Keywords: Spanish Interpreter for Immigration Interviews, USCIS I-589, Immigration Spanish Interpreter
Service Area: San Jose, San Francisco, and immigration offices across the Bay Area
Applying for Asylum? Here’s How a Spanish Interpreter Can Support You During Your USCIS I-589 Interview
Filing for asylum is a deeply personal and life-changing process. If you’re submitting Form I-589 with the USCIS and you speak Spanish as your primary language, it’s important to have an experienced interpreter by your side during the interview.
At Toscano Interpretations, we help people across the Bay Area communicate clearly and calmly during USCIS asylum interviews. Whether your appointment is in San Jose, San Francisco, or another immigration office, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Form I-589 and Why It Matters
Form I-589 is the application for asylum in the United States. Once filed, USCIS will schedule an interview where you’ll be expected to talk about why you fear returning to your country. These questions can be hard. They may bring up past trauma, and they must be answered clearly.
If English is not your first language, having a Spanish interpreter is more than helpful—it’s critical. USCIS requires that your interpreter speaks English and Spanish fluently and is not your lawyer or a close family member.
What to Expect at Your USCIS I-589 Interview
At the asylum office—whether in San Francisco, San Jose, or another part of the Bay Area—you’ll meet with an asylum officer. The officer’s role is to understand your situation and determine if you meet the qualifications for asylum.
Expect questions like:
- Why did you leave your country?
- Were you harmed or threatened?
- Are you afraid to go back? Why?
Your Spanish interpreter will translate each question and your answers exactly as they are. You’ll speak directly to the officer, and the interpreter will make sure everything is clear on both sides. Nothing is added, and nothing is taken away.
Real Story: From Oakland to the Asylum Office
Jorge, a client from Oakland, had filed his I-589 after facing threats in his home country. He was nervous, unsure of what to expect, and didn’t want anything to get lost in translation. We provided a professional Spanish interpreter who met him at his interview in San Francisco.
“I felt safe explaining everything,” Jorge told us afterward. “The interpreter stayed calm, and that helped me stay focused. I knew I was being understood.”
Jorge’s case is still pending, but his interview was a success—thanks in part to accurate language support.
Tips for Applicants Working With a Spanish Interpreter
1. Tell the truth, even when it’s difficult.
Your story matters. Share it clearly, even if some parts are hard to talk about.
2. Keep answers direct.
Short answers help the interpreter stay clear and avoid confusion.
3. Don’t interrupt.
Let the interpreter finish translating before speaking again. This helps the officer keep track of the conversation.
4. Bring identification and documents.
Show up early and prepared. It helps everyone stay focused on your story.
Serving the Entire Bay Area
Toscano Interpretations is proud to support individuals during USCIS interviews throughout San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and nearby cities. We understand the weight of these interviews and provide trained Spanish interpreters who handle each session with care and clarity.