Hi, Can or should I attend my upcoming N-400 interview with an immigration lawyer with me? Would bringing a lawyer possibly negatively affect the outcome of the interview? It would be nice to have someone who knows the ropes on my side at the interview....

Dear John:

We believe that whenever there is a potential problem with a case, it is best to have a qualified immigration law attorney with you at the interview. Of course, for an attorney to help you he/she must know all about your case and be fully prepared to properly present the issues and legal arguments that support your position.

This does not mean that you should only have an attorney when there is a problem with a case. In many instances, an attorney can greatly assist in the preparation of the case, and advise you of the procedures involved so that you can feel more comfortable at all stages of the proceedings. Good luck.

Thank you for your reply.

May I assume, then, that the INS interviewer would
not take a more aggressive position in conducting
the interview merely because I have an attorney
representing me in the interview?

Sincerely,

J

Dear John:

Hopefully the examiner will not be aggressive in either situation. However, from our past experience, if complaints occur it is when individuals appear at interviews without lawyers. Best wishes.

jiwanp: "Hi, I was here in the states as a student, unfourtunately I couldn't contuinue my education instead I started working illigalely. I got sponsored from my work when the life act got active again while Bill clinton was about to leave. After my labor got approved my owner started giving me hard time for the documents I needed. In the mean time I got married with my Girlfired who is a green card holder. After going through alot of hurdles I finally gave up on my sponsor and filed I130 through my wife's green card which is still in process. Now my wife is about to file N400 for citizenship, where she has to answer a question about my status. What would be my status ??what should I write in the form N400 part 8 E(3)??? Is my status going to affect my wife's citizenship in any way??? Please suggest me."