Sample letter dismissing a USCIS asylum case

USCIS has started to dismiss some asylum cases by sending a letter. Here is one example, and another example, but there are also other versions of the letter. In these letters, USCIS says that your asylum case has been dismissed, that USCIS will not make a decision on your asylum case, and that you are in a different process called “expedited removal.” ASAP is still trying to learn more about these letters, and we will keep this page updated.

Who has received these letters?

ASAP has spoken to many asylum seekers and their lawyers who received these letters in summer 2025. All of these asylum seekers were in the process of seeking asylum with USCIS. (Seeking asylum with USCIS is also called the “affirmative” asylum process.) So far, there are no clear patterns that we have seen about who received these letters. For example, we have heard from people who arrived in the U.S. during many different years, and who did or did not receive parole at the border. 

What does the letter say about my asylum case with USCIS?

If you received this type of letter by mail or in your online USCIS account, it says that your asylum application is no longer pending with USCIS and you will not receive a USCIS asylum interview. It also means that you and the family members you included in your asylum case are no longer protected from deportation – unless you already have a different immigration status.

Does the letter say that I can apply for asylum a different way?

The letter says you are in a process called “expedited removal.” However, in many cases, asylum seekers receiving these letters never actually received a form placing them in expedited removal (Form I-860), or if they did receive this form, it was never properly signed. 

When someone is in “expedited removal” they are supposed to be able to tell immigration officials that they are afraid to return to their country of origin and request a Credible Fear Interview. This is the “credible fear screening process” referred to in the letter. If they pass the Credible Fear Interview, they can then seek asylum in immigration court. People can be detained during this entire process. Read this resource for more information.

What does the letter say about my work permit?

The letter does not say what happens to your work permit. However in similar contexts, a work permit based on seeking asylum is valid until the expiration date. This is true when USCIS does not grant asylum and sends the asylum case to immigration court, or when the immigration court dismisses a case. 

(See this USCIS webpage, under “Permission to Work in the United States” and this USCIS webpage, under “Special Instructions.) 

Will I be detained after receiving this letter? 

We have heard some reports of people being detained if they went to check in with ICE after receiving a letter dismissing their USCIS asylum case. However, it is hard to know what will happen in any individual case. 

If you are detained and you are afraid to return to your country of origin, you can tell the immigration officials that you are afraid and request a Credible Fear Interview. If you pass the Credible Fear Interview, you can then seek asylum in immigration court. You can be detained throughout this process. Read this resource for more information. 

What can I do if I received this letter?  

• Find a lawyer: If you received a dismissal letter, it can be very helpful to find a lawyer, if possible. You can search for legal assistance in your area.

• Contact ASAP: If you are comfortable, you or your lawyer can email ASAP at [email protected] with questions, and we will do our best to respond.

• Request your documents: You or your lawyer can ask the government for a copy of all your immigration documents, using a process called a FOIA request. If you never received a proper Form I-860 placing you in expedited removal, a FOIA request can help prove this. You can watch this video about FOIA requests and submit a FOIA request with USCIS here. Please know that the FOIA process can take time.

• You can also read safety measures and other information for asylum seekers. 

How can I check the status of my asylum application with USCIS?

You can check the status of your application with USCIS by entering your receipt number into this online USCIS case status tool. Your receipt number is located in the top left corner of your receipt notice. The receipt number usually begins with three letters. 

For detailed instructions on checking your USCIS case status online, see this flyer.