Greencard Interview - Please help me!?
My father got a job here in U.S., thus my family will be taking a greencard interview very soon.
I have no idea what they will ask me and my family, but I heard that they will be mainly focusing on our criminal records.
I am eighteen now, but when I was around fourteen, I was arrested not once, but TWICE for shoplifting. I was young and stupid. I probably influenced my younger sister because immediately after, she got arrested for shoplifting as well. She was around twelve.
Then our social security #s came out when I was seventeen and my sister fifteen.
But we still live with the same name and address as we got arrested. We both don't remember having to do the whole fingerprint process.
I'm just so worried. Some tell us to lie, because records are probably gone while some tell us not to lie, because records remain even from just our name and address.
What are our chances? PLEASE Help! :(
Answer:
Okay, first of all Congratulations to your Dad for waiting 10 years legally, and not going to Mexico to sneak across the Mexican border illegally. That's what we want here - Legal Aliens like your father.
Now, stop worrying and don't lie about anything. Both you and your sister's criminal records as minors (under 18) isn't as important to DHS as you think it is.
DHS wants to make sure your Dad will not be a burden to America, but will be a help to our society - meaning he needs to get a Sponsor (a job, a means of support) other than the American Government.
DHS wants your Dad to fit in well with American society. They are there to prepare for his Resident Alien Status, and to explain how that works.
As for DHS, they wouldn't ask any questions that they don't already know the answer, so don't ever think about playing games with them.
Your Dad got this far because DHS wants him here. Think positive!
PS- I'm so glad everyone here annonymously urges you to tell the truth. It's the right thing to do, and you'll definitely fit in well here in America if you see it that way, too. Judging by your concern, I think you'll be here as long as your family wants to be here. You sound like you have good character
Don't lie. Chances are the interviewers would recognise you are hiding something. If they figure out you have lied, that will make things worse than if you tell the truth.
I'm not an expert on this but be honest. I know it's very hard to tell the truth, but if you don't it will haunt you. But then I want you to get your green card. If they don't ask you then don't worry about it. All you have to do is be honest, and take a deep breath. But I highly doubt most of it will be about criminal records. Do whats right. I wish the best of luck to you and your family. : )
You're fine. Only an "aggravated felony" or crime of "moral turpitude" would cause you to fail. Shoplifting as a minor will be of no concern to the CIS.
Just don't lie. Don't volunteer too much info either. Answer the questions honestly.
Now, any admission of illegal drug use, even a single time, can cause you to be banned from immigration permanently.
When I went for my green card interview I expected an actual interview, but when I was called into the office, my green card was ready and I did not have to answer any questions at all. I do not know if that is normal or unusual, but it was nice.
One of the procedures done before the card is issued is to run your fingerprints through the criminal databases. I am not sure if yours will show up since you were a juvenile when you were arrested. Also, I am not sure if at eighteen you still automatically obtain green card status when your parents get it or if you are considered an adult.
I would not worry too much, if you are questioned about it, be truthful. If it precludes you from getting the card, there is not a whole lot that you can do to change that, other than to appeal the ruling. Somehow I think you will be ok.
Good luck.
As George Constanza said "It's not a lie if YOU believe it"
Where are you originally from?
Enjoy your trip back there!!!
Tell the truth if they ask but don’t give information to question not asked. If they ask you have you ever been arrested for a felony? Shoplifting is a misdemeanor so answering no to that question would not be a lie.
dont lie you will be fine if your clean of drugs and have been good ul b fine
Don't lie. Don't lie. Don't lie.
You were juveniles.
Don't lie.
I've never heard of someone being turned down for shoplifting as a child, once they were an adult (although I can't say it is impossible). But I have heard of all sorts of people having trouble for lying.
above all speak only when spoken to, meaning DO NOT OFFER ANY INFORMATION, I think the only way they would ask you if you have a felony arrest is IF they found out from your fingerprints otherwise , they don't ask. they didn't ask my husband. I can't remember but it seems like they ask that on the forms you fill out. check them and see if you answered that question. If you have sent in the forms, hopefully you have copies, if not samples of immigration forms can be found on line.good luck; I hope it works out for you
Seeing as I am an Immigration Inspector I know a little something about this.
I'll tell you what everyone else is saying & that is simply:
ALWAYS tell the truth.
Things that you might think will get you to be rejected are probably not nearly as big a deal as you might think. You should see some of the things we give waivers for.
But if you LIE...
If we know, find out, or just think you are lying: you'll be banned for life.
I'm not just saying this because I'm one of "them" but because the U.S. welcomes all types every day who things right & legal.
Common, that's what the U.S. IS: a collection of people from everywhere.
Tell the truth, do everything legal, keep your nose clean & then hear: Welcome to the U.S. =)
The Immigration information post by website user , MyTend.com not guarantee correctness.
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