Since September 13 last year, migrants who decide to apply for political asylum must have an interpreter during the required interviews.
Of course, if they know the English language, this is not necessary, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Specifically, the office makes experts on this topic available by telephone to those applying for asylum in the USA.
“If you require an interpreter and do not bring one to your interview, or if your interpreter is not fluent in English and you do not provide a valid reason, we may consider this as a failure to attend your interview. We may dismiss your asylum claim or refer it to an immigration judge,” USCIS warned.
USCIS experts also cautioned that the decision to dismiss a petition will be made on a “case-by-case basis.” The interviewers will provide the immigrant with a reasoned justification for his decision on this issue. It is important that the interpreter not only speaks clear English but also speaks the language of his client. It is also mandatory that the language expert is over 18 years old.
Who cannot act as an interpreter?
The following individuals are prohibited from acting as interpreters before USCIS authorities. First, a lawyer or an authorized representative of the asylum seeker cannot perform this function. In the same case there is a witness in favor of the plaintiff.
A similar situation applies to a representative or employee of the government from which the immigrant comes. Meanwhile, a person whose asylum application is pending and who has not yet been interviewed cannot act as an interpreter.
Lawyers familiar with these issues recommend that applicants use a certified interpreter to conduct the interview to avoid mistakes.
To apply for this immigration protection, you must be physically present in the United States and file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Stay of Removal, with USCIS. You must complete this process in the first year of your arrival in the country.
