Adjustment of status interview translator

[barashka 97]

Hello folks. I am my wife's interpreter. Her English has drastically improved and she understands SO much compared to when she first arrived. However, her comfort level with actually speaking English is not as high as her ability to understand. I am bilingual myself thanks to my parents teaching me my ethnic language (Russian). Can I translate for her or does she need a non-related interpreter to translate her responses during her adjustment of status interview? I believe she will be able to understand most of the interviewer's questions but I don't know how well she can actually respond to them. Please let me know what you guys know. Any advice, suggestions and/or comments will be greatly appreciated.

[p-ana 933]

Not advisable to be the interpreter at the interview.

hire someone.

[geowrian 22,335]

This question appears fairly often.

Basically, to be an interpreter for the AOS interview, one needs to be a neutral party. The IO can reject anybody they believe has a stake in the result of the interview/adjudication. As both their spouse and petitioner, you are not explicitly prohibited, but it's not a logical conclusion that you would meet that bar. You have a large stake in the result.

If they really need an interpreter, find a truly neutral party.

Reference: https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/AFM/HTML/AFM/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-2449/0-0-0-2798.html

"3. Impartial and Unbiased Individual

The interpreter must be impartial and able to interpret without bias. An impartial and unbiased individual is one who does not have a predisposition or preconceived opinion about a matter. A predisposition or preconceived opinion may prevent the individual from interpreting information accurately, literally and fully or making a reliable interpreter declaration."

 

As to whether they need an interpreter or not, usually the case is "no". There are cases where people have tripped up and misunderstood a question being asked, but most immigrants with ESL experience go through the interview fine.

[barashka 97]

Great! Thanks for the quick and simple responses. I will get a neutral interpreter so my wife's answers can be translated. I just don't foresee her being able to answer questions comfortably in English (even though I am sure she will understand them just fine). She understands English much better than she speaks it.

[barashka 97]

By the way, where would one obtain an interpreter? How does one go about that? Since I can't be the interpreter, I'll need one now (because of the USCIS requiring an impartial and unbiased individual).

[p-ana 933]

3 hours ago, barashka said:

By the way, where would one obtain an interpreter? How does one go about that? Since I can't be the interpreter, I'll need one now (because of the USCIS requiring an impartial and unbiased individual).

Google?

[barashka 97]

2 minutes ago, p-ana said:

Google?

Okay.

[barashka 97]

On ‎7‎/‎1‎/‎2019 at 2:40 PM, geowrian said:

This question appears fairly often.

Basically, to be an interpreter for the AOS interview, one needs to be a neutral party. The IO can reject anybody they believe has a stake in the result of the interview/adjudication. As both their spouse and petitioner, you are not explicitly prohibited, but it's not a logical conclusion that you would meet that bar. You have a large stake in the result.

If they really need an interpreter, find a truly neutral party.

Reference: https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/AFM/HTML/AFM/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-2449/0-0-0-2798.html

"3. Impartial and Unbiased Individual

The interpreter must be impartial and able to interpret without bias. An impartial and unbiased individual is one who does not have a predisposition or preconceived opinion about a matter. A predisposition or preconceived opinion may prevent the individual from interpreting information accurately, literally and fully or making a reliable interpreter declaration."

 

As to whether they need an interpreter or not, usually the case is "no". There are cases where people have tripped up and misunderstood a question being asked, but most immigrants with ESL experience go through the interview fine.

Thank you for the informative response. I appreciate your help.

[HRQX 4,145]

On 7/2/2019 at 8:46 AM, barashka said:

By the way, where would one obtain an interpreter? How does one go about that? Since I can't be the interpreter, I'll need one now (because of the USCIS requiring an impartial and unbiased individual).

https://www.daytranslations.com/services/immigration/immigration-interview

[barashka 97]

30 minutes ago, HRQX said:

https://www.daytranslations.com/services/immigration/immigration-interview

Thank you! They seem to be a great option. I appreciate your help.

[Marieke H 2,301]

If she understands English pretty well, I doubt she will really need an interpreter. Most of my interview was just about the forms and making sure everything was correct. I didn't need to say much more than "good morning", "yes", "no", "correct", "thank you".

[barashka 97]

4 minutes ago, MariekeH said:

If she understands English pretty well, I doubt she will really need an interpreter. Most of my interview was just about the forms and making sure everything was correct. I didn't need to say much more than "good morning", "yes", "no", "correct", "thank you".

Really? Interesting. Yes, she understands pretty well. I would say she understands at a moderate level. I believe in my wife and her ability to actually understand the interviewer's questions. She has improved so much since her arrival. She can't speak or respond well, though. Thanks for your input!

[midwinterrose 263]

2 hours ago, barashka said:

Really? Interesting. Yes, she understands pretty well. I would say she understands at a moderate level. I believe in my wife and her ability to actually understand the interviewer's questions. She has improved so much since her arrival. She can't speak or respond well, though. Thanks for your input!

I would not take any chances with whether or not she will be able to understand/respond.  Our interpreter cost $120, and it was worth the money to remove all doubt and danger of miscommunication.  Honestly, I could have done a better job of interpreting than she did, but I'm not a neutral party, so what can you do?  I mean, it's not cheap, but it's the LAST STEP in your immigration saga, why risk it?

[Marieke H 2,301]

2 hours ago, barashka said:

Really? Interesting. Yes, she understands pretty well. I would say she understands at a moderate level. I believe in my wife and her ability to actually understand the interviewer's questions. She has improved so much since her arrival. She can't speak or respond well, though. Thanks for your input!

If she feels more confident with an interpreter and you can afford, go for it. But my interview was very simple, and I really did not have to do much talking. It was much easier than my K1 interview.

Plus, the AOS interview will usually be with both of you. While you can't interpret for her, you will be able to help. I was so nervous that I couldn't remember our wedding date when the officer asked me. My husband answered for me, and we all just laughed about it. 

You can help her prepare by going over the forms with her and talking about the questions. 

 

[alun 73]

You can take a family member or a friend fluent in both languages . I had my mother in law translate for me ; nobody said she can ' t translate because she  might be biased.