Is it really necessary to have an immigration lawyer during a green card interview based on marriage ?

Asked almost 2 years ago - Atlanta, GA

We have been working with our attorney through the whole process , but he is asking for a lot to come to the interview , he said we have a couple of problems like: she is older, and doesn't make enough money ( its just a little above the poverty guidelines ) and she filed for green card for someone before, so that might raise lots of questions . I have been thinking about it. is it important to have a lawyer with us ? will the officer ask less questions when he sees the lawyer ? please be honest ,thank you so much

Attorney answers (3)

  1. Giacomo Jacques Behar


    Contributor Level 20


    Lawyers agree


    Answered . It is almost always a good idea to have an attorney prepare you for the questions you'll be facing during the marriage green card interview process, and I think it is ESPECIALLY SO based on the facts you cite herein.

    Individuals represented by an attorney are usually treated with much more courtesy and respect than if appear solo and unrepresented. Especially so if an attorney filed your case and suddenly you appear by yourselves.. You could be creating the impression that the attorney withdrew last minute, when he/she learned of... "fraud"?

    Also, an immigration attorney will make sure that USCIS does not "abuse" you during that interview by asking objectionable questions, as well as ensuring that your answers are understood and properly registered; etc.

    Last, but not least, immigration attorneys usually know almost every adjudicating officer at the local USCIS district office. That could help "smooth" things along.. Don't you think?

    But on the other hand, if your marriage is a "sham" or doubtful at best, and entered solely for the main purpose of obtaining a green card, then no lawyer, no matter how good can possibly help you.. You decide..

  2. Arsen V. Baziyants

    Contributor Level 6


    Lawyers agree


    Answered . I don't know about the elevated suspicion of fraud due to the lawyer not showing up to the interview. I think the USCIS knows that lawyers and their clients commonly agree on a limited representation where the client pays less while the lawyer does less (does not come to the interview).

    Personally, such representation is ok by me in straight forward cases. Your case, as you know and as my fellow lawyer here correctly suggested, is not such a case. I think a lawyer should come to the interviews in difficult cases or shouldn't take those cases to begin with.

    Let's hope you've done extra homework preparing your proof of bona fide marriage, including, if necessary, detailed and convincing affidavits from friends and relatives. This, on a balance, is more important than a lawyer's presence at the interview.

  3. David Nabow Soloway

    Contributor Level 17


    Lawyers agree

    Answered . In addition to the information in the previous responses, it sounds like the attorney you and your spouse have engaged recommends that he be hired to represent you at the interview. If you are reluctant to follow your attorney's advice, I strongly recommend that you schedule a meeting to let him know you have lost confidence in his advice and to ask him to respond to your questions. As others have replied, the details you mentioned do sound like ones that would make it highly valuable to have an attorney provide representation at the interview.

    Additionally, in assessing the wisdom of paying the incremental cost for representation at an interview, one must make a decision about just how important it is to succeed in the case. For some people, this is nearly the most important matter in their lives, for others, being able to remain in the U.S. as a Permanent Resident may be a far less crucial matter in their lives.


    David N. Soloway
    Frazier, Soloway, Poorak & Kennedy, P.C.
    1800 Century Place, Suite 100
    Atlanta, Georgia 30345


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If you want to visit or move permanently to the US, you'll want to learn about your different immigration options.

Green cards

A green card is a legal document which provides proof that the owner is a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

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