It depends on the officer, but many officers will make you use the interpreter for everything (even basic questions like, What is your name?). Some officers are more flexible, which makes things easier, but in my experience, most are not flexible. I do not know your spoken English, and so it is difficult for me to comment, but maybe you can bring the interpreter, but leave him in the waiting room and try to do the interview in English. If you or the officer is having trouble, you can bring the interpreter into the room. This way, the interview will not be delayed for lack of an interpreter, but you can see whether it is better for you in English. I would certainly clear this idea with your lawyer first, but it may be a way to proceed that minimizes the risk of a problem but allows you to quickly bring the interpreter in if you need help. Take care, Jason

Dear Jason,

Thank you so much for your great advice.I have learned a lot from you since my asylum case was filed.

This is my attorney’s email about having interpreter and his concern about it:

“I understand your reasoning for proceeding in English although I think it is a risky strategy. You want to be in a position where you are conveying your account in your best language. This is not the time to proceed in a language you may be fluent in but one in which you might not be able to express certain nuances. The asylum officer may question your reasoning for proceeding in English. “

Finally , I made a decision to hire an interpreter. While my attorney didn’t not know any expert Farsi interpreters( My attorney isn’t Iranian, he is Jewish American), I have to find one myself .

Typically, interpreters translate both parties’ conversations.

Can the interpreter solely translate the officer’s questions, allowing me to respond in English?
I’m preparing for my interview and need to use specific words and sentences essential for expressing my case directly in English.

Have you ever witnessed this type of interpretation in your clients? Is it acceptable for USCIS to conduct interviews in this manner?

Thanks in advance!

@ Sad,
Sad that when the phrase sex work is mentioned, what comes to your mind is prostitution. Normalize doing some google search before you jump into conclusions.

Sad that sex work in this country is illegal, prostitution should be legalized here…

Whether you use an interpreter is up to you, but for me, I prefer not to use an interpreter if the client is capable of doing the interview in English. A couple issues to consider: People are often nervous at their interview and their level of English sometimes goes down a bit. Also, some officers are better than others about speaking clearly and using understandable language. Finally, if it turns out that you cannot do the interview due to limited English, the officer or you could postpone the interview. I guess they could even deny the case and send you to court for failing to bring an interpreter, but that would be very unusual. Remember that an interpreter does not have to be a professional. I wrote more about this issue on January 24, 2024 and maybe that would be of interest. Finally, make sure all evidence is submitted. Since the attorney was not available, he may not have submitted evidence and so if there is additional evidence for your case, you should be sure to get that filed or at least bring it with you to the interview. Take care, Jason

Dear Jason,

Thank you so much for your quick response.

I feel confident to ask all my immigration questions in your platform and be sure that I’ll receive the exact answer in 24 hours.

Finally I reached my attorney after leaving a voicemail on his personal cell phone. He emailed me to let me know he is aware of my attempts to reach him. He had been addressing other cases which needed immediate attention (he was out of the country for two weeks). He said I need an interpreter because I filed out that I’m not fluent in English.After 9 years of filing,I’m fluent now but not as much as a native speaker.He doesn’t know any interpreter and ask me to hire one. Can I be with no interpreter on my interview day? Can they postpone my interview because of this issue?

Unfortunate that you had to do that, but it is good you finally got an interview. I did a post on September 8, 2016 that might be of interest. Good luck, Jason

Thank you. I filed in June 2015 in LA asylum office.I did inquiries multiple times -only 2 times by congressman. I expedited 2 times in one year back to back. I did all remedies with no results.The only option that I had to end the long wait was filling a lawsuit.I did a writ of mandamus in March 2023 and my interview was scheduled 13 months later in Apr 2024.

If you are convicted of a crime, that could impact asylum. Otherwise, it would probably only be a discretionary factor, and I doubt it would block you from asylum, but it would depend on the facts of the situation. Take care, Jason