I need help
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Hi everyone,
I had my Master Calendar Hearing today and I’m in a bit of a tight spot.
I have a dual track case: I applied for Asylum, but I also filed my I-360 (SIJ Petition) on February 6. Since I was recently released from a detention center at the border, my case is on the expedited docket.
In court today, we requested a continuance (more time) to allow the I-360 to be approved by USCIS. However, the DHS attorney strongly opposed our request. The judge ended up giving us a final date for August 10, which is only about 4 months from now.
Given that I-360s filed in February are unlikely to be adjudicated by August, I am very worried. If the I-360 isn't approved by the final hearing, I’m forced to move forward with the Asylum merits hearing, which is much riskier.
Has anyone on an expedited docket successfully pushed back a final hearing for an I-360 approval?
Would filing a Motion to Change Venue to a backlogged city like New York actually buy me more time, or would the judge likely deny it since a "final" date is set?
How effective is an Expedite Request to USCIS for the I-360 when the reason is a looming court deadline?
Should my lawyer try to negotiate with the DHS attorney for Prosecutorial Discretion (PD) to administratively close the case while the I-360 is pending?
I have a lawyer, but the pressure from DHS today was intense and the judge seemed to have their hands tied due to the expedited nature of the case. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!