2020 USCIS instruction regarding bringing children to 485 interview

[jwu6602]

Hi all,

My wife has just received her 485 interview notice (marriage based greencard). We notice that the language on the notice regarding bringing children to the interview has changed. The current notice says:

"You should not bring your children or other family members unless otherwise instructed."

Previously the notice said:

"You do not need to bring your children unless otherwise instructed."

We have a 1yr toddler. Given the current covid situation, it's hard for us to trust our toddler to someone else and we do not have other family in the immediate area. Does anyone know if it's still permissible to bring a toddler to the interview?

Thanks for any help!

[000000]

Personally i feel a todler should not be seperated from the mother unless the mother is comfortable with it, period and its unamerican to dictate otherwise. I would call USCIS for them to clarify their position and go from there.

[verbose]

Take the baby. Try if he can sleep through the interview. It will be fine. Don’t stress about it.

[longee94]

From what I understand, it's generally advisable to avoid bringing small children to such a serious interview. They can distract both the IO and yourself. You're only supposed to bring the child if they are part of the petition.

[verbose]

You are right but it is not forbidden for people who cannot make an alternative arrangement for the child for whatever reason.