How to behave at an asylum interview?

M

mb85

New Member
Hi all,
Im applying for asylum this week, in around a month from now I'll be having my interview.
What could the possible questions be?
What should I behave like at an interview?
any help is appreciated :)
 
mb85 said:
Hi all,
Im applying for asylum this week, in around a month from now I'll be having my interview.
What could the possible questions be?
What should I behave like at an interview?
any help is appreciated :)
Click to expand...


From what I know you can expect to be asked almost any question, even the most unexpected. You never know. Getting interviewed by IO is almost like a lottery. Much depends on IO's mood and personality. However primarily concentrate on your story that you have submitted along with I-589. Pay attention to the details. Act adequatly and never be afraid of an officer. Even if he or she will start to accuse you in lying don't be nervious; be calm and always follow your story. And also don't talk a lot. Just answer questions. They are just trying to put you under psychological pressure and want to catch you on small details and inconsistency of your story.
 
The interview itself varies from one IO to other. But I can only tell you one thing, know the story in and out, you dont have to memorize dates, but you are expected to know the timeline of the story really well.

Good luck.
 
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Minsk said:
From what I know you can expect to be asked almost any question, even the most unexpected. You never know. Getting interviewed by IO is almost like a lottery. Much depends on IO's mood and personality. However primarily concentrate on your story that you have submitted along with I-589. Pay attention to the details. Act adequatly and never be afraid of an officer. Even if he or she will start to accuse you in lying don't be nervious; be calm and always follow your story. And also don't talk a lot. Just answer questions. They are just trying to put you under psychological pressure and want to catch you on small details and inconsistency of your story.
Click to expand...
i see you are russian, can you tell me something specific about our cases, i'm applying from moscow, it is somehow similar to yours
 
mb85
Are you sure you're applying for asylum, not refugee status(unless you're a derivative asylee)? You state that you're overseas and to apply for asylum you need to be physically present on the US soil - with some rare exceptions like Iraqi Kurds: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/iraqi.htm
 
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Morning

Morning said:
mb85
Are you sure you're applying for asylum, not refugee status(unless you're a derivative asylee)? You state that you're overseas and to apply for asylum you need to be physically present on the US soil - with some rare exceptions like Iraqi Kurds: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/iraqi.htm
Click to expand...

I was following your story closely. It seems like you have been issued a GC. Can you lead me to your post on the GC issue? I did not read that anywhere. Thanks.
 
Hismercy
I'm still waiting for my GC. Thanks for your concern. :)
 
For asylum interviews, always tell the truth, practice with your attorney before hand and also maintain eye contacts with the officer throughout the interview.
 
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First of all, if you believe in prayers, pray that you get a nice IO. That is a must because the kind of IO you get will really shape the way the interview will go.

Then make sure you know your story and stick to it. The IO is going to try to ask you the same question in different format just to catch you if you are lying. Make sure you undertsand the question before you reply. Ask him/her to repeat if you don't understand the question. This will also give you time to think. If hearing/speaking english is a problem for you, have a translator with you. Even if you understood the question in English, it will give you time to think while your translator translates.

Don't get intimidated by the IO and don't get scared. Make sure you use the right body language. Like another poster said, make sure you have eye contacts. Americans really believe in body language. For example, they believe that if somebody is lying, he/she won't have eye contacts. In some countries (like mine), avoiding eye contacts is considered humbility or respect, but not in America. So make sure you have eye contacts and speak confidently.

Lastly, don't worry too much. As long as you have a valid case, and you really believe that you fear persecution in your country, you will be OK. Just prepare ahead of time as much as possible (study your case, practice, etc...) then pray and leave it to the almighty (if you believe in one)!

Good luck! And please do update us with your case!
 
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