Green Card Marriage Experience - question

[Magda Parias]

Today me and my husband (US Citizen) had our green card interview in Long Island City, NY. We were very well prepared, had all our documents, but I must say the IO was extremely...I don't want to say rude or awful, but she made us extremely nervous. Besides the fact that she was asking questions so so fast that we didn't even have time to think about the answers, she made us feel guilty of being married (however ridiculous it sounds). I know it's her job to check everything, but I guess my interview went really bad. My husband forgot my dad's name and my birthday date. We weren't seperated so this I take as a good sign. However, the Officer asked us about our home keys and compared the sets -.- .

At the end we got a document saying that our case is held for review and final decision. I don't know what to think about it...

[MaryH]

So sorry u had to go through that but as u say. They r doing their job. Years ago when my stepdaughter was asked my birth date she couldn't remember, but eventually did. The io was mad before and after. Lol. U hope all works out for u. My advice to u both is that u keep all your documents intact and start memorizing all possable information on each other, incase they call u u both back for a second separated interview. Good luck. Don't worry u will b fine.

[rayb]

Every interviewer and even different USCIS offices have their own style and priorities. If you didn't interview well, the worst that can happen is to be called for a second interview, probably with another person, or the original and a new person. If you have good proof of living together, you'll be fine.

--Ray B

Today me and my husband (US Citizen) had our green card interview in Long Island City, NY. We were very well prepared, had all our documents, but I must say the IO was extremely...I don't want to say rude or awful, but she made us extremely nervous. Besides the fact that she was asking questions so so fast that we didn't even have time to think about the answers, she made us feel guilty of being married (however ridiculous it sounds). I know it's her job to check everything, but I guess my interview went really bad. My husband forgot my dad's name and my birthday date. We weren't seperated so this I take as a good sign. However, the Officer asked us about our home keys and compared the sets -.- .

At the end we got a document saying that our case is held for review and final decision. I don't know what to think about it...

[Magda Parias]

Thank you guys for your replies! We gave the officer the joint apartment lease, joint bank account statements, some phone bills, tickets to the opera, and confirmation email for the subscription of the magazine we both read. I am really worried because we didn't have too many photos (we are not a couple who loves taking pictures and we told her that) and there is a big age difference between us (17 years). I knew all the details about everything, the same for my my husband; he was simply nervous and made a couple of errors but then he quickly corrected himself. Even though, I believe it went bad because they saw we were stressed and nervous. They also asked him how much was the fee for application for the forms to uscis and he just couldn't recall the amount. I am really getting worried right now.

[MaryH]

Some automatic red-flags r, far apart in age, speak different language and different culture. I don't think that means it will b a no, it means that your interview overall has to b up to that io, expectation, anything else plus any red flag, puts doubt in their minds. U both need to steady your nerves, concentration, yet relax and do all that's necessary to convince the io. Study your stuffs guys...... then again, as Ray says, they all operate differently. U might not have to go back....cards just come in the mail. Regardless, b positive.

[Magda Parias]

Some automatic red-flags r, far apart in age, speak different language and different culture. I don't think that means it will b a no, it means that your interview overall has to b up to that io, expectation, anything else plus any red flag, puts doubt in their minds. U both need to steady your nerves, concentration, yet relax and do all that's necessary to convince the io. Study your stuffs guys...... then again, as Ray says, they all operate differently. U might not have to go back....cards just come in the mail. Regardless, b positive.

The only red flag is the age difference. We are from the same country (my husband has two passports) and we speak the same language. Oh, if only I had know what I'm deciding on...meh

[rayb]

Mary makes good points, but the language and cultural differences don't seem to mean much when interviewing in the U.S., so long as the interviewer doesn't detect any communication problems between the petitioner and applicant in front of him. When I interviewed with both my Mexican and Filipina wives years ago (1974 and 1991), neither of us detected any reluctance of interviewers.

But Vietnam and Cambodia U.S. embassy processing of mixed relationship (fiancee and spouse) applications are real tough for White-Asian couples, with a high rate of flat-out denials (my own clients observed this when interviewing).

--Ray B

Some automatic red-flags r, far apart in age, speak different language and different culture. I don't think that means it will b a no, it means that your interview overall has to b up to that io, expectation, anything else plus any red flag, puts doubt in their minds. U both need to steady your nerves, concentration, yet relax and do all that's necessary to convince the io. Study your stuffs guys...... then again, as Ray says, they all operate differently. U might not have to go back....cards just come in the mail. Regardless, b positive.

[Magda Parias]

Mary makes good points, but the language and cultural differences don't seem to mean much when interviewing in the U.S., so long as the interviewer doesn't detect any communication problems between the petitioner and applicant in front of him. When I interviewed with both my Mexican and Filipina wives years ago (1974 and 1991), neither of us detected any reluctance of interviewers.

But Vietnam and Cambodia U.S. embassy processing of mixed relationship (fiancee and spouse) applications are real tough for White-Asian couples, with a high rate of flat-out denials (my own clients observed this when interviewing).

--Ray B

I am really starting to believe we are going to get the second interview letter.

[Magda Parias]

We got approved!!!!

[MaryH]

I'm happy for u.