Becoming a U.S. Citizen: When the Interview Goes Badly

Although most U.S. citizenship interviews are pleasant, short and not at all scary, there are occasional USCIS officers who make an applicant feel uncomfortable. In fact, there have been cases in which USCIS officers have deviated entirely from procedure, which usually results in a formal complaint.

The problem is that many immigrants are so nervous and scared about becoming a U.S. citizen that they comply with an officer who has acted poorly and fail to report the behavior to USCIS. Here are some tips for interviews that go badly, as well as advice for what to do after a poor interview.

When the Interview Goes Badly: Stay Calm

If you notice that the USCIS officer is asking questions that aren’t relevant or is berating your decisions or moral character, resist the urge to become angry and hostile. Many USCIS officers have been doing this for so long that they become burnt-out, and may take out their aggressions on you. Simply answer the questions to the best of your ability, and shrug off accusatory questions that have no merit.

When the Interview Goes Badly: Listen Closely

There is a fine line between behavior that is simply unattractive and behavior that violates your rights as an immigrant. Officers, for example, do not have the right to ask you U.S. history questions that are not on the review. If you feel that your rights have been violated in any way, immediately request to see a supervisor.

When the Interview Goes Badly: Explain the Situation

If the interview goes so badly that you must speak to a supervisor about the conduct of the interviewing officer, stay calm and explain everything that happened. You have a right to request a different interviewer or to reschedule your interview for a later date. Don’t verbally attack or threaten the supervisor; simply explain the situation and ask what can be done.

When the Interview Goes Badly: Write It Down

When you get home from an interview that goes badly, write down everything that happened. Record what was said, how you reacted, and what a supervisor said in response. Keeping a written document that explains the entire story will help you later.

When the Interview Goes Badly: Consult an Attorney

Although you do have certain rights, you are not yet a U.S. citizen and you might require the assistance of an immigration attorney. He or she will know the proper procedures for situations like yours, and can formally advise you as to the best course of action.