(a) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may request, at its discretion, specific comments from the Department of State regarding individual cases or types of claims under consideration, or such other information as USCIS deems appropriate. (b) With respect to any asylum application, the Department of State may provide, at its discretion, to USCIS: (1) Detailed country conditions information relevant to eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal; (2) An assessment of the accuracy
(a) In deciding an asylum application, or in deciding whether the alien has a credible fear of persecution or torture pursuant to § 208.30 of this part, or a reasonable fear of persecution or torture pursuant to § 208.31 , the asylum officer may rely on material provided by the Department of State, other USCIS offices, or other credible sources, such as international organizations, private voluntary agencies, news organizations, or academic institutions. (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed