October 2018 

Published by the Law Offices of Alena Shautsova, 2908A Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11235  

175 Eileen Way, Syosset NY 11791 

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“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”  
― Mahatma Gandhi 

BREAKING NEWS 

• New NTA Policy Starting October 1, 2018 

• Warning: New Regulations Regarding Public Charge Will Affect Thousands 

• Automatic Citizenship For Children: Custody Issue 

Brooklyn DA To Expunge Small Drug Convictions 

O Visa Consultation Letters 

Watch Our  YouTube Videos: 

1. How and Where to Complain About Discrimination 

2. How much time do I have to bring a legal action against my employer? 

3. No More Termination of Proceedings in Immigration Courts 

4. Steps to Sponsor a Family Member 

5. Appeal, Motion to Reopen or Refile 

6. Affidavit of Support: New Regulations and Issues 

And Facebook Live: 

https://www.facebook.com/immigrationlawyerny/videos/481522032364737/ 

 

https://www.facebook.com/immigrationlawyerny/videos/352853498786514/  

1. Asylum Interview: Current Scheduling Times 

Author: US Asylum Attorney Alena Shautsova 

In early 2018, DHS changed drastically it practices related to the scheduling of asylum interviews. If previously an applicant for asylum could stay in line for the interview for years, nowadays more than 50% of cases are scheduled for the interview within 43 days of the filing dates. It means that those who filed their cases prior to January 2018 are likely to stay in line even longer.  

This is how currently US Asylum office schedules interviews: 

• First priority: Applications that were scheduled for an interview but the interview had to be rescheduled at the applicant’s request or the needs of USCIS;  

• Second priority: Applications that have been pending 21 days or less since filing;  

• Third priority: All other pending affirmative asylum applications will be scheduled for interviews starting with newer filings and working back towards older filings.  

Workload priorities, including those related to border enforcement, may affect our ability to schedule all new applications for an interview within 21 days. 

Is it possible to expedite the interview date? 

Many who “got stuck” in line for an interview are worried about their family members who they intent to bring to the US (if the case is won). For example, those family members can be children under 21 years old and spouses. Often, such applicants would like to expedite their interview date. Asylum office directors may consider, on a case-by-case basis, a request to be scheduled for an interview outside of the priority order listed above. Any urgent interview scheduling requests have to be submitted in writing to the asylum office with jurisdiction over one’s case. To that request, one should attach evidence confirming the urgency: recent country conditions, personal circumstances, health issues, etc.  

Important points regarding Asylum interview: 

1. An asylum applicant who needs an interpreter is required to arrange for an interpreter. It means that the Asylum office will not provide an interpreter. An Interpreter must be an individual with the sufficientknowledge of English and foreign language. The individual does not need to be in “legal” status, but his identity needs to be verifiable.  

2. An applicant for asylum can bring to the interview any number of witnesses to testify in support of the application, including expert witnesses. However, an asylum officer may limit their testimony.  

3. An attorney at the interview may not testify for client, but may clarify points, especially legally points and make a closing statement if it is appropriate.  

4. As a rule, an asylum applicant will not be permitted to take or to refer to notes during the interview.  

If you have questions regarding asylum process, please schedule an appointment by calling 917-885-2261 or emailing at office@shautsova.com.  

1. Visa Bulletin: policy/bulletin.html 

2. The Administrative Appeals Office  http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=dfe316685e1e6210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=dfe316685e1e6210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD  

3. Processing times http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=8ff31eeaf28e6210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=dfe316685e1e6210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD 

4. Labor Department Processing Times 

The following link provides approximate times for PERM processing periods: 

http://icert.doleta.gov/#fragment-2 

• Nonimmigrant Visa Wait Times 

Depending on your location, the US Department of State provides the following approximate visa wait times:  

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4788.html?post=Kyiv&x=86&y=13 

Watch our Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSrIQswMdYh_T1qToEZRrQ  

Visit our resources on Asylum, Recent Changes in Immigration laws and Processing times: 

1. Asylum Library 

2. Youtube channel  

3. Legal Resources