Every year, people flee to the U.S. for fear of persecution, same as you. If you wish to stay in the U.S., you have to apply for asylum, but you may remain permanently when granted. If you have an upcoming asylum interview, you likely have a lot of anxiety and stress.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, your interview will take at least an hour, depending on your specific circumstance. Officials conduct each interview similarly, so there are ways for you to prepare.
Gather the appropriate documents
On the day of your interview, you will need a form of identification. Passports, travel identification, Form-194, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documents may constitute identification.
You should also have a copy of Form I-589 and any documents submitted to the asylum office. If you need an interpreter, you should bring one and any family members included in your application. If you have any documents not in English, you need to bring a certified translation.
Prepare your answers
While you do not need to have a script, you should prepare what you want to say during your interview. The asylum officer knows that your story may be traumatic or difficult to talk about. Keep in mind that everything you share remains confidential.
The officer will ask biographical questions and ask the reason why you need to seek asylum. He or she will also ask if there are reasons you may not be eligible for asylum.
After the interview, you will have an opportunity to make a statement or add more information to your interview.