When USCIS Immigration Interviews Go Wrong: How to Handle Inappropriate Questions, Denials and Officer Misconduct

Years ago, I represented an older couple seeking a marriage visa. The immigration officer asked them inappropriate sexual questions, leaving them humiliated.

This was so far outside the scope of acceptable questioning that I immediately wrote a letter to USCIS demanding action. 

Thankfully, experiences like this are extremely rare, and most immigration officers are professional and thoughtful in their approach. 

When your application is complete and well-prepared, officers typically approach your case with approval in mind, and are looking to confirm this decision when they meet the applicant.

But what happens when the interview goes wrong?

If an officer acts inappropriately or denies you improperly:

• Document everything immediately after the interview.

• Get the officer's name and badge number if possible.

• Contact your attorney immediately.

• File an official complaint if warranted.

In my practice, we rarely encounter these issues because our applications are thorough and complete. When officers have all the information they need presented clearly, the interview process usually goes smoothly, with just a few simple questions asked.

That's why we're obsessive about presentation — cover pages, tabs, table of contents, and clear organization. This way, officers can easily find what they're looking for without missing anything critical.

We also prepare our clients for the interview so they know what to expect, and do not blunder a qualified application with a simple mistake.

For borderline cases, expect officers to push you harder with more questions. If your case isn't solid, the interview will be more challenging. We also recommend addressing any weaknesses in the written application first.

Remember: Work with an attorney who prepares meticulously and will advocate strongly if something goes wrong. 

Proper preparation prevents poor performance — especially when your immigration status is on the line.

Have you had/heard of a particularly good or bad immigration interview experience and don't know how to proceed? Call (949) 940-6725, or book a consultation online to speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.

DISCLAIMER: This post does not constitute legal advice, nor create an attorney-client relationship. Always seek advice from a qualified, licensed U.S. attorney for immigration questions specific to your case.