When you seek asylum, you will have to attend an affirmative asylum interview. Many people experience a lot of anxiety before the interview. The affirmative asylum interview takes place at a local USCIS office. The purpose is to adjudicate your claim.
Before the interview, you need to ensure you have appropriate documentation and assistance.
What to bring with you on the day of the interview
Before your asylum interview, ensure you have all your documents in one place. You must have a form of identification, including travel documents and passports. You should have your birth certificates, marriage certificates and any additional documents to document your claim. If you have children under 21 included in your asylum application, you should bring them and their documents simultaneously.
How to handle language barriers
If you do not speak English, you may require the help of an interpreter. The USCIS does not provide an interpreter to those going through the asylum interview process unless the person is hard of hearing. An appropriate interpreter needs to speak English and your language fluently and must also be 18 years or older.
There are restrictions placed on the people you can choose as your interpreter. For example, you cannot choose your attorney or someone who works for your country’s government. Likewise, you cannot ask a witness who testifies on your behalf to serve as an interpreter.
During your interview, you can bring a representative or attorney with you. If he or she cannot physically be with you, you can also request your representative participate remotely.
