Dear Asylum Division:
These days, I don’t like to criticize you. I know that you’re under a lot of pressure from the political higher-ups who hate the whole “asylum thing.” But let’s face it–your website stinks. Fortunately, help is at hand. I’ve taken the liberty of creating a new website, which will benefit not only beleaguered asylum seekers, but also the hardworking folks at the various Asylum Offices.
And yes, I know that the Asylum Division is in the process of redesigning its online presence. It is now possible to get some basic information about an asylum case–including how many days have elapsed on the Asylum Clock–by entering the receipt number into the USCIS website (the receipt number is listed on the asylum receipt and starts with the letter Z).
Also, it should soon be possible to obtain an Info Pass appointment at the local asylum offices. If this system works, it will be better than what we have now (show up and hope for the best). But I’m worried that the asylum Info Pass will be as problematic as the current USCIS Info Pass system–these days, it’s easier to score Hamilton tickets than to get a USCIS Info Pass appointment.
That’s the (more or less) good news. The bad news is that the Asylum Office Locator has been changed as well, and it’s less useful now than it was before. The page still contains the addresses and office hours of the local asylum offices, and where to mail an initial I-589 (which varies depending where in the U.S. you live). But other contact information–email addresses and phone numbers–that appeared in the previous iteration of the website is now absent.
I get it–the Asylum Offices want to save time by preventing people from calling or emailing (I want to do this too), but now the only way to communicate with them is to go in person (difficult, especially for people who live far from the office) or send a letter (yes, a letter, like snail mail). The old email addresses still work, and I imagine the phone numbers do to (I haven’t tried to call the Asylum Office main number in years, as they rarely answer), but if you don’t have that information already, you’re basically out of luck.
All these changes are a mixed bag, but more can be done. The main problem with the current situation is the lack of available information. This is bad for asylum seekers, who are left in the dark, but it’s also bad for the Asylum Office staff, who have to respond to repeated requests for general information (which perhaps explains why certain contact information was removed from the website). My theory is this: If the website answered more questions, asylum seekers would be more informed, less stressed out, and less likely to contact the Asylum Office for help. This is what we in the business call a win-win.
So I’ve designed a new website for you. It’s attached below as a PDF. There are two parts–the Main Asylum Office Webpage and the Local Asylum Office Webpage. I’ve written it in outline format because I thought that would be easier to understand. Also, for the life of me, I can’t figure out how to make a flow chart (sad, as I was once fluent in Fortran).
The main page is designed to tell asylum seekers how to file, and to explain the process. It also provides links to help people find information they need, and answers some common questions. The local page provides specific information about a person’s local asylum office, including instructions for filing evidence, and information about expediting and short listing a case. If this information is available in multiple languages, that would also be a plus.
To be sure, my design, while quite lovely, is pretty basic and needs some work, but the main point is this–The Asylum Division should have a website that better serves asylum seekers. So, my friends at the Asylum Division, I proudly present you with your new Asylum Division Website Outline! I assume it will be up and running shortly.
You’re welcome, Jason
Hi
I applied in Newark office in August 2016..when can I expect an interview?
If a spouse is a dependent on the case and they get divorced what will happen
No one knows, though Newark is moving faster than most offices. If you want to try to expedite, I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. If a couple divorces, the dependent spouse is no longer part of the case and that person’s EAD becomes invalid. If that person has his own asylum case, he needs to file it quickly due to the one year bar (the fact that he was a dependent excuses the one year bar, but once the divorce is final, the person needs to file as soon as possible or risks being barred from asylum). Take care, Jason
Hi Jonson! I’am pending asylum since 2016 at Chicago office. I want to move to new- York. My question is do you think it gonna delay my case for the interview?
I do not know – I know of one case where the person moved (to San Fran) and that made the case faster, so it seems to me that it is not very predictable. If you move, I would make sure you are ready for the interview in case it happens, but I do not know if that is very likely, or if our case was just an anomaly. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you for all your help. Please I have 3 questions:
Firstly, can a pending asylum applicant who currently has a valid driver’s licence fly domestically?
Secondly,If a pending applicant who resides in Virginia decides to move to Maryland,would it affect the case?
Thirdly,do you represent clients that live in Maryland?
Thank you Jason
1 – Yes, bring your IDs and proof of the pending asylum case, like your receipt. 2 – You have to change your address (form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov), but otherwise, there is no effect – your asylum office remains in Arlington. 3 – Yes. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
My wife and I along with our two children, applied in 2013. we did conduct an interview in July 2017 (Chicago office). we did not hear from the office ever since. I am wondering what I can do to get a decision? also if we move to another Jurisdiction will that bring up our file/case to a decision from the new jur. office?
Thanks and take care
You can try to contact the asylum office. Unfortunately, they have removed most of their contact info, but you can check the Asylum Office Locator – a link is at right – and it will give you some info. Your best bet may be to go in person to ask about the case (if you can). Otherwise, you can inquire with the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is at right, or try a mandamus lawsuit (we wrote about that on October 2, 2018). Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I am checking my case status on USCIS website with the receipt number and it says
“Your case has been pending with USCIS for 161 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.”
The same number of days from the last one week there is no change is also says that the clock is still running but the number of days is not changing there …. is that normal
And I have also applied for EAD and with its receipt number it says application received
Regards,
Najeeb
The system should update with the correct number of days. Hopefully, it is a glitch and will be fine. Let us know what happens with your EAD – I have been in touch with some of the people working on the tech side of things, and so if there is a problem, I can potentially alert them to it. Thank you, Jason
Hi Jason,
Today I check my EAD status and it says new card is being produced and I will get it by mail but the clock still says 161 days when I check my asylum status
Normally how many days it takes for the delivery of my EAD card
Regards
Najeeb
It may take a couple weeks. I think the asylum receipt notice is not accurately reflecting the number of days that have passed on the clock, so hopefully, you will be fine. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
If my case is been pending for 4 months in Arlington and I move to Texas, will my file change juridistiction. My case is waiting for the supervisors review. I dont want things to go slower.
Thanks
If you have been interviewed, your case should remain in Arlington. However, if for some reason, they want a second interview, that would take place in TX. I doubt that would cause delay in your case, though. Take care, Jason
In the USA, before any deal we do, regardless of its importance, even if it is a purchase of a cheap phone, we sign a statement of agreement.
I wish if I was given an agreement statement when I applied for the asylum (before they acknowledge my application) to warn me that:
– If you seek asylum and a former syrian official asked you to pay him a bribe (which is very common in Syria); then your application will he placed on an indefinite hold. Do you agree?
– If a theif put a gun in your head and asked you to give him 50 cents; if you gave him, then your case will be placed on an indefinite hold. Do you agree?
– If you crossed an opposition check point, regardless if you gave them any support or not, then your case will be placed on an indefinite hold; because we suspect that you gave them a material support (bottle of water for example). Do you agree?
– If you worked in a Syrian governmental job, your case will be placed on hold forever because you supported a hostile government. Do you agree?
– If you helped a wounded demonstrator. Your case will be placed on an indefenite hold. That person might be bad person. Do you agree?
– If you applied to be a part of Al-Baath party (the current regime party – where every Syrian is obliged to apply since childhood), then your case will be placed on an indefinite hold. Do you agree?
– If you were a resident of a neighborhood that was invaded by the opposition armed forces, then your case will be placed forever. Do you agree?
– If the Syrian security forces asked you to cooperate with them and to report your friends suspecious activity, regardsless if you did or not, your case might be placed on an indefinite hold. Do you agree?
– If you survived all the above, you still need to proove that you are under threat. Do you agree?
– With a pending asylum, we will provide you with an EAD which enables you to breath, work, eat, and sleep (we call this saftey). Relocation concequencies are your responsibility. The heart attack you got because of the harsh living circumstances with a pending application is not a part of the mentioned saftey package. Your weak heart is not our fault. Do you agree?
– Depending on your career nature, you might be denied for a job by 95% of the US employers because your job nature requires a security clearnce which cannot be issued without a GC. Do you agree?
Had I knew the similar weird restrictions and bars facts before I filed my case many years ago, I definitely would not have applied for an asylum in the US. They would have made it easier for many Syrians and for themselves if they warned us in advance. We would have found somewhere else to apply.
Ironically, the vast mojority of the approved Syrian applications are for people who were not living in Syria during the uprising (2011 & after). Those Syrians who came from different countries, canceled their temporary papers in these countries, and came to the US to take advantage. But Syrians who suffered a lot because of the war -who were inside Syria- are really hard to pass all the strict filters of the asylum bars successfully.
Consent:
Most and maybe none of the above example cases applies to me. These are example questions from the asylum interviews that other Syrians have been through.
I am still trying, since ever, to figure out the logic behind placing a case into the uncertainty of an indefinite wait!!
God bless every American who showed understanding and compassion to my situation. I am tired…
I agree 100%. For some strange reason, they target Syrians with such questions more than others (for example, Afghans, Sudanese, Yemenis – the only country that is close to Syria for this kind of scrutiny is Iraq). For what it’s worth, Syrians are treated more fairly in court. Why this should be, I do not know. I have asked asylum officers about it, and they tell me that Syrians are not treated differently than other countries, but my observations (and yours) seem to indicate otherwise. Good luck with your case, Jason
Hi Jason, Happy New year to all asylumist. Please I have 3 questions.
As an Asylee from Cameroon but my wife and child are from South Africa, 1- Can we travel to South Africa once we have the GC? 2- Can they use their South African Passport if it’s still valid when I’m using the RTD? 3- Can they use their Passport while it’s still valid to travel everywhere beside Cameroon?
Thank U
1 – I do not see why not, if you are not returning to the country of feared persecution. 2 – They can use their passports – they are dependents, not principal applicants and they presumably have no fear of harm from the SA government. 3 – I do not see why not. Take care, Jason
Hello Dear Jason,
I have pending asylum application and married to USC. we are going to move from LA to San diego. if I change my address, what wolud happen for my AOS interview? USCIS will send the AOS package to San diego office or the interview take place in LA office? I asked this question because the san diego office is a llitle faster for marriage base interview.
thank you
If you move, you need to change your address for all pending cases (I-589, I-130, I-485, I-765, etc.). This will cause your case to move to the new office. That may cause some delay, or maybe not – it is difficult to predict. Regardless, you are required to change your address, and if you do not, it could cause other issues (for example, if they think you are lying about your address, they may think you are lying about other aspects of your case). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
if someone apply asylum for political and religious base, but one of them is not very strong(for example political) cloud this cause the application deny? or can win the case base on religious?
thanks
You only need to win on one ground to win the case, but sometimes, this is a strategic decision – if you have one good reason for asylum, and one weak reason, sometimes including the weak reason makes the good reason less strong. So you have to decide how best to present your case. A lawyer might be able to help with this decision. Take care, Jason
Hi Dear Jason,
I have a pending asylum case. However, I’m on F1 status and I have not used my asylum EAD. If I use my asylum EAD only for getting Drivers License, does it mean that I will be out of F1 status? Is it considered as F1 violation? (even though I am a full-time student with valid I20, and I haven’t used my EAD for working or anything else)
You are authorized to work, since you got your EAD, you are not violating any status.
In the past, it would have no effect, but now, USCIS may decide that any F-1 student who files for asylum is out of status (a person violates F visa status if she has an intent to remain permanently in the US, and seeking asylum means that you have such an intent). Whether using the EAD will make this any worse, is not clear. I have not heard about USCIS invalidating F status, and my understanding is that they will only do that if your asylum case is denied, but I have not heard about that happening. In any event, I do not think using the EAD will make matter worse. I suppose you could have a lawyer research that for you to see whether there is any further news about how they are treating F-1 asylum seekers, if you want to be extra cautious. Take care, Jason
Hi. i am a pending Asylee,waiting for Asylum interview from 3 years. i got a new job another state.i wanna move their and will change my driving licence too.But i do not want to move my case from one state to other state,because it will take more time. can i do like that? will it not effect my case? i do not wanto change my old address for uscis.
If you move, you have to change your address, using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Unless you keep your old address and maintain that as your residence, you could create problems for yourself if you fail to update the address. For example, if the asylum officer thinks you are lying about your address, they might think you are lying about your case. Also, they might refuse to interview you (because another office has jurisdiction over your case), and send your case to another office, which will cause even more delay. Take care, Jason
I live in NY and wanna move to TX. I am waiting for my interview for 3 years. If i change my address from NY to TX then what will happen to my interview? May i see in same waiting line? Or may be too late? Plz guide fully. Thanks.
I do not know, but if you move, you have to change your address. It may make it slower, but it may make it faster (this happened to one of our clients who moved from Virginia to San Francisco). There is really no way to predict, as far as I can tell. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Thank for helping us out. I have a question sir, I have been here for 2 years 9months and my wife and kids came in last 8 months, she has a good case to file for Asylum, my questions can I be a derivative under her case.
Thanks so much and hope to hear from you.
If you are legally married, you can be a dependent on her asylum case. I am not 100% sure, but I think if she wins asylum, you also will get asylum, even though you have been in the US for 2+ years. In other words, I think the one-year bar does not apply to derivatives. I would double check this to be sure. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason, I will be waiting to hear back from you when you double check.
Thanks once again
Sorry, my comment was not clear. I would not be able to check for you – you would have to double check with a lawyer. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason. I, like many others here, thank you for everything you have done to the asylum-seeking community.
I am from Iraq, and have lived there almost all my life. I filed for asylum with a lawyer in February 2015 in Los Angeles. I have been waiting ever since and I do realize the reasons (beside luck) why my case has taken so long and how much longer it can take. By the old system, since there was a list that told which months each office was interviewing, my month (February) was about to be scheduled just before the system was changed in January 2018.
A little more than a year ago, I have been involved in a very bad motorcycle accident (tow truck driver admitted fault and I have been getting medical help and still do, have done one shoulder surgery so far and about to do one for ankle, one for foot, and for nose). So I am thinking of using this to apply for Expedition request for my case
My question is, if say I do get approved for the expedition request, do you think it affects the outcome of case decision? that because I requested for expedition, I may have less chance of getting approved especially with what is going on currently? as a note, I have been kidnapped in Iraq, and in many near death experiences, as did my family who all live there still (all mentioned in my case). I am 24 years old but I applied when I was 21 years old
Thank you so much and hope to receive an answer from you about your opinion.
I think this could be a basis to expedite, especially if you can tie resolution of the asylum case to your treatment. I do not think expediting a case has any effect, good or bad, on the outcome. If you were kidnapped in Iraq, one big issue will be whether you paid any money or gave anything of value to the kidnappers – that could bar you from asylum per the over-broad terrorism bar. I wrote something about that on June 24, 2016. Take care, Jason
Hello Mr. Jason,
I really like your articles and your help in the comments section. I have a question:
My family was granted asylum in November 2018. We already have our Employment Authorization Documents for more than 6 months. Do we really need new EADs? We have drivers licenses and the old EADs which are valid until 2020.
Thanks
You should automatically get a new EAD, though that may take several months. Even if you do not have the card, a person with asylum granted is eligible to work based on the I-94, so you should be fine. Take care, Jason
Hello Mr Jason and all asylum seekers, I cant thank Jason enough for his excellent support to our community specially in the tough time we go through these days.
I want also to share with you my timeline since i have been granted asylum lately.
Applied: August 2015
Interview: November 2018
Office: New Orleans
Grant: January 2019
I hope this may help anyone out there, and good luck to all of you.
congrats. did you expedite your case or put in short list?
thanks
I requested to be put on a cancellation list (short notice list) but i dont think that ever worked.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing, and welcome to the USA! Jason
Thank you so much for everything god bless you and the great job you’re doing for asylum seekers.
Hi Mr. Jason:
I have a pending asylum application and waiting for my interview. Can I apply for Selective Service with having pending asylum case ?
1: am I eligible or not ?
2: if yeah, does it harm the application or help it in some ways ?
Thanks,
1 – I think you are not eligible until you have a green card, but you can check with Selective Service to be sure. 2 – If you could register, which I doubt, I do not see how it would affect the asylum application one way or another. Take care, Jason
All male US citizens and male immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, living in the US, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with selective service. I guess it is important that you should register with selective service if you meet the age requirements. If you fail to register with selective service, you may not be eligible for federal student aid or federal job in future. And even the government can prosecute you for not registering with selective service if you are required to register. When I applied for federal student aid few years ago I was asked to provide proof that I had register with the selective service. When I was admitted into the US I was already 26 years of age and thus not required to register and I had to send copy of my passport with US visa stamp and I-94 indicating the date of my entry to the US. After submitting those documents I was provided an exemption letter and I had to submit that letter when a year ago I applied for a linguist job with DOD contractor. Good luck.
Hi Jason,
We are preparing our i-765 forms and will will apply for the kids as well so they can be allocated social security numbers.
My question is regarding the kids’ forms. The applicant’s declaration and certification, do I sign on the kids’ behalf or leave it blank?
Do we send the forms in one pack of separately?
Thanks
The kids can sign their own forms, or if they are too young, you can sign for them (we normally have the adult write the child’s name and put their – the parent’s – initials next to that). You can send the documents in one envelope, but make sure to have a separate and complete packet of documents for each person. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am a student on F1 visa in the US. I married my girlfriend who is a granted aslyee. We have applied for I-730 and we have been waiting for the result for several months. Now, my F1 visa will be expired in the next few months. In case, If I do not hear from USCIS and my visa get expired, should I leave the country or does pending I-730 provides legal status for my stay in the US?
You had to be married at the time asylum was granted in order to get status based on an I-730. If you were, you should be able to get your status even after the F-1 expires. Check with a lawyer to be sure, but you should be able to get your status based on the I-730 (assuming, again, that you were married at the time your wife received asylum. Take care, Jason
Hi, Jason! First of all thank you so much for everything you doing for asylums. if you can please help me with my situation. So I’m granted asylum seeker and already got Refugee Travel Document. Within 1 week I’m flighting out to another country for vacation. My question is what should I use for travel my passport or RTD (for stamps and custom control)? And also I’m nervous (After all, it all took me 5 years.) and worried about that what if there any problems returning back to USA?
If you have a valid RTD, you should have no problem using that to return to the US. As for the country you are visiting, you should check with the embassy (or the embassy website) to see whether they accept the RTD, and whether you need a visa. Take care, Jason
Hello Bro, please I will be applying for my RTD base on Asylum granted, what are the document necessary to be included in the application. Thanks and hope to hear from u.
Check the instructions to the I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov. The form is used for various applications, but check the part about RTD and it explains what documents are needed. Take care, Jason
If an asylum application has scheduled for individual hearing. In the meantime the attorney has happen accident and in a very hard situations to appear immigration courts. The asylum applicant pay in full when he/she hiring the attorney. The attorney has no partners. It is hard time to handle the case at this time? What do you suggest? Thank you in advance
Potentially, you are entitled to a refund of some of your money, though how that will work if the lawyer is out of commission, I do not know. In practical terms, you will probably just have to find another lawyer to help you. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason,
As many mentioned here the path to citizenship for asylum applicants is long, tedious and exhausting. Once an asylee gets the GC he/she has to wait 4 years instead of 5 before applying to citizenship. However, this lapse of time doesn’t count the many years in the backlog, waiting for the interview decision, processing times etc (you know that better than we do). My questions are :
1) In the current debate about immigration, is there a proposal about reducing that lapse of time before applying to citizenship for people granted asylum to account for the many years of wait they went through.
2) If not, how can write to a congressman/ senator to suggest this idea hoping that it will gain momentum ? If yes how ?
Thanks
1 – At this points, advocates are trying to hold the line, and there is very little being proposed to make things better for asylum seekers. To answer the question, I have not heard of any serious proposal along these lines. 2 – There is a link at right about how to contact your Congress person or Senator. Maybe if comprehensive immigration reform starts to take off, this idea could be included in an overall reform, but so far, such a reform does not seem likely. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
How long will be the wait to hear a decision on asylum interview in Arlington Virginia office?
Thanks,
Sambod
It is not predictable. Sometimes, people get a decision in a few days; other wait many months or years. Men from Muslim countries generally wait longer than others, but this is not very predictable. Take care, Jason
Sambod…. I have been waiting for 4 months so far…. I dont know how much longer
Hi Mr.Jason:
I have a question in my mind since a long time, which you could give me an answer for it.
I heard a lot in news and media that Administration want “legal immigrants” not “illegal immigrants”. Those who comes legally, are in somehow in safe side because USA needs legal immigrants not illegal immigrants.
Can you please elaborate this term to me that those comes through visas like B1 or B2 visas legally and than apply for asylum, of course with a real case, are considered as a “legal immigrants” or not ? Or it is completely a different thing.
Thank you so much, and have a wonderful weekend.
Hi asylee, I just want to comment on the nonsense system that we are facing right now. I am an asylum seeker who entered USA on b2 visa, I paid 10000 dollars on a lawyer, managed to live here for n USA for 15 months from my savings. My EAD DIDNT ARRIVE YET. I got my interview on October 2018. NOT DECISION YET. meanwhile I just met a guy from USCRI that he cross the border and he got asylum approval in 6 month!!! Because the court is fast!! Not like asylum office where if you survived backlog, you will go crazy over waiting for the asylum decision,
P.S. I am a Christian from Middle East. Don’t ever think I got a special treatment.
I am sorry if I am mad. This system ya just a nerve wrecking
The system is a mess. However, people entering at the border face many difficulties that others who enter with a visa do not face, so it’s a mixed bag. Anyway, hopefully, you get a positive decision soon. Take care, Jason
“Legal” and “illegal” immigrant are not legal terms – they are lay terms, and have no real meaning in the law. As for the Administration, it has been hostile to all immigrants, legal and illegal, and has been trying to restrict legal immigration to the US. However, since Trump came in, there have been no changes to the immigration statute. There have been policy changes, which are made within the existing law. In many ways,m things for asylum seekers, at least those who enter with a visa, are pretty similar to how they have been for years. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason, I have an asylum pending in court and I am traveling to California from jersey and I don’t have a state ID. can i use my work authorization as an ID? And also is it safe to travel locally? Do you think any issue can arise in the airport? This is the first time I’m traveling in 3 years, I want to be sure I’m safe to travel. Please and thank you.
I think that is safe, but maybe contact the airline to be sure. I would also bring with you a copy of your asylum receipt, which also shows you are lawfully in the US. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason for being so helpful all these years. Someone appreciates all your good work.
Thanks – doing this keeps me out of trouble, anyway. Take care, Jason
I believe you can find 2000 other things to keep you out of trouble. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. You may never understand what your kindness does, especially for those of us dealing with rejection and depression. Thanks.
Thank you for all your positive comments here – It is very impressive that although you are fighting your own fight, you are still able to encourage others. Take care, Jason
Hi jason , how is it going ? Hope all is well
I have a question, iam an asylee and i have applied for my citizenship like 2 months ago, i have done the fingerprints and waiting for my interview, i have to travel outside to the Dominican Republic in may for my honeymoon would traveling for a week affect my citizenship process ? And what if the interview happened to be during this week and i ask to reschedule how soon i can get the new appointment? And my last question my passport from my country of origin will expire within only 4 months of my travel back to the US , would that cause me a problem getting in ? Or its fine as long as i have my greencard
Thanks a lot and sorry for the long questions
As long as you are not from DR, you should be fine. It typically takes about a year from the time you file until the time you get your N-400 interview. If you get called while you are away, you can postpone the interview, but I doubt that will happen. It probably takes a few weeks or a month or two to get a new interview date. You should be able to re-enter the US with your GC. However, whether DR will allow you to visit with only 4 months on your passport, I do not. Also, traveling with your passport is not always a good idea when you have asylum. If possible, you should travel with a Refugee Travel Document. Take care, Jason
As i told u its schedule for February 5th
Today I received the letter by mail
But i know all interviews letter ( looks like receipt letter the blue and green one )
Mine is came the form of 797 like the form of fingerprint or EAD approval
Do u know why ?
Hi Jason , NAMES CHANGES ISSUE HERE;
My names were all interchanged when I went to request my I-94. I went to the local I-94 office, received one and the officer just changed my names without even asking me what is your F and L name. because this was required to file for asylum, we proceeded.
When I received my EAD and SSN it followed the same error
Now for eg, my names are
first Name: John
last name: Alexandra Miller
Now I have got all issues from banks denying my application, credit history not generating reports for me due to names mismatch to what I have on my home country document, benefits issues with names. some places last names do not require spaces, so I have to write all one which becomes wrong.
I just don’t know if there’s a possibility to fix this, change my names to the SSN, and also on my asylum application, what are the impacts and how should I proceed in changing names so they match on SSN and Immigration? or should I wait until when my case IS done, when granted asylum then proceed to change of names, I do not know, any guidance?
Also any ideas of the FIFO & LIFO being implemented on circuit ride location? applied on Mid January 2018 a few days before the announcement was made, but up to date no interview notice, is the new systems also working on circuit ride?
God bless
For name changes, the normal way to do that is to contact the local (state) Court’s clerk’s office. There are certain times when you can change your name with USCIS as well (for example when you naturalized). People change their names all the time, so you should be able to do this, and sort it out with all the different government agencies. As for LIFO, it applies to circuit rides, but it is even more unpredictable than if you were at a main office. If you have a reason to expedite, you can try that – I wrote about expediting on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, i want to thank you for all your help here. I asked so many questions which you answered all for me so I want to tell you that we have been approved! We got the good news this morning. I can’t explain the feeling. We filed in May 2018 & had 3 interviews!!..believe me it was exhausting but not to compare with what we went through in our country. But God be praised. I want to share the good news with you. Thank you so much jason & God bless you. Also,We wrote my husband’s brothers in the application. Are they qualified as derivatives? Can we also send a thank you note to the asylum office? Is it allowed? God bless America & we promise to be good citizens of the great country & make America proud of us
Glad hearing you get approval! I am inspired by reading your rejoicing message. God bless you all !
Great news – Congratulations! Your husband’s brother cannot be a dependent on the case – only a spouse or unmarried, under-21 child can be a dependent. I suppose you can send a thank you note; there is no harm in doing that, and they might appreciate it. Good luck in the USA! Jason
Hi Jason, I welcome your feedback on my Blog for Asylee Travel. There have been very limited information on visa – free travel and the use of the United States Refugee Travel Document ( Form I-571) which is used in lieu of a passport. It is my intention to boast asylee travel and vacation by up to date information as I have worked in passenger services and travel with the use of a U.S. Refugee Travel Document. I welcome your input, I have been a long time reader of your blog. As usual, It is the best in providing really good information to an under-informed group of people like asylees and asylum seekers. Thank you for your service, there are several other ways to serve your country without serving in the army. I am waiting for the day we all take the opportunity to award you for taking the time and providing us with useful information.Thanks Jason as usual. https://asyleetravelguide.blogspot.com/
The blog looks good, and this will be helpful for many people. My only advice – be careful about offering legal advice, especially if you are not a lawyer. I try to be careful about that here too, as it can get me into trouble. Keep up the good work, Jason
Good morning Dear Respected Jason:
Greetings!
I just checked the processing time for adjust of status for permanent residency in USCIS page, it shows 14.5 months to 28 months.
Do you think is it accurate to asylum seekers who already waited a lot for thier interviews and decisions?
Regards,
The last case I did like that took about a year, so that is probably pretty accurate. Take care, Jason
Hello Everybody, I have a question about the new online status check.
I had my interview around 15 months ago and so far I have no decision. I talked with the supervisor and she said it is still under background check. However, she was very reluctant about giving any more detail.
Now, when I check the USCIS web site with the ZCH number, it shows “Application Pending” not “Decision Pending”. As I said, I had my interview, so I believe it should show “Decision Pending”. Does anyone have the same problem?
@Jason
– I believe my case is stuck under CARRP. I would like to make a FOIA request. Do you think I will get any indication of CARRP in my file?
– Also, I am planning to have a Mandamus Lawsuit when I hit 18 month mark. Do you think 18 months is reasonable to do this?
– If my case is under CARRP, will Mandamus Lawsuit definitely end with a “Referral to IC” by the asylum office?
– Finally do you think I should mention about Mandamus to the Asylum office next time I reach out to them? I mean if I mention about my plans, do you think they will act?
It’s almost 19 mounts that I’m waiting for interview decision when I check online status it show decision is pending can you tell me which office was your interview?
@Asylum 22, my interview was at Chicago AO. At least the system shows Decision Pending. I can’t even see that. I only see “Application Pending” after 15months of waiting for decision.
Typically, the FOIAs redact most useful information (you will get a lovely copy of the documents you submitted to the government), but you can try. Sometimes, you can see officer notes and they may give you an idea. If you made prior inquiries, I think 18 months is very reasonable for the mandamus. Whether or not it will work, I do not know, but you can try. If the asylum office cannot make a decision (maybe because background checks are not complete), my understanding is that they will refer the case to court. This may be waiting forever in asylum-office limbo, as courts do not seem to have the same background-check delays as the asylum office. I do not think mentioning the mandamus will help – you will probably be talking to a receptionist, and they will not care about that. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Wondering how can we get the FOIA, as i’m have been waiting for Decision for almost 18 months, my next step to do what you might call Hard inquiry by talking to one of the Senators in Mass.
Try form G-639, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Lincana,
My case has been pending since 6 years. I have checked the new online checker. It says (application pending). You may find this info useful. Although, I surely don’t wish that you stuck for ages like me. I never paid attention to the differences between (application) or (decision). No idea what does it mean.
Many thanks to mention the CARRP. Never heard of it. I had believes that my case is pending due to TRIG. But it looks like closer to the CARRP as I traveled to multiple certain countries in the past.
Merhaba Ertugrul,
I think we are in the same boat. Looks like we have the same nationalities and we are both subject to CARRP. I am definitely not as patient as you though. 6 years is a long time and looks like the system doesn’t even show decision pending. Rejection may be better than an unknown future.
Even though we are in a very big country, I feel I am stuck here. My business requires me to travel overseas but I am too scared to get out of the country with just an AP.
Hi, Jason, I have a question about asylum interviews.I watched on youtube videos from asylum interviews that were conducted back in 2000, and 1 of the officer said to asylum applicant something like you have been in USA 2 years already, how do you know that it’s still dangerous in your country for you. Have your clients ever been asked that question? What are your thoughts on that, because as asylum applicants we wait in America for a couple years to have our interviews, and now I am worried that we can be asked the same question. Thank you.
Once in a while, we hear that question. You should be prepared to explain why you are still afraid, in case they ask. I wrote something related to this point on September 8, 2016 – maybe that would help. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Last week I had an expedited interview scheduled, but while seating for the interview I was told by the officer that my entire affidavit and supporting documents were not received or lost and gave me option to reschedule or to proceed on the interview based on the initial asylum application form. Me preferred to reschedule and just got a rescheduled mail letter which even says ‘we regret’ … Me and my lawyer understand the fault was to the office.
My question, does it mean something positive during my interview?
Thanks,
Sambod
I’ve been keeping track of this at my local asylum office, and they lose about 75% of all files that we submit to them (by hand, with a stamp from them proving that we received it), so this is not much of a surprise. Sometimes the reschedule the interview, and sometimes, they make a copy of the document (which I bring with me, since I am getting used to this drill). Sometimes, I think this makes them feel bad, which may cause them to be more sympathetic to your case, but it would depend on the officer, and – at least in terms of the law – rescheduling would have no effect on the outcome. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much Jason
Hi Jason! May I please ask you, if I take workforce1 training grant (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/careers/training-grants.page) will it damage my reputation in the face of USCIS representing me as a public charge? Also I’d like to know do you do asylum cases in NYC? I do understand that if you do there will be adding expenses on travel etc. Thank you for the answers!
I am not familiar with that program, but I highly doubt it would affect your asylum case. In general, receiving public benefits is not relevant to whether a person qualifies for asylum. As for me, we do cases all over. For affirmative cases, we do the entire case, but normally find a local lawyer to attend the interview, as that saves money. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
My asylum case was approved two years ago. At that time, I applied for driving license using my EAD. Now, my EAD is about to be expired. How should I renew my Driving license? Do I need to apply for a New EAD prior to application for DL or they will accept my grant and I-94 as proof for my legal stay.
Thanks
Emma
You would probably do well to apply for your green card if you can. As for the DL, the rules vary by state. Maybe they will accept the I-94, but you have to check with the DMV. If you do not want to apply for the green card, it is best to renew the EAD. Technically, you should not need it, but having the actual card makes it much easier to get a job, license, etc. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason, thank you for this helpful blog
I have applied for asylum and now I am filling the i 765 form for EAD, I have been interviewed and been pending for 145 days , I will wait for 10 more days before i submit the form,
I have an inquiry about question number 25 in the form which asks about my current immigration status,
should I answer with :No status or pending asylum ?
knowing that I came on a B2 visa which has already been expired .
thank you
I can’t answer specific questions about forms, as I do not know your case. However, for our clients who enter on a B visa, we normally write asylum pending or B visa expired. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
My asylum application has been pending for almost a year. Two weeks ago I traveled to Canada on AP for a family emergency. It took me almost three months to get the AP and entry visa to Canada . I returned to the US last night and when I arrived at Newark airport the immigration officer stopped me for almost 30 minutes while he was consulting her supervisor and at the end my travel document was stamped Asylum granted . In the the stamp they put on my document there is reference to section of the immigration act under which asylum was granted. I would like to know your opinion as what does this mean? Does it mean that I my application has been granted? My attorney is out of office until next Tuesday and at the moment I am really confused.
I think they made a mistake, and I doubt this will actually result in asylum being granted (as much as that would be nice). Now, you can check your asylum case status online (using the receipt number on your asylum receipt – the receipt number starts with the letter Z). Go to http://www.uscis.gov and look at Check Case Status. My guess is that it will say the asylum case is still pending, but it is worth checking to be sure. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason.
I applied for asylum in August last year. I am waiting for interview. My time to apply for work permit has come. My worry is about the government shutdown. Should I go on and file my application Or I wait for government to be opened? Will it be worked on or no one will handle it because of the shutdown? What’s your take on this? I need your advice.
Thanks
USCIS is not affected by the shutdown, so you should be able to get the EAD normally. However, I do not know if the Social Security office is open and if the SS card will be delayed. In any event, you can apply for the EAD and the SS card using form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you for your effort here with all of us
I have a problem with me ead card I got it few days back there is Ana issue with the valid date I should be from 2018 to 2020 but the wrote from 2019to 2021 so the San office couldn’t get me my ssn number how can fix this
And iam sory how many days could it takes
The SS office issues an SSN very quickly, as far as I know. Others here may know more about this than me, though. Take care, Jason
AS, you have to be clearer: Did you get in in 2018 or 2019? ‘A few days back’ could be December 2018 or even January 2019. EADS have a 2-year validity. I don’t know if a couple of days- give or take- is worth the hassle.
No my friend it should be on 12/7/2018 to 1/6/2020
But they wrote 12/7/2019 to 1/6/2021 so the ssn office has stopped me and they said to me you should contact with uscis so what do you think
Oy. In this case, you need to call USCIS or maybe try to go in person using an Info Pass appointment – a link to that is at right. You may very well need to send the card back (I think the I-765 instructions discuss returning EAD cards with mistakes), but I would try to talk to them first, as returning the card and getting a new one will be a big pain. Take care, Jason
AS, in this case you will unfortunately have to return the card. Hope you can get a replacement very quickly.
I do not know – but once the EAD becomes valid, you should be able to get the SS card. If you had a previous EAD, that should allow you to get an SS card as well. I suppose it depends when in 2019 it becomes valid. If it is months away, maybe call USCIS and ask. You can find their phone number at http://www.uscis.gov. If you have already been granted asylum, you are eligible to work and get the SSN with your new (asylum granted) I-94. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason:
I wish you to be healthy.
I have a question but not related to the post.
Can you please give me your opinion that is affirmative asylum is difficult to grant or get it or defensive one from being in another country?
Thanks for your help
I do not understand the question, sorry, Jason
Hi Jason,
I tried to check my I-730 status online. As embassy put me through administrative process. I have noticed that status were still same which was there before the interview. It says READY for interview but my interview was done in Jan 10th. But I noticed that Case last updated date was changed to 16/01/2019. (Yesterday date). Please any idea why they only changed the date and nothing mentioned about the status? Can we expect any thing from them soon.
Thanks
Are you checking http://www.uscis.gov? I think they do not update that for embassy interviews, but maybe they do. Normally, if there is a problem with the embassy, we email the embassy directly, as USCIS is no longer involved in the process. Take care, Jason
https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/
I am looking at this link. My case already approved by USCIS. But Embassy put me on AP and status not updated it still says READY for interview. But I did the interview on Jan 10th. Status didn’t change but case status date changed to 16/01/2019. ,It was 13/11/2018 before . why only date changed but not the status. Please any idea. Thanks Jason.
CATHY, if you haven’t already, why don’t you try contacting the embassy directly?
I really don’t know. Your best bet is to Google the US embassy in your country, look at the “visa” link, and find their email. You can then send an email. I am not sure what services are working during the government shutdown, but you can try. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I got my asylum approval this month. I wanna know which type of travel document should I apply and how much is it? I looked at the USCIS website and the I131 form states the expiration date of 12/31/18. So should I use that form or they have a new form?
Thanks
ASYLEE
Congrats on your asylum! The USCIS website has the most recent version of the form I-131. Use that and complete the portions related to Refugee Travel Document. The instructions list the fee. Take care, Jason
Can you share your timeline please ? When did you applied, interviewed and received decision ?Also which asylum office ?
I applied in Chicago office may 2016 still no interview
Hi, Jason,
Thank you for your blog, you are our only light in these dark times.
I wanted to share my thoughts on this LIFO system. I applied in 2017, still no news about interview, but I know people who applied in 2018 and got approved, this year they will apply for Green Card. Don’t you think it’s unfair to all people waiting in the backlog, I don’t have anything against that people personally, but they never had to wait, experience anxiety and stress, not knowing what will happen to you. Maybe all these years we wait for an interview should be considered when we will apply for GC or citizenship?
Also, USCIS could put on the website info about backlog cases they get to interview, so we would know what’s going on with the backlog.
It is clearly unfair, but from the asylum office’s point of view, they are trying to manage an impossible case load with insufficient resources and preserve “the system”, which is under threat from the political leadership. LIFO is an attempt to deter frivolous filings (they worry that if everyone knows asylum takes years, people will submit fake cases just to get their work permit and stay legally in the US for a few years until their cases are denied). I do hope they will include more info on their website when they redesign it, as people need to have some idea about the wait time. Take care, Jason
hello every body My name is Mohamed And Im From Syria
i want share my time
i applied for Asylum on December 2015 in Chicago and on April 2018 went to Chicago in person office and request expedite my case because i want see my father who is sick
until Monday 1/14/19 no news i sent them email on December 2018 to re expedite my case and change my address
and they replay me to send them mail or Fax they cant accept emails
so i sent them mail on 1/14/19 same mail to re expedite and change my address
( but i dont think the receive it because i live in KY state and at least need three days to delivery the mail )
and today i check my states online and the said my Interview Is Scheduled but there is no date for interview and they said i will receive mail with date
Plz share the url where we can check the status
It is at http://www.uscis.gov. Go to “Check Case Status”. Take care, Jason
When I m checking my case is showing pending but my wife is my department so when I put her case no it show error message can u tell me why
It may be that the system only recognizes the principal applicant. Did your wife also receive a receipt number starting with “Z”? If not, then she cannot check the system. In any event, the info is about the case, so whatever info is in the system about you also applies to her. Take care, Jason
Jason
Thanks for your reply yes she have case no start with Z too ..we both got ead also
If the system is working properly (and it is still new, so we are not 100% sure), you should receive a letter soon. What we do not know is how long between the time they post the message online (interview scheduled) and the time you receive the letter. If it is the same as other USCIS cases, it may be a few weeks. In any event, the interview should be soon, so make sure you are ready. Good luck, Jason
I called them today
They said its on February 5
As i told u its schedule for February 5th
Today I received the letter by mail
But i know all interviews letter ( looks like receipt letter the blue and green one )
Mine is came the form of 797 like the form of fingerprint or EAD approval
Do u know why ?
Yes, that is new, and that it how they have been sending receipts, biometrics, and interview notices for the past couple months. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
You are such a resourceful person and think that USCIS needs to hire you as a contractor with the asylum division lol.. There is something weird with this issue of getting basis information online. I am not sure if I am wrong but since I first checked my ZCH number online, it never updates the days my case has been pending with USCIS. Have you seen anyone whose case updates the duration on a daily basis or does it mean that my case has been closed? I have been waiting for the decision for 2 years now but since I have been checking my case online, I have been seeing the same thousands of days that my case has been pending.
I am not sure that the system is entirely operation yet. Also, it just became live a few days ago, so maybe try again and see if it works. It should tell you that the next step is to receive the decision by mail. Take care, Jason
Hi Desperate, i noticed that as well, i have been waiting for decision for 17 months.
I am waiting for the interview 1233 days (New York, August 26, 2015). Anyone waiting any longer? Did anyone apply in August 2015 and get an interview?
Hi Alex,
I have been waiting more than you. Does the number of days update on a daily basis in your case? Best of luck
I just watched it today. Are you waiting in an interview with the new York office?
I filed my asylum application the same time as yours (August 2015. I got a letter yesterday that my interview has been scheduled for next month. However, It was sent to my old address even though I have changed my address since.
You may need to watch out for interview letter soon and keep tracking the case online since the letter may be sent to your old address if you have ever moved.
BLE BLE,
Are you in the New York office or somewhere else?
Hello. You applied in Aug 2015. Did you expedite your case ? Please let me know !!
Hi Ble Ble, which office did you file?I filed on may 2015,still waiting.
did you expedite?
thank you
Im waiting 1338 days(applied may 2015) I believe,miami office.
That rumor picture is so hilarious and so real! Lol. And they must have a very old printer which may explain why their letters (like interview notice) are so blur.
Thanks. I hate to dis the Commodore 64. It really is my favorite computer of all time. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason, I love this and the work that you put into it! Can you actually send it to them? To your congressional delegation? To any organization that could make this a reality? It doesn’t have to be done by USCIS, though that would be nice, and the local office info would be better from them. Perhaps a law school with an asylum pro bono group could take this on and utilize the talents of other students to help design and update the site as necessary. Cheers.
I sent it to the people who are working on the new website. Apparently, there are some new features I may have missed, and so if I figure that out, I will update the post. Also, it sounds like more changes may be coming, eventually. Take care, Jason