The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the extension to the temporary final rule that requires the use of a USCIS interpreter at asylum interviews through March 16, 2022.
The extension also includes a modification to the temporary final rule (TFR). In limited circumstances, if a USCIS interpreter is not available, USCIS will either reschedule the interview or, at their discretion, allow the applicant to provide an interpreter. USCIS contract interpreters are available in 47 languages, listed on the TFR webpage.
Erickson Insights
The extension of the temporary final rule is an effort to keep the USCIS workforce and applicants safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining operations and providing access to the asylum process.