USCIS extends temporary rule on interpreters at asylum interviews

Reading Policy for Asylum Interviews

During an asylum interview, the asylum officer gathers detailed testimony from the applicant. This testimony covers the events that led them to seek protection in the United States. Additionally, USCIS follows specific procedures to ensure that the information provided during the interview is accurate and properly recorded.

Purpose of the Asylum Interview

The asylum interview is conducted by a trained asylum officer in a non-adversarial setting. The goal of the interview is to obtain all relevant information necessary to determine whether the applicant qualifies for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The officer may ask detailed questions about the applicant’s identity, background, experiences of persecution, and fear of returning to their home country.

Federal regulations require the asylum officer to elicit all relevant and useful information related to the asylum claim during the interview process. The applicant may be accompanied by an attorney or accredited representative and may submit documents or witness statements to support the case. 

How the “Reading Policy” Works

During or after the interview, the asylum officer may review key statements from the applicant to ensure that the record accurately reflects what the applicant intended to say. In some cases, the officer may read portions of the written notes or summaries back to the applicant and interpreter so that corrections can be made if necessary.

This process serves several important purposes:

• It allows the applicant to confirm that their testimony has been correctly understood.
• It gives the applicant an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings or translation errors.
• It helps ensure that the final record used to decide the case accurately reflects the applicant’s testimony.

Recording of Asylum Interviews

In many cases—particularly when the application may later be referred to immigration court—the asylum interview may be recorded or transcribed. If the case is not granted and is referred to an immigration judge, the interview record becomes part of the official case file. 

Because the interview may later be reviewed by immigration judges or government attorneys, it is important that the applicant’s statements be clearly documented and accurately reflected in the record.

Role of the Interpreter

If the applicant is not fluent in English, they must bring a competent interpreter who is fluent in both English and the applicant’s language. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and capable of translating accurately during the interview. 

The interpreter also takes an oath to translate truthfully, and the applicant must take an oath to tell the truth before the interview begins.

Importance of Accuracy in the Interview Record

Because credibility is one of the most important factors in an asylum case, the accuracy of the interview record is critical. Inconsistent statements or errors in the record may later be used to challenge the applicant’s credibility in immigration court.

For this reason, applicants should listen carefully when statements are reviewed during the interview and should immediately notify the officer or interpreter if something has been misunderstood or recorded incorrectly.

Conclusion

The reading policy during asylum interviews helps ensure that the applicant’s testimony is properly documented and accurately understood. By allowing statements to be reviewed and corrected when necessary, the process helps protect both the applicant and the integrity of the asylum adjudication process.