they decide who to question about the asylum case, I do not know. Everyone should prepare as if they will be questioned about the asylum case, though. Please do let us know what happens. Thank you, Jason
Hello! Firstly, thank you for all your free help to people here. I’m an asylum applicant since 3/1/17 and still waiting for an interview. I came to US with B1/B2 on November 2016. On September 2017 i got AP and travelled to other country for a humanitarian purpose for 3 weeks and it wasn’t any issue when I returned. But, now i got married to a US citizen, we filed petition to adjustment of status and all other applications for ead, advance parole e.t.c. Also, my asylum application is still exist and waiting for my first interview. My question is, if I get AP thru my new i-485 and will travel to other country, not to country which i ran from, is that will be an issue? My stay in US waiting for my interview will be considered as a unlawful stay? What I should expect in my situation? Thanks an advance for you help.
When you get AP based on adjustment of status, it will be combined with your EAD, which is very convenient. You should be able to travel without a problem, as long as you do not go to the country of feared persecution. If you have an application pending (asylum or green card), it is not considered unlawful presence. If your GC case is delayed, you may need to contact the asylum office and inform them about the GC application. Then, if necessary, you can terminate the asylum case. I wrote about this issue on August 8, 2018 – maybe that would help. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
I had my individual hearing postponed due to government shutdown. So far I have no news about my case. Did you hear anything about cases been reschedule? Any idea how they’re gonna fix up all this mess?
Thank you
Hopefully, there will not be another shutdown – the deadline is next Friday, I think. We have seen cases in our local courts rescheduled to May, but those were Master Hearings, not Individuals, and in any case, the new date will vary depending on the particular Judge. You can call 800-898-7180 and enter your Alien number. The system will tell you your next court date. If nothing is there, you can try calling the court directly – there is a link at right with contact info called Immigration Court. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I am with an F1 VISA and its been 8 months from my interview. I cannot apply for an H1B visa because I previously had a J1 visa and have the 2 year reestriction. My question is, If I apply for an asylum EAD card is it for 2 years? Even if you get denied can you work for 2 years?
Im debating wether go through OPT (which is a pain) or simply do the EAD. I first need to graduate but I got a job offer for an internship.
Thanks for all the assistance
The asylum EAD is valid for 2 years. If you think you can get an H1b, you might try to get a J1 waiver. I have not done those, but my law partner has, and he has had some successes. If you can do that, it gives you a second option besides asylum. Take care, Jason
Jason,
I can try and do the waiver but not through my embassy. Isnt a J1 waiver through persecution tougher than an asylum case? If not I could do it while I wait. My company wants to sponsor me an H1B after my OPT expires (I have 2 years more).
1) Do you recommend not applying for the asylum EAD and apply the J1 waiver?
2) Or go through OPT.
I want to minimize my risks 🙁
Thanks a lot
I can’t really tell you this, as it depends what you want and what you qualify for. If you can continue with OPT and H1b, it gives you a second option, aside from asylum, and so I guess that will reduce the risk. You should talk to a lawyer about the strength of the J1 waiver – it is somewhat similar to asylum; whether it is easier or more difficult, I think depends on the specifics of the case. Take care, Jason
Hello dear Jason, I hope this email finds you very well. Dear Jason I had my interview since June 2018 and I’m still waiting for decision. Days ago I was in hospital because I feel sick. After checking and testing they told me that I have high level Cholesterol in blood and I have to start treatments immediately and the other big thing that they found that One of my kidney it’s out of work (dead) and I have to remove it as soon as possible. Since week ago I feel desperate . I have child 10 months old . I don’t know what I have to do? Already I’m living with nervous and stressed since I applied for asylum and now I got this health problem. My question do I need to submit my medical report to USCIS Perhaps they help me or give me a decision as soon as possible Or they do not care about such cases. God bless you dear.Thanks a lot.
I think you can try that – it works better if you get a letter from the doctor explaining the health problem and explaining that the stress of your case is making your health worse. Maybe that will help expedite the decision. Good luck, Jason
So sorry to read about your health. I hope you feel better, and your asylum case gets approved soon.
Dear Jason, talking about kids I’ve got a question about free pre-kindergarten. In our state (Georgia) there is state lottery-funded free pre-k. Is it a public benefit? Is it safe to enroll to and attend or this can compromise my future application for GC or citizenship (at this moment we have pending asylum)?
I do not know about GA, but in general, the rule about public benefits does not apply to asylum seekers or people who get a GC from asylum. I wrote about this issue on September 24, 2018. Take care, Jason
Hello, dear asylum seekers!
Firstly I would like to thank Jason for what is doing for us. May God bless him!
I completed my interview 6 months ago.I am still waiting for a decision from the Chicago Asylum Office .I heard that making a decision about an asylum case from a muslim country takes a long time.However, I am not from a banned muslim country nor a muslim country at all. Is it that normal that it is taking that long time to make a decision about my case? My health condition is getting worse and worse because of that situation. Please, help me to understand what is going on.
Good luck you all and God bless you!
Hi TAYSON, mine is pending decision for 5 months at Houston office. Nowadays, I think it is pretty common that decision is pending for several months or even years.
There are many delays and it is often unpredictable. In my observation, it is worse for people, especially men, from Muslim countries, but others also sometimes have long delays. I think if you have evidence of your health issues, you can submit that to the asylum office and ask them to please expedite the decision. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for what you’re doing and all the efforts that you put into this blog and answering the many questions posted here. The world is certanily a better place because of people like you, thank you!
My parents came to the U.S. almost two years ago (from one of the countries on the Trump travel ban) on tourist visa when the ban was suspended. Before their visa expired, they filed for asylum in Oct 2017. Their case has been pending since then. I recently got my U.S. citizenship and am planning to apply for my parents’ permanent residency. With the very low success rate of the asylum cases over the last year, of course we think the best is if they get their green card through my petition, but I don’t know what is the proper way to withdraw their asylum case with minimal damage to their AOS. I appreciate any advice that you may have on how and when properly withdraw the asylum case without ruining their chance for a successful AOS.
Thanks a lot.
I did a blog post on August 8, 2018 that might help. It is for marriage to a US citizen, but the legal principals are the same. In general, for such cases, we file the AOS and leave the asylum pending. If there is a longer-than-usual delay, we contact the asylum office and maybe then withdraw the case. Otherwise, once the person has a GC, we withdraw the asylum case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for the response. I read your blogpost from Aug 2018, that was very helpful. I have two questions:
1. If the interview for their asylum cases gets scheduled while their I-485 is pending, do you recommend that they go to the interview?
2. Is it possible that USCIS combines both asylum and AOS applications and have one interview for both or delays I-485 due to a pending asylum application?
Thanks so much.
1 – Yes. If not, they could be put into removal proceedings (Immigration Court), which will make the process more complicated. 2 – They will not do this. The two cases are processed by two different offices, and they can only do their assigned task. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason, I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions. So if they go to their asylum interview (once it is scheduled) and their application gets denied, what happens next? is it possible that it would be considered a frivolous asylum application and can this negatively affect their pending I-485?
Frivolous findings are rare, and I think they can only be made by a judge, not the asylum office (I am not 100% sure about that, though). If a person is found to have a frivolous asylum application, they are barred from all relief under the INA, including a GC based on marriage or other family relationship. Take care, Jason
Hi Dear Jason, thank you so much for all your help.
Did anyone from 2015 in LA received an interview notice without expediting their case?
If anyone received their interview notice from 2015, we really appreciate it if you could share your information with us.
Thank you in advance.
one of my friend who applied Jan 2015 in LA office was called for interview Feb 2018. I know peolpe who applied March and April 2015 still waiting for interview.the interesting part is that I have a friend who applied Oct 2017 and he is not called for interview. They follow LIFO rule and if they have more time, they will call new cases rather than old cases.
thanks
I applied on September/2016 LA office I didn’t received Interview yet.
Is your 2015 interviewed friend expedited his case ?
Thanks
I am 9/2016 @ LA office no interview till now
It’s very good idea for people applied in LA office to share there timeline even if they didn’t received interview notice
Thanks
A friend of mine applied at LA office in 2015, they got an interview called in March 2018 but that was later cancelled by Asylum Office. This year my friend expedited his case based on medical condition of family member back in home country. He got interview call in 2 weeks. He got his first interview done last week. Hope that helps.
Corrected:
A friend of mine applied at LA office in 2015, they got an interview call* in March 2018 but that was later cancelled by Asylum Office. This year my friend expedited his case based on medical condition of family member back in home country. He got interview call in 2 weeks. He got his first interview done last week. Hope that helps.
Dear Jason,
I am under a F1 VISA and I am currently doing my pre completion OPT in San diego. I was interviewd in the Arlington office in August and as today I have no answer. I am from Venezuela, moved here 1 week ago and I submitted the change of address via the webpage 4 days ago.
Before moving (2 weeks ago) I made an inquiry and they said my case was with the supervisor not the officer.
To be honest I dont know what to do. Its been around 180 days since I applied. Moreover, I didnt want to apply for the asylum based EAD, I have a limited OPT based EAD. My questions are as follow:
1. Have you heard anything about Venezuelan cases lately?
2. Is this delay common in Arlington?
3. Should I apply for an EAD based on Asylum? I am afraid that it might be dangerous to do that although it can make my life so much easier right now.
Thanks a lot for all you do for us…
1 – There are many. 2 – Yes, but usually the delay is for people (men) from Muslim countries. Other countries are affected too, so your delay is not surprising. 3 – It’s up to you – if you can use the OPT EAD, you do not need the asylum EAD, but the asylum EAD is maybe more flexible and longer (2 years). If your worry is that your F visa will be terminated due to the asylum EAD, that is understandable, but it is unclear to me what is actually happening in cases like this. The fact that you applied for asylum could result in your F visa being terminated if asylum is denied, and this could happen even if you do not apply for an EAD. Unfortunately, the USCIS policy here is not so clear, but I think there is probably not much downside to getting the asylum EAD, especially if you have no plans to get an employer to sponsor you for an H1b or a green card and you do not plan to return to school. Also, you might inquire with the asylum office about your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
My asylum application has been pending in Chicago asylum office for more than two years and so far I have been interviewed twice and no decision has been made yet on my application. I am a citizen of Afghanistan and in mid 80s when Afghanistan was occupied by the former Soviet forces I had to join one of the Afghan resistance groups to escape from the country. During my second interview they asylum officer told me that they had found me to be credible but my association with that particular group was problematic as under the Patriot Act most Afghan resistance groups that fought the Russians are considered tire iii terrorist organizations. I explained to him that I had to accompany the group when leaving the country and that was the only option for me as the whole country was occupied by the soviets. And more importantly, at the time when I joined the group to escape the country the leader of that particular group was invited by President Regan into the White House. I did provide the asylum officer with clippings of the local newspapers including New York times showing photos of the President with the leaders of Afghan resistance. As you are aware from 1979 until 1992 the US spent more than a billion dollars supporting the Afghan resistance. Those days Afghans fighting the Russians were regarded freedom fighters by different US administration and every congressman wanted to be photoed with them. Today those freedom fighters are regarded potential terrorists. I am very confused. If former Afghan freedom fighters and those remotely associated with them may be regarded potentially terrorists it means that different US administrations for more than a decade provided financial and political support to terrorists. we all know that every Afghan resistance group that was fighting the Russian occupation of Afghanistan was created, trained in the use of weapons, provided with all kinds of weapons and millions of dollars annually by the CIA.
It is ironic and unfortunate, but this is a big problem. I did a blog post about this issue on June 24, 2016. In a case like this, you might want to think about a mandamus lawsuit – we wrote about that on October 2, 2018. That may very well result in a denial (since they cannot grant a case where background checks are not complete), and then you would go to Immigration Court, where you might actually get a decision, since Courts are better about this. Talk to a lawyer about this option if you are interested, but otherwise, I fear you might keep waiting for a long time. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason , I did my interview on January 31st at San Francisco Asylum Office and they told me to go back after two weeks to take an answer but my friend they told her that they will mail an answer does that have to do anything with difference in answers I mean being granted an asylum or not?
Thank you for your answer
As far as I can tell, whether the decision is a pick-up or by mail, there is no difference in grant rates. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I hope all is well! My interview decision has been pending for 4 months now and I’ve been waiting since early 2015. I am very frustrated and can’t focus on anything. Meanwhile I’m going to scool for a degree. Again, need to pay put of pocket because we are not eligible for any grants. Can I contact the senetor or congressman to inquire about my case? Would it negatively affect my case? My interview went pretty well and I answered everything that I could. But I’m still not sure why ther are taking so long. Would you be able to help me with this?
Delays are common after the interview, especially for Muslim men. You can contact the Congress office or the asylum office directly and ask them to issue a decision due to your financial and emotional hardship. I do not think it would have a negative effect. Hopefully, you will get a good decision soon. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I applied for asylum 6 years ago and conducted 3 interviews. My decision remains pending. My parents now (who live in a third safe country) are planning to apply for a non-immigrant visa to come and visit me. I mentioned a few stories about my parents in the letter of statement that I submitted along with the I-589. They had been into some troubles that extended to be as a threat to me if I return home. (I can be punished because I am a son of them). These stories “should” not have any contradictions in the US immigration system. I mean nothing is dangerous. However, my parents don’t know that I applied for asylum here. All that they know that I have a pending application since ever for permanent residency with the USCIS. I am not willing to let them know about my asylum application for personal safety reasons. I am afraid that they report the speech, without intention, to anybody else. Then, my story ends up with bad people. Better to keep them unaware. This is my philosophy.
Does that make any problem with the visa interview you think?
Do they need to know what I am up to with the USCIS?
Can they be questioned about the stories that I mentioned in the I-589 application?
Can they be asked what is my status here is the US? is “pending for residency” enough as an answer?
Do I need to take any other precaution?
Normally, a child’s application for asylum does not affect the parents, but you never know. Also, while asylum is confidential, I know of at least two examples where the consular officer breached confidentiality and told an asylum seeker’s relative about the asylum case. The cases involved spouses, so maybe it will be less of a problem in your case, though I really do not know. Also, if they provide contradictory information, it could affect their ability to get a visa and your asylum case (maybe there would be a fourth interview so you can explain any inconsistencies). The officer could ask about your status in the US. Ideally, it would be best if they knew everything in order to avoid any inconsistencies or surprises, but if you feel you cannot tell them, you should know that there is some risk, probably small, that they will learn about the asylum case and/or that their visa application and your asylum case will be affected by whatever they say at the visa interview. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you for every think you doing for us here last week I sent my ead card to the uscis because there is an issue with the validation date they sent to me receipt with number to check the status to day I checked the status it shows the denied my application I don’t know why I need to work and the issue not from me it was from them that is what they are said On February 4, 2019, we denied your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, Receipt Number ……… We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice.
I have been hearing about more and more EAD denials. I am not sure what is going on – maybe when you get the letter, it will explain and then you can take action. Basically, I think you need the letter to determine your next step. Take care, Jason
That is so scary. I applied for my renewal in December, and my employer is already emailing me about expiration.
What a life…Now we have to worry about EAD.
I hope I make this through because if I get to a point that I can no longer feed my kids, I will spare them the hunger and give them up for adoption.
Hello Tina, My EAD was expiring on Nov 30 so I filed on Nov 10. I got the receipt of application within 10 days.(saying that this letter is an extension of my EAD for 180days). For almost 3 months there was nothing then I got a notice on Jan 25 that my EAD has been approved and I should receive it in few days. I got my EAD Feb 01. Roughly it took about 3 months. I hope that info is helpful.
Thanks Celine.
Your case brings some positivity.
Tina,
We are all in the same boat. I keep thinking about this hunger fear every time I apply for renewal. It converts my life into a nightmare. I become another person. Somebody who cannot hold my temperance. This is reflected in everything around me including my family. Hold tight. Be strong. Nothing else we can do. Fortunately, I had no problems during my renewals. My last one was a couple months ago with no problems. Hope yours besmooth as well. I started wishing if they deny my asylum case and end this tragedy.
Take care
Thank you for your kind words, Ertugrul.
The EADs affected seem to be for people with a Notice of Intent to Deny, so probably you are fine. Keep the kids, at least until the graduate from medical school. Then they can take care of you. Take care, Jason
You just put a smile on my face, Jason.
Thanks for all you do.
Tina,
I had same situation since 2013. EAD finished life ended,don’t get frustrated Lord make ways. I just end my job and started a small business of T shirt printing.In start me and my husband sell in flee markets. Then we brought our own machine. Just relay on Lord.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Misha. Why were you no longer getting EAD?
Here’s another book for your list, I have read it to classrooms when I speak about immigration, Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Shawn Harris. The story is about the Statue of Liberty, herself an immigrant (from France). While it’s not obvious, the statue’s right foot is lifted, indicating motion, and breaking the chains that bind her. It’s a lovely story for kids through elementary school about what it means when we say that America is a country of immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/Her-Right-Foot-Dave-Eggers/dp/1452162816
Thank you, Jason
Hi guys. Hope you are all doing great! Did you guys notice that uscis site doesn’t really count days? I meant this sentence (Your case has been pending with USCIS for 601 days). Its the same number of days like a month ago. Or maybe they recalculating that each month-two?
I did see that, and I emailed them about it, but I do not know why, and I do not know if/when they plan to correct it. Take care, Jason
This is so sad and heartbreaking. Some day I will ask my kids to write their story, or they will write their story if I don’t make it till the end. We don’t usually talk about these things in front of kids but kids these days are really smart and can sense these things. They are spiritually strong and smart so it’s really easy for them to feel the pain and sadness, I wish the current authorities can understand any of that. Why can’t some countries stop interfering in other countries politics? May be war is stoppable and preventable.
Well said. Maybe there some books that your children would enjoy and that might help them understand the asylum process. The librarians in my library are very helpful about finding books like that. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Uscis gave me 16th April as my MCH
But court stated 22nd of March
Why the change in date from your experience
I do not know what you mean – USCIS and the Immigration Court are two different entities, and so maybe you have an appointment with USCIS on April 16 and one with the Court on March 22? Take care, Jason
My NTA From uscis stated 17th April
Court letter to me stated March 22
They are two different dates
You can call 800-898-7180 and enter your Alien number. It is a computer. If you follow the directions, you can get your next court date. Take car, Jason
When did you get the NTR?
I got uscis on 13th December which stated that my mch is 17th April while the court stated March 22nd