Surprise visits by immigration.

[katiemanny 64]

If USCIS shows up unannounced at your house, welcome them, smile, offer a cup of coffee, answer questions only when asked, show them your living space as a married couple, bathroom, closets, storage, etc... you will have much more to gain and probably nothing to lose. Its that simple!

If you deny them entry to your house, then why should they approved your case in the first place.

Edited September 22, 2011 by katiemanny

[newlyweds2010 208]

Guys, not even the FBI can force into your house without a warrant just to ask some questions. There are certain 4th amendment rights which apply to all law enforcement, go figure to the USCIS (which is not even law enforcement). This said, unless the moment is really inappropriate, I would let them in but if it gets unpleasant once they are in, I would ask them to leave. They would have to, immediately.

[Harsh_77 716]

The chances they these all real immigration personnel is very high. But I can live with my case being set back or even cancelled; I can not live with my wife being hurt or killed by some freak. It is that simple for me. I guess I watch the news too much:-). I would think they would be considerate at come at a reasonable time like 1900 hrs or on weekends when at least their are neighbors/other peaple arround. This in the middle of the day thing is not reasonable nowadays-times have changed.

Set-back can be as bad as your application not getting approved.

I know what you are talking the times have changed and and criminals have gotten smarter....

The other simpler option is and I think lot of ppl have used it in past, you let them know you will have your husband or friend on the phone all the time while they are on the premises.

My family have used this techq in past when handyman from appt complex would come to fix things around the appt and only member female member of the family are around.

[Harsh_77 716]

Guys, not even the FBI can force into your house without a warrant just to ask some questions. There are certain 4th amendment rights which apply to all law enforcement, go figure to the USCIS (which is not even law enforcement). This said, unless the moment is really inappropriate, I would let them in but if it gets unpleasant once they are in, I would ask them to leave. They would have to, immediately.

Yes you are righ you dont have to let them in, you dont even have to let a police officer in without a warrant.

The answer was it is upto the person answering the door and the it got on little tangent what could be the outcome if you dont let them in etc.

[DaveE 178]

My wife knows how to check ID. She also answers the door for FedEx, UPS, the postman, the exterminator, and the pool maintenance guy. She would look at their ID, let them in and then answer any questions they have.

Edited September 22, 2011 by DaveE

[Fandango 1,439]

No one HAS to let them in.

But not doing so could affect your case. They are not there to give you a welcome basket; they are there because they want to verify the living conditions wrt where the toothbrushes are, etc. Asking them to come back is moot.

If safety is an issue, as Harpa said - get the badge numbers, get the phone, and call the supervisor to verify.

[confusedasheck 21]

If it's a safety issue, you could ask them to verify your case number. They should have that information.

[katiemanny 64]

Everyone keeps pointing out the same obvious thing, you don't have to let them in of COURSE YOU DON'T, but not doing so will raise a lot more suspicion on your case and possibly a huge delay, I would say just verify that they are indeed USCIS Personnel by looking up ID's and if necessary call their supervisor and let them in and show them that you and your Spouse share your lives together in one place. You will have absolutely nothing to lose by doing so.

[alizon 77]

if necessary call their supervisor

How are you supposed to know who to call? Obviously, if you ask them for their supervisor's number, it sort of defeats the whole purpose of trying to check their credentials that way.

[Canadian in GA 34]

I really don't understand the big fuss. If USCIS came to my home at 4am for an interview, i would let them in, I have nothing to hide. my maybe messy home, shows that my husband and I live together, cook dinner together, do laundry together. yes I would verify with the USCIS number fist about who they are, but come on, stop bickering. they are there for a reason, they have red flags on your case, do you relly want to raise more? they wont DEMAND to come into your home. but i think it would be a silly mistake if you don't. if u do, dont cry saying you were not approved.

thats my two cents. lighten up all!

[Oksana & Max 94]

How are you supposed to know who to call? Obviously, if you ask them for their supervisor's number, it sort of defeats the whole purpose of trying to check their credentials that way.

Hold USCIS Local Office number on speed dial. You can request their credentials get their names and badge ID.

And if you filed for USCIS benefits and waiting, you should expect a visit, so don't be surprised.

They can try to come at 7AM to my home, I am already at work at 6:30

Edited September 22, 2011 by Oksana & Max

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

Its funny, when we were going through roc, I kept thinking....it would be so much easier to prove we live as husband and wife if they just showed up at our house and saw all the dirty laundry, the dirty dishes, the closet full of our clothes (he has so much more than I do), the pictures all over of the whole family. I was wishing they WOULD show up.

[Lady Bug 0]

Why not letting them in the house, if they have proper identification?? If there is nothing to hide, nobody should be afraid. I mean this country showed us so much hospitality, therefore I think it is our obligation to let them see that everything is alright. That's better than a country that doesn't care. Better than a country where you don't feel safe in!! I wouldn't wanna have it any other way!!

Edited September 22, 2011 by Lady Bug

[Ben and Jill 37]

I really don't understand the big fuss. If USCIS came to my home at 4am for an interview, i would let them in, I have nothing to hide. my maybe messy home, shows that my husband and I live together, cook dinner together, do laundry together. yes I would verify with the USCIS number fist about who they are, but come on, stop bickering. they are there for a reason, they have red flags on your case, do you relly want to raise more? they wont DEMAND to come into your home. but i think it would be a silly mistake if you don't. if u do, dont cry saying you were not approved.

thats my two cents. lighten up all!

I completely and TOTALLY agree 100%.

[TBoneTX 43,485]

If ICE visits you in the middle of the night, it's not because they want to help you. It's because they want to find any kind of evidence that they can use against you. Therefore, you never let them enter your house without a court order, nor do you answer any questions. It's really that simple. Tell 'em you just woke up and ask them come back at a time when you and your husband are home, and to make an appointment beforehand. Then close the door in front of them.

This is the only post in this thread that nails it, and it's worth +100. Federal agents and law-enforcement officers are always after two things, and neither is in your favor.

The claim and exercise of a Constitutional right cannot be used as a justification to violate that right.

If you want to add something to Bob's outstanding answer, say to the agents (through your closed door), and very pleasantly, that you've already begun studying for the citizenship exam, and you're aware of your rights and the agents' responsibilities under the Fourth & Fifth Amendments. Thank them for their interest, and reiterate that they should set a proper appointment, just as you have been required to do throughout the legal-immigration process.

This video should be required viewing for all intending immigrants and for all USCs, more than once a year:

I completely and TOTALLY agree 100%.

Please read just above. Federal agents are NOT our friends and are NOT operating toward our benefit during visits like this.

Edited to add: Miller v. U.S., 230 F.2d. 486, 489

"The claim and exercise of a Constitutional right cannot be converted into a crime."

Edited September 22, 2011 by TBoneTX