Expert Answer: Whether an applicant must be present in court on the decision day depends on the type of asylum case. If the case is in immigration court (defensive asylum), the judge may announce the decision in a scheduled hearing, requiring the applicant’s presence. If the case is affirmative (with USCIS), decisions are often mailed, and in rare cases, applicants are asked to return to the asylum office for a decision pickup. Always check your hearing notice or USCIS instructions to confirm if in-person attendance is required.
