Many immigrants who would like to apply for a green card may not be able to speak or read the English language well. A preparer, a translator, and an interpreter are three people who may aid an immigrant and their attorney during the application process and legal proceedings.

Filling Out Paperwork

If an immigrant is going to be applying for a green card and has already secured an immigration attorney in the United States, they may not be able to fill out the application without the assistance of a preparer. A preparer is a representative who will aid with translating what is written on the document and interpreting wording that is stated aloud by the attorney who will be representing the immigrant.

A person who prepares the paperwork for an applicant must furnish their contact information. They must give the application that was prepared to the immigration attorney who is representing the client. They must also furnish a copy of the original application document that an applicant filled out in their native language.

Attending Legal Proceedings

Legal proceedings may require both interpretations and translations. Interpretations pertain to any statements that are said aloud. For instance, during a green card interview that an applicant must attend, an interpreter may aid a client with understanding what questions have been asked of them. They will also convey the statements that an applicant says to the interviewer.

The job of an interpreter can be very helpful to both an applicant and their immigration attorney. Before an applicant is granted permission to receive their green card and reside in the United States, they may need to sign documents. Any legal documents that are going to be signed may need to be translated for the applicant. An immigration attorney who is representing an applicant may require an interpreter and a translator to each sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Court matters are private and any information that is discussed should only be shared with the attorney, the client, and any legal figure who is involved in an immigration case. Because a language barrier can make it difficult for an attorney and a client to converse with one another, there may be multiple occasions in which an interpreter or a translator will be needed to assist. If a client will be paying out-of-pocket costs for the services they need, their attorney may bill them for the interpretations and translations that are furnished.

Speak to a naturalization lawyer to learn more.