USCIS Policy Change - Asylum Applicants Required to Provide Their Own Interpreters

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that, starting September 13th, 2023 all affirmative asylum applicants who do not speak English fluently are required to bring an interpreter with them to their asylum interviews if they do not wish to complete the interview in English. This rule is a return to long standing USCIS policies that were suspended during the COVID pandemic. During the pandemic, between 2020 and 2023, officials at USCIS were required to use telephonic interpreters to conduct interviews in languages other than English at no cost to the applicant.

Now, applicants must bring an interpreter if they need one. The interpreter must be 18 years old or older and fluent in English and the language the applicant speaks. If the applicant appears for their interview without an interpreter, they must establish that they have good cause for not providing one, in which case a telephonic interpreter may be used, or the interview may be rescheduled. If the applicant fails to bring a qualified interpreter or provide good cause, USCIS may find that the applicant failed to appear for their interview and could dismiss the asylum applicant’s claim or refer their asylum application to an immigration judge.

At Bennett & Harker, our attorneys are experienced at representing immigrants in asylum interviews. We can also help you find a qualified interpreter to attend the interview with you if necessary. If you’ve filed for asylum or have an asylum interview scheduled and need representation, please contact us at 503-964-5377 or info@bennettharker.com.