The Asylum interview is one of the most important parts of the asylum application process. This is where you will share your personal experience. It is recommended that before your interview you should speak to your immigration attorney so they can help you prepare.

The attorney can help you by providing a list of asylum interview sample questions.

If you prefer your attorney/representative to be present during your interview, you will need to submit a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. 

It's imperative to show up on time and respectfully present yourself; this is a way you can build credibility with your asylum officer (AO). At the beginning of your interview, you will be asked to take an oath declaring that your testimony will only tell the truth. The interview will be confidential and will not be recorded, however, there will be note-taking in the process.  

What Questions are asked during the Asylum Interview? 

An asylum officer will ask you open-ended and closed-ended (“Yes” and “No”) questions. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification before you answer it. 

The Asylum interview is conducted and composed of three parts

  • Biographical information as noted in your application 
  • Questions about why you do not want to return to your country 
  • A series of general questions that all applicants are asked 

Some examples of asylum interview sample questions may include: 

  • What is your complete full/legal name?
  • What is your date of birth? 
  • What country and city were you born in?
  • Where do you currently live?
  • Are you married? 
  • If yes, what is your spouse’s name?
  • Do you have any children?
  • If yes, how many children and what are their names?
  • Have you ever applied for asylum in the U.S?
  • Have you ever applied for asylum in another country?
  • Do you have legal status in another country (other than your country of origin)?
  • How long have you been in the U.S?

The biographical information part of the interview will include general questions and the AO may ask you questions more than once to identify any discrepancies in your story; hence, it's crucial to answer every question with the truth. 

What are the Most Important Questions in an Asylum Interview? 

As an asylum seeker, be prepared to discuss important questions relating to the persecution you suffered in your home country including why you are unable to return. This part of the interview may be difficult since you will need to answer personal questions on this matter, but don’t feel intimidated, the AO needs to hear every detail of your story. Take your time answering these questions, the interview process goes at your pace. 

The most important asylum interview sample questions you will be asked are: 

  • Why are you applying for asylum? 
  • Why did you leave your country? 
  • Who was/is this person (group of people or government) causing you harm?  
  • What types of harm did you experience: physical or other forms that can include threats, mental, emotional, economic, or discrimination? 
  • Why are they persecuting you? Are they reasons for any of the following: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
  • Do you have proof you are being targeted?  
  • What was the harm that you specifically suffered? What happened? When did it happen? Where were you? Why did they do that to you? 
  • Have you reported your case to the police in your home country?
  • Do you believe you will be tortured if returned to your home country?
  • How would they find you? How would you be recognized or found? 
  • Have you received any threats since you left? 
  • Do you have family back home in your home country?
  • If yes, are you still in contact with your family left behind? 
  • How many other people like you have returned and been harmed?
  • How would it be different if you went back permanently?
  • Would the police/government protect you if you returned? Why not? How do you know? 
  • Why can't you live in another part of your country? 

Asylum Interview Questions 

Other asylum interview sample questions can also include: 

  • After leaving your home country, did you return?
  • How long did you stay there? 
  • How long have you been in the United States?
  • Have you or your family members ever been accused of, charged, detained, interrogated, convicted, sentenced, or imprisoned in any country?
  • Have you ever been part of an organization or a group (like a political party) or social group?
  • Have you ever moved to a different part of your home country to avoid harm from happening again?
  • Have things in your home country changed? Is the situation better now?
  • Have you ever been forced to commit acts of violence in your home country or here in the United States?
  • Do you have other family here in the United States?

Sample Questions for an Asylum Interview

Other asylum interview sample questions that will be asked are:

  • When did you arrive here?
  • Who paid for your trip (voyage)? 
  • Did you have a visa to enter this country?
  • What route did you take to get here? 
  • Do you own a house or property/land?
  • How is your physical, mental, and emotional health? 
  • Do you have memories of the event?
  • Do you have nightmares or night terrors about returning to your home country? 
  • What is the current situation (violence) in your home country?
  • Are you currently working in the United States?
  • How many times have you been to the United States?
  • Has it been easy to find work here? 
  • Do you have any additional evidence, statements, affidavits, or anything that you would like to submit?
  • Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Try to keep eye contact and good posture throughout your interview. If you are unable to remember some events, do not attempt to answer them and just respond that you do not remember. The key is to answer to the best of your ability.  

Conclusion 

It’s important to be prepared and know what to expect before your interview. studying a list of asylum interview sample questions can help you prepare! There may be other questions specifically for your case that an AO will ask you. If you have requested your attorney to be present, they cannot speak for you but can help to clarify specifics about your case. Contact Shoreline Immigration to help you through this process.  

Asylum Interview Sample Questions FAQs

How long does the interview last? 

The interview will take about an hour depending on the facts of your case. The interview is not timed in case you need more time to answer every question.  

How can I Prepare for an Asylum Interview in the U.S? 

Before you attend the interview bring all your original documents noted in the application: photographs, identifications, birth certificates, affidavits, proof, or testimonies from others. Also, look at some interview questions and contact your immigration attorney for other ways to prepare. 

How can I win my Asylum Interview? 

You must prove that you are unable to return to your home country due to persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution based on one of the five grounds: race, nationality, religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Another way to ensure to win your case is, to be honest, and consistent during your interview.