Adding your spouse to your asylum case? You’ll likely need a formal letter. This letter tells immigration officials you want to include your spouse in your asylum claim. It’s crucial when you marry after filing your initial application.
Need help with this letter? We’ve got you covered. We will share templates and examples. These samples will make writing easier.
Think of these samples as guides. They’ll help you create your own letter. You’ll be able to tailor it perfectly. Let’s get started!
Sample Letter To Add Spouse To Asylum Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Addition of Spouse to Asylum Application – [Your Name], A# [Your Alien Registration Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request the addition of my spouse, [Spouse’s Full Name], to my pending asylum application, A# [Your Alien Registration Number]. My asylum application is currently pending with your office.
I married [Spouse’s Full Name] on [Date of Marriage] in [City, Country]. A copy of our marriage certificate is enclosed for your review. My spouse is currently residing in [Spouse’s City, Country].
I believe my spouse is eligible to be included in my asylum application under the provisions of derivative asylum status. My spouse shares the same well-founded fear of persecution as I do in our home country, [Country of Origin].
To support this request, I am including the following documents:
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Copy of Spouse’s Passport
- Spouse’s Biographical Information (Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Current Address)
- Affidavit from Spouse detailing their fear of persecution (if available)
- Any other relevant supporting documentation
I kindly request that you consider this request and include my spouse in my asylum application. I am available to provide any additional information or documentation that you may require.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Write Sample Letter To Add Spouse To Asylum Application
Subject Line: Clarity is Key
- Use a succinct subject line. Something like: “Request to Add Spouse – [Your Name] – Asylum Application [A-Number]” is easily decodable.
- Avoid ambiguity. The immigration officer needs to comprehend the letter’s intention at a glance.
Salutation: Establishing a Formal Tone
- Begin with “Dear Immigration Officer,”. It’s straightforward and universally applicable.
- If you know the specific officer handling your case, use “Dear Officer [Officer’s Last Name],”. This shows attentiveness.
Paragraph 1: Introducing Yourself and Your Intent
- Start by re-affirming your identity. State your full name and A-number prominently.
- Clearly declare your purpose: “I am writing to formally request to add my spouse, [Spouse’s Full Name], to my pending asylum application.”
- Briefly mention when you filed your original application. For example: “My original asylum application was submitted on [Date].” This provides temporal context.
Paragraph 2: Detailing the Marital Circumstances
- Explain the provenance—the origin or history—of your marital relationship. Whether you were married before filing or after, the timing is crucial.
- If you were married *before* filing, explain why your spouse wasn’t included initially. Consider the reasons why they were not added. For example: “We were married on [Date] before I filed my application; however, due to extenuating circumstances, which included [brief explanation], I did not include her at that time.”
- If you were married *after* filing, provide the marriage date and attach a copy of your marriage certificate. For example: “I married [Spouse’s Full Name] on [Date]. A copy of our marriage certificate is appended to this letter.”
Paragraph 3: Elaborating on Your Spouse’s Asylum Claim (if applicable)
- If your spouse has a derivative asylum claim—meaning their claim stems from yours—explicitly state this.
- Briefly articulate why your spouse fears persecution. The grounds must coincide with legally recognized categories (race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group).
- For instance: “My spouse shares my well-founded fear of persecution in [Country] due to [brief explanation related to your initial claim]. Her life would be imperiled were she to return.”
Paragraph 4: Providing Supporting Documentation
- Enumerate all documents attached to your letter. This creates a paper trail. Examples: “Attached you will find: a copy of our marriage certificate, a copy of my spouse’s passport, [additional documents supporting your spouse’s claim]”.
- Emphasize the veracity of these documents. “All attached documents are authentic and represent a veridical account of our circumstances.”
Closing: Courteous and Proactive Conclusion
- Conclude with a polite closing. “Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this crucial matter.”
- Offer to provide further substantiation if needed. “I am available to furnish any additional information or documentation you may require.”
- End with a formal sign-off. “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” followed by your full name and signature.
Frequently Asked Questions: Adding a Spouse to Your Asylum Application
This section provides answers to common questions regarding the process of adding a spouse to a pending asylum application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Please note that this information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an immigration attorney for personalized advice.
1. When can I add my spouse to my asylum application?
You can add your spouse at any time while your asylum application is pending with USCIS, before a final decision is made on your case.
2. What documents do I need to include with the letter?
Include a copy of your marriage certificate, copies of your spouse’s passport and any immigration documents, and Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, filed on behalf of your spouse.
3. Where should I send the letter and supporting documents?
Send the letter and supporting documents to the USCIS Service Center or Asylum Office where your asylum application is currently pending. Refer to your receipt notice for the correct address.
4. What information should the letter include?
The letter should include your full name, A-number, date of birth, a clear statement requesting to add your spouse to your pending asylum application, and your spouse’s full name, date of birth, and relationship to you.
5. Will adding my spouse slow down my asylum case?
Adding a spouse may slightly increase the processing time as USCIS will need to review your spouse’s information and eligibility. However, it is essential to include all eligible family members in your application.
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