Increase in Arrests During Green Card Interviews
The green card interview is supposed to be a hopeful and memorable day for married couples who dream of building their future together in the United States. It is considered the final milestone before a spouse receives permanent residency. Couples arrive expecting approval and relief. Instead, recent real-life events show unimaginable trauma, spouses being handcuffed, detained, separated from their families, and taken into ICE custody immediately after the green card interview.
A recent investigative report by Miriam Jordan in The New York Times titled “Green card interviews end in handcuffs for spouses of US citizens” reveals shocking incidents where routine green card interviews ended with unexpected arrests. These arrests have shaken immigrant communities, legal experts, and families across several U.S. cities. Many couples who legally followed every step were still detained and threatened with deportation.
This increase in arrests during green card interview appointments raises a serious question:
Is it safe for couples to attend green card interviews without a lawyer today?
Alarming Reality: Arrests After Green Card Interview Appointments
According to the report, dozens of foreign spouses were recently detained in San Diego immediately after the green card interview, even though they:
- Submitted complete paperwork
- Passed medical and security checks
- Had employment authorization
- Entered the U.S. legally
- Provided genuine marriage evidence
They went into the green card interview with confidence, only to walk out separated and heartbroken.
Couples like:
- Stephen Paul and his British wife with their 4-month-old baby
- Audrey Hestmark and her German husband
- Jason Cordero and his Mexican wife
believed the green card interview would secure their family future. Instead, ICE officers immediately detained the foreign spouse, handcuffed them, and transferred them to immigration detention.
These families were left in panic and confusion, saying they felt betrayed after following every rule.
Why the Green Card Interview Has Become Risky?
Immigration lawyers report a sudden surge in arrests since November. The government has not officially announced any policy change, yet actions are being taken aggressively. Many spouses were told they overstayed visas during the green card interview, despite federal law allowing legal adjustment of status even after a visa expires.
The problem is not legal eligibility, it is unexpected enforcement.
In the past, expired visas did not result in arrests during a green card interview. But today:
- Couples are being detained without warning
- Spouses are being separated without due process
- Officers inside USCIS offices are now coordinating with ICE
For many families, attending the green card interview without legal counsel has become extremely dangerous.
Why You Need a Lawyer Before the Green Card Interview?
An experienced immigration lawyer provides crucial protection before and during the green card interview, including:
1. Preventing Misinterpretation
Lawyers ensure correct responses and complete documentation, reducing risks during the green card interview.
2. Legal Representation at the Interview
Having a lawyer present discourages aggressive or unfair actions.
3. Immediate Emergency Support
If detention occurs, lawyers can:
- File urgent motions
- Request bond hearings
- Stop removal orders
- Demand due legal process
4. Protection for Families
Legal support can prevent sudden separation and deportation.
Without a lawyer, couples may be vulnerable even if they did everything right. The recent situations prove that the green card interview process is no longer predictable.
Alo Legal – Guiding Families Through the Green Card Journey
Families should never have to face fear and uncertainty on such an important day. Alo Legal provides strong legal protection at every step of the green card interview and adjustment of status journey.
How Alo Legal Supports You
Expert legal guidance throughout the entire green card process- Complete preparation and coaching for immigration interviews
- Representation during USCIS, immigration court, and appeal hearings
- Assistance with document collection, paperwork accuracy, and form submission
- Legal strategy for complex and high-risk immigration cases
- Support with Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
- Advising on timelines, eligibility, and next steps to avoid delays
- Emergency legal assistance for unexpected immigration issues
- Family-based, employment-based, and humanitarian immigration support
- Dedicated counsel focused on keeping families together and protecting rights
Expert legal guidance throughout the entire green card processMany families who recently faced detentions could have protected themselves better with legal representation. Alo Legal understands the emotional stress couples go through, and we fight aggressively to keep families together.
If the families in the news story had Alo Legal
They could have:
- Had an attorney present to prevent intimidation
- Requested immediate legal intervention
- Avoided separation and panic
- Pursued stronger legal relief before ICE involvement
Alo Legal is committed to providing power, protection, and peace of mind.
Conclusion: Do Not Attend Your Green Card Interview Alone
The dramatic increase in arrests during green card interview appointments is a serious warning for immigrant couples. What should be a celebration is turning into a nightmare for many families.
Before attending any green card interview, secure legal representation.
Your future, your marriage, and your peace are too important to risk.
