What happens if I lie during my asylum interview?
An Asylum interview can be intimidating and nerve wracking but a positive result is worth all the stress and legal preparation.  In preparing for an asylum interview or application, one must not provide fraudulent or false information as the consequences can be extremely serious.  Foreign nationals who seek immigration protection via Asylum in the United States must comply with not only the immigration laws but be truthful throughout the asylum application process. Generally, an asylum application will be denied if you: - knowingly made a frivolous application for your asylum; or - knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact; or - submit false documents. Asylum applicants must understand that if he/she is found to have knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum, the applicant will be permanently ineligible for any benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  Moreover, if Applicant knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit false documents, the asylum application will be denied, and Applicant may be subject to criminal prosecution and removal proceedings.  The US immigration and law enforcement agencies including the USCIS, ICE and the FBI all thoroughly investigate Asylum applicants’ backgrounds for validity.  It is therefore, very important to make sure you remember your facts correctly and always be truthful during your asylum interview and application.