Our 25-year-old client B.C., who lives in Virginia, came to the United States from Turkey in 2023 through the Work & Travel program. At first, he had no intention of staying permanently. But over time, the life he built, his relationship, and the space where he could truly be himself opened a new path for him.

Today, B.C. shares his journey sincerely as one of our clients who has received a marriage-based Green Card approval. In this interview, he talks about how he met his spouse, his experience at the USCIS interview, his concerns about language, his journey of confronting his identity, and how he felt when he finally received his Green Card.

Where were you in life when you first arrived in the U.S.?
Honestly, I never planned to stay permanently. I thought I would come through Work & Travel, work for three months, and go back. I had already experienced Europe through Erasmus, so this time I wanted to see America. I worked at a restaurant and met people from different countries. Then something important changed in my life. I made friends who were gay like me, and for the first time, I felt like I was in an environment where I didn’t have to hide who I was. In Turkey, I always had to hide my identity. I’m still not out to my family. But here, I didn’t need to hide. After experiencing that feeling, going back was no longer an option for me.

How did you meet your spouse?
We met on a dating app in May 2025. After our first conversations, he proposed to me. Honestly, that was unexpected for me. I never thought someone would love me and want to build a life with me. I had low self-confidence and was hesitant to meet new people. But there was something different about him. Shortly after, he introduced me to his family. That was an unfamiliar but very meaningful experience for me.

Why did that affect you so much?
In Turkey, we have to live many things in secrecy: our identity, our relationships, our lives. But my spouse introduced me to his family exactly as I am. His parents and siblings accepted me. His niece calls me “uncle.” At first, that level of openness felt very unfamiliar. But then I realized that’s actually how it should be.

You met in May and got married in June. How did that feel?
It may seem fast from the outside, but it felt natural for us. My spouse truly understood me. Sometimes I feel like he knows me better than I know myself. During the interview preparation, I was stressed, but he was always calm. He would say, “Relax, I know you better.” And he was right. In a short time, I began to feel like I belonged—not only to him, but to his family as well.

How has this relationship affected your life?
For the first time in my life, I felt unconditionally accepted. My spouse’s family is well-educated and very open-minded. They welcomed me into their lives immediately. We work out together, try to live a healthy lifestyle, and motivate each other. That sense of support means a lot to me.

What was it like going through the marriage-based Green Card process as a same-sex couple?
I already knew that my asylum case was ongoing, so I had two processes happening at the same time. The Green Card interview would focus entirely on our marriage, which actually made me feel more at ease. It wasn’t about asylum, but it was about our relationship. That said, I should mention that not every attorney is equally experienced with same-sex relationships. Okanlaw is very experienced in this area. They never made anything feel unusual and always showed respect for differences. That made a big difference for me.

Were you worried about how the USCIS officer would treat you?
Of course. Before the interview, we waited outside for an hour. Everyone else was called in, and we were the last ones left. Our attorney had warned us that in some cases, people can be detained during interviews. So when everyone went in and we were still waiting, we got scared. My spouse was panicking. I kept telling myself to stay calm, but I was very nervous too. When it was finally our turn, I initially thought the officer seemed very strict. But as soon as we entered, his attitude changed completely, and he tried to make us feel comfortable. My spouse also spoke very sincerely. He said, “The moment I saw him, I knew that I loved him.” I think that had a strong impact.

Did you have concerns about language during the interview?
I do speak English, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to express myself clearly in such a stressful setting. That’s why I chose to have an interpreter, and it was absolutely the right decision. For anyone worried about language: using an interpreter is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, it helps you express yourself more clearly.

How did your application process go?
We got married on June 27. After that, I started researching which documents were needed—photos, shared records, financial documents. Collecting everything was both exhausting and, honestly, a bit strange. It was a real marriage, but we still had to prove it. I didn’t always feel like taking photos everywhere we went, but it was necessary. Eventually, I accepted that this is just how the process works and got used to it.

What was the biggest documentation challenge?
My spouse was missing two years of tax returns. We had been told they review the last three years, and USCIS actually focuses on the most recent year. My spouse had to file retroactively, which delayed the process a bit. Okanlaw was already prepared for this, but I would recommend others check this early. Make sure your spouse or sponsor’s tax records are in order.

You did a mock interview with your attorney. What surprised you most?
I had watched videos online about marriage interviews, and they all seemed very stressful and intimidating. But the real preparation was different. Our attorney explained that officers aren’t looking for memorized answers—they’re looking for real details. Instead of just asking “How did you meet?” they might ask unexpected questions like “Can you draw the layout of your home?” We worked really hard during the last three days. I work as a courier, and my spouse would sit in the passenger seat asking me questions while I answered when we met, what our daily life looks like, who sleeps on which side of the bed. During the mock interview, we were both very nervous. But when our attorney said, “I’m convinced,” it gave us a lot of confidence.

How did you move from memorizing answers to telling your story?
My spouse helped with that. He would say, “I know you better,” which was both funny and reassuring. In a real relationship, the answers are already there—you just have to trust them. When you try to memorize, you get more anxious.

What was your interview day like?
The interview lasted about 15 minutes. It felt more like a conversation. They asked how we met and about our future plans. My spouse was asked directly, “Is this marriage real?” He answered very clearly, “We love each other.” I felt that moment was decisive.

Now that the interview is behind you, how does it feel to be on the other side of the process?
It feels amazing. When I received my new SSN, I felt so excited that I even asked my attorney, “Do I really have permanent residency now?” I couldn’t believe it. I’m now permanent in this country. I can go to school, start a business. I feel like I belong here.

What did it mean to you that your marriage is officially recognized by the U.S. government?
In Turkey, I always had to hide myself -my identity, my feelings, my existence. I still can’t tell my family. But now, I have an official document. The government recognizes my relationship. That carries a very deep meaning for me. When I came to America, I felt like I was reborn, like I was three years old. I’m learning everything from scratch, and everything has a new meaning.

What would you say to someone just starting the marriage-based Green Card process?
If your relationship is real, your story already exists. There’s no need to memorize, just tell your story. The process may seem overwhelming, but it’s manageable, especially with the right team. And for those who feel alone: don’t be afraid. I used to be very introverted and hesitant to meet new people. But one day, I took a step, and my life changed. Being open to new hobbies, new environments, and new life experiences can open many doors.