Preparing for an Asylum Interview

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    It takes enormous courage to walk away from your home country. But when you’ve been persecuted, you want a new life for you and your family, so you move in the direction with the fewest obstacles. Relying on the expertise of the immigration attorneys at Kats Immigration Law is a step in the right direction. They take great pains to prepare you for your asylum interview. Everyone seeking U.S. asylum for any reason must undergo this interview. Be ready and be confident. Call Kats Immigration Law in NYC today for a consultation. Book a virtual consultation if you aren’t in New York.

    What Is an Asylum Interview?

    An asylum interview is where the U.S. immigration office tries to ascertain if your story and circumstances are credible and sufficient to qualify for protection as an asylum seeker. The interviewing immigration official seeks to understand your reasons for seeking asylum in the U.S. They also want to know how you fit into groups that are designated for protection by the country based on race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion or other criteria.

    Kats Immigration Law is a New York City-based immigration firm that assists asylum seekers in achieving legal asylum. They understand each asylum case comes with a set of unique circumstances and so offers personalized legal services accordingly. Their deep understanding of the asylum process and immigration matters in general is of great value for your transition into living in the U.S. as a protected person.

    What Kind of Asylum Should I Seek?

    You seek asylum depending on the unique circumstances that define your fear of persecution such as for your political opinion or religion. Understanding the grounds for your asylum claim is crucial because your interviewer must believe in its credibility. For example, it would be a bit difficult to claim asylum if you’re from a country that has a vibrant democracy.

    Alina Kats and her team offer guidance on different categories of asylum so you can present your case effectively and convincingly. Some of the grounds for which to seek asylum include:

    Why Should I Be Concerned about My Asylum Interview?

    Your asylum interview is perhaps the most decisive step when seeking refuge in the U.S. It’s your best opportunity to present your need for protection. In it, the interviewer assesses the veracity of your claims and the truthfulness in your experiences and fears. Your success in this interview determines your eligibility for qualification as a refugee. It’s also where you present documented evidence to support your case.

    Your NYC immigration attorney works with you to prepare for the interview to improve your chances of success. They draw on their experiences from past asylum cases to give guidance and tips on different scenarios you could face. Passing the asylum interview has great implications on your life in the U.S. including:

    • The right to remain in the country
    • Possibility of family reunification
    • Access to social services
    • Employment authorization
    • Pathway to permanent residency
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    Alina Kats is an absolutely charming lawyer with a wonderful support team. She is a true professional, very friendly, always ready to help.The advantage of this office is that there are no language barriers. There are helpful employees and colleagues who even speak georgian . I strongly advise everyone to apply.

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    What Should I Expect during My Asylum Interview?

    You should expect a serious and thorough review of your case. The interview is held at a designated U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. It can also be conducted remotely. You’re allowed to bring an interpreter and an attorney for assistance. The interview will largely be about your background and circumstances that place you in danger of persecution in your home country.

    Your lawyer prepares you for the likely questions and guides you on how to answer them truthfully and in detail for a strong case. Several areas the interviewer covers include:

    • Personal details, such as your name and date of birth
    • Background about your country of origin and your reasons for leaving
    • Group memberships and affiliations
    • Persecution and harassment details, as well as experiences that make you fear for your life
    • Criminal history, if applicable
    • Departure and details on your journey to the U.S.

    Why Does Credibility Matter in My Asylum Interview?

    A credible narrative is the foundation of your claim for asylum. The interviewer assesses your whole case depending on the credibility of the details you provide. A credible case must present a consistent story in all documentation and verbal evidence. You must also provide instances and experiences of persecution because of the grounds on which you claim asylum. Your case should have sufficient evidence, such as photos, videos and witness statements.

    Your lawyer helps you put together a credible and convincing case. They help you craft a clear narrative and gather sufficient evidence. Some of the tips they advise using to create a credible interview include:

    • Making the right first impression with a clear introduction and definition of your background
    • Defining your persecution clearly and succinctly
    • Creating a clear timeline
    • Supporting your claims with credible evidence, such as medical and law enforcement reports
    • Being specific on details like dates, places and people involved in different incidents
    • Demonstrating you’ve exhausted your options for safety in your home country
    • Expressing hope for safety in the U.S.
    Schedule Consultation (973) 626-1177

    How Does Kats Immigration Law Help Prepare Me for an Asylum Interview?

    The attorneys at Kats Immigration Law have the overall goal of helping you succeed in your claim for asylum. This includes helping you put together the right documentation and correct forms. They assist in compiling evidence like police reports and newspaper articles. They also help you practice your testimony to present your case clearly and confidently.

    They use different effective approaches in their legal representation of asylum seekers. The approach for a successful interview includes:

    • Case assessment to point out and remedy weak points
    • Documents review
    • Mock interviews to prepare you for different interview questions
    • Strategy development to help cope with different interview approaches

    Kats Immigration Law is the legal services partner you want on your side who can help realize a secure future for you and your family. Their commitment to freedom and human rights means they deploy their impressive knowledge and experience to ensure your case succeeds. Contact Kats Immigration Law today and take a step toward newfound freedom, safety and dignity.

    Kats Immigration Law

    2365 Nostrand Avenue,
    Suites 106, 107,
    Brooklyn, NY 11210
    (973) 626-1177

    Updated on Oct 11, 2024 by Alina Kats (Immigratioon Lawyer) of Kats Immigration Law