The US immigration system is plagued with serious backlogs. The first quarter of 2019 has resulted in some of the highest immigrant apprehensions since 2007. One of the worst areas for backlogs is the Asylum Office. There are currently over 800,000 cases pending and waiting for asylum – this backlog will take years to get through. This leaves thousands of legitimate asylum seekers in legal limbo.
The Ways to Try and Expedite the Asylum Application Process
There are a few ways to try and speed up this process if there is an urgent need to get a decision. The most effective way to do this is by hiring an asylum lawyer who can inquire, file paperwork and place gentle pressure on the asylum office. Having an attorney ensures deadlines are met, paperwork is filed correctly and that all forms and documents are correctly filled out and submitted. At Landerholm Immigration, we work diligently for our clients and give them the confidence that they will have their case heard and handled correctly.
Here are some other ways to try to and get the process moving faster, they involve making specific requests to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) directors.
Prove a Severe Financial Loss – With the help of an attorney, you can appeal to USCIS by proving that you have experienced a significant financial loss by waiting for an asylum application which has hurt your professional work outlook. Specific evidence of this will be needed, but an attorney can assist in helping you gather this information.
Emergency Circumstances – A number of things can qualify as “emergency” circumstances including severe illness or death of a person relating to your case. If you are ill, an attorney might be able to expedite your case so you can receive the right kind of care for your situation. If your attorney, sponsor or lawful permanent resident family member has become gravely ill or died, this too might be a reason to expedite your claim.
Humanitarian Crisis – If you have a family that has been left behind in your home country and they face persecution or other dangers, you might be able to expedite your status so you can petition for that person. You will need to be able to provide evidence of the humanitarian danger.
Start an Expedited Asylum Case
There are no penalties associated with requesting your case be handled urgently, but if the proof or criteria is not there, your request will be denied and unsuccessful. Hiring an asylum attorney is really the best option for a favorable result. Please reach out to Landerholm Immigration to file this sort of request and let us know what kind of circumstances you are trying to work through.