Documents Translation

P

PASeeker

Registered Users (C)
Hello,

I am about to file for PA. Some of my documents are in my native language...for eg. newspaper cuttings, police reports etc. I don't have money to hire fancy lawyer so I have decided to file myself. Does anyone know what is the legal process to translate my documents from my native language to English? Can I translate myself or does it need to done by a professional and notorized etc???
Your insights would be really helpful in this matter.
Thanks.
 
PASeeker said:
Hello,

I am about to file for PA. Some of my documents are in my native language...for eg. newspaper cuttings, police reports etc. I don't have money to hire fancy lawyer so I have decided to file myself. Does anyone know what is the legal process to translate my documents from my native language to English? Can I translate myself or does it need to done by a professional and notorized etc???
Your insights would be really helpful in this matter.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

In theory you can self-translate. However they can understandably consider your work to be self-serving. As you know applying without a lawyer is already an uphill battle. I would have it professionallly translated.
 
Also I am filing since some bad threats are being placed on my family business. I have documents that show my parents are the owner of the business. Now how do I proove my relationship with my parents? Will pictures of me with my parents work?
 
PASeeker said:
Also I am filing since some bad threats are being placed on my family business. I have documents that show my parents are the owner of the business. Now how do I proove my relationship with my parents? Will pictures of me with my parents work?
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Frankly this does not sound like a slamdunk asylum case. I really believe that you need legal representation to ensure the highest chance of success.
 
thankful said:
Frankly this does not sound like a slamdunk asylum case. I really believe that you need legal representation to ensure the highest chance of success.
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I agree. It was alarming to me to read that you thought you could prove your relation to your parents by showing some pictures. Anyone who thinks that is a plausible proof should get a lawyer because don't get me wrong but I feel you are not fit to stongly represent your case since you did not use your common sense in that instance to know that you obviously can not prove that two people are your parents just by showing pics. Try to find a lawyer who can work out some payment plans for you or try to ask for a loan from friends.
 
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clotty said:
I agree. It was alarming to me to read that you thought you could prove the relation of your parents by showing some pictures. Anyone who thinks that is a plausible proof should get a lawyer because don't get me wrong but I feel you are not fit to stongly represent your case since you did not use your common sense in that instance to know that you obviously can not prove that two people are your parents just by showing pics. Try to find a lawyer who can work out some payment plans for you or try to ask for a loan from friends.
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And after you mess up your own case it would be heck lot more expensive and more difficult for a lawyer to step in to save the case.
 
The country where I am is third world and birth certificate is just a paper. Would it help if my parents came to USA during my interview time? My parents have tourist visa for another 2 years multiple entries. They will have their passports also. Also would it help if I did DNA test from a certified lab while they are here since I know for 100% fact that DNA does not lie.
Also my parents pictures are shown on the document issued by Labor Authority that they own the business and I have pictures with them at my college graduation in USA.
 
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The thing is I don't have money but my parents do. I am graduating with a higher degree soon and I am thinking of inviting them for my graduation.
 
Most of my documents were translated by me.
I had my friends sign in the end something like this.

I.....(name of friend) hereby certify that I am able to translate from...(language) to english.
 
Since your parents have money like you say they do, then maybe they can help pay the attorney fee. Asylum grant is the most important step throughout all this; after you are granted asylum you don't really need a lawyer much. Sure during the interview you feel like the attorney does not do anything and that you are doing all the talking, but in case someting goes wrong or like in your case there is too many documents to go through and you need guidance, then a lawyer might help your case.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. My parents are middle class people so they are not really rich. They have enough money to come to USA only. Also I called few immigration lawyers today and they asked for $3500 - $4000. I think I will file myself. $4000 for advice and filing your forms is ridiculous. Plus what gurantee do I have for PA approval by hiring a lawyer?
 
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PASeeker said:
Thanks for all the advice guys. My parents are middle class people so they are not really rich. They have enough money to come to USA only. Also I called few immigration lawyers today and they asked for $3500 - $4000. I think I will file myself. $4000 for advice and filing your forms is ridiculous. Plus what gurantee do I have for PA approval by hiring a lawyer?
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A friend of mine from Ruanda got in touch with the charitable program down in D.C. and he didn't pay a penny for his asylum case; plus his lawer takes care of all his papers (like I-485, RFI etc) now for free. I don't know if they help specifically guys from certain countries but you can try to search for some of these programs in your area.
 
How long have you been here?

PASeeker said:
The thing is I don't have money but my parents do. I am graduating with a higher degree soon and I am thinking of inviting them for my graduation.
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PASeeker:
Have you been here for more than a year? If so, that could complicate things. Law says you have to apply within 1 year of arrival. (there are exceptions)

For your specific questions:
Birth certificate: All birth certificates are "just a paper" If you cant get one, all you need is a notarized affidavit from your parents or a close relative. See samples here:
http://www.usabal.com/permres/AOS/birth_cert_info.html

DNA Tests? Are you watching too much CSI? :)

Translation: Yes, a friend can translate. Remember to enclose a copy of the original language version as well, and a statement from the translator that s/he is qualified to do the translation.

Yes, getting a lawyer doesnt guarantee approval. But remember that if your asylum application fails you may be deported (unless you get a H1 job, etc)

Since you are graduating soon, why dont you apply to Canada for immigration or try to get a H1 job here? You are going to get 1-year work authorization after your graduation; make good use of that time instead of going the PA route.

Whatever you do, good luck.
 
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PASeeker said:
$4000 for advice and filing your forms is ridiculous. Plus what gurantee do I have for PA approval by hiring a lawyer?
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If you get a deportation order from the immigration judge you will have a different take on the value of legal advice.
 
My cousin made the mistake of applying without an attorney because he too thought the fee was unreasonable. At the time Saddam was still in power and Iraqi applicants enjoyed a really high approval rate.

Guess what, he made some stupid errors before the Immigration Judge and had the case denied. He had to get a lawyer and ask the 9th circuit of appeal to reopen the case. After $20,000 in attorney's fees and much mental anguish he had his asylum grant.
 
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