An upcoming asylum interview can cause stress and uncertainty about the future. A successful interview means that you can get a good life in the US, while a rejection could cause you to return to an uncomfortable and undesirable situation. One of the best ways to ensure a successful interview is to consult an attorney in Austin, Texas.
Given that the stakes are so high, you cannot risk it by trying to handle the legal procedure alone. You have to understand each step of the process and prepare your case thoroughly to tell your story in the most effective way. An attorney can best prepare you for your interview by predicting the questions that they may ask. This gives you a boost of confidence.
Immigration law is complex, and the asylum process can be emotionally taxing. Getting professional support takes some of the pressure off and gives you the knowledge you need to succeed. If you have an interview approaching soon, meet with an attorney today. Meanwhile, read this blog about how to prepare for your asylum interview.
Steps to prepare for your asylum interview
- Review your asylum application.
Once you fill out your I-589 form, make sure you check everything you have written in there and review it thoroughly. The form, known as the Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, requires information such as detailed reasons for seeking protection as well as documented evidence for your story.
The better you understand and know what you have written in your form, the better you can answer questions in the interview. It is important that your application aligns with your answers. All the details, including dates, locations, and events, should match.
If there is an error or inconsistency in the application, one must make the necessary changes before submitting it. Or else, asylum officers may compare statements in the form and interview and find differences.
- Gather supporting documentation.
When preparing for your asylum interview, having the right documents is very important to increase your chances of success. This includes the following:
- Personal identification, such as passports or birth certificates.
- Evidence of adverse conditions in the applicant’s home country, such as online news reports or articles.
- Medical records of physical and psychological harm from past abuse.
- Police reports showing that the incident was reported to law enforcement.
Make sure that you have copies of every document and that you categorize them accurately. If any document is not in English, make sure the translations are correct.
- Prepare for interview questions.
Asylum interviews involve a range of questions, from biographical information to specific details about the abuse incident. Some common questions that you can expect are:
- What is your complete name and date of birth?
- Why are you applying for asylum?
- Can you describe the harm you experienced and who caused it?
It is recommended that you practice your responses with a friend or attorney. This will help you tell your story with confidence. Applicants whose responses are not very clear and concise often get rejected.
- Prepare yourself emotionally.
An asylum interview is about recalling the most traumatic incidences of your life, which can be very hard for some people. It is natural to feel anxious, but your anxiety can possibly affect your chances of a successful application. That is why it is recommended to use techniques like narrative exposure therapy and mindfulness to help with anxiety.
Staying calm during the interview is crucial. Not having a clear mind can lead you to say the wrong things intentionally and give the interviewers reasons to doubt you. The calmer you are, the better you can tell your story.
Have an interview coming up?
If you have an asylum interview coming up, you may be worried about how it is going to go. An attorney can ease your tension. Consult with a visa attorney today!
