How Can I Prepare for My Asylum Interview?
The U.S. recognizes the right to asylum for individuals being persecuted in other countries. If you’ve fled to the U.S. for safety and have applied for asylum, you’ll be scheduled for an asylum interview to help the government determine if it should be granted.
An asylum interview can be nerve-wracking and you may be afraid of saying the wrong thing or getting into trouble. Here’s how you can best prepare for your interview and how to get legal advocacy for U.S. immigration matters.
Review Your Application in Detail
Make sure you know what your application says backward and forwards and answer questions consistently with the information given on your application. One thing that asylum interviewers will look for is an inconsistency between the application and the answers you provide during the interview. Make sure they match up by having your application information down pat.
Prepare Answers to Common Questions
An attorney can help you prepare your answers to commonly asked questions in an asylum interview and may even hold a “mock” interview to help you get a feel for it. Your answers should be clear and concise, without extra information that the interviewer didn’t ask for. Be succinct, ask for clarification if you don’t understand something, and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”
Ask an Interpreter to Accompany You
Language barriers can make asylum interviews challenging, and miscommunication between yourself and the interviewer can easily lead to your application being rejected. If you feel that you need an interpreter, hire a professional who has attended asylum interviews before. However, if you can understand and speak English, an interpreter isn’t necessary.
Arrive Early to the Interview
Arrive at least half an hour early to the interview. Don’t arrive more than an hour early if you can help it. Dress smartly in clean clothes, and bring your family with you. This is necessary if you are also seeking asylum for your spouse and/or children, and can help the interviewer better understand the situation you’re in.
Bring Your Immigration Attorney
Often, asylum interviewers will ask confusing questions or twist the answers you give so the application can be rejected. It’s critical to bring your Connecticut immigration lawyer with you to ensure that your rights are protected and the interview goes as smoothly as possible. Contact Iron Chris Immigration & Criminal Defense for a consultation to discuss your next steps at 860-530-1781.
