They played with us: Russian immigrant spoke about the most stressful moment at green card interview

Studying in America is my childhood dream, which I decided to fulfill after graduating from Russia. I am from Omsk.

Having made up my mind, I chose a college and applied to the embassy. Then there were no problems with the opening of nonimmigrant visas, as now.

Arriving in the USA, I was faced with the fact that I did not have enough money to pay for my studies. I had to transfer to another college, less expensive. I moved to New York, studied, and worked part-time.

Once I flew to my friends in California, where I met my future wife. We were a couple for a while, but then we decided to live together. Two years later we married. Without thinking for a long time, we started looking for a lawyer who took up our case and would help change my status to immigration. I learned about David from my friend. He was leading her case.

Working with a lawyer was great. He always answered my calls and letters.  The most stressful step was the green card interview, even though David was seriously prepared for it. The officers played with us in a “The Good and the Bad Cop.” At first, they were all so good, and then they asked harsh questions directly on the forehead. I even regretted that I did not agree to David’s offer to go with us.

The first question was: “Is this your soulmate?” We were confused and did not expect such a question. We answered but were very nervous. Then they looked at our joint photographs, asked for the dates of birth, how long we know each other, where we met. They also asked where my wife works, what is her work schedule.

After the interview, 4-5 weeks later, I received a temporary green card for 2 years. The work with David is not over. We will apply for permanent with him after a while, and then for US citizenship.