When seeking naturalization in the United States, one step of the process is your USCIS interview. Here is why having your Miami citizenship attorney with you is in your best interest.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has established a ten-step process for naturalization. Once your preliminary application has been processed, the next step is interviewing with a USCIS officer. You will be asked questions about your application and background during this interview. You are not required to have a lawyer present, but we highly recommend you do. Your Miami citizenship attorney cannot answer any questions for you, but they can step in to assist you if needed.
Here are a few more benefits of having a legal representative with you during your USCIS interview.
Safeguard Against Undue Scrutiny Or Excessive Vetting
USCIS interviews are intended to gather comprehensive and accurate information to evaluate your claim. These interviews are not meant to be confrontational or to seek reasons for denial, but rather to ensure the proper assessment of eligibility for immigration benefits and to prevent fraud or potential harm to the community.
Having an attorney present during the USCIS interview promotes professionalism, courtesy, and a focus on relevant matters for the USCIS officer.
Clarify Unclear Questions
It is important that the interviewee understand the questions so that they can formulate accurate responses. Standard questions during a USCIS interview include:
- Eligibility for benefits
- Marital history
- Method of Entry into the United States
- Admissibility to the United States (such as any arrests, charges, convictions, or misrepresentations to immigration officials)
- Educational background
- Past and present employment (including documentation used for job acquisition in the United States)
If a line of questioning is unclear to the interviewee, your Miami citizenship attorney can ask the USCIS official to clarify or rephrase the question.
Prevent Delays And Complications
Having an attorney by your side can help you gather the necessary documentation to bring for the interview, taking into account the specific instructions provided in the interview notice and the unique circumstances of your case.
Your attorney is prepared to assess what might happen during the interview, and can help you figure out what to do next. With their experience and insight, having an attorney present at your interview ensures you are adequately prepared and equipped to navigate the process confidently and clearly.
Act As Your Advocate
Your attorney cannot answer questions for you during your interview, but they can advise you on legal issues or raise objections if necessary. If an interview becomes hostile or aggressive, an attorney can step in and ask to speak to a supervisor.
Without an attorney in the room, it can be your word against the USCIS official. In cases where the USCIS enters a Notice of Intent to Deny based on discrepancies in the interview, your attorney can provide a credible explanation regarding the statements made during the interview and how it was conducted. Third-party validation can strengthen your claim and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Give Your Claim Credibility
Professional responsibility rules bind attorneys and they cannot knowingly present false information or documents or engage in fraudulent practices. Therefore, having a Miami citizenship attorney with you at your USCIS interview adds credibility to your claim. Many USCIS officers encourage you to bring an attorney as it makes the process run more smoothly.
Conclusion: Bring Your Miami Citizenship Attorney To Your Interview
There is no downside to having legal representation at your USCIS interview. Not only can your lawyer help you understand the process, but they can also help you understand the questions being asked and smooth over any rough patches during the interview. Contact our immigration attorneys at Casais & Prias to learn how we can help you and your family through the naturalization process.
