I recently read an article in the Washington Post about the treatment of political activists in Iran: “Protesters arrested in Iran face a justice system stacked against them.” Political detainees in Iran are denied due process of law, denied access to a lawyer, and forced to litigate their cases in a tribunal that acts more like a prosecutor than like a neutral arbiter. Reading about the situation in Iran, I couldn’t help but think of my own clients’ experience with EOIR–the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the agency that oversees our nation’s Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Here, we’ll look at some of the practices in Iran and compare them to what we see every day in U.S. Immigration Court.
According to the Post, about 15,000 people have been arrested during recent political protests in Iran. “Some of the detained are released with a fine. Others are tried in a criminal court. But political prisoners typically face the feared revolutionary courts, a parallel system created to protect the Islamic republic….” Public trials will start in the coming weeks, but “rights groups expect they will be sham trials, relying on fabricated evidence and confessions made under duress or torture.” This is a good starting point for us to compare the practices in Iran with those at EOIR–
Iran: Trials rely on “fabricated evidence and confessions made under duress or torture.”
EOIR: Fortunately, it is rare to hear about fabricated evidence or torture in the U.S. (though it does happen–see here and here). But it is common to hear about interviews made under duress or without a proper interpreter, or that have simply been transcribed inaccurately. We see these all the time. Asylum applicants are often interviewed at the border (invariably without a lawyer) and the interview is written down, but the transcript is not accurate. This happens for different reasons: The non-citizen was exhausted from a long, difficult journey and was not thinking clearly during the interview; the interpretation was not accurate; the transcriber did not record the interview properly. Later, in Immigration Court, this inaccurate transcript is used against the applicant, to attack credibility.
Iran: “Detainees have been accused of committing violence and killing Iranian security forces with little or no evidence.”
EOIR: Under our overly-broad anti-terrorism laws, even people who were forced under duress to provide support to a terrorist or guerrilla group–in other words, the victims of terrorism–can be barred from asylum as “terrorists.” This is not theoretical, and I have seen instances where people who are completely innocent were barred under our terrorism laws based on the slimmest suspicion of the adjudicator.
Iran: The “Iranian judiciary system is the ‘supreme leader’ judiciary system … referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the head of Iran’s theocratic government.”
EOIR: In the United States, the Attorney General has the authority to interpret the Immigration and Nationality Act (our nation’s immigration law), and Immigration Judges are bound by those decisions. President Trump’s AGs used their authority more frequently than their predecessors in an attempt to reduce eligibility for asylum. While this authority is technically not absolute, for most asylum seekers, decisions by the AG are effectively the law of the land, and many an asylum case has been denied based on an AG’s precedent decision.
Iran: “The revolutionary courts work closely with the intelligence wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps… the supreme leader’s parallel security force.”
EOIR: Immigration Courts are part of the U.S. Department of Justice, and the “prosecutor” in those courts is ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Both agencies–DOJ and DHS–are part of the Executive Branch. A disproportionate number of IJs are former ICE attorneys, and judges often provide favorable treatment to DHS by routinely accepting late-filed documents, granting DHS reschedule requests for all sorts of reasons (“Sorry, your Honor, we do not have the file today”), and acquiescing to DHS’s enforcement priorities. While many IJs are fair and impartial, many are not, and it’s common to see judges who act more like prosecutors than neutral decision makers.
Iran: “The revolutionary courts rely on one judge, instead of the panel of judges used in criminal courts.”
EOIR: In the salad days of EOIR, the Board of Immigration Appeals–the supposed “Supreme Court” of immigration law–decided cases in three-judge panels. But then, in 2002, the rules changed so that most cases are now adjudicated by one judge (called a Board Member). While this is perhaps more efficient in terms of the number of cases decided, it has reduced the quality and consistency of decision-making: If you get the right Board Member, you can win; if you get the wrong Member, you lose.
Iran: “Political prisoners have limited or no access to their lawyers and cannot see the alleged evidence against them.”
EOIR: Certain asylum seekers in the U.S. are detained, most commonly, people who have arrived at the border or an airport, and have requested protection. Many detention centers are in locations where lawyers are in short supply, even if the detainee can afford to hire an attorney, and the sad fact is, many detained asylum seekers are forced to present their case without legal assistance. Such cases are far less likely to be approved.
In addition, in some cases, asylum seekers are not permitted to see the evidence against them. This happens where there are certain national security issues, which is more understandable, but it also occurs when DHS simply does not wish to disclose the source of it’s evidence. For example, I litigated several cases where DHS claimed my clients had fake documents. DHS purportedly knew that the documents were fake because they had examples of real documents. But we were not permitted to see the (supposedly) real documents in order to make our own comparison. Without access to the documents, we cannot know whether this “evidence” is legitimate.
Iran: “[As] demonstrations continue, and arrests increase, it will be difficult for lawyers to keep up… judicial authorities effectively ‘copy and paste’ charges.”
EOIR: The number of people entering the Immigration Court system has exploded over the last several years. In response, EOIR has dramatically increased the number of Immigration Judges and randomly rescheduled and advanced thousands of cases. The very predictable result is that lawyers cannot keep up. And when lawyers cannot get their work done, asylum seekers are denied due process of law.
* * * * *
The fact that it is so easy to compare Immigration Courts in the U.S. with revolutionary courts in Iran strikes me as terribly sad. But that is where we are.
In 2014, former Immigration Judge and head of the judges union, Dana Leigh Marks, famously observed that Immigration Courts adjudicate “death penalty cases… in traffic court settings.” Since then, the situation has only gotten worse–much worse. Perhaps EOIR will pay attention to the many complaints from practitioners and immigrants’ rights groups. Perhaps. If not, the agency that is meant to “adjudicate immigration cases by fairly, expeditiously, and uniformly interpreting and administering the Nation’s immigration laws,” will continue to spiral towards illegitimacy.
Hi. Thank you for this comparing. I am Iranian and living in NH. My master court is in Harlingen, TX at the end of January. according to the hard situation in my country now and my situation. I want to do my process faster and successfully too. I also should change my venue to Boston and I don’t know which one is better. going to the south of TX for my master hearing or changing my venue to Boston. I don’t know if I go to TX, my final court will be sooner or if I change my venue to Boston, my Master and final court take less time. honestly I am afraid of backlog or taking a long time waiting for my courts. I prefer go to court faster and also with less risk. because as you know my country is not safe now specially for people who are protesting or have religion converting case like me.
It is impossible to know which court is faster, but if you go to Boston, you will likely get another Master Calendar Hearing, which may slow things down. You might Google “TRAC Immigration” and there, you can see your judge and the judge’s asylum approval rate. If it is very low, that is a good reason to move (also, many judges are new and there is no data about them). Finally, you can try to get an earlier hearing date – I wrote about that on April 20, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
In my case, I distributed empty ID cards to my friends and took same ID card when I didn’t knew about a particular small communist group and under false pretense of student discounts and thought of sharing same discounts with my friends at age 15, almost 20 years ago.
USCIS referred me to EOIR citing material support and being member of communist group and recruiting students for communist group even though I was neither and said same during testimony and declaration.
In the court, I was approved and government didn’t appeal and said they are convinced I was not a member and I didn’t knew about the intention and I thought it was for discounts.
Now in the I485, do I say ‘No’ to being member and ‘No’ to recruitment for Communist and attach a page describing situation why I was not either?
Or should I just say ‘No’ and skip attaching page with details considering this issue settled in court since the approval?
Or do I say ‘Yes’ since I was accused of being one by USCIS and later convinced in EOIR and explain why I am not a member and didn’t recruit anyone for communists?
Any thoughts Jason?
Since you were not a member, you should say no. I would circle the answer, write “see cover letter,” and provide an explanation, as you suggest. Saying nothing puts you at risk that USCIS will accuse you of trying to hide it, and so I think providing an explanation is much safer. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I need your help please. I received an email from USISC regarding my request for expedited asylum interview. My request is approved. However, the address they have is the old one (I did submit the request on line though) Can I do the address change now by phone rather than online to make it faster?
Thanks
I would do it again online with USCIS (form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov) and also email the asylum office with a copy of the AR-11 and a note explaining that you tried this once before and you want to be sure that they have your new address. You can find their email if you follow the link under Resources called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much, Jason,
Be blessed!!!!
Dear Jason,
I filed for an adjustment of status application based on an approved EB-based application about 10 days ago. Today I got a notification that my fingerprints are taken. However, I have not had any biometrics appointments. My fingerprints were once taken back in 2019 when I was a derivative applicant of an Asylum application which is still pending after an interview back in 2019. Has USCIS reused my fingerprints from 2019 for my AOS application in 2022? I thought those fingerprints are valid only for 15 months.
Hello DENIS,
Congratulation on your EB approval. I want to know if it is possible to adjust status with pending asylum after approval of EB? One lawyer told me that if I don’t have any status with only pending asylum, I have to leave US to get green card. I am not sure if that is true! Thanks
It depends on the case, but there is a section of the law called IA 245(k) that might allow you to adjust status (get a GC) inside the US. You would have to talk to a lawyer about that as each case is a bit different. I wrote something on this point on August 28, 2018 and maybe that would help as well. Take care, Jason
They used my fingerprints from 2016 in 2022 .They can ask you to do it again If they want, But most of the time USCIS use the previous one of an applicant.
USCIS has been re-using fingerprints and it does not matter if they are more than 15 months old – that deadline was to make sure there were no new incidents on a person’s record and they had people re-do fingerprints as a way to trigger the background check. Fortunately, they can now do that for most people just by doing the check and not requiring a new fingerprint appointment. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
My individual hearing moved 3 years in the future, it was supposed to happen in March 2023 and is now in 2025. Why would this happen? Is there a way to appeal this decision to the judge and what is the chance the hearing will be sooner? If the appeal is agreed will it be with the same judge or a different judge? Please let me know.
Thank you for your unconditional support to all of us.
Cases are moved around randomly all the time, unfortunately. You can file a motion to try to get an earlier hearing date – I wrote about that on April 20, 2017. Probably you will keep the same judge, but that is also unpredictable and it is not uncommon for new judges to be assigned. Take care, Jason
Hi frustrated, I am so sorry this is happening. May I ask when did u get your original March 2023 schedule ? And which location it is ?
Wonder if it could be that there are some judges retiring and their cases reassigned
Hi Jason, I’m on pending asylum since 2016. I have children back home (8 and 9 years old). Can I request advanced parol (travel document) and meet them in 3rd country, do I need a passport to travel? (my passport is expired).
@Alpha Markos; am not Jason and i am sure Jason will reply to your questions. Yes you can apply for an AP. You will need a passport to travel to the third country. You could try renewing your current passport but that may cause issues (if your asylum case is against the your government). You could file a mandamus lawsuit against them; or you can try to expedite your case. Good luck
I wrote more about AP on September 11, 2017, but AP is not a travel document – it is a paper that allows you to re-enter the US. You also need a valid passport, and renewing that can be an issue for an asylum case. But if you have AP and a valid passport, you can meet your family in a third country and then return to the US. Take care, Jason
Hi friends,
So I want to ask some questions about new asylum seekers. When you try to find a job in the U.S. for the first time. How do you handle a situation where the employer asks you for professional references ? I am not comfortable with giving out information or have somebody contact people in my country of origin.
Hi,
Asylum case was filed on 2015. So almost 8 years now in US.Principle and two dependents. Interview was held beginning of 2019. No decision was issued until the moment.
Now one of the dependents is 18 years old. If was dropped from the case, can he apply for an asylum case himself, does the time play role?
Can this dependent request an asylum in the airport while leaving USA?
Will the customs in the airport tell this individual ( if was not dropped from case) that he may loose the asylum case if he traveled out US while the case is pending decision and without AP?
Thanks,
If he wants to leave the US, he should be able to leave with no problem. To return, he would need Advance Parole or a new visa. I am not sure why this person would want to request asylum at the airport, and if he wants to file his own case for asylum, he can do that without leaving the US (see the “Special Instructions” for form I-589, available at http://www.uscis.gov), though I doubt that case would be processed any faster than the pending case. You can inquire about the pending case – I wrote about that on March 30, 2022. You can also try a mandamus lawsuit – we wrote about that on October 2, 2018. Take care, Jason
Good evening,
Thanks for your response. So, even if the case was filed 8 years ago, the dropped dependent still can apply for asylum regardless the one year bar.
And, if the scenario is to leave, will the custom agent “tell” him, that by leaving USA without AP will ban you from coming back?
Thanks,
An exception to the one-year bar may be that he was a dependent in another asylum case, and so that is a possible way around the one-year bar. The customs agent will likely not talk to him at all about his status when he leaves. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason.
Thanks for all your helpful informations and insights toward asylum seekers in their long struggles and hardships.
My question is : Does a TPS recipient authorized to travel to country from which he was granted TPS ? Can he safely reinter in US? In what condition? what documentation needed?
Thx.
If you have TPS, you can apply for Advance Parole (form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov) and use that to travel. You need a passport to travel and the AP allows you to re-enter the US. You can get AP based on a pending asylum case also, but it is more difficult to get – I wrote about AP (in the asylum context) on September 11, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason!
Why a derrivative asylee can get his GC in the mail while the main asylee’s application is still pending, then today got a letter that an interview is scheduled.
Thanks!
There is no way to know – some cases are interviewed and some are not, and so this may be just random, or there may be some reason USCIS wants to talk to you. Make sure to be familiar with your asylum case and your I-485 so you are ready if any questions come up. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Thank you for all you do for us here,God bless you.
Please,when a declaration letter is being requested what does it signify?
I have a fellow who had a phone interview or virtual court hearing,and the judge never asked a further question other than how about the children and their ages.
So their lawyer is saying she wants to fill another form but requested for the declaration. Kindly explain this and for many who might be in the same shoes.
Thank you.
Emmanuel
I do not know what that means. To me, a declaration is another word for the person’s affidavit or personal statement. I think you need to ask the lawyer who received this request to clarify. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I sent my I-589 form application for asylum 2 months ago, still didn’t received my receipt. I sent it to Miami office! I started worrying if everything is all right? What can I do?
Can you please advise me how I can get my receipt?
I do not know that that is the correct place to send the application. You have to check the direct mailing addresses in the I-589 instructions, available at http://www.uscis.gov. You can also email the Miami asylum office to ask about the case – you can find their email if you follow the link under Resources called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am a DACA recipient. I wanted to ask you about the advance parole and how long does it usually take to get it?
Also, my mom is a green card holder (soon to apply for citizenship). After I travel to my country and return, how long is the process if my mom files for me for the green card? (What is the wait time if she petitions for me while she is a green card holder vs US Citizen)?
Thank you.
I envy DACA recipients. I arrived after 2007, am I still qualified to apply for DACA ?
You would have to look at the requirements for DACA at the USCIS website or talk to a lawyer to know this. Take care, Jason
AP for asylum cases takes 10 or 12 months, but I suspect it is faster for DACA people. Whether you can take advantage of a petition from your mother depends on many factors. However, if you are over 21 years old, such an application will probably not work unless you leave the US to get the case processed at an embassy overseas. I would talk to a lawyer about your situation so you can make a plan about how to proceed. Also, unless you are under 21, whether your mother has a GC or is a US citizen, it probably makes no difference in terms of petitioning for you. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I was granted asylum last year and still haven’t applied for a green card. A month ago, I have received an offer to study abroad for one year and finish my master there.
I know I can apply for the RTD, but I think it would be better to apply for the reentry permit since I would be more than 6 months out of the country. Now, wanted to ask for your advice on whether you think I can get the reentry permit without the green card, and if you see any reason why I shouldn’t really leave the country for that long (total stay of 1 year abroad). Or any other advice on that note, please, what would be the best way to go about it?
Thank you.
I think you cannot get a re-entry permit until you have the GC. I also think you need a document to re-enter the US, and that is the RTD. Unfortunately, it takes probably 10 or 12 months or longer to get the RTD. You can try to expedite that (I wrote about expediting in general on January 29, 2020), but it is not easy to do. Also, you would have to return before the RTD expires, and it would probably be safer to return to the US in less than 6 months for at least a visit, and to make sure you have evidence of your intent to remain in the US (property, assets, pay tax, etc. – this is more for people with a GC, but it would not hurt for an asylee to have this as well). You should probably talk to a lawyer about how best to get permission to travel, whether you should apply for the GC before you leave, and how best to preserve your status if you are outside the US for that long. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I applied for the RTD in February this year (so it’s been around 10 months). I just checked the processing times at their website and it’s saying that 80% of the cases have been completed within 15.5 months. What’s your experience on this? Do we really need to wait that long or usually cases are done quicker than that time frame?
Thank you.
My sense is that most RTDs are received in less than 12 months, but it seems that the processing time has recently slowed down. You can try to expedite – I wrote about that in general on January 29, 2020. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
I am applying I485 myself only. Can you please tell if I missed anything from my application packet?
1. G-1145
2. I-485 application
3. I-693 form
4. Money order $1225
5. 2 passport pictures- A# on back and DOB
6. Copy of EOIR asylum approval
7. Copy of A05 EAD
8. Copy of I-94 asylee
9. Copy of birth certificate/translation
10. Copy of physical presence – Mortgage bill/Paystub
11. Copy of current passport
12. Copy of I-94(Legal entry/student)
13. Copy of visa(student)
I really cannot provide this type of advice since I do not know your case, but this looks pretty good. If you have had any criminal issues, you need to provide evidence of that. Also, I did a post on November 13, 2017 about some common problems when asylees apply for a GC, and maybe you want to take a look at that. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I would like to ask questions about the distinction between precedential and non-precedential cases. So when COA judges make decisions, I know precedential cases are obviously binding…But…what about non-precedential cases ? Do they refer to it at all ? Are they useless or useful to the extent that they are “guiding but not binding ” ? (There are sooooooo many non-precedentials…😥)
Thanks 🙂
Hi Jayson.
I have a pending asylum case (with overstay) and also approved TPS for Ukraine. I wonder if you had or have heard of cases when people with similar cases traveled out and came back to US? I heard that some people started receiving new travel forms and I’m curious if traveling I-512T impacts pending asylum case (because theoretically the person enters under non asylum status)
As always, thank you so much for helping the asylum community and answering our non-stopping questions
Naya
I do not know what 512T is, but you can travel and return under these circumstances if you have Advance Parole, form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov. I wrote about that in the context of asylum on September 11, 2017, but you can also get AP based on TPS, and that is much easier. As long as you have that and a valid passport, you can travel and return. Take care, Jason
i-512T is a new travel document (advance parole) that they give to TPS holders, they started doing it in July.
What I wonder is if I enter the US by using this type of parole (as a TPS holder), would it in any way impact my asylum case, would my pending case be considered as abandoned? I am currently waiting on its approval but many people mentioned that receive it within 6 months after the request.
I have a feeling it should not have an impact, but still worried about that part.
You may need to explain why you used a passport from the government that wants to harm you. If you do not fear the government, but instead fear a non-state actor, this is easier to explain, but I have never had a client have a problem because they traveled with AP. The one exception is if you go to your home country, which will likely affect the asylum case. Take care, Jason
That makes sense!
I’m planning to travel to a 3rd country to hopefully erase my overstay and enter under a legal (TPS) status. So I could adjust my status here maybe in other way than winning an asylum, since I’ve been waiting for my interview over 7 years now.
Thank you so much for your help and opinion 🙏🏻
Naya
Hello Jason,
My case has been pending for about 4 years, got my interview in May 2022 but i have not received any decision yet. Last year we started processing my Canada PR because my wife is a candied resident.
My application for Canada has been approved and in the final stages, I just got a Pre Arrival letter which is likely that my PR will be approved in less than 4 or 5 months.
I may be required to travel to Canada and validate my PR by May 2023.
I do not want to loose my case here so I am thinking of moving to canada, land and validate my PR (Final stage) , get the PR card in about 3-4 months, then return to the USA.
Question:
1. Can I apply for an emergency advance parole (my wife is pregnant, we are expecting our daughter in March 2023) can this be used as a medical or humanitarian reason to apply for Advanced parole and expiated it? how soon can i get an emergency advance parole issued?
2. on the checklist here https://www.uscis.gov/i-131 it says For an advance parole document for individuals who are currently in the United States: A copy of the U.S. consular appointment letter, if you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa.
Can I request an advanced parole based on this since I will be asked by the Ney York Canadian consular to go to canada and validate my PR?.
Thank you for the guidance
My two cents on your issue:
– Have you received or have been approved for Permanent Residency abroad?
Its Yes in your case, Canada approving your PR means you wont be able to get asylum in US. because you have been offered a residence somewhere else.
I agree.
1 – You can try. You can also try to expedite – you have to call USCIS at 800-375-5283 and try to reach a person and get an appointment. 2 – I do not know about this, and I am not sure whether that applies to asylum seekers, who must show a “humanitarian” need to travel. There is another issue here, though. If you become a PR of Canada before you have asylum, your asylum case will be denied (assuming the US government knows that you are a PR). If get your PR after you have asylum, but before you have a GC, you will lose your asylum status if the US government knows you are a Canadian resident. If you want to keep status in the US, it will not be safe for you to get Canadian PR status until you have a GC in the US. Maybe you want to talk to a lawyer about this if it is a concern, so you can decide how best to proceed. Take care, Jason
My PR has not been approved yet but it’s 90% done, by March they will approve it.
so you mean that the moment I get the Canada PR approved, then my USA asylum case will be automatically denied? how will the USCIS know that I have got PR if i do not inform them?
They may not know, and then it could be granted, but if they know, it will be denied. Even if they do not know about the PR and they grant asylum, you will be vulnerable to losing your status. If USCIS finds out later (when you apply for a GC or US citizenship), they could accuse you of fraud for not revealing the Canadian PR. Your best bet, which may not be possible, is to hold off on the PR until you have a GC, but that could take a long time. Maybe talk to a lawyer to see if there are any other options, but I think if you get PR before you have a US green card, you will have trouble. Take care, Jason
Well, in that case i will have to say bye bye to the USA and see you in 3 years when I became a Canada citizen.
Waiting this long is crazy when God has opened another door.
I just hope the asylum decision is made on time before my PR.
Thanks alot Jason.
I certainly don’t blame you, but you may want to talk to a lawyer to see what other options you have before you leave, but if you have PR in Canada, I do not see how you could get asylum in the US. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you for your inputs, i apologize for any bad word in advance, ( i have been waiting 17 months now for my green card based on Asylum. ) its been almost 8 years that im in US without leaving the county. i have RTD which expire in 5 months i wasnt able to use it my fiance is in canada she is canadian citizen. this fucken USCIS really fucked up my life tortured me mentally for the last 7 year. what is the best way to bring my fiance here i know she can come here for a visit, i know other option is work visa, but she cant get a job that support her Green card, is there any other way ….
i have expedited 10 times no fucken Uscis heard my voice they treat us like a machine and piece of shittt.tttt
Language, sir!
We are all in the same boat, if USCIS made your life so horrible, maybe it’s worth to seek better life elsewhere? So much anger!
I often start conversations about the immigration system with the caveat that I can only properly explain the system by using curse words….
Most days, I am saying very similar things about USCIS and the Immigration Courts, though I am only affected through my clients, and it is much worse for them – and for you. I do not know whether Canada will allow you to enter with the RTD, but you can try that (talk to the embassy first or check their website). Some countries will not require 6 months of validity. As for your fiance, you have no power to bring her here, and can only do that once you have the GC and are legally married to her. I expect that will happen relatively soon. Wait times are not predictable, but you are in the ballpark for a decision, so hopefully it will not be much longer. Until then, I think you will have to go there to visit or she will have to find a way to come here to visit. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
My wife’s asylum case has been referred to court last year and I am derivative in her case so can I ask for advanced parole and get travel document then return back to US? Please advise and highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rex.
Hi Jason,
My wife’s asylum case has been referred to court last year and I am derivative in her case so can I ask for advanced parole and get travel document then return back to US? Please advise and highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rex
If you are also in court, you cannot leave the US with AP. If you do, you will have deported yourself and may not be permitted to re-enter the US. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason can you post about traveling with travel Documents as an Asylee, experiences, CBP perspective, arrival, departure? There is not enough information out there. Plz and thnx
I do not actually hear much about this from my clients, so it is not something I know a lot about. People travel with the Refugee Travel Document and they are able to re-enter the US. I know of no one who has had anything more than minor delay as a result of that travel, though not all countries accept the RTD. Also, I wrote about using your passport as an asylee on May 25, 2022 and maybe that would help. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason. A person has release by ICE from Detention Center Center and have to appear in near by Immigration court on a date in 2 weeks. He wants to live on a different city or different state. So1. Can he change his case to his new address and different Immigration Court ? 2. For Asylum he has to file form i589 in Immigration court on hearing date or by Mail to USCIs .As other people do.
1 – The person must report to ICE as required. If he fails, he would be in danger of arrest and detention (and being ordered deported). If he moves, he can inform ICE and they can change the place where he will report. For court, he can move and file a change of address form to the Court and DHS (form EOIR-33). That may not cause his case to move, and if not, he can file a motion to change venue (i.e., move the case to his new location). 2 – Asylum must be filed within one year of arriving in the US. I wrote more about that on January 18, 2018, and he should file his case within the one-year period; otherwise, the asylum case could be denied for being late. If he is in court, he needs to file with the court and DHS, and he also needs to submit a copy of the I-589 form to USCIS (Google “pre-order instructions in immigration court” for more info). Also, note that if he moves the case, it could delay or block him from obtaining a work permit based on the pending asylum case. He should really talk to a lawyer about all this, as it is not easy – probably, it would be best to find a local lawyer in his new home area. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you for all you are doing for the asylum community, and thanks for talking about Iran’s situation! I have a question, I filled asylum in March 2015, my interview was in February 2017, I filled out a mandamus 50 days ago, when I checked my status before the mandamus my status was ”your application is still pending” but last week it changed to “ decision is pending” which was a good sign and said they took some action on my case, BUT when I checked it today I noticed that status back to “ application is pending ” does it mean anything? I worry because I think the mandamus does not work for me and I am back to the same status as before the mandamus!
I do not have much (or any) confidence in those particular messages and I strongly suspect they have no meaning. The mandamus is a separate lawsuit and so if the Asylum Office agrees to process the case, they should inform you and the judge about that, and then they should follow through and finish the case. Or if you win the asylum case, the judge will order them to issue a decision and give them a time frame. If the mandamus is still pending, then you have to wait for that case to be concluded so you will have a schedule to receive the decision. I think you should follow up on the status of the mandamus case to see what is going on. Take care, Jason
I am about to be fired by my third job in a short time.
This time, the employer didn’t check my I-9 on 4th day and didn’t fill out the direct deposit form. In addition, the employer is not recording my clock in and clock out electronically (This is after I raised the issue of form I-9 and direct deposit). They just record me as now show.
I know it will be wage theft and all the legalese but currently I cannot afford to take legal actions.
I am wondering does this happen a lot to immigrants or undocumented immigrants ? Am I just having a good luck ? Why do I keep attracting wrong kids of employers…
@all, Would you consider what I said as red flags ? If you were me, will you leave this employer now ?
My clients have generally not had problems like this, and so I wonder what is going on. If you have a valid work permit, you are eligible to work. Maybe you need to talk to your employer to go over what their issue is and to see how that can be addressed. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I have applied for asylum in 2015 and still waiting for interview. My husband is citizen, he sponsored me and filed i485 and i130. If i asylum office interviews me and for any reason they do not approved my case, what is outcome of the decision? They will send me to the court or they wait for the marriage base application to approve?
Thanks
They may send you to court, which will complicate the situation. The problem is, until you have the GC, they may not let you withdraw the case or postpone the interview. Ultimately, you should get the GC based on marriage, but it would be a big waste of time and stress if you had to go to court. If they do schedule an interview, I guess you can try to withdraw and see whether they would agree to do that without sending you to court. Hopefully, you will get the GC before the asylum office decides to interview you. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason, I’m Iranian and quite disagree with basically whatever you said in your post. Don’t really want to go into details but only couple points: Everything you said Iran does, they do it on their own people! I’m talking “iranian citizens”. The iranian government does not even recognize anybody as asylee. Please go read about how Afghans live in Iran and what the government do to them. So this comparison is fundamentally wrong. I know you are a great person and have love for asylees, but this post is downgrading the cruel and brutal behavior of the Iranian regime which has killed at least 70 children so far in less than 2 months. With all respect, I highly suggest you to remove your post as it is completely different than the values you stand for.
I was shocked when I saw you compare the supreme leader of Iran. Doesn’t matter how many times you say that this is not the best comparison, you are comparing a dictator to someone appointed by an elected president coming out of a democratic system.
Thanks man and thank you for everything you do for the asylum community
I decided to post it because I am trying to show that EOIR is behaving extremely badly towards noncitizens. It makes no difference to me whether the courts do this to noncitizens or citizens – both are entitled to due process of law, and noncitizens in immigration court often do not receive that. The purpose of the post is not to minimize the harm caused by the Iranian government, which is obviously treating many of its citizens far worse than the US government treats people, but rather, I am trying to show that people in immigration court are not treated so differently than people in Iranian revolutionary courts in terms of due process of law. Take care, Jason
How long it takes as of right now to get your interview result and your green card ? I’m in California
How long it takes as of right now to get your interview result and your green card ? I’m in California
It depends on the basis for the GC and your office (and on luck). For an asylee applying for a GC, it has been taking 2+ years, though recently, I have heard about cases moving much more quickly (maybe 6 months), and I hope this will be true for everyone. You can also check the processing times at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Jason :
Please help me to understand an issue. How one can accured unlawful presence in US? A person addmitted through inspection given 6 months authorized stay but applied for asylum within 3 months of authirized stay and then further proceeding onward to court, married US citizen with I-130 Approved and I-485 pending now. I heard people accured unlawful presence travelling with Advance perole with even I-485 pending would be barred from admitting again once they travel outside and showed up at port of entry while return back with even with valid advance parole. is it true ? So in the above situation has the person accurred an unlawful presence ?
A person accrues UP when they are out of status in the US. So if you over stay your 6-month period of lawyer presence, for example, you accrue UP for every day you are here illegally. If you file for asylum, you do not accrue UP while the case is pending. If you have Advance Parole, you can return to the US even if you have UP, but normally, if you leave the US after accruing 180 days or more of UP, you cannot return for 3 years and if you accrue 1 year of UP or more, and leave, you cannot return for 10 years. If you have UP and want to leave and return, even with AP, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer beforehand to make sure you can do that. Take care, Jason
Jason,
My asylum was granted and I have to file the adjustment of status shortly. My question is if I have to fill out the I 602 form the waiver of admissibility because I accrue UP for the first few years I lived in the USA, later I apply for asylum and was granted but not sure if I need this form or was asylum is granted UP is not an issue .
Thank you !
Hi- Jason will respond. Unlawful presence, for the purpose of adjustment of status, does not apply to asylees.
According to USCIS:
“In the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) Chapter 40.9.2 (PDF, 1017.74 KB), we outline when you are considered to be in a “period of stay authorized.” If you are in the United States maintaining lawful status, meet the requirements for an exception, or are otherwise considered to be in a period of stay authorized by the DHS secretary, then you do not accrue unlawful presence.
The law also provides exceptions for accrual of unlawful presence to the following noncitizens:
Asylees: Time while a nonfrivolous asylum application is pending is not counted as unlawful presence.
Minors: Children do not accrue unlawful presence while they are under age 18.
Family Unity beneficiaries: Individuals with protection under the Family Unity program, as provided under section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990, do not accrue unlawful presence while that protection is in effect.”
I think in this case, the UP was accrued prior to filing for asylum. Nevertheless, I do not see why a waiver would be needed in this situation. Take care, Jason
I have never filled that form for a client in your situation, and so I think it is not needed. If USCIS needs a waiver, they should inform you, but if the issue is UP prior to the asylum grant, I do not think a waiver is needed. At least, it has never been needed for any of the cases I have done. Take care, Jason
What If one has accepted to work Unauthorized employment before receiving first EAD during asylum pending application? I heard one exception are Asylee and pending asylum application Unless a person has worked unlawful work. In that case how and from what time to what the UP will be considered , If its the case?
The unauthorized work would likely never block a person from receiving asylum. Technically, USCIS could ask for a waiver for that using form I-602, but I have never seen that. Such a waiver would be granted as a matter of course, and so maybe for that reason, USCIS does not bother. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason. A political leader from a Muslim country crossed Maxico border last month and now in Detention center of ICE near San Antonio. Yesterday he got Credible Fear Interview on Phone for 2 hours with out Lawer. My Questions are: 1. In how many Days he will get interview result? 2. If interview comes positive then what will happen? 3. If interview comes Negative then what will happen and what he has to do? Kindly guide in brief. Thank you.
The answers vary by case, but in general: 1 – normally, it is only a day or a few days, but I suppose it could be longer. 2 – If he “passes” the interview, his case will be referred to an immigration judge where he can make a claim for asylum. Hopefully, he would also be released from detention, but that is not guaranteed. 3 – If he is found not to have a credible fear of persecution, he can request that an Immigration Judge review that decision, but if the judge still reaches a negative conclusion, he will be deported to his country, though this may take quite a while. He will likely remain detained while he waits. It sounds like he has a lawyer to help with the process, and the lawyer should know more specifically how things will proceed. Take care, Jason
Thank you. He wants to take out from Detention. So how he can be released on Pyrole or on Bond during this process? Lawer will approach to ICE before or after coming interview decision. Thank you.
He may be subject to mandatory detention, and if so, only ICE would be able to release him, not the judge (ICE releases people because they do not have the bed space to hold people). The lawyer can ask the DHS/ICE attorney about this. In some cases, the judge has the authority to release a person and then the lawyer can ask the judge for release on bond or on his own recognizance (without any bond). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I appreciate the information and advise you shared. On my daughter receipt for i730 petition I got typographic error. To correct the error, I enquired online service request. After 4 weeks USCIS gave me email response by saying I need to send signed written correspondence, so they interfile the amended form up on receipt. Last week I sent signed written correspondence via USPS priority mail and received by USCIS Texas Service Center. My question when USCIS send me corrected i730 receipt for my daughter?
Thank you
Hi Jason,
I appreciate the information and advise you shared. On my daughter receipt for i730 petition I got typographic error. To correct the error, I enquired online service request. After 4 weeks USCIS gave me email response by saying I need to send signed written correspondence, so they interfile the amended form up on receipt. Last week I sent signed written correspondence via USPS priority email and received by USCIS Texas Service Center. My question when USCIS send me corrected i730 receipt for my daughter receipt?
Thank you
I do not know how long that will take, but nothing with them is fast. Maybe if there is nothing in 30 days, you can call to inquire (800-375-5283). Take care, Jason
I encountered a lot of I-9/Everify discriminations. But when I look up discrimination cases online, it seems to me that over 90% time, the employer prevails in discrimination cases…So…what’s the way out ? It seems to me that I-9/Everify discrimination is very rampant, I already seen several posts about their employers fire them because of the 540 day receipt…
Specifically, I would like to ask the application of pretext.
It seems to me that, to avoid being accused of discrimination, employers like to use pretexts to justify their discriminatory behavior.
I am aware this happens as well in immigration settings. I am sure there is scenario when persecutors use pretexts to harm people, (“i.e. we are not mistreating you because of (insert 5 grounds for asylum), we are treating you this way because (insert facially neutral reasons)”…So if in this case, or if sometimes AO or IJ impute such reasoning (“they are treating you this way because (insert facially neutral reasons), so you are not eligible to receive asylum”). In practice, how to argue against such reasoning ? How do you prove this is a pretext (to hide the real reason) for persecution ? because you are not going to get a written admission from your persecutors saying “We persecuted you or we are persecuting you because (insert 5 grounds).”
I can’t speak to the employment context, but in the asylum context, you can use country condition evidence to show that the government targets political opponents (for example) by charging them with crimes. You can also get letters from people who know the applicant and can attest to the situation. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason for weighing in 🙂
This concurs with my guess and provides a good guidance, to prove the alternative reason is more reasonable (i.e. to rebut the persecutors’ excuses/pretexts)…
I guess my engineer brain just naturally feels uncomfortable to see words like “more likely than not”, “reasonable”, “discretion”, “clear probability”. Nothing is conclusive, it’s subject to others’ interpretation, which is … subjective…so…hence my slight disappointment in the current asylum system…but in search of a perfect asylum system, I didn’t find any. So I guess this is as good as it can get.
The latest statistics indicate that in immigration court, the asylum grant and denial rate is roughly 50-50…So I am contented. It seems good and fair to me.
Hi Jason, I have a friend who came to the US a year ago based on a family reunification petition. However, during her first entry, the immigration officer checked her passport but did not request other documents ( the yellow envelope containing documents that first-time comers have to provide in order for USCIS to mail the green card and the social. It’s been a year now and she just found out she was supposed to give the immigration officer the envelope containing the documents. What do you think she can do now? She has a lawful entry but did not receive a green card because of this mistake.
I am not sure about the best way to get the document. There is a document (form I-90) that can be used to replace a missing GC, but I am not sure that will work in this case. I would talk to a lawyer to see about the best approach. Also, you can try calling USCIS and asking – 800-375-5283, It is difficult to reach a human being, but they may be able to enlighten you about the case status. Take care, Jason
Ironically I’m an Iranian former political prisoner, and I’ve been begging the US immigration court for 5 years to grant me a date to defend my case, but they keep telling me there are no dates available. After being released from prison in Iran I was deprived of having some civil rights such as having passport to leave the country. They create a bigger jail out of prison for you. You can’t do much and you can’t leave the country. It’s kinda the same the US immigration court does to you. Given the situation in Iran, my lawyer recently suggested that we should request PD, which was simply denied by DHS. I know it’s not the case, but all of this gave me the impression that they are aware of my strong case and do not want to grant me asylum.
I think your situation is kind of serous. Because usually, as far as I know, if you request a dismissal, the DHS is more likely than not to concur, to reduce their case backlog…The fact that they deny your PD request and seem to determined to pursue your removal…
Is there any negative factor associated with you ? Cause it seems to me that they are treating you as an enforcement priority…
I guess this is possible too, but I doubt it. The main reason they do not dismiss is that the case is too far in the future and they do not have time to review it. Take care, Jason
As I mentioned in another comment, I hesitated to make the comparison, but unfortunately, there are many similarities between the two systems. As for PD, there are many reasons DHS might refuse PD. Most likely, they just do not have time to review the case, which often happens when the Individual Hearing is far in the future (or even a few months in the future). It is very arbitrary, like the rest of the system. In any event, PD is not a great outcome, as it leaves you with no status. You could file again at the Asylum Office, which will likely buy you several years time, but for people with a strong case, it is usually better to do the case than get PD. Of course, there are all kinds of considerations and so it is good that you are getting help from your lawyer on this. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I hope you’re doing well.
I received my AS8 category – derivative Green Card a few months ago (my father is the principal asylum applicant and I am the derivative). Now having established a more permanent status in the US with my green card, I went to my country’s consulate in New York City to renew my passport to get a foreign resident exemption from military service/conscription (although I’m definitely not returning there until at least some time after I become a citizen), and also maybe for a potential travel to Canada (as you know Refugee Travel Documents are valid only for one year and it takes a year for USCIS to process the application).
I still allowed to apply for a Refugee Travel Document? Some EU countries, such as Germany and Belgium, don’t require visas for RTDs so that might be more convenient for me. Part 6/Question 3b of Form I-131 asks: “Since you were accorded refugee/asylee status, have you ever:… Applied for and/or obtained a national passport, passport renewal, or entry permit of that country?” Does this question apply to permanent residents who were derivative asylees as well, or is it OK if I mark yes and write an explanation letter saying that I have not and will not travel back to that country and only got the passport for paperwork purposes?
Thanks…
I think you will have to answer “yes” to that question if you got a new passport, but you can explain (as you did here) that you are a derivative and not the principal, and that you do not plan to visit your home country. If your father’s asylum application indicated that the whole family faces harm from the government, you (and your father) should be prepared to explain why that government issued you a passport, but I think that is unlikely to come up. But it does not hurt to be prepared, just in case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I’m a college student writing a research paper on undocumented immigrant and refugee healthcare policy and ethics and I would really value your perspective on a few things.
What decisions in the United States have most negatively impacted undocumented immigrants access to healthcare?
What are some things that the United States could do to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to undocumented immigrants?
Why should countries be responsible for providing healthcare treatment to undocumented immigrants and refugees?
What can the United States do to make sure that policy regarding healthcare and insurance is being communicated effectively to undocumented immigrants and refugees?
I hope you’re having a nice Thanksgiving weekend!
Hi Grady,
It really sound good that you’re writing research paper on refugees facing challenges. I’m also working on similar study of refugees facing psychiatric issues. Let me know if you would like to connect and we can share some ideas/thoughts.
My email is limeloveaman@gmail.com
I do not do a lot with healthcare, and so I do not know much about this. However, two big barriers to accessing services in general are lack of knowledge about those services and fear that accessing the services could have a negative impact on a person’s immigration status. The Trump Administration did (to some extent) implement some old public charge rules in order to make immigration more difficult, but that never applied to asylum seekers or people with asylum. Nevertheless, such people were often reluctant to access such benefits because of fear. We have a couple posts about the benefits available to asylees, and maybe those would be of interest – on February 17, 2021 and December 15, 2021 (and maybe you want to contact the author of the second article, as that agency should know more about health benefits for asylees and refugees). Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason for all you do.my EAD expires and +
540 already expired too and when I go to check my
Self E-Verify it says Action Needed and I was fired at my job.
I call the E-verify people and they told me to call USCIS
I have been calling USCIS and the voice machine keeps,
Answering the call. I don’t have a job and I don’t no what
To do, please help me. Thank you
If the renewal is taking that long, it seems something is wrong. When you call (800-375-5283), you have to try to reach a person – maybe trying saying “InfoPass appointment” and that may get you to a person. Also, you can make an inquiry with the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is under Resources) – they sometimes help with delayed cases, but they do not move very quickly and the best bet is to try them, but also keep calling USCIS. Good luck, Jason
Thank you Jason for writing about Iran, the situation over there is getting worse every day, imagine you flee from your country (Iran) with a fear of persecution and face another type of persecution in the country that you have chosen as a sanctuary, waiting more than 7 years in limbo for asylum interview is a kind of persecution if you ask me.
Thanks nicki for saying that.
I think the bigger question is, why are so many countries not respecting human rights ? If a country is not as prosperous as the U.S. that’s fine…that’s understandable. But why can’t they stop the atrocity…like sometimes I just want to ask those leaders, can you just stop killing or jailing dissidents, women, lgbtq or such. That’s not that hard to do right ? Sometimes I am wondering are Iranians and Americans different species…Like why is one kind capable of democracy and respecting human rights but the other kind isn’t…
I hesitated about comparing Iran and the US Immigration Courts, but for people in Immigration Court, the situation can be life or death, and EOIR treats asylum applicants (and everyone else) as if this whole situation is a joke. People’s lives are being ruined and people will die due to EOIR’s incompetence and callousness. It is still shocking to me that we had hoped for better things from the Biden Administration, but what we got was worse than Trump. Take care, Jason
Deportation fear looms all the time for me. @Jason, I remember one of your clients committed s*icide…but for other clients, do you know how do they deal with depression, anxiety and fear ?
@all, those of your who are waiting or in court or in appeal…how do you hold up and live life while undergoing all this…
I do not know that the suicide was related to his case, but I am sure the long delay did not help. I did a post on January 9, 2018 about the effect of waiting and maybe that would be of interest. Take care, Jason
Sucide is not an option , I agree that it could be frustrating sometimes when you subtract the years spent on immigration proceedings from the actual years you are destined to live for mehnnnnn sometimes that alot but my advice don’t think much about it , try to do something fun with your life , enjoy every moment and drink a glass of water you not alone.
Hi Jazon,
Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if Asylee can lost their status if they are paroled in the USA. I heard that I could call the cbp and asked them to tell the airlines to let me board the plane and be paroled backed inside the USA when I get at the point of entry. But I’m scared to be paroled because i don’t wanna lose my status
I do not know about that, and I think you need a lawyer to look into this and figure out your options, especially since the RTD does not seem to be working yet. Take care, Jason
Posting my timeline, not that USCIS has any sense of rhythm or rhyme 🥴
From Lebanon 🇱🇧
Applied for asylum in Chicago in Sept 2015
Interviewed Dec 2016
Approved for asylum Dec 2016
Applied for permanent residency Feb 2018
Approved and received green card March 2018
Applied for citizenship Feb 2022
Interviewed and tested for citizenship Oct 2022
Naturalization ceremony Dec 2022
I guess this will be my last post on this site. Thank you Jason for having this space available for this specific population. It is a very valuable resource for people in distress, and apparently a place for people to sometimes vent!
I will surely drop in every now and then to see what is going on in the asylum world. As a new citizen who has went through this horrendous process, I believe it is my duty to try and play a role in making it better, even if its only by voting. I guess it would be appropriate to finally (jokingly) say: Move out of the way, I’m Murican’ 🇺🇸🤠
Congratulations! Your case actually went quite fast by asylum standards (some applicants who filed for asylum before you are still waiting for an interview). Thank you for sharing this and Happy Thanksgiving, Jason
Hi Jazon, thanks for everything you do. May God bless you and keep you in good health.
I’ve been stuck abroad for 3 months now because I’ve lost my refugee travel document abroad. I’m in the process of adjusting my status and my I-485 is still pending. The embassy will not help nor the department of states.I applied for new refugee travel document 3 months ago and since then I haven’t heard back from USCIS. Receipt number for my application was not issued and the check has not been cashed. I have fedex proof that my application was received and signed at USCIS field office in Washington DC. Today I read something interesting on USCIS website about I-131A ( application for carrier document )
and I was wondering if that can be an alternative solution for me to return to the USA. It doesn’t however mention a solution for a lost refugee travel document while being abroad but it mentions a solution for lost advance parole combo card abroad. Please take a look and tell me if I’m eligible to apply.
Use this form if you are:
A lawful permanent resident (LPR), including an LPR with conditions, and wish to apply for a travel document (carrier documentation) that allows you to board an airline or other transportation carrier without the airline or transportation carrier being penalized; or
Not an LPR or a conditional LPR, but you received a Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-765, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), with travel endorsement that was lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed while you are overseas and wish to apply for a travel document (carrier documentation) that allows you to board an airline or other transportation carrier without the airline or transportation carrier being penalized.
Form I-131A allows you to apply for a travel document if you are:
Returning from temporary travel abroad of less than one year, and your Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) has been lost, stolen or destroyed;
Returning from temporary travel abroad of less than two years and your re-entry permit has been lost, stolen or destroyed; or
Returning from temporary travel abroad and your Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-765, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), with travel endorsement has not expired and has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed while you have been overseas
On its face, this does not seem to apply to you, but I have never done such a case. I think you need to talk to a lawyer who does consular cases and see if they can research this issue or help in some other way. As for the filed I-131, you can try to call USCIS to see if they have received it: 800-375-5283. If that does not work, maybe you want to file a new I-131 for an RTD, and provide an explanation about the first RTD filing. I think you need to talk to a lawyer about all this first, though, as maybe there is a better solution. Good luck, Jason
Hi, @asyle55, I am sorry to hear about that and I hope your court goes well.
May I ask have you had an interview with the asylum office ? or direct gone to court ?
thank you so much,
I got referred to the court.
Thank you so much Jason for describing this here, I am from Iran and I will have my court soon do you think I can use this as reference Infront of judge and also my attorney got covid and instead of three sections preparing with me he is going to do it in two sections just a week ahead of individual hearing, my case in converting religion, do you have any advice for me. thank you so much.
I am not think the above article is relevant to the merits of your case, but the link to the article in the Washington Post is helpful evidence for Iranian cases (there is plenty of other good country condition evidence about Iran, especially about conversion cases). In terms of the lawyer, we normally only do two prep sessions and that is fine, and you can also review the case on your own to prepare. I did a post on September 25, 2019 about the Individual Hearing, and maybe that would be of interest. Good luck with the case, Jason