In a credible fear interview, agents who work for the United States government have a conversation with you about your worries about persecution if you return to your home country.
This discussion is vital because you need to be able to prove that you have a fear of persecution to qualify for an asylum claim. If the officers believe you have enough evidence to prove a credible fear of persecution, they may approve your asylum claim. If they think you do not have a credible fear of persecution, they may deny your claim, and you can appeal it.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. provides personalized and targeted legal support to immigrants at all stages of the immigration process in the United States. We appreciate the stress, relief, and confusion that someone might feel as they try to immigrate to the United States. We can help you by clearly explaining the updated regulations for asylum applications and other requests to obtain a visa.
Introduction to the Credible Fear Interview
If people are fleeing persecution and have a credible fear, asylum is one of the ways they can seek to remain in the United States. When someone applies for asylum, they need to prove that they meet the requirements for refugee status. This means they are qualifying immigrants who cannot return to their resident country because they have a credible fear of persecution. Usually, the fear of persecution should be based on one of five categories: religion, race, political affiliation or opinion, nationality, or membership in a social group.
Purpose of the Credible Fear Interview
In the context of a claim for asylum, credible fear of persecution is the underlying basis for the claim. The applicant needs to prove that they have a genuine fear that returning to their country of origin would put them at serious risk of harm due to their political beliefs, race, nationality, religion, or social group membership. The applicant must submit evidence to prove they have a credible fear of persecution. To accomplish this, they might send therapy or medical notes, statements from friends and family, written or photographic evidence of threats, and information about their background.
The United States government also asks asylum applicants to talk to agents in person. In this credible fear interview, the officers may ask questions about the person’s background, such as where they were born, what their life was like in their country of origin, and why they fear persecution. The government’s agents may also ask follow-up questions about the paperwork the person submitted with their application. After the interview, the government reviews the materials submitted in the application process, such as forms, interview notes and recordings, and therapy records, and decides if it believes the person has a credible fear of persecution.
Who Conducts the Interview?
Asylum officers who work for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conduct the credible fear interview. You may have to schedule this interview on your own, or the government may simply tell you the day and time you need to appear. If you need to change your interview date or time, talk to an attorney to find out if and how you can reschedule it.
Common Questions Asked During a Credible Fear Interview
During a credible fear interview, the United States government may ask about your personal history. For example, they may want to know where you were born, your home life, your job or marriage, and where you lived as an adult. Likewise, they may talk to you about the reasons you believe you will be harmed or tortured if you return to your home country or country of origin.
Preparing for the Interview
To prepare for the interview, you should review the paperwork you submitted with your application and talk to a lawyer about what to expect. Review your immigration paperwork and asylum application carefully to make sure you know all the deadlines you need to file and the documents you need to locate and submit.
Before the interview, the United States government may ask you to get a specific physical health screening or immigration psychological evaluation. If that is the case, you may have to see an approved doctor or psychologist with a certification to conduct these evaluations. These professionals may interview you about your background and physical and mental health.
After they complete their assessment, they may prepare and send a report to the United States government to be used in your asylum case. Make sure you schedule this promptly and follow the scheduling rules and deadlines in the paperwork you received from the United States government. If you do not complete these evaluations far enough before your interview, this can delay the processing time for your application.
Mistakes To Avoid During the Credible Fear Interview
One mistake people might make during a credible fear interview is being dishonest about their claim or background to strengthen their application. Or they may exaggerate information to give themselves more credibility. While these attempts may be well-intended, they can end up hurting someone’s case and increasing the chances of a denial.
It is a good idea to consult a lawyer before you attend your credible fear interview. They can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for it. Additionally, the attorney can explain common mistakes that people make and how to avoid them.
Appealing a Negative Credible Fear Determination
If the United States government does not think you have a credible fear of persecution, they may deny your asylum claim. If that happens, you can challenge this denial by filing an appeal with an immigration judge.
Contact an Experienced Asylum Lawyer at Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.
The credible fear interview is an important part of your asylum application. During this stage, the United States government investigates whether you meet the definition of a refugee because you fear persecution if you return to your country.
