People who marry U.S. citizens often obtain green cards. For instance, a worker could come to the United States on a relatively short work visa, fall in love and get married. To allow them to stay with their spouse after the work visa ends, they get a green card.
As part of this process, the government may conduct an interview. They’ll ask you all sorts of questions like when you met, where you got married, what life is like at home and what plans you have for the future.
These questions may feel unimportant. Why do they want to know where you went on your first date or what your favorite place to eat is when you decide to go out?
There is a reason for these questions
The reason they ask seemingly mundane questions is actually fairly simple: They don’t care about the specific answers. They’re not worried about where you met or where you eat.
What they are looking for is a clear difference in your answers. Answering one thing differently is likely fine. Maybe you both have a different favorite restaurant. However, if you and your spouse give vastly different answers to many questions that should be the same, that lets them know that something doesn’t add up with your story. You could be accused of fraudulently getting married just to get a green card.
Protecting your status
It is critical to protect your legal status when you are facing a situation like this. Make sure you know what rights you have and what legal options are at your disposal.