Affirmative Asylum Applicants Must Provide Interpreters

Affirmative asylum applicants in the United States are not explicitly required to provide their own interpreters, but the government does provide interpretation services to ensure that applicants can effectively communicate their claims. Here’s how the process typically works:

Application Submission: When individuals apply for asylum affirmatively, they submit their application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At this stage, applicants can request an interpreter if they have difficulty speaking or understanding English.

USCIS Interview: If the application is deemed complete, the applicant is scheduled for an interview with a USCIS asylum officer. During this interview, USCIS generally provides an interpreter at no cost to the applicant if the applicant requests one in advance or if the officer determines that an interpreter is necessary for a fair and accurate assessment of the case.

Interpreter Qualifications: The interpreters provided by USCIS are typically trained and qualified to ensure accurate interpretation. They are expected to interpret all statements and questions accurately and impartially.

Role of the Interpreter: The interpreter’s role is to facilitate communication between the asylum applicant and the USCIS officer. They help translate questions from the officer to the applicant and the applicant’s responses to the officer.

Language Needs Assessment: If an applicant does not speak English fluently or has difficulty communicating, it is crucial to inform USCIS about their language needs during the application process. USCIS will then make arrangements to provide an interpreter at the interview.

Private Interpreters: In some cases, applicants may choose to bring their own interpreters, but it’s important to note that USCIS may still assess the qualifications and impartiality of these interpreters to ensure the integrity of the interview process.

Providing interpreters for affirmative asylum interviews is an essential aspect of ensuring fairness and due process for applicants, especially when they are not proficient in English. USCIS is committed to making the asylum process accessible to individuals who seek protection in the United States and may face language barriers.

Please note that immigration policies and procedures can change over time, so it’s essential to refer to the most up-to-date USCIS guidelines or consult with an immigration attorney for the latest information regarding asylum applications and interpreter services.