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The USCIS Boston asylum office has one of the lowest asylum approval rates in the country. Between 2015 and 2020, the office approved just 15.5% of cases — compared to a 28% national average.
A coalition of researchers and New England lawmakers raised the alarm after a detailed report surfaced. As of today, a formal investigation has been requested into the Boston asylum office’s practices.
Why the Boston asylum office approval rate is so low
The Boston asylum office serves asylum seekers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine. Its asylum approval rate dropped further in 2021, reaching just 11% of applications granted — the second lowest among all nine USCIS asylum offices nationwide.
The national average for the same 2015–2020 period stood at 28% — far above the USCIS asylum approval rate recorded at the Boston office. The data was compiled by several organizations, including the ACLU of Maine and the Human Rights and Refugee Organization at the University of Maine School of Law.
Discrimination flagged as a key factor
Researchers found that applicants from African and Middle Eastern countries, as well as non-English speakers, were significantly less likely to receive asylum at the Boston office compared to other nationalities.
According to the report, this pattern suggests a bias based on language and national origin among the officers reviewing applications. USCIS employees can either approve an application or refer it to immigration courts — a much longer process handled by the Department of Justice.
The backlog problem and its impact on decisions
The report also linked the low approval rate to the office’s growing backlog. USCIS processing delays — across asylum, visa, and adjustment of status cases — worsened significantly due to office closures during the pandemic.
Researchers noted that officers burdened by large caseloads may be more likely to refer cases to immigration court rather than process them directly. For many applicants, this adds months or years to an already difficult wait.
Lawmakers call for a federal investigation
Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey and seven other Democratic lawmakers sent a formal request to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General to open an investigation into the Boston asylum office.
Their letter asked the Inspector General to determine whether the grant rate is unusually low and, if so, why — and to take steps to ensure that the rights of asylum seekers are protected under current law.
“We write to request that the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General immediately open an investigation into the Boston Asylum Office to determine whether, and if so, why its grant rate is so low, and to take appropriate steps to ensure that the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States through the Boston Asylum Office are protected and enforced.”
— Excerpt from Senator Markey’s letter
If you have a pending asylum case or need guidance on any immigration matter, our immigration attorneys are here to help. We have over 10 years of experience supporting clients through complex proceedings. You can also check your USCIS case status anytime to stay informed about where things stand.
Frequently asked questions about the USCIS Boston asylum office
What is the approval rate at the USCIS Boston asylum office?
As of the most recent data available, the Boston asylum office approval rate was approximately 11% in 2021 — well below the national average of around 28% for the 2015–2020 period. This makes it one of the lowest grant rates among all nine USCIS asylum offices in the United States.
Under current policy, these rates can shift based on staffing, backlog, and administrative priorities. If you have a pending case, we recommend staying in contact with your legal representative and monitoring any updates from USCIS.
What can I do if I have a pending asylum case at the Boston office?
If your case is pending at the Boston asylum office, staying informed is essential. You can check your USCIS case status online to monitor any updates. If your case has been pending for an unusually long time or was referred to immigration court, consulting with our immigration attorneys can help you understand your options and respond appropriately to any USCIS requests.
Why does the Boston asylum office deny so many cases?
Research points to two main factors: a potential bias based on national origin and language, and a growing backlog that strains officer decision-making. Applicants from African and Middle Eastern countries, as well as non-English speakers, were found to receive less favorable outcomes at this office compared to other asylum offices nationwide.
A large caseload may also lead officers to refer more cases to immigration court rather than adjudicating them directly, which prolongs the process for applicants already in vulnerable situations.
Is there an investigation into the USCIS Boston asylum office?
As of the time of this writing, Senator Edward Markey and seven other Democratic lawmakers formally requested that the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General open an investigation into the Boston asylum office. The request focuses on whether the low grant rate reflects systemic issues and whether applicant rights are being upheld.
The outcome of that investigation, as well as any resulting policy changes, would likely affect how cases are reviewed going forward. Under current circumstances, the investigation status and any findings have not been fully disclosed publicly.
