News & Insights

1. Principal Applicant

• Who They Are: The individual who filed the asylum application (Form I-589).
• Role: The principal applicant is the primary speaker during the interview. They will answer the asylum officer’s questions about their application, personal history, experiences of persecution, and fear of returning to their home country.
• Tips for Speaking:
  • Be truthful and consistent.
  • Provide detailed and relevant answers to the officer's questions.
  • If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.
  • If you don’t know the exact answer to a question, it is okay to approximate or say, “I don’t know.”

2. Dependents (If Any)

• Who They Are: Family members included in the asylum application, such as a spouse or children.
• Role: Dependents typically do not speak during the interview unless asked to confirm specific details, such as their names, birth dates, or relationship to the principal applicant.

3. Interpreter

• Who They Are: An interpreter provided by the applicant if they are not fluent in English.
• Role: The interpreter translates questions from the asylum officer and the applicant’s answers accurately. They are not allowed to add their own opinions or explanations.
• Rules for Interpreters:
  • They cannot be the applicant’s attorney, a government representative, or another asylum applicant with a pending case.
  • They must bring valid identification to the interview.
• Tip: Choose an interpreter fluent in both your language and English, and ensure they are familiar with the terminology you may use during the interview.

4. Attorney or Accredited Representative (Optional)

• Who They Are: An immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
• Role: The attorney can attend the interview to provide legal support but has limited speaking rights. They can:
  • Take notes during the interview.
  • Provide a closing statement to summarize the applicant’s case.
  • Intervene if the asylum officer asks inappropriate or irrelevant questions.
• Tip: Work with your attorney before the interview to prepare your case. Their presence can provide reassurance and help ensure the process is fair.

5. Asylum Officer

• Who They Are: A trained USCIS officer conducting the interview.
• Role: The asylum officer asks the applicant questions to evaluate their eligibility for asylum. They will review the application, supporting documents, and the applicant’s testimony to make a decision.