On Jan. 7, 2025, USCIS updated guidance in the Policy Manual to clarify the customer service options available to certain applicants and their representatives and certain protected population groups and their representatives. The update applies to applicants and their representatives filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, and Form I-881, Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA)). It also applies to individuals and their representatives in the credible fear, reasonable fear, and Safe Third Country Agreement screening processes.
Key Information
This USCIS policy manual guidance updates customer service options available to Form I-589 and Form I-881 applicants, noncitizens in the credible fear, reasonable fear, and Safe Third Country Agreement screening processes, and their representatives by clarifying the specific procedures that USCIS Contact Center personnel must follow to protect confidentiality (see Title 8 of the Code or Federal Regulations CFR 208.6). USCIS Contact Center personnel may respond to inquiries about Form I-589 and Form I-881 applications and the relevant screening processes only after they verify the identity of the requestor.
Additionally, the USCIS Contact Center may direct requestors to other resources, such as USCIS online accounts, the Case Status Online tool, the Asylum Office Locator tool, and other USCIS webpages where appropriate.
This guidance is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after Jan. 7, 2025. Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to provide feedback on this update.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.