Yardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 5)

[nycgirl 13]

Husband has been in USA since 2005. I didn't bring him up here on a visa. We met here in NY.

Which I guess is reason to think that he would remember all my trips, but he didn't. AS I said, even I get confused. We would happily take a Stokes Interview, lie detector test....Torture Chamber!!!

[nycgirl 13]

He didn't say ROME because he knew that that wasn't the country name!! And thte question was "which country" He just got so flustered and didn't want to make a "fool of himself" so I guess he basically shut down. He gets embarrassed so easily and that makes things 1000 times worse for him. He was wound tight as a drum. It wasn't good. If it had been a written test, alone in a room, it would have been much better. Not good under pressure!!

[Jengles 0]

I hear ya....just try and cheer him up...like Jomo girl said, it will just be six more months of added bliss for proof...

[Yaads 0]

OK nycgirl…there is a lot of info below but hopefully it will be helpful. Based on what I have read the second interview has a very high likelihood of being a Stokes interview. I suggest you do a google search (Stokes Interview + immigration - worked best for me) and start preparing from now. Don’t stress or worry…PREPARE!

A stokes interview is when a husband and wife are separated from each other and asked a series of personal and intrusive questions, such as what is the color of their shower curtains.

Contrary to what is depicted in the movies or on television, the Immigration Service does not always and automatically put a couple through this grueling ordeal. When an individual sponsors his or her spouse for permanent residence (green card), the Immigration Service will schedule them for an interview to determine if the marriage was entered into in good faith (see related article by Mariana Vázquez). At this first interview, the husband and wife are not separated from each other, and the interview usually lasts about half an hour. The questions asked at this interview are usually straightforward and not too invasive. If the Immigration Officer is satisfied that the marriage is a genuine one, he or she will approve the green card application.

What Happens If You Are “Stoked”?

Only after an Immigration Officer is not convinced of the bona fides of a marriage will a couple will be referred to a secondary interview, known as a “Stokes” interview. It is during this second interview that an Immigration Officer will question the husband and wife separately.

So what can one expect at the Stokes interview?

First, dress comfortably, because the interview will last a long time! Depending on the examiner, a Stokes interview can take up to four and a half hours. This does not include the time spent waiting to be called for the interview, which can be as long as several hours. Second, be prepared to be asked intimate details about your life with your spouse. Although examiners are not supposed to ask private or embarrassing questions, they have been known to push the envelope. The interview will start with the examiner administering an oath to the husband and wife that they will answer all questions truthfully. After being sworn in, the examiner will ask the couple whether they wish to submit documentary proof of their life together as husband and wife. You bring with you as much proof of your marital relationship, including copies of joint tax returns, joint bank account statements, joint bills (utility bills, credit card bills, etc.), joint insurance (health, life, car, etc.), joint lease agreements or joint deeds to any property you may own together, and photographs of you two together, with family and friends.

After collecting these documents, the examiner will escort one spouse out into the waiting area and then begin questioning the other spouse (there is no particular order as to who will be interviewed first). It should be noted that the entire interview is taped, so that a record of proceedings is created on which the examiner will base his or her decision. This taped record of proceedings is also important in case the couple does not agree with the officer’s decision and wishes to file an appeal (see below for more details).

So what kind of questions are asked at the Stokes interview, you may wonder?

Expect the questions to be much more extensive and in-depth than those posed at the initial adjustment interview. The examiner’s questions will delve into the minute details of a couple’s daily lives. You would be surprised at how personal and seemingly trivial or insignificant the questions can be. Some of the questions that I have heard posed at Stokes interviews include:

q Who woke up first this morning – you or your spouse?

q Did your spouse have breakfast this morning? What did he or she eat?

q What side of the bed does your spouse sleep on?

q How many drawers are there in your chest?

q What time did your spouse go to sleep last night?

q What did you and your spouse have for dinner last night?

q What subway train did you take to come to the interview? From what station?

After the examiner is finished questioning the spouses individually, he or she will call both the husband and wife back into the office. If there are any discrepancies any of the answers, the examiner will give the couple a chance to explain or clarify. The examiner usually will not render a decision on the petition immediately after the interview, but will probably want to compare the answers for consistency and review any joint documents submitted. Hopefully, if the examiner is satisfied that there is sufficient proof that the marriage was entered into in good faith, he or she will approve the petition.

What happens if the petition is denied?

If the immigration examiner denies your petition but you believe that the decision was made in error, you may appeal that decision by filing Form EOIR-29 Notice of Appeal. Should you wish to file an appeal, it is highly recommended that you consult an immigration attorney, as the appeal will require a close review and analysis of the taped record of proceedings. Moreover, the deadline to appeal is very short – the notice of appeal must be received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services no later than 15 calendar days from the date of the denial decision (or 18 days if the decision was mailed). The short deadline is sometimes exacerbated by the fact that the officer’s decision is not always mailed out the same day as the date of the decision. Therefore, it is crucial that you save the envelope in which the decision is mailed, in order to preserve your time to file the appeal.

http://www.4immigration.com/4Immigration/m...icle.aspx?id=55

If the interviewing immigration officer suspects otherwise, then they could administer a "Stokes Interview," added Clare, in which you are separated and asked similar questions.

Knowledge of personal things such as the color of your room, bathroom, apartment or home; where you shop for groceries, each other’s place of work; how did you meet; favorite sexual position; do you practice safe sex etc.; in-laws names; what you had for dinner the night before and mode of transportation you both used to get to the interview are just some of the many questions that could come up, said the CIS head.

http://www.usagreencardcenter.com/greencar...e_interview.htm

Assuming the couple is in the U.S., they will have to appear before the INS for a joint interview, sometimes called the "Stokes interview". The INS will question them together regarding the marriage and the documents offered in support of the marriage. The INS Examiner will judge their demeanor, the way they interact together and other relevant factors. In cases where the INS has misgivings, the couple can be interviewed separately for extended periods. In these separate interviews, the couples are asked details of their daily lives and backgrounds. Their answers are later compared. The questioning goes beyond things that could be memorized prior to the interview. The couple is given a chance to respond in writing to explain discrepancies and provide further documentation, if after the interview the INS determines that the case is not appropriate for approval.

http://www.murthy.com/news/UDirlove.html

Here are some other links I came across…

http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=247397

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;#entry88606

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7422

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/lofivers...php/t11066.html

[*JG* 2]

He didn't say ROME because he knew that that wasn't the country name!! And thte question was "which country" He just got so flustered and didn't want to make a "fool of himself" so I guess he basically shut down. He gets embarrassed so easily and that makes things 1000 times worse for him. He was wound tight as a drum. It wasn't good. If it had been a written test, alone in a room, it would have been much better. Not good under pressure!!

Maybe you should suggest that to the interviewer next time with the explanation you just gave. It couldn't hurt.

I'm sorry girl. I have high hopes it will all work out.

I've known you a while......known your story......I suppose I am biased then. But, I think it will all shine through in the end. In fact, I'm sure it will.

I'm bombarding you right now with prayers, crossed fingers, happy thoughts, and hugs!

[nycgirl 13]

Thank you so much for the information!! and for the good wishes. The thing is, we had a "sample list" of 500 questions from the Stokes interview process. We breezed through that thing!! We were prepared , AND we know each other very well. The only time we would get anything wrong is when HE would answer the question with what he WISHES were true (ie: what size is your wife?). And we would have a laugh, and agree on the truth, NO MATTER how pathetic! I am a very detailed oriented person, so trust me I'll be scouring that stuff. Maybe a "memory" class for him! We know in our hearts that we are the real thing, and we have faith. But we also know there are red flags. All the more reason to leave no stone unturned in preparation. Thanks for all the good advice!!

[nycgirl 13]

I remember when being "STOKED" was a good thing! But then again I am an 80's girl (as in.....partied in the 80's, bot BORN!!).

[Forever Young 1]

Jomo, you there? You ready for this.......we freaking failed the interview!!!!!!!!

I am so upset right now.

Everything was going okay, until the officer opened my passport and started quizzing my husband about my travel. Now to give you some background, I travel for work. CONSTANTLY. Never the same place twice. In the last 18 months, I have been to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Rebublic, Miami, Palm Springs (CA) , Boston, Bahamas, Capri (Italy), Scotland, London, Paris, The Florida Keys, Argentina, Rome and Switzerland. I am somewhere different every month. The agent asked him what places (Internationally) I went, and the corresponding month in which I went. I can't even flipping remember that myself!!!!! Of course he couldn't put it all together. Oh, that sinking feeling. After he couldn't put a few trips to the appropriate months, the guy got really hard on us. He found it impossible to beleive that "your wife was out of the country for 10 days, and you don't know where she was" It was horrible. My husband is forgetful, and then he was nervous on top of it. The agent then sent him out of the room, and he asked me if I "knew what I was getting into". He made insinuations that Visa Fraud was "very common" in these instances and perhaps he is "just using me." He went as far as to say that maybe he will dissappear after he gets his green card. I just sat there crying. I begged him to just keep asking questions, but he said he's out of time. With regards to all of our documation, he said that anyone could "fabricate" those. We have to go back for a more in depth interview in 6 months, but this is a BIG BLACK mark on our record. I can't even believe that this could happen. Because of a bad memory. Anyone heard anything like this before? Should we get a lawyer?

Ah Dios Mios!!! ((((((HUGS FOR YOU NYCGIRL))))))

I can't believe that I am SOOOOO sorry!! That is total PHOCKERY!!! How do they seriously expect ANYONE to remember that!! Have Faith Chica...what is for you shall not go past you! You two will get through this!! I know it must be so heart-wrenched...to get this far and be slowed down...because this is all it is a slow down...not a stop!! You two will be together!! Try to keep your faith and patience and remember this too shall pass !!

I say it all the time... 'WHO JAH BLESS...NO MAN, WOMAN, OR BLOODCLEAT MISERABLE USCIS INTERVIEWER CAN CURSE!!!!' ...and you, nycgirl... are Blessed!!

Blessed love and prayers ,

Gill

Edited December 8, 2007 by Deyoungting

[brownnskinn 0]

I'm bombarding you right now with prayers, crossed fingers, happy thoughts, and hugs!

Ditto

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

Any news on our VJ babies???

[*JG* 2]

Any news on our VJ babies???

I just e-mailed Mindy to ask about Rhonda. So far, I've heard nothing else.

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

Jomo, you there? You ready for this.......we freaking failed the interview!!!!!!!!

I am so upset right now.

Everything was going okay, until the officer opened my passport and started quizzing my husband about my travel. Now to give you some background, I travel for work. CONSTANTLY. Never the same place twice. In the last 18 months, I have been to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Rebublic, Miami, Palm Springs (CA) , Boston, Bahamas, Capri (Italy), Scotland, London, Paris, The Florida Keys, Argentina, Rome and Switzerland. I am somewhere different every month. The agent asked him what places (Internationally) I went, and the corresponding month in which I went. I can't even flipping remember that myself!!!!! Of course he couldn't put it all together. Oh, that sinking feeling. After he couldn't put a few trips to the appropriate months, the guy got really hard on us. He found it impossible to beleive that "your wife was out of the country for 10 days, and you don't know where she was" It was horrible. My husband is forgetful, and then he was nervous on top of it. The agent then sent him out of the room, and he asked me if I "knew what I was getting into". He made insinuations that Visa Fraud was "very common" in these instances and perhaps he is "just using me." He went as far as to say that maybe he will dissappear after he gets his green card. I just sat there crying. I begged him to just keep asking questions, but he said he's out of time. With regards to all of our documation, he said that anyone could "fabricate" those. We have to go back for a more in depth interview in 6 months, but this is a BIG BLACK mark on our record. I can't even believe that this could happen. Because of a bad memory. Anyone heard anything like this before? Should we get a lawyer?

I hope nobody gets upset about me posting in here... I follow this thread as you guys are the only group from within the english speaking caribbean available on this site.

Well, here it goes!!!

I really doubt that the Immigration officer actually expected your husband to actually give him the months and your whereabouts for the last 18 months. You said that you are away every other week. That would mean that you are have been away at least 36 times over that time period. Even if your husband had answered the question accurately, I think that this would also pose a problem. Why would your husband want to keep this sort of information in him mind!!! Afterall, he is not investigating you...

I think the real issue here is that since you are away so often, the immigration officer is wondering how the two of you are able to maintain a relationship with the two of you being apart so often. Hence, the question of whether your husband actually knows you. I might be completely wrong on this but I highly doubt that the interviewer would be trying to test your husband's memory as opposed to the validity of your marriage.

Nb: I hope my post doesn't come out as being offensive. It's just my perspective on the situation...

Good luck on your next interview...

[*JG* 2]

You have a valid point on the validity issue. I just don't see how they could question it.....it's her job.

[*JG* 2]

Jomo, you there? You ready for this.......we freaking failed the interview!!!!!!!!

I am so upset right now.

Everything was going okay, until the officer opened my passport and started quizzing my husband about my travel. Now to give you some background, I travel for work. CONSTANTLY. Never the same place twice. In the last 18 months, I have been to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Rebublic, Miami, Palm Springs (CA) , Boston, Bahamas, Capri (Italy), Scotland, London, Paris, The Florida Keys, Argentina, Rome and Switzerland. I am somewhere different every month. The agent asked him what places (Internationally) I went, and the corresponding month in which I went. I can't even flipping remember that myself!!!!! Of course he couldn't put it all together. Oh, that sinking feeling. After he couldn't put a few trips to the appropriate months, the guy got really hard on us. He found it impossible to beleive that "your wife was out of the country for 10 days, and you don't know where she was" It was horrible. My husband is forgetful, and then he was nervous on top of it. The agent then sent him out of the room, and he asked me if I "knew what I was getting into". He made insinuations that Visa Fraud was "very common" in these instances and perhaps he is "just using me." He went as far as to say that maybe he will dissappear after he gets his green card. I just sat there crying. I begged him to just keep asking questions, but he said he's out of time. With regards to all of our documation, he said that anyone could "fabricate" those. We have to go back for a more in depth interview in 6 months, but this is a BIG BLACK mark on our record. I can't even believe that this could happen. Because of a bad memory. Anyone heard anything like this before? Should we get a lawyer?

I hope nobody gets upset about me posting in here... I follow this thread as you guys are the only group from within the english speaking caribbean available on this site.

Well, here it goes!!!

I really doubt that the Immigration officer actually expected your husband to actually give him the months and your whereabouts for the last 18 months. You said that you are away every other week. That would mean that you are have been away at least 36 times over that time period. Even if your husband had answered the question accurately, I think that this would also pose a problem. Why would your husband want to keep this sort of information in him mind!!! Afterall, he is not investigating you...

I think the real issue here is that since you are away so often, the immigration officer is wondering how the two of you are able to maintain a relationship with the two of you being apart so often. Hence, the question of whether your husband actually knows you. I might be completely wrong on this but I highly doubt that the interviewer would be trying to test your husband's memory as opposed to the validity of your marriage.

Nb: I hope my post doesn't come out as being offensive. It's just my perspective on the situation...

Good luck on your next interview...

Hey.......I just saw your timeline......congrats on the visa in hand!

And, you are welcome on here anytime. We are not some exclusive club! I hang around MENA quite a bit too just cause I like how they talk to one another (and ironically, the rumors those women hear about their men are very similar to what I hear all too often about JA men!) .

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

You have a valid point on the validity issue. I just don't see how they could question it.....it's her job.

You're right about that... It is her job. It does, however, raise questions about how they can maintain their relationship with so many absences. I'm sure this wouldn't even be an issue if immigration wasn't involved. I know many wives whose husbands go sailing on a regular basis and actually stay away for six months at a time from here. And yet they are able to maintain their relationship. I guess this is what they will have to prove in their next interview...