Questions

Helping people with immigration processes involves answering many, many questions. Along with the vast quantity of questions also comes a wide variety. For those who have only been in the United States for a short while and come from a different culture, possibly without a deep understanding of English, this can be quite the interesting adventure.

• Some questions on government forms use complex language that is difficult to understand even for someone fluent in English.

• Some questions are very personal.

• Some questions leave everyone scratching their head, trying to figure out what is the most appropriate answer.

• Some questions seem to have multiple layers of meaning and/or implications.

• Some questions seem too simple. Are they supposed to be that simple, or is there a risk of getting tripped up over something?

Below are a few examples from common family immigration processes. How would you fare responding to the questions?

N-400 Civics Test

Unless granted an exemption, every applicant for naturalization must pass a civics test, typically administered orally in English. Here is one of the 128 questions that might be asked:

• Why did the United States enter World War I?

I-590 Registration for Classification as Refugee

I’ve never assisted with any I-590s, because they are for refugees who have not yet been admitted to the United States, but I have certainly worked with a lot of people in later immigration processes. The answers to these questions stay on their record throughout their immigration journey.

• Why did you first flee your country of citizenship/nationality, or if you are stateless, the country of your last habitual residence?

• List your present and past membership in - or affiliation with - ALL political, professional, or social organizations or groups, such as, but not limited to: student groups, labor unions, religious organizations, civil patrols, human rights groups, media organizations, funds, foundations, or societies. Include the name(s) of organization(s), location(s), dates of membership, as well as the purpose, character and nature of the organization(s). Include ranks held, promotions received, honors/recognitions given, regular duties, and dues paid.

I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

Asylum applications are not easy. A good application requires clear and concise writing to answer the written questions well, and it can be expected that at least some of the questions will be asked again in an interview or court hearing.

• Have you, your family, or close friends or colleagues ever experienced harm or mistreatment or threats in the past by anyone? If “Yes,” explain in detail: 1) What happened; 2) When the harm or mistreatment or threats occurred; 3) Who caused the harm or mistreatment or threats; and 4) Why you believe the harm or mistreatment or threats occurred.

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (green card application)

Read these closely, making sure you know the meaning of each word, and answer carefully, or your interview might be very awkward.

• Have you EVER committed a crime of any kind (even if you were not arrested, cited, charged with, or tried for that crime, or convicted)?

• Have you EVER violated (or attempted or conspired to violate) any controlled substance law or regulation of a state, the United States, or a foreign country?

N-400 Application for Naturalization

Possibly the most exciting while also the riskiest of these applications, the citizenship application process brings everything into the discussion. Tread carefully. If things don’t line up, there will be problems. And try to make sure you have good, thorough records to back up your answer(s).

• Have you EVER been arrested, cited, detained or confined by any law enforcement officer, military official (in the U.S. or elsewhere), or immigration official for any reason, or been charged with a crime or offense? If “Yes”:

  • What was the crime or offense?

  • What was the date of the crime or offense?

  • What was the date of your conviction or guilty plea?

  • What was the place of crime or offense?

  • What was the result or disposition of the arrest, citation, or charge?

  • What was your sentence?

Do you want to test yourself with a couple more civics test questions?

• How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?

• The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.