Immigration Court Interpreter Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Immigration Court Interpreter Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified What is the role of an interpreter in immigration court? To accurately and completely interpret between English and the respondent’s language without omissions or additions What should an interpreter do if they do not understand a word used in the courtroom? Request a clarification from the judge before interpreting What is the appropriate response if the respondent begins asking the interpreter legal questions? Inform the respondent that the interpreter cannot provide legal advice What should an interpreter do when a witness begins speaking before the full question is interpreted? Politely ask the witness to wait for the full interpretation before responding What is the correct way for an interpreter to refer to themselves while interpreting in court? 2 Always speak in the first person to reflect the speaker’s voice What is the proper response if the interpreter hears both parties speaking at the same time? Ask the judge to request one speaker at a time for accurate interpretation What is the interpreter’s duty if a respondent uses culturally specific terms or idioms? Interpret them as faithfully as possible and clarify meaning only when necessary What is the protocol if the interpreter is unsure of a regional dialect spoken by the respondent? Inform the court immediately and request assistance or replacement What should the interpreter do during a confidential attorney-client conversation? Maintain strict confidentiality and interpret only when asked to do so What is the best practice when interpreting for a minor in immigration court? Use age-appropriate language while maintaining accuracy and neutrality What is the interpreter’s responsibility if the respondent is crying or emotionally distressed? 3 Continue interpreting accurately and professionally unless instructed to pause What should the interpreter do if they notice the respondent appears confused by the interpretation? Pause and ask the judge for permission to clarify the interpretation What is the ethical response if the interpreter has previously met the respondent outside of court? Disclose the prior relationship to the court immediately What should an interpreter do if the attorney asks them to explain the legal meaning of a term? Refuse and explain that interpretation does not include legal explanation What is the appropriate course of action if a respondent speaks multiple languages? Ask the court which language the respondent prefers and is most fluent in What must the interpreter do when the court uses legal jargon or Latin phrases? Interpret as accurately as possible and request clarification if unsure 4 What is required of the interpreter before beginning court proceedings? Take an oath to interpret accurately, completely, and impartially What is the best action if the interpreter becomes fatigued during a lengthy hearing? Request a break to maintain the quality and accuracy of interpretation What is expected of an interpreter regarding neutrality in immigration court? Maintain complete impartiality and avoid showing any bias or emotion What should the interpreter do if they disagree with how a lawyer is treating the respondent? Remain silent and continue interpreting without expressing personal opinion What is the proper way to handle a misinterpretation during testimony? Immediately correct the error and notify the judge if necessary What is the interpreter's responsibility when interpreting