My Asylum Interview, What will happen?

The interview will generally last at least an hour, althoughthe time may vary depending on the case. You will beasked to take an oath promising to tell the truth duringthe interview. The Asylum Officer will verify your identity and ask you basic biographical questions.The Asylum Officer will ask you about the reasons youare applying for asylum. The Asylum Officer will knowthat it may be difficult for you to talk about traumaticand painful experiences that caused you to leave your country. However, it is very important that you tell the Asylum Officer your experiences so that the Asylum Officer can determine whether you qualify as a refugee. The Asylum Officer will also ask you questions to determine if any bars apply to being granted asylum. See How Does the Asylum Officer or Immigration Judge Determine If I Am Eligible for Asylum? Everything you say to the Asylum Officer will be confidential. You and your attorney or representative, if any, will have time at the end of the interview to make a statement or add any additional information. A decision will not be made at the asylum interview. See 8 CFR § 208.9