USCIS Extends Rule Providing Interpreters at Affirmative Asylum Interviews until September 12

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a fourth extension to a temporary final rule (TFR) that requires certain affirmative asylum interviewees to use a USCIS interpreter. The extension of the rule will continue until September 12, 2023. After this date, asylum applicants who cannot proceed with the interview in English must bring their own interpreter.

The TFR was initially introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic to control the spread of the virus. The federal declaration of a public health emergency for COVID-19 is expected to expire in May 2023. Extending the TFR until after that declaration expires will provide public notice that the TFR is expiring and ensure an orderly and efficient return to prior practice.

USCIS’ contract telephonic interpreters are available in 47 languages, including Nepali, and there is no fee to use them. Applicants who do not speak English or any of the 47 languages listed must bring their own interpreter to the affirmative asylum interview. The extension also retains a previous modification, allowing USCIS to reschedule the interview or allow the applicant to provide their own interpreter in limited circumstances where a USCIS interpreter is unavailable.

The extension of the TFR will help ensure that asylum applicants who require an interpreter can receive the necessary assistance during the interview process. The USCIS is committed to providing a fair and efficient asylum application process for all applicants.