If you are an immigrant applying for asylum and moving through the court system, or trying to legalize your status in another way, here are some important reminders for San Francisco.
Immigration Court Location and Procedures
The San Francisco immigration court is located at 630 Sansome St. in downtown San Francisco, with two full-time judges. The courtrooms are on the fourth floor. To avoid confusion, note that there are two lines: one for ICE or USCIS appointments on the left side of the building, and one for immigration court hearings on the right side. If you are unsure which line to use, show your documentation to a security officer and they can direct you.
The building has various functions, including immigration court hearings, ICE check-ins, USCIS appointments, and visiting the clerk of court to get or submit documents. It is crucial to get in the right line to ensure you arrive on time, as missing a court hearing can result in automatic removal.
Getting to the Court and What to Bring
To get to the court, it is advisable to take public transportation, with the closest train station being the Montgomery BART station. Always bring documentation showing the time of your hearing or appointment. Note that food and drinks are not allowed inside the building.
New $100 Annual Asylum Fee
Applicants for asylum now have to pay a $100 per year fee to ensure their process continues without a problem. You should receive a notice in the mail notifying you of how to pay. The asylum fee must be paid online, as checks and money orders are no longer accepted. If you do not pay your fee within 30 days, your application will be automatically rejected, which can lead to deportation.
Updating Your Address
It is essential to keep your address up-to-date with the different agencies. Updating your address with the U.S. Postal Service does not update it with any immigration agency. You must notify each agency separately and also update USPS. Guides are available for changing your address with specific agencies, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration Court, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
