REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT PROGRAM
Instructions - Affirmative Asylum Applications

Submission Check List

The original and two copies of the following materials should be submitted:

1. Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney (Form G-28).  The G-28 form must
   be signed by the client.  The form should be printed on blue paper.

2. Two ADIT photos (photos must be passport size and film, with a white background,
   taken at a : angle showing the right ear and both eyes)

3. Request for Asylum in the United States (Form I-589) signed by client and
   attorney.  Please note that the INS will only accept Form I-589s dated May 1,
   1998 or later.

4. Affidavit of Client.

5. Exhibit List (with short summary about each exhibit) and exhibits.   Exhibits
   should include: 
   
   A. Copy of passport (cover to cover), if available;
   B.  Copy of any U.S. Immigration records (I-94, etc.);
   C.  Copy of birth certificate or other identification documents (with translation),
   if available;
   

   Practice Pointer!  Identity and nationality may be at issue.

   D.  Evidence proving family relationship and translations if applicable such as
   birth certificates for children of client, marriage certificate for spouse of client, or affidavit
   from at least one person with knowledge of event proving relationship.

   Reminder!  Translations must accompany all foreign-language documents submitted.   Translations must be certified as accurate.

   E.    Supporting documents, including articles, affidavits of witnesses or experts, human rights reports compiled by the State Department, Amnesty International,                etc.  Be sure to highlight relevant paragraphs.

Including Spouse/Children
Submit one additional copy of applicant's asylum application for each dependent
who is included in the application and is in the US, together with three copies of the marriage/birth certificate and translation, and two ADIT photos of each dependent. 

Mailing Address
Your client's Asylum Application should be mailed to:

U.S. Department of Justice

Immigration and Naturalization Service

Northern Service Center

P.O. Box 87589

Lincoln, NE  68501-7589

Anything sent to the INS should provide for proof of delivery (e.g. certified mail,
return receipt requested).

For those attorneys sending by express service the address is:  

INS Northern Service Center

850 "S" Street

Lincoln, NE  68508

Photographs
Photographs can be obtained from the International Institute.  They have a branch right
in the INS Bloomington office.  However, if your client is out of legal status, he or she
should not visit the INS Bloomington office.  He or she can obtain photographs from the
International Institute, 1694 Como Avenue, St. Paul.   Telephone: (651) 647-0191.

Your client may also obtain photos from any photographer who takes passport photos. 
Note that INS photos are not the same as passport photos.  INS photos must be taken
at a ¾ agle, showing the clients right ear and both eyes.

Fingerprints
An asylum applicant can only get their fingerprints at an INS Application Support Center
(ASC) with a notice of an appointment from the INS. After the asylum application is submitted,
the asylum applicant will receive a notice requesting that s/he appear for fingerprinting at the
local ASC within a certain time period (usually two weeks).   It is essential that your client
shows up for their appointment.  Failure to appear for a fingerprint appointment may
result in an asylum officer dismissing the asylum application or a referral to the EOIR.
There is no fee for fingerprints for an asylum application.

If your client moves

You must send a change of address form (AR-11) to the INS and notify the Chicago asylum office in writing. 

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service

2901 Metro Drive, Suite 100

Bloomington, MN  55425

Information and forms: (612) 854-7754       

Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

      Friday      CLOSED

Office of Asylum

401 S. LaSalle St., 8th Floor

Chicago, IL  60605

Telephone: 312-353-9607

Fax:     312-886-0204