Many people reach out to immigration attorneys with heartfelt stories about individuals they know who are wonderful, hardworking, and kind-hearted, hoping to sponsor them for U.S. immigration. While character and goodwill are commendable, U.S. immigration law does not have a visa category based solely on these qualities. Immigration to the United States...
Category: Asylum
USCIS Updates Policy Manual: New Customer Service Options for Form I-589 and I-881 Applicants
On January 7, 2025, USCIS issued updated guidance in its Policy Manual, streamlining customer service options for applicants filing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal) and Form I-881 (Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal under NACARA). This update also extends to individuals undergoing credible...
USCIS Updates Policy on Expedited Requests for Urgent Travel and Critical Needs
On October 11, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated guidance about expedited requests, particularly for those needing to travel due to urgent professional, academic, or personal commitments. This policy now addresses both planned and unplanned travel, providing individuals with clear guidelines on how to seek expedited adjudication of their...
Navigating USCIS Fee Rules: A Guide for Employment-Based Petitioners
In the complex world of U.S. immigration, ensuring compliance with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee requirements is paramount for employment-based petitioners. USCIS has recently updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section regarding the USCIS Fee Rule. This blog post aims to clarify the new and existing FAQs to help...
USCIS Updates Asylum Application Filing Process – Effective May 9, 2024
Effective May 9th, 2024, USCIS will reject asylum applications sent to service centers instead of the correct lockbox. This change is designed to streamline processing. Special filing instructions apply to certain cases. Use the "Where to File" section of the Form I-589 webpage or the USCIS Filing Instructions Tool for accurate information.
Guidance on the one-year filing date for asylum
Effective Oct. 16, 2023, if EOIR dismissed or terminated your removal proceedings and you choose to pursue a claim for asylum, you must submit a current version of Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, to the USCIS lockbox that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you...
USCIS Revises Procedures for Credible Fear Screening and Consideration by Asylum Officers of Claims for Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection
Effective May 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) will implement an interim final rule titled “Procedures for Credible Fear Screening and Consideration of Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection Claims by Asylum Officers” (sometimes referred to as the “Asylum Officer Rule”). This rule revises the...
USCIS STOPS APPLYING CERTAIN EAD PROVISIONS FOR ASYLUM APPLICANTS.
Effective Feb. 8, 2022, USCIS has stopped applying 2 rules:
1. The Removal of 30-day Processing Provision for Asylum Applicant-Related Form I-765 Employment Authorization Applications Rule (also known as the Timeline Repeal Rule); and
2. The Asylum Application, Interview, and Employment Authorization for Applicants Rule (also known as the Asylum EAD Rule).
USCIS link:
USCIS to Take Action to Address Asylum Backlog
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the agency will schedule asylum interviews for recent applications ahead of older filings, in an attempt to stem the growth of the agency’s asylum backlog.
USCIS is responsible for overseeing the nation’s legal immigration system, which includes adjudicating asylum claims. The agency currently faces a...
Seeking Asylum in the U.S.
What is the process for seeking asylum in the United States?
Seeking Asylum in the U.S. Continue reading…
The United States has long provided safe harbor for people that have left their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution. Immigrants who have already made it to the U.S. can seek asylum status which will allow them...