Asylum decision by mail 2019
In 2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began a new process for asylum seekers to receive a decision on their asylum application by mail. This process is known as the "Asylum Decision by Mail" or "ADM" program.
Here are some key details about the Asylum Decision by Mail program:
Eligibility: The ADM program is available to asylum seekers who have a pending asylum application with USCIS and have not yet had a hearing before an Immigration Judge.
How it works: Asylum seekers who are eligible for the ADM program will receive a notice from USCIS informing them that their case will be decided by mail. USCIS will then review the asylum seeker's application and supporting evidence, and make a decision on their asylum claim.
Types of decisions: There are two types of decisions that can be made by mail:
- Grant of asylum: If USCIS determines that the asylum seeker has a well-founded fear of persecution or torture in their home country, they will be granted asylum.
- Denial of asylum: If USCIS determines that the asylum seeker does not have a well-founded fear of persecution or torture, their asylum application will be denied.
Appeals: If an asylum seeker's application is denied, they have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If the BIA denies the appeal, the asylum seeker can then seek review by the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Benefits: The ADM program is designed to speed up the asylum process and reduce the backlog of pending cases. It also allows asylum seekers to receive a decision on their application without having to attend a hearing before an Immigration Judge.
Challenges: While the ADM program is intended to be more efficient, it has also raised concerns about the quality of the decisions being made and the lack of transparency in the process. Some advocates have also expressed concerns about the potential for errors and the impact on asylum seekers who may not have access to legal representation.
Overall, the Asylum Decision by Mail program is a significant change in the way that asylum applications are processed in the United States. While it has the potential to speed up the process and reduce the backlog of cases, it also raises important questions about the quality of the decisions being made and the impact on asylum seekers.