Common Myths Regarding the Immigration Interview

There is some confusion amongst native born US citizens about what goes on during immigration interviews. Are immigrants interrogated for hours on end? Is citizenship conferred on them when they turn up for their initial immigration interview? Is there a written test that immigrants must take to receive their Permanent Resident Card? (Green Card) This article will consider these thoughts about immigration interviews.

Respectful Interview

Many viewpoints on immigration that are portrayed in the media are completely biased and false. When an immigrant first shows up for their initial interview, they will understandably feel nervous and unsure of what to expect. But, they can rest assured as they will immediately be put at ease by immigration officials. Immigrants are not treated in a condescending, demeaning manner.

Each immigrant's case is considered upon its own individual merits. When questions are asked, they will not come in the form of an interrogation. Immigrants are allowed time to compose their thoughts and answer the questions in their own time. If they do not understand the wording of any of the questions, they can ask for clarification and the immigration official will endeavour to re-phrase the question in a simpler way. The immigration interview is not a trap set up to catch and disqualify immigrants from benefits that they are fully entitled to.

Citizenship

Contrary to popular belief, immigrants are not immediately conferred with US citizenship upon their initial or even their second or third immigration interviews. The immigration process is very slow and painstaking in its thoroughness, in order to establish eligibility for benefits and to issue particular benefits that are being sought, such as Permanent Resident Cards. Naturalisation is a choice that is offered to immigrants once they have become Permanent Residents and they have established several years of uninterrupted residence. There are certain situations where naturalisation is offered much sooner. But that is something that will be decided upon by USCIS.