Pending Asylum - Need experts advice please..

[asylee1999]

One of my friend applied for asylum in 2002. The Immigration officer told him after the interview that he will get the decision within 15 days. But he never get anything from INS till today. He wrote a letter to asylum office in 2003 for the decision of his case but INS replied him that his case is still under review in washington and will let him know as soon as they made any decision. His spouse and kids are still back in his home country. If he returns to his home country, he might have severe consequences to his life. Does anybody have any idea what he should do because he is very desprate at this moment. your reply will be highly appreciated.

 

[Cl_Asylee]

Immigration says that you will have a decision in 15 days, but if you do not receive it by mail in this 15 days. You should go back to the office you were interview to pick up the decision. Best thing to do is go back and ask.

 

[asylee1999]

He went to asylum office in 2003 but they said the samething to him that the decision is not made yet. is there anything he can do?

 

[Irina_C]

I have similar experience. ,I had an immigration court in 1993 and decision was made in 1995 ( denial , but don’t look at me. I am a unique case here).
I wish you friend to get approval. They ( the judge) send decision to my lawyer
-irina

 

[Peach]

My story

My husband applied for an asylum in 1992, got an interview and the approval in 1998,
SIX YEARS LATER.
I, just like your friends wife, stayed in a home country with a kid.
Waited for almost two years, and then came over in 1994 on a visitor’s visa.
I decided to stayed here after my visa expired (never knew it was going to take that long!).
I waited alone with my husband another four years for his approval. In 1998 he submitted
I-730 for me and the child, we got approved in 1999 and my overstay was forgotten.
Everybody’s story is different. Maybe your friend gets lucky and will receive his approval tomorrow, or it could be another 2 to 4 years.
When you dealing with INS – there is no certainty.
I understand your friend’s torment – not be able to be his family for that long, not knowing what to tell them and when he’ll see them again. My advice for him is to get his wife and kids over here as soon as he can. It took me 6 trips to the USA embassy before I finally got my visa. She can do it too.

Here is another reason for his wife to come over here:
I know a couple whose husband waited here for his approval for some time, and by the time his wife and their kid came here on the visitor’s visas, he already received his final denial. His wife applied for an asylum right way. And her case was much stronger and well presented. She got her approval in two month and her husband, previously denied, got derivative asylum.