Starting May 9, 2024, the USCIS will reject affirmative asylum applications that are incorrectly filed at service centers instead of the secure location corresponding to the applicant's jurisdiction of residence.

This was announced through its official website and Twitter account.

This change, announced on May 31, 2023, aims to simplify the asylum process and improve its efficiency through the digitization of paper applications.

In an effort to streamline the process, certain categories of affirmative asylum applicants should continue to send their applications directly to the Asylum Research Center.

Likewise, unaccompanied minors who are in immigration court proceedings will be required to forward their applications to the appropriate secure location.

In addition, it is reminded that electronic filing is available to those affirmative asylum applicants who are not involved in proceedings before an immigration court and do not need to file their application with the Asylum Research Center.

Errors in the filing of asylum applications

USCIS is seeing an increase in paper-based affirmative asylum filings, many of which must be rejected due to incompleteness or incorrect filing.

Therefore, applicants are urged to file their applications correctly, ensuring that they are complete and signed, and to file at the appropriate filing location.

To avoid processing delays, it is recommended to carefully review the Form I-589 instructions and follow the directions for proper filing. This form, used to apply for asylum in the United States and a suspension of removal, must be filed at the appropriate location.

Finally, please note that eligibility to file Form I-589 with USCIS can be verified using the Filing Instructions Tool. This provides information on where to file the form according to the applicant's particular situation.

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