5 years of marriage, did not pass interview

[makinmagic 1]

I don't even know where to start.

I have received my Citizenship in July of this year. I had some trouble getting it - very mean officer, for some reason asked me about my husband's ex wife, what's her name and date they were divorced. And then refused to approve me on the spot, said to mail them my marriage certificate (which has freaking nothing to do with my citizenship). Anyway, I eventually got naturalized.

So, time to apply for green card for husband, we did so promptly. And has an interview today. AND GUESS WHAT WE ARE GONNA HAVE STOKES INTERVIEW NEXT... sorry for caps.

Let me tell you that we have been married for 5 years and when I met my husband, I didn't even have a green card. And in my opinion this very fact should lift 99% of IO's suspicion whether the marriage is for the sake of immigration status only.

I have a theory. That officer hates me specifically. Because yes, you guessed it right, we got the same officer that "helped" me with my naturalization. And she remembered me.

As I said, we were married many years ago. We have a checking account that is 4.5 years old and is heavily used. Joint savings. All the tax returns are joint. Health and house insurance. Cell phone family plan. 3 sets of IDs with common address. 2 apartment leases. And we freaking bought a house this February and payed cash for it. So... pretty convincing, isn't it?

Well, not so fast there... IO was super disappointed that we didn't bring her any pictures. The truth is - ANYONE can fake happy with gazillion of pictures. And we are simply not a picture people, we both hate being photographed. Also, she was shocked to learn that we didn't have wedding ceremony, she literally rolled her eyes at us!

What happened is that she started a really harsh interview, not just basic "where did you meet?" questions, but "what color sheets do you have on your bed right now". We were doing fine until she asked me when was MY HUSBANDS FATHERS BIRTHDAY. I told her I had no idea... his father died long before we met. Apparently, I should have know than. And she said that she can not make a decision right now and we will be receiving a letter for second interview. I figured it's gonna be Stokes.

I am in such a shock that I am not even crying or anything. I am MAD. I hate this woman. She has taken my love and spitted all over it. My life currently depends on one angry woman who for some reason decided to hate me the very first moment she saw me at my Naturalization interview.

What should I do you guys? Any words of advice or encouragement?

[Anh map 2,098]

Naturalization approvals aren't typically given at the interview. They take the evidence and consider the interview content and then make the determination. So get past the idea that the interviewing officer hates you. It does nothing to help the situation.

Playing the victim won't be helpful in obtaining what you and your spouse are seeking: a successful outcome.

Prepare for the interviews and then move on with your lives.

[makinmagic 1]

Naturalization approvals aren't typically given at the interview. They take the evidence and consider the interview content and then make the determination. So get past the idea that the interviewing officer hates you. It does nothing to help the situation.

Playing the victim won't be helpful in obtaining what you and your spouse are seeking: a successful outcome.

Prepare for the interviews and then move on with your lives.

No, she gave me specific form that said to mail them the marriage certificate and until than the case was on hold. And than I waited two more months for them to process that info. What does my marriage certificate have to do with my citizenship (it or my green card was not related to my marriage at all).

[greenie80 3]

It's clear to me that this officer just wants to give you a hard time! It's a hit or miss with these people. The best you can do is get prepared for an interrogation. Good news is you will mostly likely get a new officer.

My husband and I are waiting for our second interview at Oakland park!and unfortunately our office is making us wait! It's been 4 months since our first interview :-/ where did you interview? Please keep me posted when you hear back. There is also a possibility that even though she said 2nd interview, after reviewing the proof, they just approve you. It happened to a friend of a friend. Good luck!!

[bigdog 376]

Good Luck, be prepared as best as you can.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Naturalization approvals aren't typically given at the interview. They take the evidence and consider the interview content and then make the determination. So get past the idea that the interviewing officer hates you. It does nothing to help the situation.

Playing the victim won't be helpful in obtaining what you and your spouse are seeking: a successful outcome.

Prepare for the interviews and then move on with your lives.

[JohnR! 5,495]

What should I do you guys? Any words of advice or encouragement?

Step back and look at the issue objectively.

Unfortunately you are paying for the sins of others. Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine are countries with high volume of immigration and many of those are less than legitimate, be it through catalog brides, fraud and the entire gamut in between. I am not making a judgment call. There are all kinds of people everywhere but somehow it is always the bad apples that stick out... In the matter at hand, the USCIS is being overzealous with your application, because of the actions of others.

This IO is doing her job and perhaps being extra zealous with your case but in the end, she is there to make sure her decisions are based on solid grounds and information.

It sucks to be scrutinized like that and to be perceived as less than honest, but again, you are just being a victim of others who came before you and scammed the system.

The best course of action is to relax and not worry too much. If your marriage is legit, they will see that, despite any lack of pictures or any other thing that many other couples may have. The truth has a golden ring to it and even if your case is not 100% textbook compliant your husband will get his visa.

Also, consider that this person is not there to deny your husband a visa, so much as her job is to ensure he gets one if he is legit, which is to say, in the process, many others whose relationships are less than kosher will also be put through the same scrutiny.

Think of your experience as the process of going through metal detectors and check points at airports. The only way to make sure the system works for everyone is to be lax to no one.

The main point is that if your relationship is legit, it will be virtually impossible for the USCIS to prove otherwise.

I wish you well and hope it all goes in a timely manner, if only somewhat bumpy at times.

Edited October 3, 2012 by Gegel

[tru_loves_journey 117]

Good Luck To You

[GreenTrain 1]

Quite strange (and sad too)

Your naturalization was after 3 years of your GC or 5 years?

Did you get your GC (& then citizenship) based on marriage?

But eventually you'll get through all this.

Prepare well, Good Luck !

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Where are you from originally?

How did you get your greencard and/or visa to the U.S?

If you were from the same country as your husband, and received your visa or GC to the US based on marriage to another greencard holder or USC that would explain why they want to see your marriage certificate.

**Edit - Also, what visa is your husband AOSing from?

Edited October 3, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony