On May 31, USCIS announced that it changed the filing locations for certain affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail. Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, must now be sent to the lockbox with jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence and not the service center. Certain affirmative asylum applicants must mail their asylum application to the Asylum Vetting Center.
USCIS is encouraging applicants to file affirmative asylum applications online if they are not in court proceedings or if they are not required to submit their applications to the Asylum Vetting Center.
- USCIS also published a new edition to Form I-589 on March 1, 2023, and starting July 31, 2023, USCIS will only accept the March 1 edition of the form.
- Effective immediately, I-589 forms no longer need to be submitted with passport-style photos or multiple copies of the form and supporting documentation. Instructions on how to submit form I-589 can be found here.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.