Inside the Asylum Interview: Questions Faced by a Political Activist

Posted on July 19, 2025
By Sharifa Kalokola

Seeking asylum in the United States is not just a legal process—it’s a deeply personal journey. For many, including activists escaping political persecution, the asylum interview can feel like a test of their trauma, memory, and truth.

On July 7, 2025, an activist seeking refuge in the U.S. faced a detailed and intense round of questioning from an asylum officer. The questions covered everything from personal fears and government threats to the technicalities of immigration paperwork. For those preparing for their own interviews, this blog post provides insight into the kinds of questions you may be asked—and how deeply the officers may probe.

I. Paperwork and Legal Forms

Understanding your application is crucial. Officers want to know you’re the author of your story—not someone else’s.

Did anyone help you with Form I-589? How did they help?
Can you repeat everything on page one of I-589 without looking?
Did anyone help you write the personal statement attached to your I-589? How?
What is Form DS-160? How many times did you fill it out?
Did someone assist you with DS-160? How?
Is the information on your DS-160 accurate?
That form asks if you were ever arrested—did you lie?
The form also asks about your travel duration—did you say two weeks? Why?
Did you attend a face-to-face interview at the U.S. Embassy? Did you lie during that?

II. Immigration History and Legal Status

Officers assess credibility and patterns in your international movements.

What is your current immigration status in the U.S.?
For each country you visited before arriving in the U.S., what was your status there?
Why didn’t you seek asylum in those countries?

III. Threats, Persecution, and Personal Harm

This is the heart of your asylum claim—proving real danger. Be ready to describe in detail.

Were you threatened in your home country?
What does the word “threat” mean to you?
Were you ever given a direct personal threat like “Maybe tomorrow I will kill you”? If so:
- Threat #1: When, where, what city? What did the person say exactly?
- Threat #2: Same details—what were the exact words? What language was used? Where were you?
Do you still recall those threats? Do you think about them now? Flashbacks?
Why did the person threaten you? Was it because of:
- Race or ethnic group?
- Religion?
- Political opinion?
- Particular social group (such as family)?
Do you believe the officer knew your identity or beliefs? How?

IV. Political Activity and Activism

If your claim is tied to political opinion or activism, expect detailed questioning.

How many protests did you attend in your country in 2021? And in 2022?
Why did you stop protesting?
Why did you believe the person who threatened you was in the military?
Was the threat direct or indirect?
In January 2024 in Mandalay, someone said, “I will throw you into prison”—do you still think about that?

V. Family, Identity, and Social Group

Your connections can be both your strength and vulnerability in your claim.

You say the government targets you because you’re a minority—why isn’t your mother harmed if she’s also a minority and lives in Burma?
Is “family” considered a particular social group in asylum law?
If the government is after your brother, and they can’t find him—are you also in danger?
Are you suffering harm because you are your brother’s sibling?

VI. Asylum Law Basics

The officer may check your understanding of asylum criteria.

What are the four main grounds for asylum?
You were targeted personally—what specific basis do you have for that belief?

Conclusion: Be Ready, Be Honest, Be Yourself

The asylum interview is one of the most important steps in seeking protection in the United States. It’s not just about paperwork; it’s about your story, your memory, and your truth. Officers want consistency, honesty, and clarity. Preparing yourself emotionally and factually can help you navigate this daunting experience.

Tips:

Practice recounting your story—dates, places, words used.
Understand your forms (I-589, DS-160) thoroughly.
Anticipate probing questions about your political beliefs, family, and threats.
Always answer truthfully, even if you made mistakes in past applications—credibility matters most.

African Immigrant Rights Council