As you begin working with your client, you will draft his or her asylum application (the I-589), and a declaration with a detailed account of her or his story. You will also gather supporting evidence that corroborates your client’s story.
Applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture all require a form I-589. You will file this form in immigration court at a Master Calendar hearing, or your client may have filed this document pro se before you started working on the case.
For many asylum-seekers, this form can be completed online. For more information, see here. A fillable pdf of the I-589 form is available on uscis.gov
Immigration Justice Campaign
A sample completed I-589 (for a fictional client) with detailed annotations that guide you through best practices in filling out the form.
Immigration Justice Campaign
Most detained asylum seekers who are in removal proceedings have passed a “credible fear interview” conducted by a USCIS Asylum Officer, soon after they were first encountered by DHS. Your client should have a copy of the decision and the Asylum Officer's notes. While these notes are sometimes referred to as a "transcript" they are NOT in fact a transcript and frequently contain significant errors. You should make sure to review the notes from the credible fear interview as you are preparing your client’s I-589 and declaration. However, we generally do not advise submitting the credible fear interview as an exhibit with your supporting documents.
Along with your client’s I-589 application, you will work closely with your client to draft a detailed declaration that fleshes out your client’s story.
Immigration Justice Campaign
A sample client declaration with detailed annotations that guide you through how to write a client declaration.
Asylum applicants are required to corroborate their testimony with supporting evidence when it is available. The materials below will help you determine what evidence to obtain and how to obtain it.
Immigration Justice Campaign
Guidance on the types of corroborating evidence you should submit for your client's Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT case.
Immigration Justice Campaign
Watch the recording of our roundtable webinar to get expert advice on how to corroborate your client's asylum claims. We discuss topics including lay witness statements, client documents, country conditions research, and expert reports.
Immigration Justice Campaign
Practical tips from a clinical social worker who has provided expert testimony in numerous asylum cases about best practices when working with a mental health expert on an asylum case.