Interviewing Refugee Children: Theory, Policy, and Practice with Traumatized Asylum Seekers

Abstract

For detained children seeking asylum, the Credible Fear Interview (CFI) is highly consequential: those who do not pass are deported to countries in which they fear persecution or torture. We consider whether policies and practices during child CFIs ensure that complete information is elicited in the first instance. We uncover infirmities that prevent some child asylum seekers from fully exercising their rights. Accordingly, we propose reforms across all branches of government to protect minors in CFIs, including updated and better-enforced agency guidelines for child interviews, an end to child detention, habeas review, and appointment of counsel.