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Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)

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Members Speak About Renewal Delays

October 1, 2021

ESPAÑOL ABAJO.

ASAP members are speaking out against the long delays in processing of their renewal work permit applications and demanding the government take action!

What’s happening? Renewal applications are taking a very long time to process.

Recently, ASAP members have reported that their work permit renewal applications are taking over 10 months for USCIS to approve. This is much longer than it has taken to process renewal applications in the past.

One member from Haiti told ASAP, “We used to re-apply with USCIS but it never used to take a lot of time to get your EAD card back. This time, it is taking so long to get it — at least 10 months we’ve been waiting — and we have already received notice to leave from our employers if we cannot come up with a new EAD card… We have tried to call USCIS, but they never answer…. We are really in a stressful situation.”

When an asylum seeker receives their first work permit, their employment authorization document (“EAD” card) includes an expiration date that is usually one or two years after the date the EAD card was issued. If the expiration date approaches but their asylum case is still pending, an asylum seeker can usually renew their work authorization by submitting a renewal application. Asylum cases can take many years to resolve, so many asylum seekers need to submit work permit renewal applications while their cases are still pending.

While USCIS is required to process ASAP members’ initial work permit applications within 30 days, there is unfortunately no time limit for the government to process renewal applications. Once an asylum seeker’s renewal application is received by USCIS, the receipt notice from USCIS automatically extends their existing work permit for 180 days (about 6 months) after its expiration date. According to the government, the 180 automatic extension is supposed to make sure there are “no gaps” in work authorization coverage for asylum seekers.

However, the extreme delays in processing renewal applications have caused the 180-day extension to not be long enough. Members who applied to renew their work permits even three or four months before their current work permits expired are still left without work authorization, ten months later!

What does this mean for asylum seekers? Losing jobs, livelihoods, and the ability to care for themselves and their families.

ASAP members are speaking out about the impact of these delays and demanding justice. The gap in work authorization is devastating to asylum seekers and their families, many of whom are essential workers. USCIS’s extreme delays in processing work permit renewal applications are causing asylum seekers to lose jobs they have held for years.

One ASAP member, a healthcare worker from Syria, wrote to ASAP about the harmful impact the renewal delays were having on her: “I am a Syrian citizen and I came to the states seeking asylum in 2018. I filed for an EAD renewal as of February 2021 and my EAD expired in July 2021. The renewal is still pending as of now. I work at a hospital in California. In addition to all the stress we went through and are going through as healthcare workers in this pandemic, I’m facing more stress because my employer keeps asking about my EAD. Both the hospital and I are aware of the 180 day extension but I live in constant fear of losing my job everyday. I would be facing either poverty or going back to the devastating situation Syria is in.”

Another ASAP member from Nicaragua spoke about how the delays frustrated their ability to provide for their family and community: “Leaving your home, your studies, and friends behind due to the selfish acts of those who have no appreciation for human life hurts but, being denied the ability to work to provide for your loved ones, hurts even more. USCIS needs to stop delaying our right to earn a living. Many employers are seeking people who really want to work, we are those people who want to work. Help us, so that we can help the American economy. We do not want handouts, we want permits to work and to continue paying taxes to contribute to this great nation.”

ASAP members are speaking out to share the devastating impact of these delays and to let other members know that they are not alone in experiencing delays. Members have told ASAP that this situation is unacceptable and that the government must live up to its promise to prevent gaps in work authorization coverage for asylum seekers.

What can be done to stop these delays? ASAP members are speaking out to demand action and ASAP is taking steps to fight back!

ASAP knows that work permits are essential to providing for members and their families, and we agree these long delays must end. Thanks to members who have chosen to speak out and share their stories, ASAP has been able to take first steps to address the delays.

ASAP is currently reaching out to government officials to share members’ stories and demand that USCIS fix this problem. ASAP has told officials in the government that they must process ASAP members’ renewal applications within the 180 day automatic extension period or offer a further extension until members’ renewal applications are processed.

ASAP is also exploring other ways to advocate for members. We are building a coalition of advocates to support asylum seekers who have been impacted by the delays and defend their ability to work. ASAP is hopeful that sharing members’ stories will help push the government to act and resolve the delays. But if the government does not take action, ASAP will continue to fight back! If the delays do not end, ASAP may sue the government in a new lawsuit to protect its members’ rights.

We will let members know if there are more opportunities to share your stories and advocate for faster renewal processing. ASAP will also share major updates we receive from the government with members in future member updates.

Learn more:

  • How to renew your work permit at least 6 months before it expires
  • Possible steps to take if your work permit renewal is delayed a long time
  • General information about work permits for ASAP members
  • How to become an ASAP member

Miembros de ASAP denuncian los retrasos en las renovaciones

1 de octubre de 2021

ENGLISH ABOVE.

¡Los miembros de ASAP denuncian los largos retrasos en el procesamiento de las renovaciones de permisos de trabajo y exigen que el gobierno actúe!

¿Qué está pasando? Las renovaciones de permisos de trabajo se están tardando mucho tiempo para ser procesadas.

Recientemente, miembros de ASAP nos han informado que sus solicitudes de renovación de permiso de trabajo están tardando más de 10 meses para que USCIS las apruebe. Es mucho más tiempo que han tomado para procesar las renovaciones en el pasado.

Un miembro de Haiti nos dijo, “Antes solicitábamos las renovaciones con USCIS, pero nunca tomaba mucho tiempo recibir la tarjeta de permiso de trabajo. Esta vez, está tardando tanto en conseguirla – por lo menos 10 meses hemos estado esperando – y ya hemos recibido una notificación de nuestros empleadores para irnos si no podemos obtener una nueva tarjeta de permiso de trabajo. Hemos intentado llamar a USCIS, pero nunca responden. Realmente estamos en una situación estresante.”

Cuando un solicitante de asilo recibe su primer permiso de trabajo, la tarjeta de autorización de empleo incluye una fecha de vencimiento que es uno o dos años después de la fecha de emisión del permiso de trabajo. Si llega la fecha de vencimiento pero su caso de asilo aún está pendiente, el solicitante de asilo generalmente puede renovar su permiso de trabajo presentando una solicitud de renovación. Los casos de asilo pueden tardar muchos años en resolverse, así que es muy común tener que presentar una solicitud de renovación mientras su caso está pendiente.

La agencia USCIS está obligada a procesar las solicitudes de miembros de ASAP para sus permisos de trabajo iniciales dentro de 30 días. Desafortunadamente, no hay límite de tiempo para que el gobierno procese las solicitudes de renovación. Una vez que el gobierno recibe la solicitud de renovación, el aviso de recibo de USCIS extiende automáticamente su permiso de trabajo actual por 180 días (aproximadamente 6 meses) después de la fecha de vencimiento. Según el gobierno, la extensión automática de 180 días debería asegurar que no haya interrupciones en la autorización de trabajo para los solicitantes de asilo.

Sin embargo, los retrasos extremos en las renovaciones han hecho que la extensión de 180 días no sea suficientemente larga. ¡Aun aquellos miembros que solicitaron sus renovaciones con tres o cuatro meses de anticipación se han quedado sin autorización de trabajo, diez meses después!

¿Qué significa esto para los solicitantes de asilo? Perder trabajos, el sustento, y la manera de mantenerse a ellos mismos y sus familias.

Miembros de ASAP están compartiendo los impactos de los retrasos y exigiendo justicia. Estas interrupciones a la autorización de empleo son devastadoras para los solicitantes de asilo y sus familias, muchos de los cuales son trabajadores esenciales. Los retrasos extremos hacen que pierdan los trabajos que han tenido por muchos años.

Un miembro de ASAP que es originaria de Siria y que trabaja en un hospital nos contó recientemente sobre el impacto que los retrasos han tenido para ella: “Soy una ciudadana de Siria y vine a los Estados Unidos en busca de asilo en 2018. Solicité una renovación del permiso de trabajo en febrero de 2021 y mi permiso de trabajo expiró en julio de 2021. La solicitud para renovarlo aún está pendiente. Trabajo en un hospital de California. Además de todo el estrés que pasamos y que estamos atravesando como trabajadores de los hospitales en esta pandemia, tengo aún más estrés porque mi empleador sigue preguntando por mi permiso de trabajo. Tanto el hospital como yo estamos conscientes de la extensión de 180 días, pero vivo con el temor constante de perder mi trabajo todos los días. Estaría enfrentando la pobreza o volver a la situación devastadora en la que me encontraba en Siria.”

Otro miembro de ASAP de Nicaragua habló sobre cómo los retrasos frustraron su posibilidad de mantener a su familia y su comunidad: “Dejar atrás tu casa, tus estudios y tus amigos debido a los actos egoístas de aquellos que no aprecian la vida humana duele, pero que te nieguen la manera de trabajar para mantener a tus seres queridos duele aún más. USCIS necesita dejar de retrasar nuestro derecho a ganarnos la vida. Muchos empleadores buscan personas que realmente quieran trabajar, nosotros somos esas personas que quieren trabajar. Ayúdenos, para que podamos ayudar a la economía estadounidense. No queremos limosnas, queremos permiso para trabajar y seguir pagando impuestos para contribuir a esta gran nación.”

Los miembros de ASAP se están expresando para compartir los impactos de los retrasos e informar a otros miembros que no están solos en sus experiencias con los retrasos. Miembros de ASAP nos han contado que esta situación es inaceptable y que el gobierno tiene que cumplir con su promesa de evitar interrupciones en la autorización de trabajo para solicitantes de asilo.

¿Qué se puede hacer para detener estos retrasos? ¡Los miembros de ASAP están alzando sus voces para exigir acción y ASAP está tomando medidas para luchar!

ASAP sabe que los permisos de trabajo son esenciales para mantenerse a sí mismo y a su familia, y estamos de acuerdo que las largas demoras tienen que acabar. Gracias a los miembros que decidieron expresarse y compartir sus historias, ASAP ha podido tomar los primeros pasos para enfrentar los retrasos.

Actualmente, ASAP está contactando a oficiales del gobierno para compartir las historias de los miembros y exigir que USCIS solucione el problema. ASAP ha insistido en que se procesen las solicitudes de renovación de los miembros lo antes posible dentro del período de extensión automática de 180 días, o que ofrezcan una extensión adicional hasta que se procesen las solicitudes de renovación de los miembros.

ASAP también está explorando otras formas de abogar por los miembros. Estamos juntando una coalición de aliados para apoyar a solicitantes de asilo que han sido impactados por los retrasos y defender sus posibilidades de trabajo. ASAP espera que compartir las historias de nuestros miembros ayude a empujar al gobierno que actúe y solucione los retrasos. Pero si el gobierno no actúa, ¡ASAP seguirá luchando! Si los retrasos no se acaban, puede que ASAP demande al gobierno para proteger los derechos de sus miembros.

Avisaremos a los miembros si existen oportunidades para participar en alguna abogacía para un proceso de renovación más rápido y compartiremos cualquier noticia importante que recibamos del gobierno.

Aprenda más:

  • Cómo renovar su permiso de trabajo por lo menos 6 meses antes de que se venza
  • Pasos posibles si ha estado esperando mucho tiempo para la renovación de su permiso de trabajo
  • Información general sobre permisos de trabajo para miembros de ASAP
  • Cómo convertirse en miembro de ASAP

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ASAP Grows Systemic Reform Team

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ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP has expanded its Systemic Reform department, welcoming two new staff members to our team: Litigation Paralegal Marilyn…
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ASAP Staff Spotlight: Daniela

Conchita Cruz   August 30, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to introduce Daniela Rodriguez as ASAP’s Executive Assistant! Daniela migrated to the United States from…
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Victory in Legal ER

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ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Zulema accessed emergency legal aid and averted deportation for herself and her family. We met Zulema in our…
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ASAP Staff Spotlight: Marilyn

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Victory for Family Suing ICE and CBP

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Lawsuit for Reunited Families

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ASAP Staff Spotlight: Jasmina

Conchita Cruz   June 7, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are very excited to introduce Jasmina Nogo, ASAP’s newest Staff Attorney! Jasmina came to the United States…
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Mom Represents Herself And Wins

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ASAP Staff Retreat in Chicago

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IRAP Litigation Partnership

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ASAP Staff Spotlight: William

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Communications and Development Associate William Montgomery says: “I feel so lucky to be a part of this team and to…
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ASAP Featured in Legal Journal

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Victory in Legal ER

Dorothy Tegeler   February 28, 2019

  Zulema accessed emergency legal aid and averted deportation for herself and her family. We met Zulema through our online community…
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ASAP Partner Spotlight: MSHRP

Dorothy Tegeler   January 23, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is proud to partner with the Mount Sinai Human Rights Program (MSHRP),…
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A Volunteer’s Week in Dilley

Dorothy Tegeler   January 19, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. ASAP at Yale member, Hannah Duncan, traveled to the Mexico-U.S. border to provide assistance to families at the…
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Deportation Reversed for Family

Dorothy Tegeler   January 18, 2019

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. After working with the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) to successfully reverse her deportation order, Maria shared: “I…
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ASAP’s Second Annual Report

Conchita Cruz   November 29, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has released our second Annual Report! ASAP’s online community member, Libia shared:…
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ASAP Condemns New Border Rule

Dorothy Tegeler   November 9, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) condemns the new interim final rule limiting the ways families fleeing violence…
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Co-Founder Grows Policy Work

Swapna Ready   October 15, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to announce the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) co-founder Conchita Cruz has received a two-year…
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After Reunification, Fight Continues

Dorothy Tegeler   October 14, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Javier, an asylum-seeking father recently reunited with his child, said, “I was separated from my son who is seven…
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ASAP Supporters Take Action

Dorothy Tegeler   October 12, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Two weeks ago, we called on our supporters to take a stand against the inhumane detention of immigrant…
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ASAP Condemns Detention of Children

Dorothy Tegeler   September 17, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Last week the Trump administration proposed new regulations that would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to…
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A Summer Fighting for Families

Dorothy Tegeler   August 30, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Through a difficult summer filled with heart-wrenching news and attacks against asylum seekers, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project…
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Victory for Mother and Daughter

Dorothy Tegeler   August 17, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. After receiving news of a victory in her case, Libia shared her reflections about navigating the immigration system:…
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New Guide for Border Advocates

Swapna Ready   July 30, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Access to an attorney while in detention could mean life or death for asylum-seeking families fleeing unspeakable violence….
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ASAP is Hiring

Dorothy Tegeler   July 26, 2018

The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is now hiring a Development Associate and an Immigration Staff Attorney! ASAP serves over 2,800…
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ASAP Fights for Families

Dorothy Tegeler   June 29, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has heightened attacks on asylum seekers and their families. In an effort…
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ASAP Helps Client Find New Beginning

Dorothy Tegeler   June 27, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. After fighting to reverse her deportation order, our client Andrea shared this message: “I am happy and grateful…
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ASAP Co-Founders Speak Out

Swapna Ready   June 2, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In response to the Trump administration’s recent policy changes, ASAP’s staff have spoken out on various publications and…
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ASAP Receives Outpouring of Support

Dorothy Tegeler   June 1, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. In recent weeks, ASAP has been deeply grateful for the major outpouring of support. Thousands have donated, joined…
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ASAP Fellowship Sponsorship

Dorothy Tegeler   May 28, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) at the Urban Justice Center seeks to sponsor law students and recent…
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ASAP Issues Policy Report

Dorothy Tegeler   May 22, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Did you know that 85% of the more than 24,000 asylum-seeking families ordered deported from July 2014 to…
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Reflections from ASAP’s Interns

Swapna Ready   May 20, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Read on for our interns’ reflections from this past semester: Cindy Zhunio “Coming from a large undocumented community,…
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Mothers Build Strength in Community

Dorothy Tegeler   May 11, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Updated June 22, 2018 Our private online community is growing! The group has expanded by nearly 100 members…
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ASAP Welcomes New Staff

Dorothy Tegeler   April 10, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to welcome Evelyn Núñez and Nicole Tan as the newest additions to the Asylum Seeker…
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Client Wins Challenging Appeal

Dorothy Tegeler   April 2, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Four months after refusing to grant Cristina’s appeal and reverse her deportation order, the Board of Immigration Appeals…
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ASAP Joins Greater Sum 2018 Cohort

Dorothy Tegeler   April 1, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is excited to announce that we are now members of The Greater…
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Diary from Baby Jail

Dorothy Tegeler   March 21, 2018

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Each year, law student volunteers from the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s chapter at Yale Law School travel…
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ASAP’s First Annual Report

Dorothy Tegeler   December 6, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has released our first ever Annual Report! ASAP client Sandra says, “As someone…
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ASAP Seeks An Immigration Paralegal

Swapna Ready   December 6, 2017

The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is looking for an immigration paralegal to join our team! The paralegal’s responsibilities will…
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Tribune Op-Ed: Sessions is Wrong

Dorothy Tegeler   December 1, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) board member Michelle Mendez and co-founder Swapna Reddy write in the Chicago Tribune:…
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#GivingTuesday Success

Swapna Ready   November 29, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is excited to announce that our #GivingTuesday campaign was a success! With…
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ASAP Wins J.M.K. Innovation Prize

Dorothy Tegeler   November 21, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) has been named one of ten winners of the 2017 J.M.K. Innovation…
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Emergency Motions to Reopen Project

Dorothy Tegeler   October 17, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is excited to announce a 96% win rate for our emergency motions…
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Raising Awareness in October

Dorothy Tegeler   October 16, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. October has been a busy month as our co-founders presented at events and trainings for: the American Bar…
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Client Fights Fraud, Inspires Others

Dorothy Tegeler   October 4, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s client Luna fled to the United States after her siblings were murdered…
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Volunteer Profile: Joanne Lee

Dorothy Tegeler   October 1, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Volunteer Joanne Lee, Yale law student and Co-President of the YLS chapter of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project…
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ASAP Welcomes New Staff

Dorothy Tegeler   September 1, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. We are excited to have co-founders Dorothy Tegeler and Liz Willis officially join our staff! Dorothy is joining…
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Great Fundraising News

Dorothy Tegeler   July 6, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Thank you to the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Conant Family Foundation, and Echoing Green for supporting our work and…
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Lawsuit Against ICE Moves Forward

Dorothy Tegeler   May 25, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s client Suny Rodriguez sued the U.S. government for its mistreatment of her…
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Mother and Newborn Reunited

Dorothy Tegeler   May 14, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. A few months ago, a woman reached out to us through the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)’s online…
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Asylum Win for North Carolina Family

Dorothy Tegeler   April 30, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Sandra and her father were mayoral candidates in Central America, when her father was murdered. After his murder,…
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Student Reflection from Detention

Dorothy Tegeler   March 20, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Guest Post by Iva Velickovic, Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) Volunteer Last Thursday, I practiced counting to ten…
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Op-Ed: Deportation Could Mean Death

Dorothy Tegeler   March 9, 2017

ESPAÑOL ABAJO. Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) co-founders Conchita Cruz and Swapna Reddy published an op-ed in TIME highlighting the…
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