Stephen Miller Is Not a Hypocrite

If you follow the news about immigration, you probably know Stephen Miller. He’s a Senior Policy Advisor to President Trump, and he’s supposedly the nefarious driving force behind many of the Administration’s most vicious anti-immigrant policies.

Last week, Dr. David S. Glosser–Mr. Miller’s uncle and a retired neuropsychologist who volunteers with refugees–penned a powerful article refuting his nephew’s raison d’etre: Stephen Miller Is an Immigration Hypocrite. I Know Because I’m His Uncle. The article discusses the immigration history of Mr. Miller’s family, and points out that the policies espoused by Mr. Miller would have prevented his own ancestors from escaping persecution in Europe. Here’s Dr. Glosser’s money shot:

Trump and my nephew both know their immigrant and refugee roots. Yet, they repeat the insults and false accusations of earlier generations against these refugees to make them seem less than human. Trump publicly parades the grieving families of people hurt or killed by migrants, just as the early Nazis dredged up Jewish criminals to frighten and enrage their political base to justify persecution of all Jews. Almost every American family has an immigration story of its own based on flight from war, poverty, famine, persecution, fear or hopelessness. Most of these immigrants became workers, entrepreneurs, scientists and soldiers of America.

Can you guess which one is Stephen Miller?

It’s a powerful piece, in part because of Dr. Glosser’s relationship to Stephen Miller, and in part due to the juxtaposition of these two men. Dr. Glosser speaks from his personal experience dealing with refugees. He sees the story of his parents and grandparents in the stories of modern-day refugees. He has absorbed the lessons of the past, particular with regard to ethnic and religious demonization. Mr. Miller, on the other hand, seems inured to the suffering of his fellow humans and immune to the lessons of history. I have never heard him articulate a fact-based justification for his cruel policies. But he persists in advocating for those policies nevertheless. Mr. Miller’s background and how it influences (or fails to influence) his thinking are important questions, as is the “grim historical irony” of his views.

Here, however, I want to discuss a different question: Is it accurate to call Mr. Miller and the President hypocrites because their policies would have blocked their own ancestors from immigrating to the United States? A second, perhaps more important question, is this: Why does the first question matter?

A hypocrite is a person who pretends to be something that he is not. It’s an epithet often used for politicians who claim to be virtuous and honest, but who, in reality, are the opposite. The word derives from the Greek “hypokrites,” which means “actor,” and there’s a long and rich history of contempt for hypocritical politicians (Dante, for example, relegates the hypocrites to the eight circle of hell, which is pretty close to the bottom).

I don’t think that Mr. Miller or Mr. Trump are hypocrites simply because their immigration policies would have blocked their own ancestors from coming to the U.S. They may be bigots and bullies, whose policies are based more on falsehood than fact, but that is not hypocrisy. Indeed, Mr. Trump has repeatedly articulated his disdain for Muslims, Mexicans, people from “shit-hole countries,” etc., and so the fact that he enacts policies to exclude such people seems perfectly consistent with his world view. He and Mr. Miller may hold ignorant and racist views, but that does not make them hypocrites.

Why does any of this matter?

Aside from the fact that words should be used properly (or as Inigo Montoya might say, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means”), it seems wrong to try to limit what people can do by shaming them as hypocrites based on their ancestry. Is the decedent of slave owners a hypocrite if she supports Affirmative Action? Would a Native American be a hypocrite if he became an immigration lawyer? Is the daughter of a candy store owner acting hypocritically if she becomes a dietician? You get my point. We are who we are because of, and in spite of, our progenitors. But I don’t think we should be condemned for the choices we make that are not consistent with the choices they made.

Further, with regards to a complex topic like immigration policy, labels such as “hypocrite” seem inapplicable and designed to shut down–rather than encourage–discussion. Even a person who personally benefited from U.S. refugee policy, for example, has a right to oppose the admission of additional refugees. Economic and political circumstances change, as does the population of refugees seeking admission to our country. Maybe you support admitting some types of refugees (those like you) and oppose admitting others. Such a position is likely based on ignorance of “the other,” but I don’t think it is necessarily hypocritical.

So condemn Mr. Miller for his bigotry and his lies. Call out the irony of his policies, which would have blocked his own ancestors from finding refuge in our country. But don’t call Stephen Miller a hypocrite. Sadly, he is exactly what he purports to be.

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110 comments

  1. […] Trump Administration’s most vicious anti-immigration policies (I previously wrote about him here). Shortly after President Trump left office, Mr. Miller and a number of other white men from the […]

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  2. Hi Jason,

    I received this massage today “ Thank you for your email. Please note that this application is pending review with our headquarters. Once a final decision is reached, you will receive a written decision by mail from our office. Please be sure to maintain an updated address with our office at all times by completing a AR-11, Change of Address Card (link: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/ar-11.pdf). can you tell me what’s headquarters and how long will take to review my application .

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    • I did a post about some reasons why a case would be sent to headquarters on October 20,2015. Maybe that will help. Take care, Jason

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    • Hello Jason,
      I have a question about the pending asylum cases. I filed In sept 2016 and still pending. do you have idea when can I Get interview call?
      secondly my dad who is 60 years old filed asylum with me but he has something important stuff to do back in the country. what if he takes back his asylum case and visits country for 2 months and come back and file again? I hope you reply to this soon
      thanks

      Reply
      • 1 – I do not know, and no one really knows. My guess is that it will not be any time soon, unless you can expedite (I wrote about that on March 30, 2017). 2 – He should talk to a lawyer about this. Most likely the return trip would cause him to lose asylum, and he may not be able to return to the US, even if he has a visa. He could try for Advance Parole, which is a way to leave and return, but returning to the home country can create problems. I wrote about that on September 11, 2017. Take care, Jason

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  3. Hi Jason,

    I received this message today after we submitted RFE for I 730.

    “We are still reviewing your case and there are no updates at this time.We will notify you when your case status changes. We last took action on your case on August 14, 2018.”

    Is this normal? can we hope for some positive feedback soon?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • They have all sorts of messages that seem to mean the same thing: The case is still pending. So I think that particular message does not tell you much. It is fairly common to receive a decision shortly after responding to an RFE, but not always. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  4. Hey Jason, thank you for your all work and help in here. My clock will be filled 150 days on this 18th of September. And now, my case has been referred to the judge, which will be held, master of hearing, in Charlotte on 13th of November. I will move to NY on October and do a change of venue. My question is if this situation will affect my EAD? Am I able to apply/get EAD after 150 days or I should have to wait until 180 days. Thank you, Sincerely.

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  5. Hi Jason, thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. I have received a form I-797C for EAD, but there’s a mistake in my date of birth: year of birth is 2018. Shall I call USCIS Customer Service number to notify them or my EAD card should be made with my correct date of birth regardless of the form? Thank you

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    • Hey Jason, thank you for your all work and help in here. My clock will be filled 150 days on this 18th of September. And now, my case has been referred to the judge, which will be held, master of hearing, in Charlotte on 13th of November. I will move to NY on October and do a change of venue. My question is if this situation will affect my EAD? Am I able to apply/get EAD after 150 days or I should have to wait until 180 days. Thank you, Sincerely.

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      • You can apply for the EAD after 150 days, but you are not eligible to receive the EAD unless the clock reaches 180 days. If you file a motion to change venue before the 180 days have passed, the clock will stop and you will not get the EAD (at least until the clock re-starts). I wrote about the clock on July 19, 2018. Take care, Jason

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    • I would call them and tell them about the error. Hopefully, the error can be corrected before they issue the card. If calling does not work, you could try to make an Info Pass appointment and go in person. A link to Info Pass is at right. Take care, Jason

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  6. Hi Jason,

    I would like to know which date is considered the filing date for I-589. Is it the mailing date or the date when it is received by the Service Center? This question is in regard to the one-year filing deadline rule. Thanks.

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    • It is the date on the blue receipt, unless you mailed the case prior to the one-year deadline, but the receipt is dated after the one-year deadline. In that case, you are allowed to use the earlier date (date of mailing) so the application will be timely. Take care, Jason

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  7. Hi, Jason,

    Thank you very much for your blog and answering our questions with a such dedication and details.
    What do you think about USCIS asylum processing data, last it was published in March 2018. Do you think they will update data soon or it will take longer.

    Thank you.

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  8. Hi Mr. Jason:

    Thanks for your assistance as always. I gotta question. Hopefully to get an answer.

    Can asylum seekers get health insurance? If yeah, is it the same price as they offer to permanent residents or not?

    Regards,

    Reply
    • ASYLEE, I am not Jason but just giving my opinion on your question. From my understanding- and I am assuming you meant to buy insurance, based on how you structured your question- anyone can get/buy health insurance. I don’t know if buying health insurance has anything to do with your immigration status. In addition, there are many different insurance providers in the US. The types of benefits/coverage you get will depend on the insurance provider.

      However, if you are interested in getting insurance like Medicaid or free insurance, then there are strict criteria that must be met before you can get these insurance benefits as an asylum applicant. Also, please keep in mind that there are proposals currently in the making to deny applicants immigration benefits, such as PR status/citizenship, if they use(d) government benefits.

      I would suggest that you start with Google to see what organizations in your state offer assistance with insurance for immigrants. I promise you that you will get an abundance of information on insurance.

      Reply
      • Thanks a world and appreciate JAMIE.

        Yeah, for sure, I want to buy insurance from private companies. Frankly, I don’t wanna use the free things to not put myself in the problem in the future. But yeah, I have to buy from private companies.

        I was just woundering that do the private companies give such insurance for asylum seekers or not. Meanwhile, they may offer us higher prices as the universities do for asylum seekers.

        I heard that one guy left his case just because of tooth pain,since he didn’t have the insurance, and wasn’t to pay the bill for his tooth.

        Thanks once again for your nice comment.

        Regards,

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        • I agree with Jamie’s comment, and I think you would need to shop around. I have not heard about asylum seekers paying a different fee for private health insurance as compared to US citizens, but it is not something I usually deal with. You might try consulting with a non-profit, as they often know more about such benefits than private attorneys (you can Google “Catholic Charities” + the name of your city; they help all immigrants, regardless of religion). Take care, Jason

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        • ASYLEE, I am not an insurance expert, but from my understanding anyone can buy insurance from private companies. Even people who are visiting on B1/B2 visitor visas. In fact, it’s actually encouraged that tourists buy insurance when they are visiting other countries for tourist purposes.

          Now, as to how much they charge you, neither Jason nor I would be able to answer than question. Believe it or not, insurance can be a very complex thing. Some insurance providers may take into consideration your age, any sickness you have, the size of your family, your income, etc. It may also depend on the state that you live in. I wouldn’t focus much on another person’s experience. Everyone’s situation is different.

          If you believe you are able to pay for the insurance, try shopping around (you can search using Google) to see which insurance company is providing the best coverage for less. You can find the numbers online and call them. You don’t have to go in person. Also, try non-profit organizations in your city or state, like Jason suggested.

          if you can get the insurance through your employer, this would be even better.

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    • If you mean public insurance, I do not know – it may depend on the state. If the insurance is through an employer, you should be able to qualify the same as any other employee. Take care, Jason

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  9. Hi Jason if I send my EAD form after 150 days like 10 days after.Do they count the 30 dayson the date I send it or do they count it as part of the 150 days because I sent my form this month and it’s almost 180 days no receipt

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    • If the “clock” is still running and we sent the EAD application after the 150th day, you will become eligible to get the EAD after the clock passes 180 days. Normally it takes 3 or 4 weeks to get the receipt. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  10. Hi Jason, I got an asylum interview scheduled this month in August but my lawyer asked for it’s reschedule for October. This is because she can’t go with me this month. Please advise on when is the approximate time USCIS will reschedule my interview?

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    • It may depend on the asylum office, but normally, they will not give such a long extension. Usually, they only give a few weeks. Take care, Jason

      Reply
    • Hi A
      I had an interview in late july in los angeles, I had to reschedule it due to change of address to chicago, my new notice of interview came in 16 days!

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      • Can you share your timeline please, thank you

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        • I applied on Dec 15th, received notice of interview for mid July

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      • Can you share your timeline please, thank you, my case is i Los angeles (phoenix) too.

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      • Hey Sally, did your new interview notice come to your new address ( Chicago)?

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        • Yes

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  11. I sent my i589 form to Texas service center since I live in dodge park Maryland since April 11th and I haven’t heard anything. I got a blue post card from post office they received my mail in may. Since then I haven’t heard anything. I called USCIS office they said they don’t deal with such issues. I have gone to asylum office since Uscis referred me to them. They said my name is not in their system that I should write Texas. I have written. Texas service center referred me back to Uscis office. Pl what do I do. I am helpless

    Reply
    • The blue “card” means asylum office have received your case.
      It’s impossible that your case is not in the system. Otherwise a notice cannot be generated. Even if the case is closed somehow the record is there.
      Make sure you bring your blue card and inform them your receipt number on your card.
      Also you should have received your fingerprint notice.
      Normally service center does not handle asylum case. You should direct all your inquiries to local asylum office only. Try to write to office director if necessary.

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    • The fact that you have the receipt is important, as it is proof you filed. Maybe you can go back to the asylum office (or email them), tell temp what has happened so far, and ask for help. The TSC is a mess, and we have seen where the Arlington Asylum Office will take care of things when the TSC drops the ball. You can find the contact info for the Arlington asylum office if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (under Asylum Seeker Resources). Take care, Jason

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  12. Hi, Do asylee need EAD to get driver license after they have been granted asylum and got unrestricted social security? I am in PA

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    • If you have your valid passport AND I-94 showing asylum status, then you don’t need EAD. (other documents might be required per DMV)

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    • I do not know – you have to check with the DMV. You are supposed to automatically receive a new EAD after your case is granted. I wrote about that on May 16, 2018. Take care, Jason

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  13. Hello Mr. Dzubow
    My I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence has been put on hold because of TRIG for almost a decade. Few months ago I submitted a request for case assistance to the Ombudsman’s Office. Approximately 2 months ago I got a RFE from USCIS seeking clarifications on some of my past activities that I had mentioned in my initial asylum application. I did submit a a response to the RFE and I got an email from the USCIS confirming that the Service had received the response to the RFE. It was also mentioned that the USCIS will start working on my case again. A couple of weeks ago I got another RFE and this time I was asked to provide another medical examination certificate which I dully submitted and I got another e mail from the USCIS telling me that they will start working on my case again. Now after waiting for so many years to get my green card I am not sure as to what to make of all these recent activities on my pending application. I would like to know your opinion….should I be hopeful that there might finally be a light at the end of this very long/dark tunnel ?

    Reply
    • Why would they ask for medical exmanation. Are you talking about the medical exmanation that everyone does for the green card. Or that something related to your asylum case ?

      Reply
      • It was medical examination (Form I-693) that I had submitted almost 10 years ago with my application for adjustment. In the RFE it was mentioned that validation of Form I-693 cannot be extended beyond the 365 days. In order for the Service to continue my application as submitted I was asked to do another medical exam and submit Form I 693.

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      • In my opinion, if USCIS has requested for your medicals (Form I-693), then they are about to approve your case. Go ahead and send them an updated I-693 (if the one you submitted before is over a year). People who got medical RFEs got their green card applications approved in as less as 10 business days after submission.

        Wishing you all the best!!!

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    • Normally when they ask for the medical it’s a very good sign that your case is in final process and approval, you would expect your case approved within a month (unless the center director denies adjudicator’s decision but TRIG case requires extreme vetting so this is rare).
      Good luck!

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    • I don’t know, but at least there is some movement and maybe you will get a decision. Hopefully a good decision. USCIS is very unpredictable and so I really do not know whether there will be a decision soon in the case. In general, we often (but not always) get decisions soon after responding to RFEs. Good luck, Jason

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  14. Hey Jason, thanks a lot for always giving so much informaion. I wanted to share my timeline so far because this might help others and also to see your thoughts.
    •Application received: 08/01/2018
    •Biometrics taken: 08/20/2018
    •Interview notice: 08/20/2018
    •Interview date: 09/10/2018

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    • Hi Jason,

      Thanks for all you do.

      My question,

      Have you heard anyone lost status ( or got citizenship denied) after visiting home of persecution for onetime ( 1 month) due to an emergency ?

      Thanks,

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      • I have not heard about it, but it could happen, especially these days where they are being extra difficult. Take care, Jason

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    • Hi Asylee. Thank you for sharing your timelines. I was wondering to know which office are you in?

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    • Hi Asylee,

      Good luck with the interview. Could you please share office where you applied?

      Thanks.

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    • May I ask where you’re case is at ?

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      • Hi, I sorry I didnt say the location. My office is Arlington.
        I am currently preparing for the interview. I am super anxious.

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    • Can you please let us know which office did you apply to. Thanks

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    • Pretty quick. Good luck with the interview, Jason

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  15. Does anybody know can you get driver license while your asylum case is pending?
    Today I came to my Georgia’s DMV to renew driver license (I got it 6 months ago when I entered the US and now it’s expired) and they rejected me.
    I asked: how can I drive? Drive carefully or use your foreign license if you have ))
    So is it common practice?

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    • Different states seem to have different policies, but once you have the EAD, you should be able to get a new license. Take care, Jason

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    • Tony,

      If you live in Georgia, you must present valid immigration documents to prove identity and lawful status, according the Georgia DMV’s website. I suspect that you were given a driver’s license because you had a valid US visa and a valid foreign passport. However, once your authorized stay has come to an end (the amount of time you were allowed to stay in the US when you were admitted as a visitor, student, etc.), you must provide proof of having requested and received an extension to remain lawfully in the US. I don’t think the I-589 receipt alone is sufficient as you’ll need a valid social security card, which you can get from your EAD.

      You will need a social security card; however, if you are not eligible to receive one, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration outlining your ineligibility for the social security card.

      You must present proof of address.

      Please keep in mind that you can get an EAD if you have a pending asylum I-589 application for at least 180 days (successfully submitted and pending). The EAD, SS and proof of address are usually sufficient.

      If you think that none of the above applies to you, go into the DMV and speak to a supervisor.

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    • I did it by my finger print form, i797c, in texas

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  16. Hi Jason,

    I submitted RFE for my I 730 application . On August 16th they sent an email saying we have taken an action on your case sign in to your account to check your status. I did sign in and it’s says we received your response to our request for more information. you case is no longer on hold. You do not need to do anything at this moment. I submitted my I 730 application on November 30th 2017. How long they will take to send us a decision after submission of RFE?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • I don’t know. Often, after you respond to an RFE, you get a decision pretty quickly, so hopefully that will be you. Take care, Jason

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  17. You are such a wonderful person Jason.
    The topic you mentioned here and your up level assessment may be little bit hard for most of us to digest but it is delightful.
    Thank you for being here.

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  18. Hi Mr Jason:

    At the outset, I appreciate your time allocating for our questions. I have the following questions if you could possibly answer them to me, I will be appreciated:

    1: After how long can someone think of Expediting a case? Like if someone has really health problem, can he apply for Expedite after 6 months of his application submitted to USCIS?

    2: I read your post from 2012 regarding the Witness Letter, do we have to have it now as well for my asylum application. Like, I can have more such docs from my co-workers, they can confirm my threats. They will their ID everything needed.

    3: The last question, as mentioned, I am really suffering from my health issue, I need to have my operation as soon as possible. I really can not endure it anymore. If they don’t expedite my case, what should I do? Do I have to withdraw my case because there is no any other option left to me. I may be faced with a big health problem if I don’t do the operation, even maybe lead to cancer.

    Reply
    • 1 – There is no rule about this, so you can do so at any time. 2 – I do not understand the question. But if you try to expedite, you should make sure all your letters and evidence are submitted, so if the case is expedited, you will be ready. 3 – Can you have the operation while your case is pending? If you need to do the operation overseas, you could apply for Advance Parole to travel, have the operation, and return to the US. I wrote about that on September 11, 2017. Take care, Jason

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      • I really really appreciate your answer. Ok that’s great regarding the timing for expedite. So, my health problem can’t be a good reason for expedite? Like if I have to do the operation, won’t the operation a good reason for expedite or they will ask me for Advance Parol for travel by any way?

        Also, this was my other question that can I have this letter as a evidence now too.
        http://www.asylumist.com/?s=Witness+letter.

        Regards, and thanks a million.

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        • You can ask to expedite based on a health problem. You have to explain why expediting the case will help you with the health problem, but if you have a health issue, that is a common reason to expedite. I do not understand the question about letters. Take care, Jason

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  19. Hi Jason and God bless you.please Jason would like to know if you want to expedite a case at the Arlington office there is a specific form for that ?.I saw an article saying that for some offices you should fill a form to expedite a case like the Arlington office; for some no.please if there is one where can I get it? Thank you Jason

    Reply
    • There is a form. If you contact them, maybe they can email it to you, or you can go in person to get it. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (under Asylum Seeker Resources). Take care, Jason

      Reply
  20. Hi Jason and God bless you.please Jason would like to know if you want to expedite a case at the Arlington office there is a specific form for that ?.I saw an article saying that for some offices you should fill a form to expedite a case like the Arlington office; for some no.Thank you Jason

    Reply
    • There is a form. If you contact them, maybe they can email it to you, or you can go in person to get it. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (under Asylum Seeker Resources). Take care, Jason

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      • Thank you Jason

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  21. Hi Jason.
    As a heads up to remember me, I’m from a banned country l, working for a government sector here and is waiting for the interview decision for 10 months.
    My father is sick and I tried to follow up and ask for expedite through the Congressman. The answe for my case is: “moved to Enhanced Security Check”.
    Have you hared tgis before? Is it new process for us? Is it something to be worry about? Or this is for who is from Banned countries?
    Thank.

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    • I have not heard those specific words before, but they seem to have a whole host of reasons for delay, and as far as I can tell, it is impossible to derive much meaning from them. It may be that you want to talk to a lawyer about a mandamus lawsuit, to try to get a decision. Take care, Jason

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  22. Hi Jason. I got Asylum approval from IJ and received Approval and i94. Then i applied forun restricted Social Security Card and received too. I tried to change Work permit Catagory from C8 to A5 but uscis local office told me in info pass date that no need to change it now and when you apply for GC next year then apply for C9 Catagory.My Work Permit will expire next year in August. My Question is that:Now can i change my Driving Licence id on basis of Approval? Because on my id is written temporary visitor and expiry date of work permit. Can i change my driving id ?

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    • There seems to be a problem across the board for EADs for people granted asylum. I have not heard an announced policy, but this seems to be a widespread issue. Also, I do not think USCIS will allow you to apply for an EAD based on the c-9 category when you file for your green card. We used to do that for people, but I believe the I-765 instructions indicate that you must file under category a-5, and I have heard about USCIS rejecting applications under c-9 (of course, this is complete idiocy – who cares what category you are under? If you qualify, they should approve it). You may want to apply for a new EAD based on asylum granted (a-5). The first such EAD is free, and so there is really nothing to lose. As to the driver’s license, you will have to ask the DMV, but the I-94 and asylum grant order should hopefully be enough. Take care, Jason

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  23. I believe that the current administration has killed two birds with one stone by making asylees to feel alienated, and by making future-refugees to start changing their plans of coming to the US. My case was already suspended for years by the asylum office. Mr Miller, and people like him who support anti-immigrant strategies, are just trying to add more barriers to my already suspended case. I believe that I have to give up and stop trying to fight. My case is pending forever; this is an inevitable fact.

    For other immigrants, who their cases would not have struggled provided that Miller’s strategy supporters didn’t issue any new rules, then it might be a good idea for them to stay and fight.

    I am not welcome here, although I am a total law-abiding “alien”. I feel this with every single day passes away. Just because the asylum office has misinterpreted my statements during the interview!! They don’t disclose the suspending factors. They don’t give you any hint. It is impossible to talk to the officer. It is impossible to win a mandamus with ambiguous information. It is really hard to sail against the torrent. I have already started my disparate trials to find a third-welcoming-country

    Do you agree with my ideas? I know the ultimate positive logic says not to giving up. But my positive attitude returned me zero interest in the past 7 years suffering from a pending asylum case.

    God help me in this psychological-torturing journey…

    Reply
    • I did a post about waiting on January 9, 2018, for what that is worth. I think each person must make his/her own decision about how long to wait and when to leave. I will say that you should try not to judge the whole country based on the actions of a few. Many Americans believe in welcoming refugees and oppose the policies of the current Administration. As Fred Rogers would say, “Look for the helpers.” Try to associate with people who are positive and helpful, not people who stand in your way. That said, the wait is certainly a huge difficulty and whether remaining here or leaving is a decision that each person must make for themselves. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • People with compassion are the only reason that I was able to stand for seven years. Definitely, I am not judging the whole country. I won’t be exaggerating when saying that 100% of Americans I met are feeling my situation. I am happy with living among such affectionate people. They are empowering me. The same feelings extend to the US as a country. I ate over this land. The US has given me and my kids safety and shelter. I even tried to enlist myself in the US army just because I feel that I am part of this lovely society. But they have rejected my request because either one of my pending asylum case or pending TPS case needs to be approved first.

        My only frustration is with the process of the asylum. I am failing day after day to communicate with the asylum officers to explain the reality of things to them. I wish that I have not followed this route at the beginning, but it is already too late for a remorse. I am pointing to a living with limited rights when saying “I feel that I am not welcome here”.

        Thanks for listening (you are one of best examples of these affectionate people, Jason). So, thank you very much. As you see, you have misinterpreted my initial post. But unlike asylum office, you are all ears to listen for people who are willing to clear out what they’ve meant by saying things. 🙂

        Many thanks

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        • Whatever your decision, I wish you good luck, Jason

          Reply
          • Back to the same older discussion on one of your previous articles. I cannot take such a decision, because I don’t have the got to take such one that can be harmful to my kids in the future. On the other hand, it is very hard to live with limited rights such that I am prevented from visiting my parents in the 3rd country they live in, and they they are prevented from visiting me because of their citizenship (one of the six banned countries). I am looking for a third-safe-country now that I can move to, hopefully with an option of getting residency papers approval before I leave the US. So I guarantee that I am taking my kids to a safe ground. Despite its impossibility, but I still have to try my best.

            I know I am confusing you and making my mind very hard to read. But I am also confused and doesn’t know what is the right route to take. I am here just demonstrating whatever crosses my mind

            Many thanks for your wishes. I will keep my spirit up while experiencing this “death rattling” phase of my life.

          • It is confusing, and many people are unfortunately facing similar choices. I did a post on September 22, 2016 with links to many local non-profits. Some of those may be able to refer you to a support group for asylum seekers. Such groups can be helpful, as you can discuss your issues with people who are facing similar challenges. Take care, Jason

  24. Hi Jason,

    Any interviews for people who have shortlisted their case in Boston?
    I shortlisted 2 months ago and havent received any calls yet. I applied in February 2015. I feel very lost as to what will happen.

    Reply
    • We also requested a short-list interview there and the request was approved, but still no interview. It has also been about 2 months. My impression is that it takes a lot longer, but I am not sure. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • It took us like 2 months to get interview after putting on short list.

        Reply
  25. Hello Jason,
    I want to say a very big thank you to Jason cos ever since i started checking this blog and asking questions hoping to get a fruitful answer Jason has never dissapoint me. Let me share my application process.
    Applied 07/2017
    Fingerprint 07/2017
    Applied for work Authourization 12/2017
    Approved and issued 02/2018
    Interview notice in 05/2018
    Interviewed 06/2018
    Asylum approved 08/2018
    All thanks to God and Jason.
    Love you Jason and keep putting smiles on people face.
    Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • I am a little surprised that a case from July 2017 was interviewed in June. Did you expedite? Anyway, it is great news, so Congratulations! And welcome to the USA! Jason

      Reply
    • Congratulation 🙂 May I ask where was your office?

      Reply
      • Houston Texas but was interviewed in the circuit ride in Elpaso Texas.

        Reply
    • Where did you apply and did you expedite ?

      Reply
    • Did your case was about family base ? Or kids?

      Reply
    • Can i ask which office are you plz p

      Reply
  26. Question. If a born American citizen resides in a foreign country and decides to place his name as father on the birth certificate, claiming the children as his. Are the children automatic US citizens?

    Reply
    • The law about children of a US citizen father has changed over time, so it may depend on when the children were born. You would want to talk to a lawyer about that to know for sure. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  27. One of them is known to have wondered why he must be surrounded by frickin’ idiots.
    Also, Uncle Fester is boss.
    This is another great article. I always say that you have to give credit to this administration for staying true to their campaign promises.

    Reply
    • With regards to immigrants, women, and minorities, they have been pretty consistent. And I suppose there is something to be said for predictability. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  28. Jason, thank you for the great info as always! I was referred to immigration court, still waiting for further notice. If I change my address from Tysons Corner to Herndon VA, would it be okay or look like I’m trying to delay the process? Any consequences? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • An address change would only delay the process if it causes you to move to a different court. In this case, both places are with the same court in Crystal City, VA, so there should be no effect on the Asylum Clock. Take care, Jason

      Reply
      • Jason, thank you for your help!

        Reply
  29. Hi Jason,
    I have applied for EAD based on asylum after 150 days, sent my application to this address:
    U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
    USCIS
    Attn: I-765
    P.O. Box 650888
    Dallas, TX 75265-0888
    Is it the right one?

    Thank you in advance.

    Reply
    • I can’t give specific advice about forms. You have to send it to the address for your category (listed with the form I-765 at http://www.uscis.gov), and sometimes the address varies depending on where you live. Take care, Jason

      Reply
  30. Hi Jason and God bless you.please Jason would like to know if you want to expedite a case at the Arlington office there is a specific form for that ?.I saw an article saying that for some offices you should fill a form to expedite a case like the Arlington office; for some no.Thank you Jason

    Reply
  31. Jason for president!!

    Reply
    • Oy vey.

      Reply
      • Hi Jason, hope you are doing well.please Jason can you respond to my comment from August 20 please.thank you

        Reply
        • If I missed it, you will need to post it again. Take care, Jason

          Reply
  32. Left column in the middle? 😀
    Getting out of the ship, landing to the safety, freaking out, and looking for a way to ban others to come. 😀

    Reply

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