---
title: "Stop before certifying a translation"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/immigration-and-migration-law/translate-client-documents-with-ai-and-certify/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A30-B6-5-US"
practice_area: "Immigration & Migration Law"
tier: "red"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Stop before certifying a translation

> Produce no certificate and no statement that a translation is complete or accurate. If an internal working text already exists, label it not for filing.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/immigration-and-migration-law/translate-client-documents-with-ai-and-certify/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Immigration & Migration Law](https://ailawframework.com/practice/immigration-and-migration-law.md) |
| Human involvement | Red: Lawyer writes; AI may check, clarify or collect data |
| How AI is used | Produce no certificate and no statement that a translation is complete or accurate. If an internal working text already exists, label it not for filing. |
| What the lawyer must review | The policy-manual chapter opened says each foreign birth certificate submitted to establish country of citizenship for visa chargeability, identity, and derivative relationships must include a certified English translation. The tool does not make that certification and does not sign a translator statement. Model Rule 1.6 applies to the identity document. The lawyer decides who may certify a translation that will be filed. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Translate client documents with AI and certify](https://ailawframework.com/practice/immigration-and-migration-law/translate-client-documents-with-ai-and-certify.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Produce no certificate and no statement that a translation is complete or accurate. If an internal working text already exists, label it not for filing.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- An internal text is not a certified translation.
- The birth-certificate sentence is not restated as a rule for every document.

## Sources

- [USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 4](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-a-chapter-4) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.6, Confidentiality of Information](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_6_confidentiality_of_information/) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (29 July 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*