What are My Rights in an Immigration Interview?
An immigration interview with an official from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service is usually part of the immigration process. The immigration interview’s purpose is to determine whether your basis for immigration (such as your marriage, family reunification, asylum, or professional employment) is valid. You must show that your legal basis for immigration is “real” and not just for the purposes of immigration.
When you’ll need an immigration interview
You will likely be required to submit to an immigration interview if you are seeking permanent residency in the United States based upon:
· Professional job
· Marriage to a U.S. citizen
· Family reunification
· Political asylum or refugee status
Right to an attorney
You have a right to have an attorney present with you during your immigration interview. At Geygan and Geygan, Ltd., we help people just like you every day. We understand the immigration legal system and will represent you in your immigration interview. You can reach us at 513-793-6555 or Thomasjr@geygan.com.
Please note that you must answer the interview questions yourself. We cannot answer interview questions for you. The benefit of having an attorney present is that he can better represent you in any follow up matters and ensure the interview itself is proper.
Right to not sign
Sometimes during an immigration interview, the interviewer presents papers that state that your marriage or other basis for immigration is a fraud. Do NOT sign anything. You have a right not to sign any papers until reviewed by your attorney.
Immigration law
The Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes grounds for immigration.
All immigration matters are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS.) The USCIS is an agency under the Department of Homeland Security.
Immigration Interview Tips
· Have your attorney present
· Arrive early
· Dress professionally
· Do not comment to or about others present (you may be taped)
· Remain calm
· Answer the questions to the best of your ability
· If you do not know an answer, say you don’t know
· Never lie
Where to get help
At Geygan and Geygan, Ltd., we help people just like you every day. We understand the legal system and will represent you in your immigration interview. You can reach us at 513-793-6555 or Thomasjr@geygan.com
Immigration is a very specialized area of law; so, be sure your attorney focuses his practice on immigration and protecting your legal rights. We focus our practice on immigration law and help people just like you. You can reach us at 513-793-6555 or Thomasjr@geygan.com. We will gently walk you through your immigration issues, represent you in your immigration interview, and aggressively fight for your legal rights.