Purpose of Interview

[mof 15]

To the best of my knowledge, anyone going through adjustment of status is subjected to an interview. While I have read just about anything I could about the process itself, I wonder what the actual purpose of the interview is?

Is it conducted to assess eligibility of the applicant, that is, whether he or she is acceptable as a permanent resident? Doing so would, naturally, include an investigation of criminal history, etc. Or, perhaps, such an assessment is conducted beforehand (via FBI name check, etc.) and if red flags come up, an RFE is sent to the applicant in an attempt to sort things out or the applicant is denied.

If the latter statement is true, is the purpose of the interview to establish whether a marriage is bona fide based on assessment on evidence other than what one has already submitted? I can only surmise that the reasoning for having mandatory interviews is rooted in the potential for additional evidence that a personal interaction can reveal to a trained interviewer that goes beyond mere paperwork. Perhaps, it is also an opportunity for a more efficient means of addressing questions or red flags?

What's your take?

[Little_My 464]

Background checks are done for all GC applicants, before the interview. That is partly why you have your fingerprints taken when you get your biometrics done. Of course you are also supposed to disclose all criminal history you may have in the forms, but they also check your fingerprints and immigration history prior to the interview.

For people who AOS from non-immigrant visas, I'd say the main purpose of the interview is to ensure that the marriage was entered in for right reasons - not for immigration purposes. How else would USCIS otherwise determine that? Anyone can make a relationship seem real on paper and snap a few convincing photos to submit with the application, but in the interview the IO can actually verify that these people really know each other, have lived together like they say they have, and that the marriage is bona fide and not a way for the intending immigrant to obtain a LPR status in the US. Even with the interviews, many still manage to get their greencards based on entirely fraudulent marriages, where the USC is either getting paid, or the USC is actually in love with the alien, but feelings are not and never were mutual. If there are red flags in the interview, and the IO is not convinced, they have the option to schedule the couple for a secondary Stokes interview, in which the couple is actually separated and interviewed in different rooms. They ask the same questions to both parties, and basically match the answers. It's probably a pretty effective way to figure out if these people actually know each other and have a valid relationship - though, I've read many stories here from couples who had a bona fide relationship, but still failed a Stokes interview. Stress does weird things to a person's memory.

For couples who do really know each other and have a valid relationship, a basic AOS interview should not be a difficult experience at all.

[mof 15]

Background checks are done for all GC applicants, before the interview. That is partly why you have your fingerprints taken when you get your biometrics done. Of course you are also supposed to disclose all criminal history you may have in the forms, but they also check your fingerprints and immigration history prior to the interview.

For people who AOS from non-immigrant visas, I'd say the main purpose of the interview is to ensure that the marriage was entered in for right reasons - not for immigration purposes. How else would USCIS otherwise determine that? Anyone can make a relationship seem real on paper and snap a few convincing photos to submit with the application, but in the interview the IO can actually verify that these people really know each other, have lived together like they say they have, and that the marriage is bona fide and not a way for the intending immigrant to obtain a LPR status in the US. Even with the interviews, many still manage to get their greencards based on entirely fraudulent marriages, where the USC is either getting paid, or the USC is actually in love with the alien, but feelings are not and never were mutual. If there are red flags in the interview, and the IO is not convinced, they have the option to schedule the couple for a secondary Stokes interview, in which the couple is actually separated and interviewed in different rooms. They ask the same questions to both parties, and basically match the answers. It's probably a pretty effective way to figure out if these people actually know each other and have a valid relationship - though, I've read many stories here from couples who had a bona fide relationship, but still failed a Stokes interview. Stress does weird things to a person's memory.

For couples who do really know each other and have a valid relationship, a basic AOS interview should not be a difficult experience at all.

Thank you for your response! I simply wasn't sure if there was just one purpose (bona fide marriage) or whether the interview encompasses the entire application. I am sure the latter is true IF there is any suspicion that submitted evidence is fraudulent.

Overall, then, all USCIS tries to establish during the interview is that the marriage is "real."

[desmond&molly 5]

I agree that the bonafide part is the main reason. It also provides chance to get any concerns addressed - since not all marriages are the same. Wonder that since you send copies of documents knowing you may be asked for the original at an interview could be a fraud deterrent..?