Home is Here NOLA: Legal information for asylum-seekers. (ENGLISH)

Legal information for asylum-seekers.

Welcome to Home is Here NOLA’s resource page for legal information on common questions for asylum-seekers in the U.S. This legal information is designed to be helpful for people who have recently arrived in the U.S. for the first time and have a case in immigration court. General information shared here does not constitute legal advice or encouragement to take a specific action in your case. Immigration laws and procedures can and do change regularly, and this resource page is not a substitute for independent legal advice on your individual case.

1️⃣ The difference between ICE, ISAP, and the immigration court

Video: What is the difference between ICE, ISAP, and the immigration court?

2️⃣ Immigration Court Process for Asylum-Seekers

Video: Your first hearing in immigration court:

Video: Your other master calendar hearings in immigration court:

Video: What is a master calendar hearing:

Video: What is an individual or merits hearing:

More resources:Check your hearing information and case status on the immigration court’s EOIR automated phone line:
📞 1-800-898-7180Check your hearing information and case status on the immigration court’s EOIR online portal:
👉 https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/Find an immigration court and links to online hearings:
👉 https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-immigration-court-and-access-internet-based-hearingsSeeking asylum with USCIS - for people who recently arrived to the U.S. but do not have a case in immigration court:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL845KO58lhKOannRoW0b0K42byIhNQrJT

3️⃣ ICE and ISAP Supervision: In person or phone check-in appointments or supervision

Video: What you need to know about check-ins with ICE or ISAP:

More resources:Schedule or change ICE appointments online:
👉 https://portal.ice.gov/foasICE Field Office locations and contact information:
👉 https://www.ice.gov/contact/check-inFrequently asked questions about ICE/ISAP check-in appointments:
👉 https://help.asylumadvocacy.org/faqs-

4️⃣ Understanding your immigration paperwork

Video: What is an NTA? What is a notice of hearing? How do I read it?

5️⃣ Changing your address and/or hearing location with Immigration Agencies

Video: How to change your address with the immigration court:

More resources:Submitting Form EOIR-33 Change of Address with the immigration court online:
👉 https://respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/forms/eoir33ic/Printable Form EOIR-33 Change of Address (by immigration court location):
👉 https://www.justice.gov/eoir/form-eoir-33-eoir-immigration-court-listingChange of Venue motion template:
👉 https://help.asylumadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022.04.26-English-Change-of-Venue-Full-Packet.pdfPrintable Form AR-11 Change of Address with USCIS - for people who have pending applications with USCIS:
👉 https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/ar-11.pdfSubmit AR-11 Change of Address Form to USCIS through their online portal:
👉 https://myaccount.uscis.gov/sign-inCheck to see if you have an open case in immigration court with the immigration court’s EOIR automated phone line:
📞 1-800-898-7180Check to see if you have an open case in immigration court with the immigration court’s EOIR online portal:
👉 https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/Find Immigration Court locations:
👉 https://www.justice.gov/eoir/immigration-court-operational-statusFind ICE Field Office / Government Attorney’s Office addresses for sending forms to ICE:
👉 https://www.ice.gov/contact/field-offices?office=12Links to virtual hearings in immigration court:
👉 https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-immigration-court-and-access-internet-based-hearings

6️⃣ Getting ready to file your asylum application (Form I-589)

Video: Deciding Whether To Apply for Asylum: | More Information

Video: The Application for Asylum, Form I-589:

➡ UPDATE (June 2023): Passport photos are no longer required with Form I-589.

Video: Asylum: your case is in your hands:

Video: Obtaining Evidence for the Individual Hearing in Immigration Court:

More resources:Asylum application Form I-589:
👉 https://www.uscis.gov/i-589Find Immigration Court locations and addresses:
👉 https://www.justice.gov/eoir/immigration-court-operational-statusFind ICE Field Office / Government Attorney’s Office addresses for sending forms to ICE:
👉 https://www.ice.gov/contact/field-offices?office=12USCIS Form I-589 Filing Instructions Tool to see if you are eligible to file a Form I-589 with USCIS instead of with the immigration court and if so, where to file:
👉 https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/form-i-589-filing-instructions-toolCheck to see if you have an open case in immigration court with the immigration court’s EOIR automated phone line:
📞 1-800-898-7180Check to see if you have an open case in immigration court with the immigration court’s EOIR online portal:
👉 https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/

7️⃣ Work Permits, social security numbers, and taxpayer identification numbers for first-time asylum seekers

Video: Asylum Clock - the 150 days before you can apply for a work permit:

Video: How to prepare a paper work permit application to file by mail:

More resources:Check to see how much time has passed since submitting your asylum application and how many days you have on your asylum clock with the immigration court’s EOIR automated phone line:
📞 1-800-898-7180Submit your work permit online with USCIS:
👉 https://myaccount.uscis.gov/sign-inHow to create a USCIS online account:
👉 https://myaccount.uscis.gov/create-accountCheck your work permit status online - if you have already filed a work permit and have received a receipt notice Form I-797:
👉 https://egov.uscis.gov/How to submit an inquiry if it has been over 30 days since filing your work permit application and you have not received your card:
👉 https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/displayNDCForm...Frequently asked questions and answers about work permits:
👉 https://help.asylumadvocacy.org/work-permit-application-biometrics-appointment/Frequently asked questions and answers about biometrics appointments for fingerprints:
👉 https://help.asylumadvocacy.org/faqs-biometrics

8️⃣ Finding and Working with an Immigration Attorney

Video: How to find an immigration lawyer:

More resources:Find legal help:
👉https://help.asylumadvocacy.org/find-help/#lawyer

For more information on topics relevant to asylum-seekers in the U.S. please check out the Asylum Seekers Advocacy Project website at: https://www.asylumadvocacy.org/