Is it a good idea to bring an attorney to the interview?

[rainie]

My interview will be next month. I don't have any issue with the hard criteria such as the continuous residence and physical presence. But I do feel that the IO may ask me to justify a few things, such as the frequent foreign trips.

Do you think it is a good idea to have an attorney representing me at the interview? I assume that we can do so. I brought my attorney to the GC interview and I believe I benefited from it. If something goes wrong, the fee for an administrative review or re-filing a N-400 would be more expensive than hiring an attorney for half a day.

Thanks very much. May God bless everyone!

[bayareamom]

May I ask what your concern is with regards to your foreign trips is? I too was a bit scared going into my interview a couple of months ago because I work for a travel company and have international travel about 5-6 times a year but no longer than a week at a time.. so my list of travels within the last 5 years was a long one. It did not seem to have been an issue at all since it was all small trips and obviously as a director for a travel company, travel is part of my job.. we covered it in about 10 seconds and moved on with the interview. Is yours a similar case? If yes and if you can obviously show your travel return dates and # of days in/out of the country and it does not mess with your eligibility, then I dont think an attorney would be necessary. If the 'nature' of your trips can be in question however, then that's another story. Good luck

[rainie]

Hi Bayareamom,

Thanks for your reply. I have a few things that concern me.

1. During the 1st half of my past 5 years, I took 4 foreign trips and each of them last between 160-170 days. Each time I stayed in the US for 2-4 weeks in between.
2. During the same period, my business wasn't profitable and I didn't have any income. So I didn't file tax return during this period, but I do have tax return in the past 2 years. I have got ready my tax transcripts for the past 10 years showing I paid my due and not owing IRS.
3. I missed a part-time job I did for a short period on the N-400 employment section.

Thanks again.

[bayareamom]

If you have HARD evidence that you meet the citizenship criteria, then whether or not they want to 'give you a hard time' which I believe is what you're fearing, it will not have any bearing on your eligibility and ultimately, they can't decline your application without proof. If for your own peace of mind having a lawyer is worth the money, then it might be a good investment. The other option would be to go to the interview on your own with all of your paperwork.. and if they do not give you a decision during the interview, then you can hire a lawyer at that time. Unfortunately, this is a question only you can answer. I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

[Jin03983]

If you have HARD evidence that you meet the citizenship criteria, then whether or not they want to 'give you a hard time' which I believe is what you're fearing, it will not have any bearing on your eligibility and ultimately, they can't decline your application without proof. If for your own peace of mind having a lawyer is worth the money, then it might be a good investment. The other option would be to go to the interview on your own with all of your paperwork.. and if they do not give you a decision during the interview, then you can hire a lawyer at that time. Unfortunately, this is a question only you can answer. I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

Hi BAmom,

Just curious, so you're saying that whatever they (interviewer) say, as long as you have HARD evidence showing your eligibility, then it should be ok? Like Rainie, I also have a few trips outside the US but never more than 6 months (only 3-4 mos)..So im pretty sure i should be safe..
But still i cant help but feel worried for some reason about other stuff even though I've checked the website over and over and it seems im ok...
In your opinion, what hard evidence can i present about this issue?

[Jin03983]

=)

Hi Rainie,

Im applying for citizenship soon also, can you give us updates here about how your interview went? Im just looking for others' experiences in relation to my case so i have an idea...

GOODLUCK and GODBLESS!!

[rainie]

interview experience

The interview lasted only 15 minutes. The IO briefly went over my N400 and did the civil test. Then handed me a form N-14 and asked me to send in a complete copy of my passport. I had 10 foreign trips in the past 5 years and he said he could not verify my trip dates or do the calculation during the interview. Then I was let go with a receipt of no decision made.
The next day I send out the package via express mail and so far there is no news. I guess I would give it a month or two. Afterwards I will do an Info Pass if still no luck.
Good luck to everyone.

[BigJoe5]

It's a matter of showing your "intent to reside" in the U.S.

A tidbit very everyone to pass along.......


Some folks run into trouble when they:

Fail to maintain a residence in the U.S. while outside the country for extended periods. Motel 6 or your cousin's apartment aren't in your name.

They collect SSI or any other government check when they are not residing in the U.S., a particular state, or county. They have direct deposit and a PO Box for the bank statement. [That is a Good Moral Character Issue, also, benefit fraud is a CIMT Crime Involving Moral Turpiude and does NOT require a conviction to count against you.]

They don't keep their U.S. employment.

They have no family ties in the U.S.

They have no income in the U.S. so don't file taxes.

They take a job in a foriegn or HOME Country.

They enroll in school in the HOME Country.

They refer to their "former country/country of birth and/or residence" as "MY Country" or as "HOME" during the interview

When a person "puts in their time" then files an N-400 and resumes their extended trips with only pit stops back in the U.S. then turns around and takes off again.... well you see how bad that looks!


Best of Luck, I hope you were making something out if nothing.

[lathika]

Hi,
A hate crime is when a perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her membership in a certain social group, usually defined by racial group, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, gender identity, or political affiliation.

A crime is the breaking of one or more rules or laws for which some governing authority, may ultimately prescribe a conviction.

My question is, what exactly are the consequences for a hate crime and a crime? Should the consequences for a hate crime be strengthened?

[BigJoe5]

Huh?

Lathika,

Did you mean to add to a different thread?

Child sexual molestation has nothing to dop with this thread.


???????????????????

[rainie]

oath letter

Finally, I have received my oath letter. I will become a citizen of the United States!