New USCIS asylum office opens July 8 for migrant applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will open a new asylum office in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 8, aiming to streamline the asylum application process. This new facility will serve individuals seeking asylum and those with pending applications within the jurisdiction of the Atlanta Asylum Office, which includes Georgia and Alabama.

USCIS confirmed the opening in a statement on Wednesday, July 1. Initially, the office will operate from three different locations. A permanent facility is expected to be established next year, with a full relocation anticipated by 2027. Applicants with scheduled interviews are advised to carefully review their notifications for precise instructions regarding their appointment locations.

The agency emphasized that all services at these new locations are by appointment only. Asylum interviews are typically conducted by an asylum officer who will verify the applicant's identity, ask basic biographical questions, and inquire about the reasons for seeking asylum. While officers understand the sensitive nature of these discussions, applicants are urged to share their experiences accurately to meet the necessary requirements for asylum.

USCIS has outlined specific procedures for applicants, including the handling of personal information. Generally, details related to asylum applications cannot be shared with third parties without written consent or specific authorization from the Secretary of Homeland Security, though certain exceptions apply. The agency also provides guidance on how to find and download the most current USCIS forms.