ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE IF YOU’RE IN THE BACKLOG
This graphic shows the various options you have if you are waiting for a long time for your interview (backlog). It may appear very complicated so please feel free to sign up for legal consultation on our homepage. You can also click the image and it will give you a version that you can print.
1. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL USCIS OFFICE
TIP: Keep a record of your calls and other communications with USCIS!
2. REQUEST TO BE ON THE SHORT NOTICE LIST
3. REQUEST AN EXPEDITED INTERVIEW
Watch our video on expedited aslyum to learn more!
4. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONGRESSPERSON/SENATOR OR OMBUDSMAN OFFICE AT USCIS
1. Contact your local congressperson
To do that go to this link and put your zip code to find out who is your congressman or woman:
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Please note that it is more important that you contact your congressperson than councilman because congress person are the ones who influence asylum policies in Washington DC.
Once you identify your congressperson , you can contact them according to the directions they give usually it is by clicking 'contact' on their website.
Here is a sample letter/ message that you can submit to your congressperson (Please make sure to keep a copy of your message with the date that you submitted)
” Dear Congressman/woman _____,
As a constituent of your district and an asylum-seeker, I am reaching out for assistance with immigration issues I’ve been experiencing. I have been in the asylum backlog for ____ years, since I applied for asylum with USCIS on ______. My receipt number is ____ . The asylum backlog has significantly impacted my life and mental health in the following ways: (you can explain for example if you have been separated from your spouse or children; if you have experienced depression and anxiety
I would greatly appreciate your help and advocacy on this matter.
Thank you,
<Your Name> “
2. Contact the Ombudsman Office at USCIS. The USCIS Ombudsman assists individuals to resolve immigration problems with USCIS. We advise you to contact them after you contacted your local congressperson so you can demonstrate that you have done something but there was no result therefore you need the help of an ombudsman
Please follow instructions on how to contact the ombudsman on this link:
https://www.dhs.gov/topic/cis-ombudsman/forms/7001
” Dear Ombudsman: My name is x I have been in the asylum backlog for ____ years since I applied for asylum with USCIS on ______. My receipt number is ____. I have contacted my local congressperson ( name) to alert them of my situation ( write the date that you send a message to the congressperson) but I did not get any reply to my inquiry. I hope that you can provide me with assistance.
The asylum backlog has significantly impacted my life and mental health in the following ways: (explain if you have some depression, anxiety, or other issues and also if you have been separated from your spouse and or children)
I would greatly appreciate your help and advocacy on this matter.
Thank you,
<Your Name> “
