The rule of thumb is simply, don’t give up. It took two regular interviews, two stokes interviews and a huge credit card debt before this elated immigrant was able to prevail at the elusive and dreadful green card interview. It was such a rough ride, but thanks to Attorney Famuyide who worked very hard in clearing all the red flags in the case leading to the approval almost two years into trying.

The green card interview is not a one jacket fit all type of an interview. Some immigrants will find it so easy while some will experience the rough and tumble of Stokes interview before finally obtaining their green cards. There are usually two factors that could lead to a horrific experience at the green card interview; namely the presentation of the case and the officer assigned to the case. Some officers are simply nasty; they do not play by the rule. Some of them make up their mind before the interview after reviewing the file. Majority of the officers follow the law and are humane in their application of the law, but if your case is assigned to the nasty few, you are sure to get Stokes interview regardless of how well you perform.

On the other hand, some immigrants’ package their cases in a way that there are obvious open red flags all over the case leaving the officer without any choice but to question the validity of the relationship that culminated in the application. For example, if a case is poorly put together with identity cards showing different addresses or bank statements going to a different address other than the marital home, the officer will not have any choice than to probe further into the obvious evidence of lack of cohabitation.

In Attorney Famuyide’s the situation was unique. At the first interview, the parties were too nervous and their answers were not sharp and direct but shaky and evasive. The officer conducting the interview saw what appeared to be lack of adequate grasp of the facts by both parties. She decided to send them to Stokes interview.

At the first Stokes interview, they were not lucky. The case was assigned to an officer who would not follow the law but would assume, add to answers and lead at times by putting words into the mouth of unsuspecting immigrant. From the start of the interview, it was obvious that the parties would not prevail. After about 50 questions, they became nervous to the extent of forgetting to mention that they were in Attorney Famuyide’s office the previous day.

At some point, it became a brain freeze problem because of the way the officer was conducting the interview. He was not friendly, but very sarcastic despite Attorney Famuyide calling him to order about three times in the process.

At the end, the case was denied. The alleged inconsistencies in the denial letter were not easy to overcome, so Attorney Famuyide advised the parties to file another application. It was at a huge cost. The application was filed again.

Many at times when another application is filed after a Stokes denial, the parties might be lucky to get another regular interview particularly regarding cases assigned to Long Island or Queens Office of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. Such a case if assigned to the FederalPlaza might be sent to Stokes immediately.

Attorney Famuyide’s clients in this case were given another regular interview. The interview went fairly well. The parties were hopeful, but alas! few days later, they received a letter sending the case to another Stokes interview in the FederalPlaza.

Stokes interview is the most dreaded form of green card interview an immigrant could face. They were cautiously optimistic. This time around, the case was assigned to an officer who followed the rule. The immigrant and her spouse were interviewed separately with Attorney Famuyide in attendance. The interview was smooth and well conducted by the officer. At the end of about two hours, it was obvious that they were going to win.

About two weeks after the interview, for the first time after over 10years in the United States, the immigrant received the “Welcome to America” letter marking the happiest day of her life. It was a sweet ending to a story that started on a sour note.

All immigrants must know that there are no two cases that are the same. There are dynamics that could lead to denial or approval of any case. Many immigrants relied on what their friend told them to their damnation. You cannot to go before the interviewing officer without the assistance of an attorney. If you hit a bump and now decide to retain a lawyer at that time, you are making things difficult for yourself and the attorney.

It is important to engage the services of a qualified immigration attorney when applying to permanent resident status under any of the existing programs including marriage.

This article is for your information only. It is not a representation of any future outcome. If you need an immigration attorney, please feel free to contact Attorney Famuyide immediately at 718-647-6767 or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

                                                                                                USI News

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