If you have an asylum interview coming up, you may feel overwhelmed or nervous. While typical to feel nervous, you should feel ready for the interview before you arrive.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you can do a few things to prepare for the interview.
Plan for the interview to take time
At a minimum, your interview should take about an hour. While your case dictates how much time it takes, be prepared to be at the office for a while. Early on, you have to take an oath, to be honest, the interviewer will ask identifying and biographical questions. You also have to answer all questions about why you want to apply for asylum.
Asylum officers understand the subject can be traumatic for some immigrants. Still, you need to be as honest as possible and clear about your situation.
Organize and bring your documents
Before your interview, ensure you have all of the appropriate documents. First, you need to take all forms of identification. Identification includes your travel documents, passport and your Form I-94 if you have one. You should also have with you any birth certificates or marriage certificates.
You should have all documents and information you already submitted, just in case the asylum office missed anything. If you plan to arrive with a spouse or children claimed on your forms, you also need their identification documents.
Everything you share with your asylum officer remains between the two of you. You have to consent to share any information with third parties except under specific situations where the Secretary of Homeland Security authorizes information sharing.
