Interview Question

[FLRussianHubby]

What is the name of your state? Florida

On Monday morning, my wife and I are finally going to our Interview for her green card. Although I don't think we really have anything to worry about, we're both understandably a little nervous.

When reviewing things a bit, one question came to mind that we'd like some opinion on as to how to answer (if asked). When we got married, neither of our families were present (it was a courthouse wedding). Her family is in Russia, so it was not possible for them to be here. My family was not there because they were not aware of our marriage (they thought we were only dating--in a serious relationship--but not marriage yet). They still are not aware of our marriage, although they know her well and of course know that we live together. The reasoning for this is because my parents are a bit "old fashioned" and we felt that they would not understand us getting married after anything less than several years of dating.

So, this brings up the question: when we show the interviewer pictures of our wedding, we have a few friends there, but no family. If they ask why, what would be the safe answer to say? (for her parents, we feel that the truth is perfectly acceptible, as they have never been to the US). Should we tell them the truth as to why they weren't there or should we come up with a better answer? I know lieing is definitely not something that we really want to do, but we are a little concerned if something as simple as this could cause us problems....

 

[ImmigAttyLana]

The truth is the best answer, but in your case, it may be a bit problematic that your parents STILL don't know you are legally married. It might be presumed that the marriage is one for her to get a green card and that's the reason you are keeping it from your parents. You should come up with a good believable reason as to why you have not told your parents you are married since I presume it has now been at least 6-7 months since that happened if you are going to your interview on Monday.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or how I can be of further assistance to you in this matter.

 

[SHORTY LONG]

Curious? How long have you been lawfully married, and living under the
same roof as husband and wife? And as Attorney Lana made utterly clear,
be totally HONEST.

 

[FLRussianHubby]

We've been married and living together for a little over a year now. We do intend to eventually have a real church wedding at some point, but haven't gotten to that yet. (my parents would not approve of anything less than a church wedding--they're very traditional). Unfortunately, it's the norm in my family to be together for several years before considering marriage.

It would also be nice if we could arrange her parents to be present, too, even though they are aware that we are married. It would just be nice to have them here.

So, the consensus so far is the truth, although Lana seems to think it could lead to troubles. If we tell them that my family is now aware that we are married, is there any way that they would verify?

I hope it doesn't get brought up, but one never knows....

 

[SHORTY LONG]

Attorney Lana shared with you that, "it may be a bit problematic" because you have
not informed your parents about your lawful marriage! It is understandable about
family tradition, however, given as to what is at stake, let your own conscious be
your guide!

Given the nature of scrutiny in Immigration affairs today in time, anything is possible!