Publication date: 05.08.2025
Experienced notary providing professional consultations on immigration, visas, green cards, and citizenship. Assist clients in preparing and submitting asylum applications, including drafting personalized asylum case histories.
Situation
A client approached me shortly after arriving in the United States, intending to apply for asylum. He found himself in a difficult life situation involving threats to his safety in his home country. The client had clear grounds for seeking asylum but did not know where to start or what documents to prepare. The main challenge was that he did not have a sufficient level of English to prepare all the materials independently, and he feared making mistakes that could negatively impact the review of his case.
The client felt lost and did not know how to properly write his personal statement, what evidence to attach to the application, or how to prepare the documents so that they would be accepted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without additional requests or denials.
My Actions
- Conducting a detailed consultation
We had an in-depth conversation during which I carefully listened to the client and clarified all the details of his story. I asked specific questions to gather a complete picture of the events that led to his departure from his home country. At this stage, I determined which evidence and documents could strengthen his position in the immigration case.
- Gathering necessary materials
I prepared a clear checklist of documents for the client, including official papers, photographs, certificates, and other evidence. I also advised on what testimonies and written statements could be included to support his story with real facts.
- Writing and translating the personal statement
Based on the collected information, I helped the client structure and clearly present his story in Ukrainian. I then professionally translated it into English, adhering to legal terminology and the style required for immigration cases. This part of the work is crucial, as the personal statement is the core document in an asylum case.
- Completing USCIS official forms
I prepared and completed all necessary immigration forms, including the asylum application (Form I-589). I paid special attention to the accuracy of the data and the consistency between the information in the forms, the personal statement, and other documents.
- Preparing the complete document package
After completing the forms and translating all necessary materials, I organized the documents in a logical order, made copies, and prepared the final package for submission to USCIS. Each document was properly labeled and signed according to the requirements.
- Submitting the documents and case follow-up
I submitted the package to USCIS within the required deadlines to avoid the risk of missing important dates. After submission, I tracked the case status, kept the client informed about the progress, and provided recommendations on the next steps.
Result
After some time, the client received confirmation that his case was accepted for review. Five months after submission, he became eligible to apply for a work permit (Work Authorization). I also assisted him in preparing and filing the work permit application.
A few months later, the client received an official document granting him the legal right to work in the United States. This was an important step in his adaptation, as it allowed him to secure lawful employment and support himself in his new country.
This case demonstrates that even in complex situations, it is possible to achieve a successful outcome by acting systematically and professionally. A well-prepared personal statement, accurately completed forms, and a carefully compiled document package significantly increase the chances of a positive decision in asylum cases.
