Unfortunately, USCIS is a disaster and so it is not a surprise that they would make an error and then punish you. My feeling is that if you need the EAD, it is better to just re-apply. Maybe you want to request a fee waiver (form I-912) if you are eligible. You can try to fight as well, but it may be more trouble than it is worth, and you may not get the EAD any time soon. Also, for what it’s worth, USCIS eliminated the Ombudsman’s Office, since – I suppose – they saw no need for an office that was designed to help immigrants. Take care, Jason

In my experience, the type of request you made (to visit a sick relative) usually does not work. From their perspective, you can get Advance Parole to do that (I wrote about AP on September 11, 2017). The better reason is your own health issue, or maybe a problem for a spouse or children who are overseas and waiting to join you (since spouses and children can join the principal applicant in the US is asylum is granted). I wrote more about expediting on March 23, 2022, but these days, it seems most people who want to expedite need to file a mandamus lawsuit. Take care, Jason

Questions for the lawyer? It really depends on the case. Hopefully, the lawyer will explain what will happen at the Master Hearing and after that, and give you an idea about your case and what needs to be done. I wrote about what happens at the Master Hearing in a post dated March 7, 2018 if you are interested in that. Take care, Jason

The rule changed in early May 2025, and so I think you need to be sure our have the proper documents to travel domestically now. Take care, Jason

I doubt it will affect the decision time for the case. My sense is that they don’t really care about closing statements, and they are very unlikely to delay the decision while they wait for one from your lawyer. However, if the lawyer had something helpful to say for the case, you will not have the potential benefit of the AO receiving that information. I do not know that it would be helpful for you to intervene directly, but you should follow up with the lawyer, who should do what he said he would do. Take care, Jason

I would think so, unless they sent something by mail and your mail is very slow. Take care, Jason

I doubt using the country passport to travel domestically would have any effect on the GC case, but it does not hurt to be able to explain why you used the passport (as you basically did above). Take care, Jason

Thank you, Jason. Out of curiosity, what types of expedited requests typically lead to a faster interview? I recently contacted the Boston office due to my mother’s deteriorating health and my desire to see her in a country closer to my home. Unfortunately, my request for an expedited interview was not approved. It’s disheartening, as I’m not sure if I’ll have the chance to see my mother again. But I wonder, what exactly they need to consider my request?

Appreciate for your suggestion.

Regards
Jhampa