US Embassy Visa Officers and Previous Asylum Cases

Understanding the Role of US Embassy Visa Officers in Previous Asylum Cases

When seeking a visa from a US embassy, one concern often arises: "Do the visa officers already know about my previous asylum case through USCIS information?" This article explores the reality of this concern and the procedures involved in interviewing someone who has previously had an asylum case in the US. Specific scenarios and insights are provided to help clarify this issue.

Why the Concern Arises

Some individuals are skeptical when they encounter visa officers who seem familiar or knowledgeable about their previous asylum case. They may feel that their application is doomed. However, this perception is often exaggerated.

Initial Assumption

The common misconception is that the visa officer knows everything about the case without checking details. In reality, this is very unlikely. The officer may have seen a summary or a brief report but not all the minute details. Interactive dialogue and more questions are usually part of the process.

Mark Supun highlights this with a common sentiment: "Supun, we dont even need to check the details to know this is you. The application matters a bit. The refusal matters much much more." This implies that while the officer might have a general idea, the specific details will be verified during the interview.

The Interview Process as an Honesty Test

The visa interview serves not only as a verification process but also as an honesty test. When the officer brings up the previous asylum case, it is a way to see if the applicant is truthful and consistent with their story. As Supun states, "Do you plan on telling a lit and worry that you will be caught? Why don’t you give it a try and see what happens?"

The key point here is that the officer already knows the answer to most questions about the asylum case. They are merely confirming the applicant's honesty and verifying the information provided.

Implications of Lying or Misrepresentation

Lying about a past asylum case during a visa interview can lead to severe consequences. According to Supun, if the applicant is caught lying, it can result in a flat refusal and even a bar on future visa applications due to misrepresentation. The 5 Eyes alliance countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have shared information, making it increasingly difficult to hide previous cases from the interviewers.

Mark Supun points out, "Yes of course they do. And they share that information with the 5 Eyes alliance countries as well - Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom. When they ask you questions about it, it's an honesty test. They already know the answer, they’re testing you to see if you’re going to lie about it. If you do, it’s an automatic denial, potentially a bar for misrepresentation."

Conclusion

While it can be unsettling to suspect that the visa officer already knows about your previous asylum case, it is important to remember that the interview is a critical part of the application process. It serves as a means of verifying the information provided and testing the applicant's integrity. Misrepresentation can result in severe repercussions, so it is crucial to be honest throughout the process.