What to do if your green card interview went wrong

If you have carefully prepared your paperwork and have nothing to hide, your immigration interview should go smoothly. However, difficulties can arise, and the outcome of your immigration application largely depends on how you react to them. The publication told about the correct reaction to an interview not going according to plan. Alllaw.

The last step in getting green cards in the United States (change of visa status) - passing an interview with an official of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants applying for a green card abroad are interviewed at the US embassy or consulate.

It is possible that you will not have any personal contact with any USCIS employee prior to the date of your interview. The US government views the interview as a test of the truthfulness of the content of your application, even though there is a clause in the form you submitted that you are required to provide only truthful information. And you confirm this by putting your signature in the right place.

The interview also allows the government to ask additional questions. For example, in the case of obtaining a green card based on marriage, personal questions are asked. So the government can check if your marriage is real or fictitious.

If you have carefully prepared the documents and you have nothing to hide, your interview should go smoothly. However, the tone and course of the interview will largely depend on the personality or mood of the USCIS employee. Some interviews go badly because the USCIS officer is impatient, rude, or even aggressive. Here's what to do if this happens to you:

Don't get angry and don't worry

Try to remember that USCIS officers are people too. They have seen many scammers claiming green cards. Remember, too, that they have a lot of power over your cause. Remain respectful and answer honestly, confess frankly if you don’t know or remember something. Never guess or lie, try to speak in an even tone.

Try to find out the name of the USCIS officer

Officers do not always introduce themselves before interviews, but the name may be listed on a plaque on their desk. It is best to politely ask the name at the beginning of the interview (and not when things are already going badly, when the officer may already be trying to defend himself), and immediately write down his name somewhere.

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This tidbit of information may become important later on. For example, if you need to file a complaint, discuss an issue with that officer's supervisor, or consult a lawyer. You will have an advantage if you know who you are dealing with. An experienced attorney will know all local USCIS officers by name. He will be able to better understand the description of what happened after he knows who was involved.

If the officer's behavior is too bad, ask for a meeting with his supervisor

For example, you do not need to tolerate the behavior of a USCIS officer who is aggressive or makes inappropriate accusations. And also if he acts in a discriminatory manner based on your race, religion, gender, etc. In addition, if he persistently asks questions or makes statements that are completely inappropriate, this is also a reason to request a conversation with the manager.

Offer to send in later any information by mail that you do not have with you

If you offer to later provide any information the officer requested, your case will be postponed (“pended” in USCIS jargon). This will give the officer a chance to cool off and give you time to gather your thoughts or resources to answer the officer's questions.

Take notes after the interview

When you get home, jot down as many interview details as possible while they are fresh in your mind. Try to memorize the exact words of the officer. Especially regarding his or her idea of ​​what is missing or problematic in your case.

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If you can postpone a case or are waiting for a decision after a failed interview, consider talking to a lawyer about your experience. Even if you do not consult with a lawyer, write a letter asking the manager to consider the interviewer's behavior in the final review of your case. Immigration office managers review all immigration cases, but they will assume that the officer acted appropriately unless you tell them otherwise.