From the front desk of Thone Dari Maung, Assistant Director
May 8, 2026

Preparing for an asylum interview can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially for people who
have experienced trauma or fear in their home country. One helpful way to prepare is by reviewing
real questions that asylum officers have asked other applicants. This can help people understand what
kinds of details officers may focus on during the interview.

Many asylum interviews include very specific questions about past harm, threats, arrests, or political
activity. Officers may ask questions like:

● When was the first time you were harmed?
● What did the person who attacked you look like?
● What language did they speak?
● Did they know your religion, ethnicity, or political opinion?
● What happened during your arrest?
● Why do you believe you were targeted?

The goal of these questions is often to understand whether the applicant’s story is detailed, consistent,
and believable. Because of this, applicants should try to remember important details and be prepared
to explain not only what happened, but also why they believe it happened.

Practicing answers ahead of time can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to speak clearly during
the interview. It is also important to answer honestly and not guess if you do not remember something
exactly.

Moral of the Story

Asylum interviews are often very detailed, so preparation matters. Reviewing possible questions and
thinking carefully about your experiences ahead of time can help you feel more confident and
organized during the interview process.