California is the most populous state in the United States, and it shares a border with Mexico. This means there are many immigrants and asylum seekers in the region, and the process of immigration and asylum are of immense importance to them.
Changes to the asylum process can have major impact on the success or failure to gain asylum in the United States. As a result, keeping current with how the process works is crucial.
Affirmative asylum applicants now require interpreters
Beginning on September 13th of 2023, any affirmative asylum seekers who don’t speak English or want to conduct their interview in a language other than English will be required to provide their own interpreter. If an asylum seeker who needs an interpreter doesn’t bring one to their interview, this will be ruled as a failure to appear for the interview. This will result in either a dismissal of the asylum application or referral of the case to an immigration judge. The only exception to this rule is that a sign language interpreter will still be provided if needed.
Requirements for an interpreter
For an interpreter to qualify for assisting with an affirmative asylum interview, they must meet the following conditions:
- Fluent in both English and the language of choice for the applicant
- 18 years or older
- Cannot be the applicant’s attorney or an accredited representative
- A person with an unresolved asylum application of their own
- A witness testifying to the applicant’s case
- A member of the foreign government from which the applicant has come
While seeking asylum can become an overwhelming and daunting process, keeping up to date with requirements can help everything run smoothly and ensure success. Those who work hard to be prepared have better outcomes.