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
Hello.
I have a pending asylum case and i have a wedding next week. I will apply for a GC through marriage(he is US citizen). My question is:
Do i cancel my asylum case? I know that i can keep both, but I’m afraid that everything will be at the same time. Should i pause it,is it even possible?? Lawyer on consultation said: “that is up to u”. What would be smart move in this case? What u usually do for your clients?
P.s. I’ve overstayed my visa.
Assuming you are eligible to get a GC through marriage, the approach we take is to file the marriage-based case and not withdraw the asylum case. It has recently become more difficult to withdraw an asylum case and our local office (Virginia) seems unwilling to withdraw until the GC is approved. If that is the case for all offices, you may have no choice. You can contact the asylum office and ask for guidance. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If the GC case is moving slowly due to the asylum case, you might also contact the asylum office to tell them about the problem, but that is probably a decision to make later with the lawyer. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
I applied my political asylum case in Seattle WA in Jan 2015 and it’s been 3 yrs it is still pending with no interview yet. My question is ….My parents are in my home country (India) and they both are handicapped . in 2017 my younger brother got killed by the same people (I am in danger of) I don’t let my parents die now there as they are alone there and in danger too . Any possible way to bring them here or I expedite my case. I really appreciate if u please assist me with that .
I wrote about expediting cases on March 30, 2017 – maybe that would help your case, but it will not get your parents here more quickly. They need to apply for visas and come here, if that is what they want to do. There are lawyers in the US who specialize in getting visas for people overseas. Maybe you should talk to one of them. Typical ways to come here are tourist visa, student visa, and work visa. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason
I had applied for asylum case with my husband and 2 year old son around one year ago. We got our work permit and all. My husband starts working but due to many problems here we got into an argument and husband arrested for domestic violence case. He is having his court hearing next month.
Now my question is will this affect our asylum case as he is a primary applicant? And what will be the consequences ?
Depending on the result of that case, he could become ineligible for asylum, and most likely, it will be a factor in the asylum case (it does not necessarily block him from asylum, but it might). In this situation, you might want to consider filing your own, independent case. Also, he probably should have a lawyer for his asylum case, given the arrest record. Talk to a lawyer to see about the best plan moving forward for you both (and if there are two cases, you might actually need two lawyers, which can be expensive, but you can discuss that with the lawyer). Take care, Jason
Thank you so much Jason.
If I file my separate case, will it be consider from the day I filed it in 2016 with my husband it will it be consider from the day I file a fresh case?
Do I get preference over other cases? Or the timeline will be the same?
Thank you
I am not sure about this – Maybe you can ask the asylum office when you file. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason . i applied for green cared based on one year asylum . my case was received and i have done the biometric as well. it’s been 2 months and i can’t track my status online as it tells me case isn’t found . i tried to call the custome service but the officer told me there is nothing i can do and i have to wait for any notifications in mail ? does that make sense and what else should i do to be able to fix this system glitch ?
Such cases are moving slowly. You should be able to use the receipt number from your I-485 and track that at http://www.uscis.gov, but you can expect nothing to happen for a while – these cases are probably taking 10 month or more now-a-days. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
My question is whether my child who turns over 21 years old can be included as derivatives after I have filed for asylum?
Here is the explanation from USCIS: https://my.uscis.gov/helpcenter/article/what-happens-if-my-child-turns-21-after-i-have-filed-for-asylum
However, I still confused about some points of the statement.
The situation is that I did not include my child as a derivative on my asylum application at the time of filing. That time, my child is less than 21. So, he still maintained his F-1 visa status. Of course, he did not get the EAD card for working in u.s. However, I do listed all his information (name,birthday,nationality and so on ) on the I-589 at the time of filing. Now, he is over than 21 and I approximately will have an asylum interview in the coming May. Q1: Can I include him as derivatives during the interview period? Can he also be eligible for asylum with parents? Q2: Must he appear for the interview?
Thank you so much. I am waiting for your reply.
Also, I might divorce with my spouse recently. The question is i can not get a divorce certificate in a short time. So, I am confused what will happen if my spouse don’t come with me for the interview. Because I include my spouse as a derivative on my asylum application at the time of filing. Please let me know your suggestion.
Thank you so much.
It would be better to have the divorce decree. Otherwise, the spouse is required to attend the interview. You can tell the Officer that you are getting divorced, but I am not sure if they would separate the cases based on your statement (maybe if you have evidence of the pending divorce, you should bring that). If the spouse does not show up, the spouse’s case should be referred to court. I do not know if that would affect your case, or if somehow you can separate the two cases at the time of the interview. Take care, Jason
1 – If he is not part of the case, I believe you can only add him if he is under 21 and unmarried. So I think you cannot add him now. I have not added a child to an existing case, and so I have not double checked this issue, so I am not 100% sure (but I am pretty sure). You should have a lawyer research that for you, or contact the asylum office and ask them. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Maybe they will tell you. 2 – If he is not part of the case, he does not need to go to the interview. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I believe my child is included in my asylum application. Please look at the statement of CSPA from uscis : https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/child-status-protection-act
However, I still will go to asylum uscis office for inquiry about more detail about my child’s situation and the divorce situation.
Thank you so much for your help.
I think if I would be granted, I should file a form I-130,Petition for an unmarried child and my child would be in the second preference classification visa. Do you think so ?
Typically, if a person is granted asylum, they file an I-730. An I-130 is for a citizen or green card holder to file for a relative. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason!
Asylum Schedule bulletin shows that Arlington moves a little. It faster.
Can u tell us if your clients have had an interview recently? If yes, when did they apply for asylum?? Just intresting to have a real situation. I applied in may 2015…i think that i have to wait at least 1 more year(( what is your opinion about it?
We are having interviews for our clients from June 2014, but most interviews we have had lately were expedited cases. I expect you will wait another year, but it is very difficult to know for sure. Take care, Jason
hi Jason
Thanks for your valuable blog service
I have q that can we gather video/photo from social media of current political situation of my country, how ruling party member threat people etc, and submit that before interviews comes or take with me in pen drive/USB while I get interview,
Kindly advise,
thanks
Normally, they do not want such info. It is better and easier to get human rights reports and news article and submit those. It there are specific videos that apply to you (maybe a video of you or your relative at a protest, for example), you can submit that. Normally, I think they want it burned onto a CD, but you can try a thumb drive. Just be sure that nothing else is on the CD or thumb drive. You might also upload it to You Tube and give them the link. Take care, Jason
Hey everyone,
My husband was interview about two months in Chicago Office and no decision yet. Is there anyone who has been interviewed in the same office and got a decision? Please share your timelines.
I was interviewed in Chicago on December 15, 2016 and I got my decision on January 17 (actually February 3rd, but the letter is dated Jan 17 – it was just a matter of time the mail got my mailbox).
This is pretty common. You can contact the asylum office and inquire about the case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
I was interviewed in the same office since June up to now no single message. I enquiried for that one month ago still no answer.
I was interviewed at the beginning of November and no results yet.
I submitted my application in Chicago office March 2014, I haven’t had my interview, and every time when I call the office they say that they haven’t gotten to people who applied that time. could people who had their interview done in Chicago share with me the time they applied please?
Check the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin – a link is at right. In my experience, this is pretty accurate. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, the office scheduling bulletin shows that they are interviewing people who applied in September 2015. Do you think I should find an attorney?
I think a lawyer is helpful (I wrote about this on July 7, 2016), and if you plan to hire one, the sooner you do that, the better. Take care, Jason
hi Jason,
Greetings !!
I am on pending asylum, quick q that, can I use PO Box as my mailing address, can I hire PO box in near by post office, were I stay, asking you as may be I look for work in hotel as resident manager, and its commercial property, if I hire, then I get apt in hotel, so I can use that apt add as resident and mailing address as PO box ?? is it possible, any effect on my case,
Thanks & Regards
You can use a PO box for the mailing address, but you will need to check the box regularly. You can update your address using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Good morning,
My husband is an asylee and I came to US with beneficiary application
on November 2015. After came I got my work permit and then I have
applied applied for green card on August 2017. I have given
fingerprint in USCIS office on September. Since then I have heard
nothing from them. When I check my case status on their website it has
the following information.
Fingerprint Fee Was Received
On August 27, 2017, we accepted the fingerprint fee for your Form
I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust
Status…..
My work permit will be expired on February. I just confused what to
do. Do I need to apply for my work permit renewal? what? Please
provide me your advice.
Best regards,
Worku,
I already replied to this – please see that. Take care, Jason
Good day dear Jason and happy new year 2018.
Here is my question regarding Chicago Asylum Office Management.
After asylum interview, which cases receive an in-person decision and which cases are served by mail?
What are the maximum length time of waiting?
If you don’t have Chicago’s information what about your juridiction or in general?
There is no rule on this – if a decision can be ready in 2 weeks, they have you come back to get it. If a decision cannot be made in that time frame, they send it by mail. It has no bearing on the outcome, as far as I can tell. As for the maximum wait time, there really is no maximum. We have a few cases waiting 3+ years, but usually those involve people who somehow paid money to terrorists (unwillingly). Take care, Jason
Question?
Good morning,
My husband is an asylee and I came to US with beneficiary application on November 2015. After came I got my work permit and then I have applied applied for green card on August 2017. I have given fingerprint in USCIS office on September. Since then I have heard nothing from them. When I check my case status on their website it has the following information.
Fingerprint Fee Was Received
On August 27, 2017, we accepted the fingerprint fee for your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status…..
My work permit will be expired on February. I just confused what to do. Do I need to apply for my work permit renewal? what? Please provide me your advice.
Best regards,
Green cards based on asylum are taking at least 10 months, and now beneficiaries are being interviewed, so probably you will be interviewed, so it may take even longer. I suggest you renew the work permit if you need it, as you probably won’t have the GC for some months. You can either renew the EAD based on asylum (you have to pay the fee, but you get the automatic extension of the old card) or renew based on the pending I-485 and use the I-485 fee receipt to show that you paid. This will save money but it will probably take at least 3 or 4 months to get the EAD, and so you will have a gap in employment eligibility. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for the wealth of information that you are providing here in your website. Your blogs have been tremendously helpful for me as I have prepared my asylum application by myself without an attorney help. I am a student who is still in status. After submitting my application (affirmative asylum application), I received a letter to appear for an interview after almost 1 year and two months. I appeared in the interview (unrepresented and without a translator of course). I am a Graduate Student and very comfortable with English. The interview took like one an hour and 15 min (the interview and the overall atmosphere was nice). At the end of the interview I was given an appointment to appear after two weeks for a decision. When I appeared in the immigration office. Every one was called and given decision. After everyone was called and finished, I was called by the immigration office which interviewed me. The office took me to her private and asked me that there are more questions that she needed to ask (still I was unrepresented). I said OK. The interview took more that two hours and a half. Was very exhausting! At the end, the officer told me that they will send the decision in mail. My question is : Is that even to interview the applicant further without notice when in fact I was there for a decision?
Thanks and look forward for your insight!
**My question is : Is that even possible (from a legal perspective) to interview the applicant further without notice when in fact I was there for a decision?
Thanks
Yes, it is possible. Take care, Jason
What happened to you is not common, but it does happen. I don’t really like it, as it is important to be able to prepare for an interview in advance, even if you do not have a lawyer. In any case, it is done, and now you (hopefully) just have to wait for a decision. Good luck, Jason
Thanks Jason!
I am pending asylum applicant and I have just changed my address using online ar11 form. It gave me the confirmation number as well. Though I doubt that for I589 we can do change of address online. Please advice should I send ar11 change of address form through mail as well.
Thanks & happy new year
You can do the change of address for the I-589 on-line, but make sure you indicate that you are changing the address for that form. If you have more than one pending case, you have to change address for all the pending cases (for example, maybe you have a pending I-765 for a work permit). If you are not sure, contact the asylum office directly and tell them about your new address. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello, Jason.
I’ve been married for 3 years to an asylum applicant. We haven’t been together for few months and now we are in divorcing process. As i understand after divorce is finalized he has to withdraw me from his application(asylum).
The question is:
What status will i have after Asylum office will withdraw me from his application? Am i gonna have deportation or removing process? Am i gonna be able to adjust the status with my boyfriend(after marriage), he is the US citizen.?
Prior marriage i’ve been in US for a year(overstayed the VISA).
Thank you!
Once the divorce is final, you are automatically removed from the case – it does not matter what your ex-husband does. Once you are divorced, it sounds like you will have no status, since your visa expired, and you will be subject to deportation (though that takes some time and it is doubtful anything would happen too quickly). You can either file asylum yourself, if you have a case, or if you plan to re-marry, you can maybe get a green card that way. I think you should talk to a lawyer to go over the options and make sure you are eligible. That is the best way to protect yourself. Take care, Jason
After u overstayed the visa(1+ years). Are u a subject for deportation automaticaly?so after divorce what going to change in my status? Or i will go back to “out of status” again, with all consequences?
If you have no applications pending, you are out of status and subject to deportation. That is a process involving going to court and presenting any defenses you may have (asylum is one such defense). It can be a slow process. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Iam very pleased and grateful for all your efforts you are providing for all the people in your website!!
One Quick Question: I applied for asylum and now I’m waiting till i get my interview!! And i got granted for TPS “got accepted” last week…. Can i travel outside now since my TPS got accepted? if yes, how can i do that?
Thanks.:)
To travel while you have asylum pending or TPS, you need Advance Parole. I wrote about that on September 11, 2017. Take care, Jason
I am still seeking help.I would be greateful to anyone who can help stop the harassment,extrortion,blackmail,racketeering,cyber stalking and other crimes being commited against me.I have overwheling evidence in public documants and in emails.Here is a copy of an email sent to me by my Chase Banker in Englewood Florida. To: William Cagliostro
Subject: Re: Please help me keep my condo
William,
Do not confuse my words. I still feel it to be wrong and illegal. My
words have been the same there is not much anyone can do with you not
here.
The emails from your attorney were simply stating the options you have
and he is willing to honor which ever you choose.
If your condo can never bring you to the l
Place it once did then sell it for a fair market value and move on.
I am not turning my back on you but I am a banker not “the bank” as
you put it. I have no issues listening and giving you my opinion which
you have never taken and that is fine also.
There is nothing more I can do than listen and offer advice when asked
Sent from my iPhone
Hey jason!
Another question i filled for asylum in San fransisco, now i have been in Los Angeles for 2 years i wanted to get my associate degree, after that i’ll go back to San Francisco, i am receiving a fee waiver from my college, do you think it will compromise my interview? Or my case will be moved to LA office? I don’t want my case to be moved, since i’ll go back to live in San Francisco
You are supposed to update the asylum office if you moved. If you still have an address in SF, maybe that is ok, but I am not sure. I wrote about this on June 24, 2015. Take care, Jason
Hello jason
I applied for asylum in August 31 2015 at San Francisco’s office, do you know how things arr moving there am i going to get an interview soon? Also if I’m granted asylum can petition for my siblings and parents? I’m from democratic republic of Congo and the situation in my country is still getting worse, i don’t want them to die. The last question how much do i need to pay for the travel document? I’m planning to go to Canada and france for family emergency, am i gonna re-enter the United States without problem?
You have to check the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin – a link is at right. You can only petition for a spouse and an unmarried, minor child if you win asylum. To petition for a parent or sibling you must be a US citizen. They can try to come here some other way – on a tourist visa, student visa, work visa, etc. If you want to leave the US and return while an asylum case is pending, you need Advance Parole. I wrote about that on September 11, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Happy New Year!
I have a quick question. I have applied asylum and I have received the written acknowledgement saying that I can remain legally in US till pending interview. I wanna know that Can I apply Id, Driving License and Specially Bank Account now?
If not now than when can I?
Thanks Alot
You should be able to get a bank account. Most people can not get a driver’s license or state ID until they have the work permit. You can apply for that 150 days after your asylum application was received. You might want to contact your state DMV to see whether you might be able to get a license before then, but most people cannot. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason for your advise.
Regards.
Dear Jason
I am Palestinian (No passport, just a travel document for Palestinian refugees) born in Syria, moved to Libya when I was 5 years old. I married my husband secretly and with out the consent and blessing of my family because they wanted me to marry my cousin. My family in Libya and My uncles in Syria are aware and they threatened to kill me once they have the chance because they consider it a matter of honor. The local authority in Libya can not provide me protection due to the chaos in the country and I don’t think the situation is better in Syria. We are in the US on a visit visa. Do you think we have a chance for asylum based on my story? My husband is a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon (also travel document, no passport) born and raised in Libya. Neither of us are allowed to return to Libya even if we wanted to. The options are Syria or Lebanon. But since I am the one applying would they consider sending us to Lebanon even though none of us been there and that there is still a chance that my family would get me in Lebanon?
Thanks in advance and have a blessed 2018.
Loubnah
We have seen cases like this (honor killings) and they can be successful. For Palestinians, and especially someone like you who has connections to various countries, one big question will be, which countries can you live in, and will you be safe there (called “firm resettlement” – I wrote about this on January 30, 2012 and June 22, 2017). The analysis for this situation can be tricky and it is important to the case, and so I recommend you use a lawyer to help you. Given your history of living in different countries, it will be your responsibility to prove that you cannot go back to Libya, for example. This is a big pain, and I have had Palestinian clients go to various embassies to try to get letters stating that they do not have the right to return to those countries. Anyway, it sounds like you have a legitimate case, but talk to a lawyer to help you deal with the issue of firm resettlement. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Happy Happy New Year to you and thank you for all your sincere advices to us, you have been of tremendous help.
I have R1 Visa and SSN but want to seek for an asylum because of the persecution I am facing in my country which is life threatening. Please is this possible since I already have SSN and if possible I will prefer you be my Attorney. I am still within one year of entry and I reside in DC district.
Remain blessed as I await your response.
If you email me, I will schedule an appointment for you to discuss: jdzubow@dzubowlaw.com. Happy New Year, Jason
Hi Mr. Jason, Happy holidays
I got a couple of questions
1/ I applied on 2014 so by the time I applied I had no Alien- number, social security number and USCIS online account number so I wrote N/A on that space of I-589 but hopefully I’ll be interviewed in the coming few weeks so do I have to submit another I-589 form that has my Alien–number, social security number and USCIS online account number or will they understand if I tell them during my interview time?
2/ Since I have a torture case too, I checked the box at the top of Page 1 of the form I-589, so does checking that box disfavor me from being granted by the first category for ‘basis of Eligibility’ (which is ‘Asylum’) ? or to make it more clear if I’ll be eligible for the asylum category, will they continue processing my case for the application of withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture or being granted for the asylum category part will stop them from asking me further question about my eligibility for withholding of removal under the Convention Against torture ?
Thanks in advance,
Misle!!!
1 – At the interview, they will ask you about these things and update the form. We normally do not submit a new form. If there are big changes (for example a new child or spouse, or a lot of new jobs, you might want to complete the appropriate page(s) and bring that to the interview, as that will make it easier to update the form). 2 – You would only be processed for Torture Convention or Withholding if you do not qualify for asylum, and a judge – not the asylum office – would have to do that. We almost always check the Torture Convention box on the form, it is not a problem. Happy New Year, Jason
hi Jason,
I wanted to ask u i gave my interview on 6th Dec and i kept checking my status (its asylee case) it said ready and it last updated 21 Dec and now it shows issued.. but the thing is that i dont want my passports to be received soon as im willing to get my passports and travel in march or april due to my personal matters… My husband is the petitioner and i have 2 kids with me… is there any way that i can ask the embassy to delay the receiving of passports without letting my husband know? will the consular or the embassy contact the lawyer or my husband in USA? Im in pakistan… Please Jason help me as im worried or find a way…
Thank you.
Sorry, I am not sure what type of application you are asking about. Typically, if a petition is approved, it is possible to build in some delay if you are not ready to come to the US yet. But again, it may depend on the type of petition he filed for you. Take care, Jason
hi Jason,
I live in LA, California
can you handle my asylum case ?
I really trust you but I’m in a different state
can you ?
We do cases all over the US. It is generally easier to use a local attorney, but we can do it if you want. I will be out until next week, but you can email me at jdzubow@dzubowlaw.com. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason
I am applying for asylum and I want to know what kind of evidence the immigration would ask for to validate my story. And if it has to be original documents or would copies suffice?
Thanks a lot for your help
Khaled
Anything you say, you should get some evidence – letters from people who know about it, police and court documents, medical documents, etc. It depends on the facts of the case. We do not send original documents to the asylum office, but we bring them with us to the interview, so the officer can see them if they want to. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much. Happy new year.
Hi
Merry Christmas Jason Dzubow and your entire team God Bless us.
Coming new year give us health, peaceful and wealthy life,
Thanks for your all kind help,
Thanks & Best Regards
Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄To Jason Dzubow and his colleagues God Bless America 👍
Hi
Merry Christmas
Me and my husband applied for the citizenship on Augast but we just noticed a mistake in my husband application in the military unit question as he answered no cause he understood it was asking about US army and he supposed to answer yes as he served in the mandatory military service for a year in our country.
When I checked the case status today i found myself in line for an interview and for him only fees are waived, by the way we did our finger prints in the same day.
Please tell me how can we fix this mistake?
Thank you so much
Most likely, you will have to fix it at the interview (which you can do by giving them a written explanation at the beginning of the interview), but if they request additional evidence from him, he could include that info in his response. You can also try to send that info separately – if you do, make sure that the receipt number and Alien number are on your letter. Take care, Jason
hi Jason
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Thanks for your valuable blog, now I got my driving license and now bit freedom to start my routine, my case is still pending and my wife and my son are in home country, now my q is that, as I have responsibility of my family, I am sending every month their expenses, as I am sending money it will effect my case ?? I no have option I have to send expenses as they depend on me, kindly guide,
Thanks & Best Regards
I do not see how sending money to your family would affect your case (as long as they are not giving it to terrorists or doing anything improper). Take care, Jason
Dear Jason, I got my asylum interview that 16 days now. They referred me to a immigration judge. So I would like to know if I can married and cancel my asylum case???
Pleas Emy, when did you do your interview and which state? I did mine in Chicago since June and I have no update up to now.
Dec 2 New Jersey
If you marry a US citizen and you are eligible to get the green card, you can do that – it is not so simple as canceling the case, and there are some pitfalls, so I recommend you talk to a lawyer to help you through the process. Take care, Jason
Ok i will talk to my lawyer. But do you know people who got their green card after cancel their cases and get married? Thanks
Yes – it is usually not a problem at all, but you still need to navigate the bureaucracy, which can be annoying. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for providing a professional advice and for this blog.
My case is pending a decision since my interview on Nov, 2016. I recently moved to another state for a temporary job; It’s temporary so I haven’t changed my address with USCIS.
If I decide to stay here, to take other projects and change my address with USCIS, how will it impact the process of my application?
Will they transfer my case before making a decision? If they are running a background check or something that is delaying the decision, will they discontinue whatever they are doing and transfer the case to my current location? Will it go to the backlog of that state and wait to be reviewed?
I just wanted to make sure what I am getting into before I prolong my stay here. I don’t want to add more years to the wait. Thanks!
Changing your address at this stage should not make any difference. The asylum office that interviewed you should make the decision. I did once have a case where the person moved and then he got a second interview at the new office, but second interviews are not that common and even if you are interviewed at the new office, there is no reason to think the decision will be any slower than if the second interview is at the original office. In short, if you make a permanent move, there is probably no delay when you change your address. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason ,
I was kidnapped in my home country and was rescued by a police operation . after getting rescued i got continuous life threats but things got intense and they got after me aggressively since the accomplices of the people who were arrested didn’t want me to witness in court trial. I tried to hide in my home country with my family at numerous places but the always tracked me , it was becoming horrible for me to live there . police and govt was not helping in this thing and one of the arrested person also escaped from the jail custody which became even a bigger threat. After running here and there and nobody protecting i had to flee the country . I am thinking to go for asylum option as its hard from me to go back in the danger again . they specifically targeted me due to many reasons which includes my social profile , opinions , profession probably. Is there a good chance for me to get approved for asylum .
Regards
Ashan
It sounds like a decent asylum case. I am not sure I understand why you were targeted, and that is important for asylum. If it was because of your political opinion, race, religion, particular social group or nationality, then that could form the basis for an asylum claim. You should talk to a lawyer to go over the specifics and give you a better idea about whether you would qualify. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I am in USA on a visit visa and just wanted to know my chances of asylum approval
In 2012 I was attepted for murder in my home country a police report was lodged and also it was in news papers I left my country and moved to Qatar on a residence visa I didn’t visited my home country for next 3 years. Now as I don’t have a job any more in Qatar and my residence is cancelled I came back to my home country, couple of months before I was again attempted for murder as I belong to a minority group again police case is registered
What are the chances to get the asylum if I apply
Regards
Najeeb
If the murder attempt was because of your minority status, the government will not protect you, and you cannot relocate internally in your country, you should have a good chance to win asylum. You would need to talk to a lawyer about the specifics of the case to be sure, but it sounds like a good case to me. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I am trying to check on my status on the website but it says an error. I don’t know what am I doing wrong. How can I check my status?
You can only check the status of an asylum case by contacting the asylum office directly. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If you are waiting for an interview, you can check the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin – a link is at right. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason.Please if you can share your wisdom with me on how to start life over in another country.I am being harassed by a wealthy land developer here in the U.S.My home vehicles and much of my money were taken illegally.I can not get a fair court hearing.I must find a way to start life over in another country.If I can get a new identity with a passport from another country I can start life over safely with out the harassment.I do not need asylum and my attempts to get it were costly and not effective.Just a new identity in another country will work.Please help if you can I dont have much money left to start life over.God bless,William
I can only assist people coming to the US for asylum. If you plan to leave the US, you should talk to a lawyer in the country you are planning to go to, and get an idea about what it takes to move there. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason.I appreciate your kindness and all you do for those suffering and seeking asylum.I wish you and your loved ones a very healthy,happy and safe holiday season.Many blessings,William
Thank you. Happy holidays to you too, Jason
I have been trying to seek asylum for almost three years.After my home,vehicles and much of my money were taken from me and my life threatened I left the US on January the 9th 2015.The justice system in Florida is so corrupt I could not get a fair court hearing.Because I am american no country I have visited will give me asylum.If anyone has advice or can help in anyway please email me at cagliostrowilliam gmail.com Kind regards,William
I really appreciate Jason and very thankful for you opinion take care and God Bless you !
Hi Jason ,
It seems as everything has slowed down specially Affirmative asylum interviews , It has become more uncertain then the previous year as when one would get an interview call and when the decision will be made and notified . Do you see any improvements coming up or it will further slow down.
Regards
The big slow down for asylum cases came several years ago. Other types of applications are now slowing down under the Trump Administration, but affirmative asylum cases are slowly moving along. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason!
Thanks for reply you are so helpful but I am little confuse because I already passed 1 year deadline to apply asylum and secondly if I wait for citizenship of my wife which option I feel better for sponsoring by if I claim asylum after a year how does take asylum process because she can apply Next year for citizenship and I have no idea how long that process will take time ?
Thanks again Jason For your opinion
I think you should talk to a lawyer to go over the specific situation – I do not know enough about your case to determine which option is best, or whether you should do both. It sounds like you have a basis to get your status here, and so you should get some help doing that. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason!
My Question is this I am in removal proceeding and my wife and kids they have (LPR) Legal permanent Residence status she claimed asylum individually and she granted Asylum.we both have same fear of prosecution our home country I need your opinion plz . She is eligible for citizenship next year and my (MCH) Master Calendar Hearing is next year too same month I have 1 year time. So plz let me know what i need to do. I need to claim asylum or she need to file petition for me and when she file petition Now as (LPR) or after 1 year Citizenship or I have to wait for her citizenship before claiming asylum. Waiting your opinion!
Thanks
You need to have a lawyer help you with this, as there are too many variables and I cannot know all the details. One option is to do your own asylum case. Another option may be based on marriage – maybe your wife should file the I-130 petition for you now; or maybe she should wait until she is a citizen. You can also do the asylum case and the marriage case. It all depends on the specific circumstances, but based on what you are saying, it sounds like you should have a good chance of remaining in the US. It is worth hiring a lawyer to get you through the process, which can be tricky. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason!
i have question for you plz help me I really need your assistance
You are welcome to post the question….
Hi M.Jason,l have a question ,l’ m asylum seeker and l have my EAD card which is C11 category which meant parole ,l payed $410 for it at the first time,please l want to know if l want to renew it can l apply for C8 category now which is asylum category and l will pay again $410 for it ?thank you.
If you filed for asylum, and 180 days have passed since you filed, you should be able to get an EAD based on “asylum pending” or c-08 (you can actually file after 150 days, but the clock must reach 180 for you to be eligible). The first EAD card obtained this way is free. However, since you have a c-11 card, it sounds like you are in court, and so you should find a lawyer to help you, who can also help with this. If you are in court, you can check how many days have passed since you filed for asylum by calling 800-898-7180 and entering your Alien number. Push 2 and it will tell you how many days have passed since you filed. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much,l filed for asylum since January and l was in New York before l moved to Omaha so my case was transferred to here ,my first court was in November since my case was transferred but the judge had rescheduled to Juin 2018 ,l call the number and l push 2 it’s saying “there’s no clock” please what that meant?l gave my asylum application since January .v
If your case is in court, it is much better to have a lawyer, who can also try to help with this problem. Different judges sometimes interpret the clock rules differently, and so the judge might not have started the clock, or there could be an error, or there could be a valid reason that the clock did not start. If you do not have a lawyer, you can try to call the Judge’s clerk and ask. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Immigration Court. Take care, Jason
Ok ,thank you so much for your help M.Jason.
I am living in tijuana Mexico at the California border
I am planning to enter the USA and seek asylum am a gay from Africa who has been threating
I need an attorney and how can i be transfer under the Arlington jurisdiction
Is that my choice to make or they choose where to take me….
I need an attorney
Can you help me?
I cannot help with that, sorry. If you come to the border and seek asylum, you will be detained at the border, so you may want to find a lawyer in that area (though be warned that there are many lawyers at the border – and elsewhere – who are not very good at their jobs, and so try to investigate a bit before choosing someone). Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Hope you doing good. First I wanna thanks to u for ur advise and support. I have a quick question.
I have applied asylum 2 weeks back and today i got acknowledgment / receipt written my file and receipt no. Now what will be the next step ? When do i get my finger prints and when will be my 150 days start for applying the work permit.
Really thankful if u can advise me.
Thanks.
You should receive the fingerprint notice in the next few weeks. The 150 days is counted from the date your application was received, which is listed on the receipt. Take care, Jason
Thanks jason.
It means its started already. Meanwhile the biometrics will come right?
Regards.
Most people get biometrics, and if you do not get them, you should contact the local asylum office and ask about that. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason.
Im in the US on a visit visa and I want to apply for asylum. I left my home country because of fear of prosecution and resided in another country. I was able to get a job and a temporary residency. The company I work for is downsizing and I lost my job and my residency. I have had a 3 years tourist visa to the US that my wife and I have used couple years ago and our twins were born here in the US and got citizenship. Now we traveled here using the same visa. Do you think we have a chance to be granted asylum especially that we did reside in a third country?
Thanks in advance.
The question is whether you were “firmly resettled” in the third country. If so, you cannot qualify for asylum. I have written posts on that subject on January 30, 2012 and June 22, 2017 – maybe those would help, but the analysis is a bit tricky and so you should talk to a lawyer to look at the specifics of your case. Take care, Jason
My wife is in the U.S. on a visa; we got married after I was granted asylum. I want to petition for her once I get a GC. Do you know if it is okay to apply 2 months before the 1 year-after- grant of asylum requirement? I am worried about the delay in processing. And what is the normal processing time for a GC application based on asylum? Thanks.
If you were married after you won asylum, you will have to wait until you have the GC to petition for her. But when a person with a GC petitions for a spouse, there is a waiting period (currently about 1.5 years) and so she may need to leave the US during that period (unless she has some other status here). So might want to talk to a lawyer about all that. We previously filed 1 month before the 1 year anniversary of asylum, but then USCIS rejected a case as filed too early. Since then, we have always waited the full year to apply for a GC. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I am living in Oklahoma and applied for Asylum with a received date of September. I plan to send my initial EAD application on the 150th day in February. Can I move out Oklahoma before then and have no issues with my EAD or my wife’s? I would be moving to Texas or Colorado, so the Asylum office will still be the same in Houston.
Thank you for you help in advance and have a great day,
Victor Sanchez
You should not have any issues, especially if the asylum office is the same. Make sure to update your address using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Good Morning Mr. Jason,
I received a notice of action from USCIS regarding my EAD 180 extension under (c 08) category.
My 180 days extension will be expiring on Jan 19, 2018.
I already called USCIS to expedite my process. Please let me know is there anything from USCIS that helps for more time otherwise I will lost my Job.
Thanks,
Ali
This is a big problem for many people. You can try to make an Info Pass appointment and go to ask – you can do that at http://www.uscis.gov. Otherwise, besides calling again, there is nothing effective you can do, except hope that it arrives soon. Good luck, Jason
Jason i applied for asylum but the address i used, these people received my acknowledgement receipt and for some reasons known to them they never gave me the letter neither to let me me know until i requested for information about my application i sent to uscis and in my shock they replied my email and clearly stated they sent my acknowledgement receipt at the exact address. So my question is can i be able to request uscis for another copy? Because i need to change my address as soon as possible.
You can contact the asylum office and ask them if they can help you. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If they cannot help, you can file form G-639, available at http://www.uscis.gov, to get a copy of your file, including receipts. That will take several months. You can also file a change of address, form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov, so that all future mail will go to the new address, but you will need your Alien number to do that. Take care, Jason