The Green Card Interview Questions You Should Never Be Asked

Green card interviews can feel intimidating, especially because applicants hear stories about “trick questions” or officers getting unusually personal.

Here is the truth: USCIS is allowed to ask questions that help them decide if you qualify for the benefit you applied for. The interview is designed to verify key details and resolve anything unclear in the file. 

But there is a line between relevant questions and questions that have nothing to do with eligibility or that cross into harassment, bias, or pressure.

This guide explains what USCIS is generally trying to confirm, the types of questions that should raise concern, and what to do if you feel uncomfortable in the room.

(This article is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation.)

What USCIS is allowed to ask in a green card interview

In adjustment of status cases, USCIS explains in its interview guidelines that the interview helps the officer verify important information to determine eligibility.

That usually means questions about things like:

• Identity and biographic details
• Immigration history (entries, exits, prior status, prior filings)
• Eligibility for the category you filed under
• Admissibility issues (certain criminal history, prior immigration violations, etc.)
• For family cases, whether the relationship is real (for example, bona fide marriage) 

So yes, some questions can be personal. Especially in marriage-based cases, it is normal for officers to ask about your life together.

The key is relevance and professional conduct.

Your right to have an attorney at the interview

Many people do not realize this: in most USCIS “examinations,” you have the right to be represented by an attorney or accredited representative.

If you are working with an immigration lawyer, it is usually worth having them attend with you, especially if your history includes prior issues, complicated entries, past arrests, RFEs, or anything that could lead to follow-up questions.

Brudner Law supports clients across a wide range of family and green card matters, including interview preparation. Learn more about our immigration services.

“Never be asked” really means: questions that should raise concern

Let’s be precise: USCIS can ask a lot of questions if they believe it relates to eligibility. So instead of “never,” think:

If the question does not relate to your application, eligibility, or admissibility, and it feels intrusive or biased, you should pause.

Here are the most common red flags.

Red flag #1: Questions that feel discriminatory or unrelated to eligibility

USCIS should be focused on the requirements of the benefit you applied for. 

Questions that may be a concern (depending on context) include:

• “What religion are you?” or “Do you attend church/mosque/temple?”
• “What political party do you support?”
• “Who did you vote for?”
• “People from your country are usually _____, are you like that too?”
• “Are you planning to have kids soon?” asked in a way that feels judgmental or unrelated

Important nuance: there are situations where topics like religion or politics could be relevant (for example, certain Asylum or humanitarian-based filings or specific inadmissibility topics). The issue is when the questioning feels like stereotyping, shaming, or fishing with no connection to the case.

If it feels off, you can calmly ask: “Can you explain how that relates to my eligibility?”

Red flag #2: Graphic or sexually explicit questions

In marriage-based green card interviews, officers may ask about your relationship history, living arrangements, and shared routines. That is normal.

What is not normal is being pushed into explicit sexual detail or graphic descriptions.

Examples that can be red flags:

• Demanding detailed descriptions of sexual acts
• Asking for intimate details that go far beyond “Are you living together?” or “How do you share responsibilities?”
• Humiliating or crude phrasing that feels designed to embarrass you

If a question crosses a line, you can say something like:

• “I can answer questions about our shared life and relationship, but I’m not comfortable with explicit personal details. Can you rephrase this in a way that connects to the eligibility requirements?”

Red flag #3: Pressure to guess, speculate, or “just say something”

A common way cases get messy is when applicants feel forced to answer quickly, even when they do not know.

Red flags include:

• “Just estimate” when the exact answer matters
• “If you don’t remember, pick something”
• “Say yes or no” when the truth needs context

If you do not know, it is okay to say:

• “I do not remember the exact date, but I can provide it later if needed.”
• “I want to make sure I answer accurately. May I check my records?”

Red flag #4: Being pressured to sign something you do not understand

If you are asked to sign a statement, a correction, or any document you have not read carefully, you should slow down.

A safer approach:

• Ask for time to read it
• Ask what it is and why it matters
• If you have counsel, ask to review it with your attorney

This is exactly where having representation helps.

Red flag #5: “Pay me,” “bring cash,” or any request for gifts

This one is simple: USCIS officers do not ask for cash, gifts, or personal payments.

Any hint of:

• paying an officer directly
• paying to “speed things up”
• gifts or favors

…is misconduct and should be treated seriously.

What to do in the moment if a question feels wrong

You do not need to be confrontational. You just need to be calm and clear.

Try this progression:

• Ask for relevance: “Can you explain how this relates to my eligibility?”
• Ask to rephrase: “Could you rephrase that in a more general way?”
• Pause and request counsel: “I would like to answer with my attorney present.” 
• Document it: After the interview, write down what was asked, who was present, and the tone of the exchange.

If you believe the conduct was discriminatory or inappropriate, USCIS guidance points to reporting options, including DHS civil rights channels.

If your case is already delayed or getting extra scrutiny

Sometimes “bad questions” show up because the case has issues in the file, such as missing evidence, inconsistencies, or an RFE on the way.

If you receive a Request for Evidence, responding clearly and completely matters. Brudner Law has a step-by-step resource on RFEs that many applicants find helpful.

When interview prep is worth it

If your case is straightforward, you may only need basic preparation. But interview prep is especially useful when:

• You have prior immigration history that is hard to summarize
• There are gaps, inconsistencies, or prior filings you are worried about
• You have had an RFE or denial before
• You are concerned about how to answer sensitive topics professionally

Brudner Law works with individuals and families across Orange County, California. See our immigration services for more information.

A better interview starts with a better plan

USCIS is allowed to ask questions that help them decide eligibility. But you should not feel bullied, stereotyped, or pressured into confusing statements that do not reflect your truth.

If you want help preparing for a green card interview or you are worried about how certain topics might come up, Brudner Law can help you walk in with a plan. Contact us to get started.

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