N-400 July 2025 Filers [merged threads]

[OldUser 10,961]

I'm sorry you had to go through painful memories again @Happy1982

 

I always warn VAWA applicants, but some say they won't be asked anything pertaining abuse due to protections etc.

 

The good thing it is now over. Thank you for sharing your experience 

[TBoneTX 48,448]

1 hour ago, Happy1982 said:

I had my interview on November 7th, and I want to share my experience

Thank you for your detailed report.

Your reaction (post-traumatic stress) is probably typical for VAWA recipients.

1 hour ago, Happy1982 said:

Under the current administration, they are more deliberate about reviewing abuse claims

Even approved claims?  Do you have a reference for your statement?  If so, it will be highly valuable to have.

[Rhema1 462]

1 hour ago, Happy1982 said:

Hi Folks,

 

I had my interview on November 7th, and I want to share my experience — especially for anyone going through the N-400 process under VAWA.

 

My appointment was scheduled for 12:30 PM, and I arrived about 30 minutes early. My case was filed under the three-year rule through VAWA, so I knew the interview could be difficult. When the officer finally called my name around 1 PM, he walked out holding this huge folder — my entire history with USCIS in his hands. Just seeing that file made my heart sink a little.

 

He asked for my green card and immediately began the civics test. I answered the first six questions correctly, and then completed the reading and writing portion without any issues. Up to that point, it all felt standard.

 

But then came the yes/no questions… and the moment he asked about my current marital status. I told him I was divorced, and that’s when everything shifted. His tone changed, and he started digging — gently but firmly — into the abuse. And suddenly, I was right back in those moments I’ve spent years trying to move past.

 

Under the current administration, they are more deliberate about reviewing abuse claims, so I knew the questions were coming, but I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would hit me. My hands were shaking. My voice felt unsteady. Reliving the things my ex-wife did — the control, the emotional manipulation, even preventing me from looking for a job — felt like being dragged back into a place I had fought so hard to escape.

 

I tried to explain, but how do you summarize years of fear, humiliation, and threats in a few sentences? How do you give a snapshot of trauma when your whole body is reacting to it all over again?

 

After that, he continued with the remaining questions, printed a letter, and said I would receive a decision by mail. The form stated I passed the English and civics test, but that a decision cannot be made at this time.

 

Walking out of that building, even without an approval, felt like coming up for air. The memories were heavy — the threats of calling immigration or the police, the constant fear — but stepping outside reminded me that I survived all of it, and I’m not living under her control anymore.

 

I don’t know yet if my case will be approved, and I wish I could say this journey is finally over. But for anyone applying under VAWA: be prepared for the emotional weight of discussing the abuse. It’s not easy, but you’re stronger than the moments you had to endure.

 

Good luck to everyone going through this process. I’ll keep you all posted on any updates.

Sorry to know that  you went through all this.

I can understand your fear and frustration for the officer going again through all what you fought so hard to forget.

I was fortunate by the grace of God for not going through this Three weeks ago during my N-400 (vawa) interview.

My officer didn't  ask any question relates to  my vawa even though I told him that my current marital status was divorced as yours.

After Reading your post, I realize that I was really fortunate.

It's gonna be okay with your case and you will finally get an approval.

Edited 8 hours ago by Rhema1