Starting September 28, 2025, the United States (US) Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer provide interpreters for field office appointments such as interviews or hearings, placing the responsibility on applicants to bring their own. The agency announced on Facebook that individuals requiring language support must now arrange for a professional interpreter themselves or bring a trusted adult (over the age of 18) companion to act as an interpreter.
Until now, USCIS has made interpreters available in certain cases to assist applicants who were not fluent in English. With this new policy, friends or family members may serve in this role, provided they are adults. Professional interpreters remain an option for those seeking specialized assistance. More details are outlined in the Form G-1256 instructions, which govern how interpretations during USCIS interviews must be documented.
Why It Matters
The shift comes amid growing debates about accessibility and fairness in the US immigration system. While USCIS frames the move as an efficiency measure, immigrant advocacy groups warn that it could place additional burdens on applicants, particularly those with limited resources or those navigating rare languages with few interpreters available.
Language access remains a critical issue for many immigrants. According to the Migration Policy Institute, nearly half of US immigrants report limited English proficiency. Without accessible interpretation, applicants risk miscommunication during crucial appointments that determine legal status, work authorization, or permanent residency.
Impact on the Language Services Industry
For the translation and interpreting industry, the policy may open new demand for certified professionals specializing in immigration contexts. Agencies offering community interpreting services could see increased requests, especially in languages less commonly spoken in the US.
However, the option to rely on friends or relatives may limit the uptake of professional interpreters. This dual pathway could deepen inequalities: applicants with resources may opt for trained specialists, while others depend on informal support that might not guarantee accuracy.
As September 28 approaches, immigrant communities, nonprofits, and legal advocates are preparing to guide applicants through the transition. Industry stakeholders are also watching closely, as USCIS’s decision could influence demand patterns in language access services nationwide.
