Zomi Research Institute

Zomi Research Institute

Zomi Research Institute

📢 Zomi Research Institute Community Alert

USCIS Ends Free Interpreter Services – Effective September 28, 2025

🛑 What’s Changing?
USCIS will no longer provide interpreters for immigration interviews (green cards, asylum, citizenship).
👉 Applicants must bring their own interpreter starting Sept 28, 2025.

📖 Official Source: USCIS Facebook Announcement

✅ Interpreter Rules

Must be fluent in English + your language (Zomi, etc.)

Must be 18 years or older

Cannot be your lawyer, witness, or anyone biased

Must bring a photo ID

Must sign Form G-1256 at the interview with you

📖 Learn more: USCIS Form G-1256

🇺🇸 Citizenship (Naturalization) Exceptions
You may bring an interpreter only if you qualify for English exemptions:

👴 50/20 Rule – Age 50+, 20 years as a permanent resident

👵 55/15 Rule – Age 55+, 15 years as a permanent resident

🎓 65/20 Rule – Age 65+, 20 years as a permanent resident (simplified civics test)

🏥 N-648 Disability Waiver – Medical proof you cannot learn English/civics

📖 Source: USCIS – Naturalization Exceptions

⚠️ Why This Matters for Zomi Families

Zomi interpreters are hard to find outside Tulsa, Indianapolis, Louisville

Interpreters cost $50–$150/hour

Small mistakes in translation can cause delays or denials

📖 Real-Life Scenarios

❌ A Zomi father brings his 17-year-old son → rejected (must be 18+), interview delayed 4 months

❌ A Zomi asylum seeker’s testimony is mistranslated → credibility harmed, case denied

❌ A family in Texas cannot find a Zomi interpreter → reschedules, faces 6-month delay

💡 Zomi Research Institute Recommendations
✔️ Arrange early – Don’t wait until the last week
✔️ Verify interpreter – Must be 18+, fluent, impartial, valid ID
✔️ Bring Form G-1256 – Sign it at the interview, not before
✔️ Ask for help – Churches, nonprofits, refugee groups may assist
✔️ Reschedule if needed – Better to delay than risk denial

📌 Bottom Line:
From Sept 28, 2025, YOU must bring your own interpreter for USCIS interviews.
Plan ahead. Protect your case. Ask your community for support.

👉 Follow Zomi Research Institute for more updates.
🌐 Website: www.zomiresearch.org

✉️ Email: [email protected]

ZRI ensures that Zomi children learn from their own heritage, not foreign misrepresentations.

Research protects us from manipulation by giving us facts.

We welcome, & , &
• Linguists & Educators
• Community Leaders & Cultural Advocates
• Students & Emerging 🤝

To study history is to reclaim the authorship of our own timeline.
Each archive we create is a wall against historical erasure.

Zomi Research Institute

Zomi Research Institute Cultural Preservation.

The Zomi Research Institute (ZRI) is now calling passionate individuals to help our and our .
Zomi Research Institute