Homeland Security acknowledged receipt
Legal Status – Key Documentation
The date April 22, 2019 is very important in this case.
Torben entered the United States on January 26, 2019 under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), which allows a stay of up to 90 days. That period would normally have expired on April 25, 2019.
However, before that deadline, Torben had already applied for asylum.
On April 22, 2019, U.S. Homeland Security (USCIS) officially acknowledged receipt of the asylum application.
This is crucial, because it shows:
The application was submitted before the 90 days expired
The case was accepted and is pending
Torben was therefore allowed to remain in the United States legally after April 25, 2019
His stay was no longer based on a visa waiver, but on an active legal asylum process.
USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Homeland Security acknowledged receipt of the asylum application
This confirms:
Entry into a legal process before the visa waiver expired
Permission to remain in the U.S. while the case is pending
May 2019
Biometrics Appointment (Fingerprinting)
This confirms:
The case was actively being processed by U.S. authorities
October 29, 2019
Work Authorization Approved (EAD – Category C08)
This confirms:
The asylum case was still active
Torben was officially authorized to live and work in the United States
🧭 Simple Timeline
January 26, 2019 – Entered the United States (ESTA)
April 22, 2019 – USCIS acknowledged asylum application
April 25, 2019 – End of normal 90-day stay
May 2019 – Biometrics completed
October 29, 2019 – Work authorization approved
When an asylum application is filed and accepted:
You are legally allowed to remain in the United States while the case is pending
Your stay is no longer based on a tourist visa
It is based on an active legal process with U.S. authorities
Torben did not overstay his visa. He applied for asylum before his 90-day stay expired, and U.S. authorities accepted his case, allowing him and his family to remain in the country while it was being processed. He later attended biometrics and was granted authorization to work.
We want to make this clear because some websites and articles have later claimed that he overstayed his visa and that this was the reason for his arrest. Based on the documentation, this claim is not accurate.
