title: “Asylum Interview Packet” area: “Immigration” legacy_source: “legacy_import/immigration/Asylum Interview Packet.md” imported_at: “2026-09-25T02:15:53.377Z” verification_status: “indexed”

title: “Asylum Interview Packet” description: “Complete packet for asylum interview including cover letter, checklist, and preparation guide” tags: [zjk, immigration, asylum, interview, i589, chicago-asylum-office] published: true date: 2025-09-28 last_updated: 2025-09-28 interview_type: “asylum” interview_date: “2025-10-15” interview_time: “8:30 AM” location: “Chicago Asylum Office” priority: “critical”

Asylum Interview Packet

📋 Cover Letter

To: Chicago Asylum Office
From: Zaitullah Jan Khebarkhil
Date: October 15, 2025
Subject: Asylum Interview - I-589 Application (Receipt: MGL2522421624)

Dear Asylum Officer,

I am writing to confirm my attendance at the scheduled asylum interview for my I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. I will be present at the Chicago Asylum Office on October 15, 2025, at 8:30 AM as scheduled.

Case Information:

Form: I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
Receipt Number: MGL2522421624
A-Number: A244-153-0333
Applicant: Zaitullah Jan Khebarkhil
Date of Birth: January 1, 1997
Country of Origin: Afghanistan

I have prepared all required documents, evidence, and supporting materials as outlined in the interview notice. I understand the importance of this interview for my asylum application and will ensure timely attendance with all necessary documentation.

I am prepared to provide truthful and complete testimony regarding my fear of persecution in Afghanistan based on my service with U.S. forces and the ongoing threats I face from the Taliban.

Thank you for your consideration of my asylum application.

Sincerely,
Zaitullah Jan Khebarkhil

📅 Interview Details

Detail	Information
Date	October 15, 2025
Time	8:30 AM
Location	Chicago Asylum Office
Address	181 W. Madison St., Suite 3000, Chicago, IL
Arrival Time	7:45 AM (45 minutes early)
Duration	2-4 hours (typical)
Purpose	Asylum interview for I-589 application

✅ Pre-Interview Checklist

Required Documents

Interview Notice - Original Form I-797C notice (zjk_uscis_notice_2025-09-24_v1_ApptNotice_v01.pdf)
Government-Issued Photo ID - Valid passport or driver’s license
Original Passport - Current passport for identity verification
I-94 Printout - Evidence of lawful entry and status
Parole Document - Original OAW parole document
Birth Certificate - Original birth certificate with translation (if needed)
Prior EAD Cards - All previous employment authorization documents

Asylum Application Package

Form I-589 - Complete copy of asylum application
Personal Declaration - Detailed written declaration of persecution
Timeline - Chronological timeline of events
Supporting Affidavits - Letters from friends, colleagues, and supporters
Country Condition Reports - Current Afghanistan situation reports
COM Approval Letter - Chief of Mission approval for SIV petition
Military Service Records - Documentation of service with U.S. forces
Threat Evidence - Documentation of Taliban threats and targeting

Additional Evidence

Employment Records - Documentation of work history in U.S.
Tax Transcripts - Proof of U.S. presence and income
Bank Statements - Financial documentation
Driver’s License - Proof of U.S. residence
Medical Records - Any relevant medical documentation
Translation Certificates - For any non-English documents

Support Team

Interpreter - Competent interpreter (if needed) - NOT a witness in case
Attorney/Representative - Immigration attorney or accredited representative
Form G-28 - If attorney representation (if applicable)

Personal Items

Notepad & Pen - For taking notes during interview
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated during long interview
Comfortable Clothing - Professional attire for formal interview

🚫 Prohibited Items

DO NOT BRING:

Weapons of any kind
Cameras or recording devices
Electronic devices (phones should be turned off)
Large bags or backpacks
Food or beverages (except water)
Family members or children (unless specifically permitted)
Any items that could be considered security risks

📝 Interview Preparation

Story Review

Declaration Review - Thoroughly review personal declaration
Timeline Memorization - Know key dates and events
Consistency Check - Ensure story is consistent across all documents
Practice Testimony - Practice explaining persecution story clearly
Key Points - Identify main points of persecution claim

Evidence Organization

Document Index - Create index of all evidence
Chronological Order - Organize documents by date
Category Organization - Group by type (identity, persecution, country conditions)
Quick Reference - Easy access to key documents during interview
Backup Copies - Bring copies of all important documents

Language Preparation

Interpreter Arrangement - Confirm interpreter availability
Language Preference - Confirm language for interview
Technical Terms - Review immigration and legal terminology
Practice Questions - Prepare for common interview questions

🎯 Interview Strategy

Key Points to Emphasize

Military Service - Service with U.S. forces in Afghanistan
Threats Received - Specific threats from Taliban
Family Targeting - Threats against family members
Country Conditions - Current dangerous situation in Afghanistan
Well-Founded Fear - Genuine fear of persecution if returned
U.S. Ties - Strong connections to United States

Answer Guidelines

Be Truthful - Always tell the truth, even if it seems unfavorable
Be Specific - Provide specific details and examples
Be Consistent - Maintain consistency with written declaration
Ask for Clarification - If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification
Take Your Time - Don’t rush your answers
Stay Calm - Remain composed even if questions are difficult

Common Questions to Prepare For

Why did you leave Afghanistan?
What specific threats did you receive?
How do you know the threats were from the Taliban?
What happened to your colleagues who served with U.S. forces?
Why can’t you relocate within Afghanistan?
What would happen if you returned to Afghanistan?
How did you enter the United States?
What have you been doing since arriving in the U.S.?

🚨 Important Reminders

Before the Interview

Arrive Early - Plan to arrive 45 minutes before scheduled time
Traffic Planning - Allow extra time for Chicago traffic
Parking - Research parking options near the asylum office
Security Screening - Allow time for security procedures
Documentation - Double-check all required documents

During the Interview

Listen Carefully - Pay attention to all questions
Answer Completely - Provide full answers to questions
Be Respectful - Maintain professional demeanor
Stay Focused - Keep answers relevant to the question
Take Notes - Use notepad to track important points

After the Interview

Document Everything - Record what was discussed
Follow-Up - Note any additional evidence requested
Timeline - Understand next steps and timeline
Contact Information - Get contact information for follow-up questions

📞 Contact Information

Chicago Asylum Office

Address: 181 W. Madison St., Suite 3000, Chicago, IL
Phone: [Check interview notice for specific contact number]
Hours: [Check interview notice for operating hours]

USCIS Customer Service

Phone: 1-800-375-5283
Online: my.uscis.gov

Emergency Contact

Case Manager: Cody J. Rice-Velasquez
Phone: [Contact information on file]

Document Prepared: September 28, 2025
Client: Zaitullah Jan Khebarkhil (ZJK)
Case: I-589 Asylum Application (MGL2522421624)
Interview Date: October 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Location: Chicago Asylum Office
Next Milestone: Await asylum decision