Interpreters

# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers

Interpreting Asylum Interviews

During the height of the pandemic, the Asylum Offices provided interpreters for applicants. However, since September 2023, USCIS has required asylum applicants to bring their own interpreter to the interview. This can be a problem for some applicants, as interpreters can be expensive. Also, some interpreters are better than others, and a bad interpreter can make it more difficult to win your asylum case.

Today, we’ll discuss who can serve as an interpreter. We’ll also talk about how to work with an interpreter, and provide some tips for the interpreters themselves.

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By Jason Dzubow
# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers

A New Rule for Interpreters at the Asylum Office (+ an Update on the Backlog)

Last week, USCIS announced a new rule for interpreters at Asylum Office interviews. Starting immediately, most asylum applicants should not bring their own interpreter to the interview, as had been the practice up until now. Instead, USCIS will provide an interpreter by telephone for most languages. The reason for the change is, of course, the … Read more

By Jason Dzubow
# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers# Immigration Court

Translating Documents for Your Asylum Case

The word “translation” is derived from “trans,” meaning “across” two languages, and “elation,” meaning “to make your lawyer happy.” Or something like that. The point is, if your translations are correct, you are more likely to win your case and so you–and your lawyer–will be happy. But many asylum seekers are unable (or unwilling) to pay for … Read more

By Jason Dzubow
# Immigration

Telephonic Interpreters

Without interpreters, the asylum system could not function. For interviews at the asylum office, applicants must provide their own interpreter, either a friend, a volunteer, or a paid professional.  To ensure that the interpretation is accurate (and that there is no funny business going on in the translation), USCIS requires that a professional interpreter monitors … Read more

By Jason Dzubow
# Asylum Office# Asylum Seekers# Credible Fear# Immigration Court

When Silence is Golden: Interpreters and Asylum

This blog entry is by ace reporter Maria Raquel McFadden.  Ms. McFadden is also a freelance business, legal, and immigration interpreter with 10 years experience.   She has interpreted in various forums including courts, immigration interviews, depositions, and business meetings.  Ms. McFadden is registered with the State of Maryland and can be reached at: Office: 202-709-3602 or Cell: 202-360-2736; … Read more

By Jason Dzubow