The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new regulations for asylum applications.
According to information offered, beginning May 9, 2024, USCIS will reject affirmative asylum applications that are incorrectly filed at a service center instead of at the lockbox location corresponding to the jurisdiction of the applicant’s place of residence.
The government agency specified that this change in the place of filing was announced on May 31, 2023 and the review of the corresponding form in the Federal Register, 88 FR 60703 (September 5, 2023), was completed.
They also note that this change is expected to simplify asylum processing and improve adjudication efficiency by digitizing paper applications.
In the note on their website, they indicate that some categories of affirmative asylum seekers must continue to submit their applications directly to the Asylum Research Center.
In addition, they explain that unaccompanied minors who are in proceedings in an immigration court must send their applications to the safe location.
Presentation of asylum applications:
Electronic filing is also available for affirmative asylum seekers who are not in immigration court proceedings and who do not have to file their application with the Asylum Research Center.
Also, you should keep in mind that if you live in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Texas, you must submit your application at the USCIS Lockbox in Dallas. The addresses are as follows:
For the United States Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-589 (Box 653080)
P.O. Box 653080
Dallas, TX 75265-3080
For deliveries by FedEx, UPS and DHL courier:
USCIS
Attn: I-589 (Box 653080)
2501 S. State Highway 121 Business Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Who can file Form I-589, Application for Asylum?
You can file your Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Suspension of Removal of Affirmative Asylum with USCIS if you are not a U.S. citizen and meet certain criteria.
On the other hand, you cannot file your Form I-589 with USCIS if you are currently in removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), unless you are an “unaccompanied alien minor” (UAC), as defined in 6 USC § 279(g)(2).
For more information, see the official USCIS page.
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