⬡ Expert Witness & Legal Advisory
Former USCIS Asylum Officer, Humanitarian Parole Officer & Senior Refugee Officer
BiyteLüm provides expert witness services and legal advisory support to immigration attorneys handling asylum, refugee, and humanitarian protection cases. Our founder spent over six years as a USCIS Asylum Officer, Humanitarian Parole Officer, and Senior Refugee Officer — adjudicating asylum applications, humanitarian parole requests, refugee petitions, and travel documents.
We offer what no academic or policy expert can: direct insider knowledge of how federal adjudicators actually think, assess credibility, and make decisions.
Request a Consultation →Expertise
Case Types & Topics Covered
Case Types
- I-589 Asylum Applications (affirmative and defensive)
- I-131 Travel Document cases for asylees and refugees
- I-131 Humanitarian Parole cases
- I-730 Derivative Refugee/Asylee Petitions
- Cases involving credibility assessment standards
- Cases involving USCIS adjudication procedures and policy
- Cases involving humanitarian protection eligibility
Declaration Topics
- How USCIS asylum officers are trained to assess credibility
- Procedural standards governing specific form types
- How particular evidence types are typically evaluated
- Policy frameworks applicable to specific case facts
- USCIS procedural errors or deviations from standard practice
- Country conditions and their role in adjudication
Process
What Attorneys Should Expect
Every engagement begins with a case review. BiyteLüm does not accept every matter — we take on cases where our expertise adds genuine value and where the facts support a credible expert opinion.
Initial Contact
Attorney contacts BiyteLüm with a brief case summary and relevant materials (I-589, client declaration, USCIS decision if applicable).
Scope Call ($200 — Credited to Engagement)
We review the materials and hold a 30–45 minute call to discuss the scope of the declaration, confirm fit, and agree on deliverables and timeline. The $200 fee is credited toward the engagement if retained.
Declaration Drafting
Declaration drafted in numbered paragraphs, formatted for immigration court submission, and signed under penalty of perjury. Revisions included within the original scope.
Attorney Review & Final Delivery
Attorney reviews the draft and requests any revisions. Final signed declaration delivered in PDF format ready for filing.
Telephonic or Video Testimony (If Needed)
Telephonic and video testimony available upon motion. Billed separately at the testimony rate.
Credentials
Background & Qualifications
Joshua Perez Garcia — founder of BiyteLüm LLC. Former USCIS Asylum Officer, Humanitarian Parole Officer, and Senior Refugee Officer with over six years of federal adjudications experience. Specialized in I-589 asylum applications, I-131 travel documents and humanitarian parole cases, and I-730 derivative refugee/asylee petitions. Conducted high-stakes credibility interviews, fraud detection, and national security vetting. Coordinated with FDNS, law enforcement, and Intelligence Community partners.
Managed sensitive PII under strict federal regulatory frameworks including 8 U.S.C. §1367, the Privacy Act of 1974, and DHS Privacy Impact Assessment requirements. Bilingual English/Spanish (native). Located in Mérida, Mexico — remote services delivered globally.
Rates
Transparent Pricing
Standard turnaround: 10–14 business days. Rush available. Remote declarations submitted from Mérida, Mexico. Accepted in federal immigration proceedings nationwide.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide testimony remotely?
Yes. Telephonic and video testimony are available upon motion. Written declarations are the primary deliverable and are accepted in federal immigration proceedings nationwide.
Do you accept cases outside your state?
Yes. These are federal immigration proceedings, and I provide services nationwide regardless of jurisdiction. All work is delivered remotely.
How quickly can you turn around a declaration?
Standard turnaround is 10–14 business days from receipt of all case materials. Rush declarations (under 7 business days) are available with a 25% surcharge.
Do you provide services in Spanish?
Yes. Bilingual English/Spanish. Consultations, correspondence, and supporting materials can be conducted in either language. Declarations are typically drafted in English for court submission.
What case types do you cover?
I-589 asylum applications (affirmative and defensive), I-131 travel documents and humanitarian parole cases, I-730 derivative refugee/asylee petitions, and cases involving USCIS credibility assessment standards or adjudication procedures.
Do you accept every case?
No. BiyteLüm reviews each matter to determine whether our expertise adds genuine value and whether the facts support a credible expert opinion. We will be direct with you during the scope call.
Are you available for legal aid organizations and nonprofits?
Yes. We work with nonprofit legal aid organizations, law school immigration clinics, and individual immigration attorneys. Contact us to discuss your organization's needs.
Contact
Request a Consultation
Fill out the form below or email directly. We respond to all inquiries within one business day.