Does the USCIS know anything prior to your application?

[mango347]

I am just curious if USCIS knows anything whether good or bad, before the interview. I read somewhere on here that their interview went very quickly because they saw big stack of papers with their file and they assumed it was background checks that already approved them and that the interview was just for the moral check-ups, etc. It does have me wondering how some interviews go very quickly as if they know the interviewee is good to go. Does anyone happen to know?

Also, what are the grounds of your application being denied after submitting? I heard some people's application gets denied during the process before even getting an interview. Luckily, I got my FP done and have my interview this week, but I am wondering if during the application process if they run a check for FP or if that comes AFTER interview? If it comes after the interview, how can they congratulate and pass the interviewee without knowing their background (crime, etc.)?

[N400questions]

Before the interview can take place, the background check must be completed according to USCIS regulations So... yes... assuming that the background checks have access to real meaningful data at the FBI... they should know a LOT about you.

I suppose we could go to a ridiculous extreme and claim that there is no such thing as an FBI database and that it's all a bluff. But that would be a little bit crazy. People like Snowden and Manning have shown us the extent of some of that data.

I read somewhere that the IRS does not share data with the USCIS. If that's true.. it could explain why many people find themselves needing to supply tax transcripts to the USCIS. After all... if that data is available to USCIS from the IRS... why not just get it from the IRS in the first place instead of making applicants jump through hoops to get it?

The place where data could be really lacking is related to any crimes or misdemeanors carried out in a foreign country. If that data is not shared by things like Interpol or inter-country crime databases then... how could they possibly know? For example.... are foreign parking tickets shared internationally? I doubt it. I also doubt if North Korea shares much data with the FBI.

In summary... yes.... the USCIS theoretically know quite a lot about the applicant.
The justification for some of the delay is..... waiting for that background check to be completed.

Another situation where access to data is debatable is the data held by Border Patrol. The USCIS could get all that data from Border Patrol... but do they bother to do that? Who knows? A lot will depend on how automated the computer systems are and how well-connected they are.

I think the justification for the big stack of papers is based mainly on the complexity of prior green card applications and visas etc.
However... who can REALLY know for sure? (cue music for the X-files here).

[R78]

Your biometrics are used to verify your history against multiple agencies. This information, along with your file is sent to the local USCIS center conducting your interview and the officer gets to review it before your interview date.
In a very few cases, the clearance cannot be obtained on time (common name, dob, combination) which means, the security agency will have to manually go through your file & clear you.
In such cases, the USCIS may still conduct the interview and provide "decision cannot be made" till this come through.
You do not get the green light / approval unless this comes through.