The United States administration has shortened the deadline for refugees to challenge the intention of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to revoke their refugee status from 30 to 10 days.
The new rule applies when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that a person did not meet the legal definition of a refugee at the time of entry into the US, after which USCIS sends a Notice of Intent to Terminate and gives 10 days to respond, submit documentation, or request an oral statement. If the notice is sent by mail, the deadline may be slightly longer, depending on the method of delivery.
DHS states that the shorter deadline will allow for faster response in cases where there are issues with eligibility, security, or prior vetting of candidates and that it will protect the integrity of the US refugee program.
Organizations HIAS, Global Refuge, and International Refugee Assistance Project warn that ten days is not enough time for refugees to find a lawyer, gather the necessary documentation, and prepare a quality response. Revocation of refugee status does not mean automatic immediate deportation, but it can pave the way for removal proceedings from the US.
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