Why You Should Consider Consulting a US Immigration Attorney

You may consider attending your in-person interview with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) without a citizenship attorney to save on expenses. But in most cases, navigating the interview process alone eventually leads to unforeseen challenges and ultimately costs applicants more money in the long run.

Having a reputable and experienced attorney by your side during the USCIS interview offers undeniable advantages. Whether you filed your application independently or sought assistance from a US immigration lawyer, the benefits of legal representation outweigh any cost concerns.

Missing your USCIS interview due to a few extra dollars is not worth jeopardizing vital immigration benefits like asylum, green card, or citizenship.

Enough of the scary part. Let’s dive deep into five reasons why you need legal assistance during your in-person interview with the USCIS.

Shielding from Overbearing Scrutiny

While USCIS officers try to remain professional during these citizenship interviews, tension and hostility can arise. Having a citizenship attorney by your side safeguards your rights and ensures fair evaluation of your case.

The interview aims to gather accurate information about you and not to create obstacles. Stricter enforcement policies have resulted in ICE arrests during USCIS interviews, especially for those with removal orders or visa overstays.

An immigration lawyer can help you assess every potential risk before your interview, though they can’t prevent lawful actions. Moreover, they can ask critical questions about your fate and the next steps if detained. Remember, their representation is typically limited to the interview itself.

Even in seemingly simpler cases, having legal representation at the interview is crucial. Their presence fosters professionalism and courtesy and helps all parties focus on the relevant aspects, ensuring a smoother and fair experience for you.

Clarity for Ambiguous Questions and Complicated Matters

During your in-person interview, it’s important to be prepared for a range of inquiries from the USCIS officer. They may inquire about your application, eligibility, marital history, U.S. entry, admissibility, education, and employment.

A trusted citizenship attorney will help you ensure clarity and fairness throughout the interview process. If you encounter vague or unclear questions, your legal counsel will help you request clarification, ensuring you fully understand what is being asked. And in case of factual or legal inaccuracies, they will advocate on your behalf, asking the officer to rephrase or refer to objective records in your file to address any misunderstandings.

With the help of a trustworthy immigration lawyer, you can confidently approach the interview, knowing that your rights are protected and that you will have a smooth and accurate evaluation.

Mitigate Unnecessary Delays and Complexities

USCIS’s recent implementation of the new interview requirement, effective October 2, 2017, has significantly impacted their workload, accounting for approximately 17% of all cases. As a result, processing times have lengthened, causing delays across various adjudications, particularly for applications that require interviews. 

During your interview, providing all the necessary information and required documents is crucial to facilitate a smooth approval process. Failure to do so may result in USCIS issuing a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny, which can further prolong the processing time. Responding within the specified timeframe, such as 87 days for a Request for Evidence or 30 days for a Notice of Intent to Deny, is essential.

These many complexities necessitate the need for a dedicated citizenship attorney. They assist you in understanding the specific requirements outlined in the interview notice and tailor your preparation accordingly based on the unique circumstances of your case. With their expertise, they can evaluate the potential outcomes of the interview, whether it be a favourable decision or an adverse notice, and guide you on the necessary steps to take following the interview.

Advocate on Your Behalf

During USCIS interviews, your immigration lawyer takes on a different role than a regular court hearing. Instead of questioning you directly, the USCIS officer poses the questions while you provide the answers.

Some questions may seem insignificant to you, but they can significantly impact your eligibility for the immigration benefit and align with USCIS policies. With a dedicated citizenship attorney present, you receive guidance on when to respond, seek clarification, or object if necessary.

Understanding that your attorney cannot respond on your behalf or encourage dishonesty is also crucial. However, they offer legal counsel, object to inappropriate questions, and can request supervisor intervention if needed.

Having an attorney by your side protects your rights. They ensure you comprehend any required sworn statements and assist in navigating challenging situations or explaining unfavourable information. Your attorney strategizes the presentation of evidence and testimony to highlight strengths and address weaknesses in your case.

While interviews are rarely recorded, your attorney takes meticulous notes on the discussion. If you receive an adverse notice based on alleged inconsistencies, your attorney provides a credible explanation, bolstering your case beyond a mere word-for-word dispute.

Overall, a citizenship attorney’s presence safeguards your rights, provides valuable counsel, and strengthens your position throughout the USCIS interview process.

Makes Your Claim More Credible

Bringing an attorney to your USCIS in-person interview doesn’t imply guilt or deceit; in fact, it can enhance the process for both you and the officer. USCIS officers often appreciate the presence of legal counsel as it promotes smoother and more effective proceedings.

Moreover, citizenship attorneys are bound by the duty of honesty and integrity, lending credibility to your case. They cannot knowingly present false information, fraudulent claims, or falsified documents without violating professional responsibility rules.

Your attorney plays a vital role in preparing you for the interview, equipping you with insights into expected questions and potential issues. They can provide guidance on how to address concerns effectively and even prepare a compelling legal memorandum to alleviate any doubts and persuade the officer to approve your case.

How do You find the right Citizenship Attorney for your in-person interview?

As important as it is to have a dedicated attorney by your side during your in-person interview with the USCIS, you can not afford to hire the wrong person for the job. 

You don’t want to blow your chances at that penultimate stage of your citizenship application just because you entered the interview room with the wrong legal counsel. 

 At Citizenship Selfie, our attorneys are renowned for their expertise and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Here’s why our attorneys stand out:

Experience and Proficiency

Our attorneys possess extensive experience in immigration law and have successfully guided numerous individuals through the USCIS interview process. They have an in-depth understanding of the legal intricacies and requirements, ensuring you receive unparalleled representation.

Personalized Approach

We recognize that every case is unique, and our attorneys tailor their strategies to your specific circumstances. They take the time to understand your situation, address your concerns, and provide personalized guidance that aligns with your goals.

Comprehensive Preparation

Our attorneys leave no stone unturned when preparing you for the USCIS interview. They meticulously review your case, identify potential challenges, and develop a robust strategy to present your case in the most favourable light.

Strong Advocacy

During the interview, our attorneys serve as your staunch advocates. They skillfully navigate complex questions, seek clarifications when needed, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Their presence adds an extra layer of confidence and assurance to your case.

Track Record of Success

With 4.7 stars out of 5, we have a proven track record of securing positive client outcomes. They have helped countless individuals achieve their immigration goals, and their dedication to excellence has earned them a reputation for delivering results.

When it comes to your USCIS interview, trust the expertise and commitment of our citizenship attorneys at Citizenship Selfie. We are here to guide you every step of the way, providing top-notch legal representation that maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.

Final Recap

Consulting a US citizenship attorney for your in-person interview with the USCIS is highly recommended. The undeniable benefits of having reputable and experienced legal representation by your side outweigh any concerns about the costs involved. 

With the complexities and potential challenges of the interview process, a skilled attorney can provide invaluable assistance and ensure a smoother and more effective experience.

At Citizenship Selfie, our attorneys are renowned for their experience and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. With extensive experience in immigration law, personalized approaches tailored to your specific circumstances, comprehensive preparation, strong advocacy, and a proven track record of success, our attorneys stand out among the rest. 

Trust us to guide you through the USCIS interview process, providing top-notch legal representation that maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.