Adjustment of status for my MIL

[ROC-AL 87]

Hi:

 

Hope this is the right forum for the question. My MIL has her interview soon for adjustment of status. She came under U4U, if that matters. She does not speak English. We are taking someone that is not a certified translator, but has done this at our local USCIS field office (Montgomery, AL).  From what I understand, the lawyer explained to us that usually they do not allow the petitioner (my wife) to go and be present at the interview. 

 

Question:  What are the rules for interpreters? The notice says they have to be proficient in English and Russian (our case) and certify that the translation is complete and accurate. Do they have to have some sort of certification? Credentials? or else? Has someone had experience doing this. This is someone my wife befriended in a charity event for Ukrainian bake Sale. I am not doubting she has helped others, just don't want to take my chances and my MIL will be there w/o proper translator or help. Other than not speaking English, she is elderly 74yo and has doesn't have a clue the importance of this interview. There are no available local translators in the area, that I could find either. Interview is in 3.5 weeks.

 

Thanks for any suggestions and comments.

[OldUser 4,952]

15 minutes ago, ROC-AL said:

Other than not speaking English, she is elderly 74yo and has doesn't have a clue the importance of this interview.

That's the most concerning part to me.

I think it's your and your wife's responsibility to explain how important this interview is and maybe even perform some mock interview with MIL to ensure she answers questions properly even in Russian language.

 

Explain MIL the importance of giving short, truthful and to the point answers.

 

Go through I-485 questions too to ensure she answers Yes/No correctly for every question.

 

 

Edited October 3, 2023 by OldUser

[Boiler 43,596]

12 minutes ago, OldUser said:

That's the most concerning part to me.

I think it's your and your wife's responsibility to explain how important this interview is and maybe even perform some mock interview with MIL to ensure she answers questions properly even in Russian language.

 

Explain MIL the importance of giving short, truthful and to the point answers.

 

Go through I-485 questions too to ensure she answers Yes/No correctly for every question.

I agree that struck me as the issue

[ROC-AL 87]

Thank you, I will discuss the issue with my wife and see that MIL knows how to properly answer and be short and accurate. At this point she is really clueless about the home address and such. Another thing to have to prep her on. 

 

Can our lawyer answer questions for her as a translator or is that forbidden? 

[OldUser 4,952]

11 minutes ago, ROC-AL said:

Can our lawyer answer questions for her as a translator or is that forbidden? 

No, your MIL being interviewed, not her lawyer. In my experience, lawyers do not say much unless it is related to their client's rights being violated. Or to give legal clarification on something.

 

Your MIL should absolutely know the address etc.

 

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

 

Immigration Officer may be kind enough to accomodate due to her age (no guarantees), but she must know the basics, cannot walk in there clueless.

Edited October 3, 2023 by OldUser