Which statement best describes the use of interviews and references in adjudications?

• A. They are used only for high-risk cases
• B. They are not used in the adjudication
• C. They are used to corroborate information and assess reliability
• D. They must be conducted by a representative from a foreign embassy

Answer: (C)

Interviews and references in adjudications are about verifying what people say and judging how trustworthy those statements are. By talking directly with individuals involved, adjudicators can confirm details, clarify ambiguities, and spot inconsistencies in accounts. References from former employers, colleagues, or other credible sources provide independent confirmation of a person’s background and behavior. Put together, these tools help create a more complete and reliable picture than any single account could offer.

They aren’t limited to high-risk cases; interviews and references are common across many adjudication contexts to check facts and credibility. They aren’t restricted to foreign embassy personnel either; typically qualified adjudicators or authorized staff conduct interviews and gather reference information.