For Businesses and Individuals
PIL provides TRANSLATION, INTERPRETING, and other linguistic services for businesses and individuals. PIL works with professionals who are native speakers and possess the highest level of fluency and competence.
Services for INDIVIDUALS include but not limited to: interpretation of legal and business meetings including USCIS interviews; medical visits; document translation, etc.
Services for BUSINESSES include but not limited to: interpretation of legal and business meetings; preparation for depositions; document translation, etc..
An interpreter is crucial for people with limited English Proficiency (LEP) in U.S. Immigration Court, Traffic Court, Family Court, or Criminal Court. A professional interpreter ensures a smooth communication between an individual and officials.
The United States government requires interpreters to be fluent in English and the language they are to interpret, at least 18 years old, and able to interpret impartially.
INTERPRETER FOR IMMIGRATION CASES
Having an interpreter is as crucial as having an attorney as they both can make a world of difference in your immigration case. Under U.S. immigration law, an applicant must provide an interpreter and, if necessary, pay for their services. PIL can help with interpreting services for any type of legal proceedings, including immigration USCIS interview, and document translation services to prepare for such proceedings.
In general, a disinterested party should be used as the interpreter. A USCIS officer may allow a friend or relative of the applicant to act as interpreter. However, USCIS reserves the right to disqualify an interpreter provided by the applicant if the officer believes the integrity of the examination is compromised by the interpreter’s participation or the officer determines the interpreter is not competent to translate.
Therefore, if you do not want to risk having your interpreter rejected by a USCIS officer, it is best to bring a professional who meets all the requirements.
If you have questions about having an interpreter with you for your immigration case but do not have an immigration attorney, feel free to ask a professional and experienced immigration attorney from Cabotimmigration.com
If an applicant uses an interpreter for the USCIS adjustment interview, interpreter should:
Present a valid government-issued identity document and complete an interpreter’s oath and privacy release statement;
Translate what the officer and the applicant say word-for-word to the best of his or her ability without adding the interpreter’s own opinion, commentary, or answer;
Stay impartial.
Interpreter can be provided at no cost for:
Immigration court proceedings (hearings, trials, and motions where the non-English speaker is present);
Protection screenings in asylum cases (credible fear interviews, safe third country interviews, and reasonable fear interviews);
Unaccompanied minors in asylum cases (all interviews that take place must have an interpreter).
The following persons CANNOT act as an official interpreter in immigration court:
Lawyers or representatives of the applicant in asylum cases;
In asylum cases, representatives or employees of the country of origin of the applicant, and people with a pending immigration application;
Witnesses in the applicant’s case.
PREPARE FOR DEPOSITION WITH AN INTERPRETER
Prior to the hearing, parties to the litigation engage in discovery, which may include obtaining the sworn testimony of the opposing party, a witness, or an expert intended to be called at the hearing by the opposition. The taking of such testimony is called a deposition.
Depositions are used to prepare for the hearing or may be used at the hearing either to contradict (impeach) or refresh the memory of the witness. Depositions are also sometimes used to preserve and introduce the testimony of witness who will not be available at the hearing.
Meet with the interpreter to provide background on the case and a list of key legal terms. Set clear expectations, emphasizing that they must remain neutral and accurate, without summarizing or paraphrasing.
Send the interpreter any relevant case documents, such as pleadings, deposition outlines, or transcripts, at least a week in advance to help them understand the context and terminology.
Anticipate that the deposition will take longer than a standard one. The process of asking, waiting for translation, and receiving an answer can easily double the time.
Ensure you have hired a qualified and certified court interpreter, and confirm that they are fluent in the specific dialect the deponent speaks.
Maintain professional and clear communication: Speak directly to the deponent and avoid using slang, idioms, or fast-paced speech.
Remind the interpreter and other participants to speak in the first person, and make sure the interpreter does not add personal commentary or opinions.
If the deposition is remote, test the audio and video equipment in advance to ensure clear communication.
Be patient and let the interpreter do their job. Avoid interrupting the interpreter or deponent.