I’ve decided to share my story because I wanted to give hope to others in a similar situation. I migrated to the us in 2014 in my early 20s after graduating college in my hometown. In 2015 i was hanging around the wrong ppl and found myself in a situation where i was hit with 3 felony charges (non -violent) this is within 1 year of my arrival . I lawyered up asap knowing my status in the country my lawyer was able to get me in a PRE Trial Diversion Program ( community service/ restitution) and the charges were later dropped & later on I got the record expunged.
Fast forward to 2016 , met the love of my life got married in 2018 & applied for AOS in Jan 2019. EAD approved in March 2019 interviews was scheduled for Aug 2019. Interview went great after interview USCIS sent REF pertaining to criminal charges my lawyer responded to REF received a notice for my second interview scheduled DEC 2019. Got sick(covid) missed second interview hence my case denied .
Yes the denial was discouraging but i didn’t lose hope because i knew i had a strong case i was in a bonafide marriage with the evidence to prove it & God was in control . February 2021 I applied for AOS my second time. March 2021 case was received , Sep 2021 my interview was scheduled & case was approved that same day . Second Interview was much easier than the first probably because I had already experienced one. Interviewer asked how we met , for evidence & asked about the charges. I was very transparent told him exactly what happen and was 100% honest about the entire situation officer was humerous & understanding . Told me thank God i grew up & said he doesnt see any inadmissability issues with my case basically saying my previous criminal record does not make me a threat to America. Within 3 hours of leaving my interview the case status online updated to new card being produced & that was the happiest day of my life.
The things I thing helped my case:
Lawyer was present for both interviews.
Those charges were my first & only police interaction EVER not even a parking ticket.
Honesty/ Transparency
Crime was non-violent
Case was a long time ago
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/immigration/comments/q1vls5/i485_approved_w_record/