Maria O

Thank you. I'll look more into this. You are enormously helpful! 😊
I am guessing you are an attorney or perhaps a very concerned citizen, but either way I am delighted to see VJ has people like you. Reaching out and assisting others way beyond USCIS can offer as far as their Customer Service-Live Assistance goes. I got nothing but a virtual recorder telling me what I already know. 🙄

I only filed for ROC as I do not have 3 years yet. I entered US Sept. 2018. 
 
I'm from the Philippines. My husband moved to AK and he's been here for more than 10 years. I have not known any African since I got here, but 10% of the population is Filipino. There is actually a Filipino community here in Juneau, even a statue of our national hero downtown. Kind of surprising at first, but works to my advantage. I feel not far away from home. 

Thank you. I'll look more into this. You are enormously helpful! 😊
I am guessing you are an attorney or perhaps a very concerned citizen, but either way I am delighted to see VJ has people like you. Reaching out and assisting others way beyond USCIS can offer as far as their Customer Service-Live Assistance goes. I got nothing but a virtual recorder telling me what I already know. 🙄

I meant a rental car!

I only filed for ROC as I do not have 3 years yet. I entered US Sept. 2018. 
 
I'm from the Philippines. My husband moved to AK and he's been here for more than 10 years. I have not known any African since I got here, but 10% of the population is Filipino. There is actually a Filipino community here in Juneau, even a statue of our national hero downtown. Kind of surprising at first, but works to my advantage. I feel not far away from home. 

I only filed for ROC as I do not have 3 years yet. I entered US Sept. 2018. 
 
I'm from the Philippines. My husband moved to AK and he's been here for more than 10 years. I have not known any African since I got here, but 10% of the population is Filipino. There is actually a Filipino community here in Juneau, even a statue of our national hero downtown. Kind of surprising at first, but works to my advantage. I feel not far away from home. 

Still major difference between that and a joint ROC interview. Neither INA 319(a) nor 8 CFR 319.1 require both to attend the naturalization interview:
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1430&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&node=se8.1.319_11  
Whereas INA 216(c)(1)(B) is explicitly clear in the case of a scheduled joint ROC interview.

My gut tells me we both need to be there, but when I read the letter (read it more than 4 times now), no direct statement or instructions that both spouses have to attend. It's really confusing. My husband and I always travel together anyway, so I guess we'll just both go. If he's not needed, then I guess will find out if the USCIS security will not let him in. 

Despite what the letter says, the law is explicitly clear; see INA 216(c)(1)(B): "in accordance with subsection (d)(3), the alien spouse and the petitioning spouse (if not deceased) must appear for a personal interview before an officer or employee of the Department of Homeland Security respecting the facts and information described in subsection (d)(1)."
Major difference between a joint ROC interview and a naturalization interview. Also as per above, INA 216(c)(1)(B) is explicitly clear.

@Maria O several people who filed the I-751 jointly have reported that the letter does not state your US citizen spouse must be present. If it is a joint petition, both spouses need to attend. I would not risk it. I do not think anyone knows why they're issuing interview letters with vague directions regarding who may attend. 

Thank you, I really appreciate the confirmation. I live in Alaska, and every time I have a USCIS appointment we need to fly from Juneau to Anchorage, rent a car, get a hotel, take a leave only to attend for a 15 min. or less than an hour appearance. I have to make sure my husband is needed so we can plan ahead. Your replies would greatly help us.