Navigating the U.S. asylum process is never easy—especially when English is not your first language. For many applicants from South Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, fluency in English is limited, making it difficult to clearly communicate their experiences during the crucial asylum interview. At Khan Paralegal and Notary, we offer professional translation services in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu to help ensure your story is fully understood when it matters most.
The Complexity of the Asylum Interview
If you’ve applied for asylum in the United States, you will be scheduled for an asylum interview—usually lasting between 4 to 5 hours. During this time, you must explain in detail:
- Why you fear returning to your home country
- Events or persecution you have experienced
- Evidence supporting your claim
- Your travel and immigration history
Even for fluent English speakers, this is a stressful and emotionally taxing interview. For those with limited English, the stress is multiplied by the fear of not being able to accurately express yourself.
Why Accurate Translation Matters
A professional, fluent translator can be the difference between approval and denial of your asylum application. Here’s why:
1. Your Story Must Be Consistent
Asylum officers are trained to detect inconsistencies, even small ones. If something gets lost in translation or miscommunicated due to a language barrier, it may appear as if you are not telling the truth.
2. You Need to Be Understood Clearly
Without accurate language interpretation, critical parts of your claim may be misunderstood or completely omitted. This could affect your credibility and result in termination of benefits or denial of protection.
3. It’s About More Than Just Words
Translation is not just about word-for-word interpretation. It’s also about cultural context, tone, and meaning. A qualified translator fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu understands the nuance of your background and can help convey your story faithfully.
4. You Only Get One First Impression
The asylum interview is often your only chance to explain your case directly to an immigration officer. Miscommunication can’t always be corrected later. A trained translator ensures that nothing is left unsaid or misunderstood.
Trusted, Confidential Translation Services
At Khan Paralegal and Notary, we offer reliable and discreet translation assistance for clients preparing for their asylum interviews. Whether your primary language is Hindi, Punjabi, or Urdu, we can help ensure you go into your interview confident and supported.
Don’t Risk Your Future
Your asylum interview is one of the most important moments in your legal journey. Don’t let language be a barrier to the protection and safety you seek. Hire a professional translator who understands your language, your culture, and the stakes involved.
DISCLAIMER: Khan Paralegal and Notary is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We offer translation and document services to support clients during their immigration process. For legal advice, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.