Getting a new chance at life in a prosperous country is a dream come true for many people. But despite what most individuals think, getting there is really hard. Aside from the fact that a person has to adapt to a new culture and a way of life, there is a good chance they won’t even be accepted. It all comes down to an asylum interview that may change the course of your life.
Everything can change during this short interview. This fact alone puts a lot of pressure on people applying for asylum. Not only do you have to perform well, but you also have to leave an impression of a genuine person who needs protection and a new home.
While there is no way to calm your nerves, you can increase the odds of getting asylum by properly preparing. Here are some tips that will help you do just that.
Main things to consider
There are lots of lawyers who are dealing with this subject. In fact, a vast number of them specializes in asylum seekers. Some of them even have their asylum bulletin and provide other information to people who are looking for shelter. If you want to be 100% sure you will get asylum, we recommend that you visit a local lawyer specializing in this particular subject.
Whether you decide to hire one or not, you have to keep in mind that preparation is the key to asylum interviews. It is very important to learn more about potential questions before you arrive at an asylum office. The best way to do this is by rereading your application several times over. The dates are especially important as most people find them to be tricky. Mistaking dates can be very costly as it can affect your credibility and can even lead to rejection.
But there is more to simple dates: your story has to be consistent and to make sense. This is precisely why dates are so important as they allow asylum officers to establish where were you in a particular moment in time. This way they can create a timeline that is easy to follow.
Lastly, you have to be able to convey your thoughts in the best way possible. Asylum seekers have the right to ask for an interpreter. It will not harm your application in any way so, if you think there are things you might not understand, it is much better to ask for assistance than simply provide answers that are not correct. It is imperative that you understand the whole process and are able to respond to it in the right way. Unfortunately, interpreters’ mistakes can also affect your application if it caused officers to misinterpret your statement. So, make sure to be concise.
A possible list of questions
The basic questions are usually the same. Of course, they will vary from case to case so there are some fluctuations. Still, here are some of the questions that will most likely be asked during an interview:
- What will happen if you go back to your country?
- What kind of persecution did you experience and how did it affect your family?
- How did you arrive in the USA?
- How did you get the money for the voyage?
- Do you have any family members in the USA? (you will be asked additional questions about family members if you have them living in the USA)
- Are there any criminal charges against you, in your home country or in the US?
Lastly, if you’re a member of a particular group (such as a political party or a religious organization), asylum officers will ask you questions regarding the organization. By answering these questions, they will be able to corroborate your story.
No matter what, don’t lie! It is really easy for the officers to establish whether or not you’re lying so make sure not to do it!
