Welcome to RIF Asylum Support.
We offer resources and services regarding the asylum application process.
Group Legal Consultations
RIF Weekly Asylum Legal Consultations
Monthly In-Person Meeting
Every Thursday 12 - 1pm NYC Time on Zoom
Meet with our lawyers and legal navigator team to ask your questions.
French, Spanish, and Russian speakers are available.
First Saturday of every month from 12 - 2pm.
You are welcome to attend our in-person meeting. Space is limited so please register below.
A lawyer and legal navigators will answer questions on asylum applications, work permits, and change of address.
Emotional Support Group
RIF Weekly Emotional Support Group
Every Monday from 10 AM to 11 AM (NYC time) on Zoom.
No registration is necessary!
The group offers a safe space to share the unique challenges of seeking asylum, celebrate accomplishments and successes, and support one another. Dr. Madelyn Miller, PhD, LCSW, leads the group.
If You Arrived with a Visa
(Affirmative Asylum)
How to Apply at USCIS:
If You Arrived Through The Border
(Defensive Asylum)
How to Apply At Immigration Court:
Monthly Classes
Work Permit Class
Last Monday of Every Month 12 - 1pm NYC Time
A RIF immigration and asylum specialist will give general guidance on how to fill out the work permit online.
Asylum Application Class
First Monday of Every Month 12 - 1pm NYC Time
A RIF immigration and asylum specialist will provide general guidance on how to fill out the I-589 asylum application form.
IMPORTANT POLICY UPDATES:
We at RIF understand how challenging changes to immigration policies can feel under the upcoming new administration, and we are committed to navigating these shifts together. We are working closely with our legal experts to develop effective strategies and solutions to address these changes.
We will soon host a special meeting to discuss the latest policy updates, their potential impact, and practical steps to protect yourself—stay tuned for more details.
In the meantime, we encourage you to take advantage of our ongoing programs, including our weekly legal consultations, where you can discuss your most pressing concerns.
The RIF Team
Professional Development & Educational Resource
This page is to provide resources for asylum seekers interested in advancing their education and professional development. The RIF community is privileged to have many members who have been able to further their professional development and found great jobs — even if they are still waiting for their asylum interview.
RIF will share with you their experience and also their advice.
Affirmative Asylum Backlog Updates
This page focuses on the current backlog of affirmative asylum seekers. Approximately 250,000 asylum applicants have been waiting five to ten years for their interviews.
RIF and other organizations are involved to put pressure on USCIS to take action to reduce this unacceptable backlog.
Result: Congress has voted to put 34 million dollars EXCLUSIVELY to reduce the affirmative backlog.
If you have been in the backlog for five years or more We need to continue putting pressure on USCIS by monitoring if they are scheduling backlog interviews. Please fill in this form if you still have not been scheduled for an interview, and we will keep you updated on our communication with USCIS. Fill out form: CLICK HERE.
Here is the USCIS page on how asylum interviews are currently being scheduled: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-interview-scheduling
