Interpreting in Immigration Court
Voices of Resistance in Difficult Times
In 2025, interpreting in immigration court is no longer just a technical or linguistic task, it is an act of presence, of humanity, and, in many ways, a form of silent resistance. Under a new federal administration that has implemented harsher immigration policies, legal proceedings have become faster, stricter, and less forgiving. In this climate, the interpreter’s role is more difficult, and more essential than ever.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Interpreting in immigration court means standing at the heart of human drama. We are not attorneys, prosecutors, or judges. We are the voice through which immigrants, many of them vulnerable, traumatized, or afraid — are heard.
The testimonies we interpret are raw: persecution, violence, abuse, fear of returning. All of it must be rendered accurately, without omissions, without softening, without adding. The interpreter is the invisible witness to each person’s story required to be neutral, yet unavoidably human.
Invisible Risks, Immense Responsibility
The conditions under which we work under don’t always allow us to perform our profession with excellence:
- Lack of prior preparation
- Fast-tracked hearings
- Poor remote interpreting systems
- No access to case files
- Stagnant wages and lack of benefits
And still, we show up. Because we know that often, we are the only ones in the room who truly understand what that person is saying — what they are feeling, what they are losing.
How to Interpret Ethically in This Environment
- Continuous preparation.
Stay updated on legal changes, technical vocabulary, and the socio-political context. - Emotional self-care.
Talk to colleagues, seek professional support, and honor your personal limits. - Professional advocacy.
Join professional associations, demand fair working conditions, and document violations. - Empathy with boundaries.
Humanize the experience without becoming an advocate inside the courtroom. - Make our work visible.
Speak up, write, educate: become a voice outside the courtroom for what remains invisible inside.
A Quiet Form of Resistance
Interpreting in immigration court in 2025 is more than a job. It is a commitment to ensure that every person can exercise has their right to be heard. It is a safeguard against unjust decisions made through language barriers. It is a daily act of resistance in a system that too often dehumanizes those who seek safety and dignity.
Every word we convey is a spark of humanity in a process that has become colder and more mechanical. This is why we keep going. Because as long as someone is afraid, hopeful, or has a story to tell, our presence will remain essential.
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By Maria Belen Miller
Registered Court Interpreter and Certified Medical Interpreter with over 14 years of experience in legal, immigration, and medical interpretation. Advocate for improved working conditions and equal access to justice for immigrant communities.