how help attorney on asylum interview us

How long does an asylum interview last?

Also, you will probably have to wait for a while before your interview, which will last at least an hour. Therefore, make sure to eat before you leave for the interview.

What to bring to an asylum interview?

Because you might have to wait a while at the Asylum Office before you are called in for your interview, bring something to read (if it will relax you), snacks and water (if allowed at your Asylum Office), and toys for your children if you are bringing them along.

Can you embellish an asylum application?

Never try to embellish or create additional details if you are not sure of them. Remember, you must be completely honest during your interview. After becoming familiar with your complete asylum application, practice answering difficult or uncomfortable questions.

How to increase chances of winning asylum?

In order to increase your chances of winning asylum, you will have to discuss such details with the AO. An important part of your preparation is to learn to clearly explain your legal claim for asylum. That is, focus on (1) the incidents of your persecution, and (2) the legal grounds on account of which you were persecuted ...

How long do you have to wait before an affirmative asylum interview?

Also, you will probably have to wait for a while before your interview, which will last at least an hour. Therefore, make sure to eat before you leave for the interview. For what will happen after the interview, see Timing of the Affirmative Asylum Application Process. Talk to a Lawyer.

What is an AO interview?

government. During this interview, the Asylum Officer ("AO") ...

How to convince the AO that you are credible?

In order to convince the AO that you are credible (that is, believable), you will need to be honest, detailed, and consistent in all of your answers, and also consistent with what you had stated in your application. For details about credibility, see Chances of Winning a Grant of Asylum.

Why is there a delay in asylum interviews?

But no matter how committed USCIS is to processing and adjudicating every asylum application the agency receives in a timely manner, USCIS states that there is currently a delay in scheduling asylum interviews due to the agency’s increased caseload. On December 26, 2014, the USCIS Asylum Division began prioritizing asylum applications ...

What happens if the USCIS does not approve your asylum application?

If USCIS Asylum Office does not approve your asylum application, your case will be referred to an immigration court having jurisdiction over your place of residence. Your case may also be in immigration court, if you are filing a defensive asylum application.

Why is my asylum interview delayed?

According to the USCIS, the delay in scheduling your interview is caused by a diversion of an increasing number of asylum officers to conduct protection screening interviews for persons arriving at the border. Unfortunately, USCIS is unable to predict how long the process will take, if your asylum application is currently pending interview ...

What is affirmative asylum?

An affirmative asylum application is filed with a USCIS Asylum Office, if you are not in removal proceedings. According to the current rules, if the Asylum Office declines to grant an affirmative asylum application, then removal proceedings may be initiated, and your affirmative asylum application is referred to an immigration judge, ...

What is a short notice list for asylum?

Some asylum offices, including Arlington Asylum Office, also have “ short notice lists ,” where they put the names of asylum applicants who are willing to be scheduled for interviews on a short notice, if another applicant requests to reschedule a previously scheduled interview.

Can you get a speedier interview after being added to the short notice list?

Even after you are added to the short notice list, there is no guarantee of a speedier interview. Months can pass with no action from the asylum office before you are offered a short notice interview.

How far away is the master hearing?

Due to the current delays, your individual hearing may be scheduled for a date that is as far as five years away from your master hearing. If your asylum case in immigration court has been delayed for years, you probably wonder whether the waiting period is normal.

Can you cry during an asylum interview?

AOs understand that most asylum applicants have been through traumatic and terrifying situations that often involve a great deal of emotion. It is okay to cry and show emotion during your asylum interview.

How to prepare for an interview?

3) Prepare physically and emotionally. The interview is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a good meal the day of, and make sure you are prepared to recount extensive details of potentially embarrassing, difficult, or traumatic events in your life.

Can you be late for an interview?

You cannot afford to be late or miss your interview. Visit the location of your interview ahead of time so you know exactly where it is located, make sure you have concrete travel arrangements, and leave early on the day of the interview.

Can a lawyer speak during an asylum interview?

Whether or not you used a lawyer to help prepare your application, consider bringing one who is experienced in asylum law to the asylum interview. Lawyers are not supposed to speak during the interview, but they can take notes and interact with the officer to a limited degree.

How to interview an asylum officer?

When the Asylum Officer is ready to conduct your interview, your name or, more likely, the number handed to you at the window, will be called. Follow the officer into his or her office with your attorney and interpreter. Once inside, the officer will have you stand and swear or affirm that you will tell the truth. After that, you'll be asked to sit down.

What to do if you apply for asylum on your own initiative?

If you have submitted an application for asylum in the U.S. on your own initiative ("affirmatively")—that is, to the Asylum Office rather than the Immigration Court—the next major step in the process (after being called in for biometrics/fingerprinting) will be to attend an interview with an Asylum Officer. Your interview might not be held ...

How to prepare for an interview?

Getting to the Interview on Time and Ready. Do not underestimate the importance of your interview day. Make sure to get a lot of sleep the night before and be ready for an emotional experience. Eat a good meal. Set up a specific time and place to meet your attorney and interpreter if you are using either.

How long is an asylum interview?

Asylum interviews are usually one to two hours. Remember that the officer's job is to figure out whether you are a refugee. The amount of time spent on an interview is specific to your case. An asylum interview is your time to explain what happened to you and why you don't want to go home.

Do asylum seekers get their asylum decision in the mail?

If you are not in lawful status , you will be asked to return to the asylum office to pick up your decision.

What happens if you get approved for asylum?

If the asylum officer recommends that you be approved for asylum, you have won your case. You will be given instructions on how to apply for work authorization and will be able to get a Social Security number.

Is it a shame that there are deceptions being done by some lawyers?

They project an image that they are in control of the asylum process, even claiming that the duration will be xyz. This is not good. It is unethical and goes against all the regulations that they promised to uphold. However, since they are dealing with asylum seekers who generally don't understand US laws, it's hard to try to disbar them.

Do you send supporting evidence to SF?

Yes you send all the supporting evidence that support your claim , for example if you are claiming a medical hardship you would include your medical reports as supporting evidence , also you include your declaration for reference , along with the request it self. contact options for SF office : Mailing Address: USCIS.

Can I bring an attorney to the USCIS interview?

Yes, We Do Recommend Bringing Attorney to the USCIS Interview. We are certainly biased but after having been to scores of USCIS interviews, our general recommendation is for an I-485, I-751 or N-400 applicant to bring an attorney with them to the USCIS interview. Even though the adjudicator would direct all factual questions to the applicant (s), ...

Does having an attorney at the USCIS interview affect the application?

In our experience, having an attorney at the USCIS interview does not impact the application or the interview negatively. We have heard applicants express concern that bringing an attorney with them to the interview makes the adjudicator think that there is something “wrong” with the application or that they have something to “hide.”.

What is the role of an attorney in an interview?

If there is a need to clarify a question (by the adjudicator) or an answer (by the applicant), it is the attorney’s role to “jump in” and provide such clarification in order to keep the interview on track. Similarly, if the case has an outstanding factual or legal issue, it is the attorney’s role to draw the adjudicator’s attention to such facts ...

What is the role of an adjudicator in an interview?

An attorney’s role in this situation is to try to understand the basis of the adjudicator’s assertions ...

What is the role of an adjudicator?

Rarely, an attorney’s role is to intervene in a more decisive manner if the adjudicator intends to take a negative action on a case. Sometimes an adjudicator comes into an interview with a predetermined view that a certain facts justify denial or finding of ineligibility. This can be based on incorrect facts or understanding of the law, ...