Our client A.Y. first applied for asylum. While that case was still pending, she got married and later obtained her Green Card through marriage. She submitted her application in July 2025 and received her card in October 2025. In her own words, the process “flowed like water,” but within that flow there was anxiety, excitement, and serious preparation. We asked the questions, and A.Y. answered candidly.

You initially applied for asylum. How did you manage that process?
You know, I had actually decided to work with you while I was still in Turkey. I found Mr. Okan through his Instagram stories. After I decided to come to the U.S., I regularly watched his YouTube videos and followed his Q&A sessions, especially during the pandemic. I had already made up my mind back then. The asylum process is very procedural. I worked with Okanlaw while preparing my case, and the whole team was extremely helpful. So I can say my asylum application process also went smoothly with your support.

What was the hardest part?
Like everyone else, I was very anxious. Whenever we spoke, your encouraging approach really reassured me. During the marriage-based process, I received support from Mr. Can, who was very helpful during that time. As you can imagine, my spouse and I were stressed at times.

Speaking of marriage, how did your Green Card process move forward?
We got married in April. Around July, we applied for the Green Card. We were very excited during that time, so much so that we were even dreaming about it. All of this affects your daily life and causes stress. During that period, my blood sugar levels went up. I had a lot of extra worries on my mind. But every time I spoke with you, I felt better. We applied around July 25 and received the card in October.

Can you tell us about your interview?
We practiced with our attorney beforehand. The guidance we received on how to approach the interview really helped. My marriage is genuine, yet we were still giving somewhat amateur answers during practice. The attorney’s guidance was very helpful. After the interview, we felt highly motivated. The interview itself was very easy. We had an experienced officer. Other than asking our names, my date of birth, and standard security questions, they didn’t ask much. They asked who would like to explain the marriage, and since my spouse wanted to, she told the story. We had gone to Hawaii for our honeymoon, and the officer wanted to see those photos. We shared them. He asked about the food in Hawaii and whether we had tried it. Other than that, he didn’t ask any personal questions. I think they had already done their research and reviewed our documents. The document list we prepared with Okanlaw was more than sufficient. The process really did flow smoothly. At the end of the interview, the officer said he believed our marriage was genuine.

Did the questions match your expectations?
The interview went far better than I expected. I didn’t think it would go that well. I was nervous about potential questions like which side of the bed we sleep on, birth dates, siblings’ names. I was worried about mixing things up. Even though I was completely confident that my marriage was real, trying to prove something genuine is still nerve-racking.

What did you think when you saw the document checklist?
It seemed like a lot at first, but this is America. Many people are viewed with suspicion, especially because fraudulent marriages do happen. So I understood the thoroughness. I could see that you wanted to make the case airtight. I didn’t consult any other attorneys. When I came from Turkey, everything was clear in my mind. I had spoken with Mr. Okan on the phone initially. He doesn’t like to work based on assumptions, and he makes that clear. Once I realized how well he knew his work, it motivated me even more.

Let’s talk about the fun part. How did you meet your spouse?
We met on Facebook Dating. I messaged her two or three times, and she didn’t reply. I thought, “I’ll message one last time, and if she doesn’t respond, I’ll delete it.” Just as I was thinking that, she sent me a voice message. We talked a lot. When the conversation turned to food, we used Turkish coffee as an excuse to meet in person. Interestingly, when she was in elementary school, she had learned our traditional folk dances in Milwaukee. Coincidence or fate? You decide.

Did meeting on Facebook feel like a disadvantage during your application?
Not at all. In the U.S., many people who are genuinely looking for relationships use Facebook Dating. I never felt it was negative.

Was there any document you were especially glad you included?
Definitely the honeymoon photos. Sharing that experience during the Green Card interview was very important. It clearly demonstrated the authenticity of our relationship. In fact, most of the interview conversation centered around our honeymoon.

Did anything unusual happen during the process?
The immigration office monitored our house. They checked whether I was going in and out. My spouse noticed it. They never came inside, but my spouse realized they were observing from outside. Based on hints during the interview, I also understood that they had reviewed our social media. The officer asked whether both of our Facebook profile pictures showed us together. That’s how we figured it out. I think couples applying for a Green Card should share plenty of photos on social media.

If you were applying today, what would you do differently?
Honestly, I think I did almost everything right. We got married fairly quickly. Before that, we even went on a trip to get to know each other better. We married quickly because we wanted to travel to Turkey together the following summer. We wanted to make it official as soon as possible. We also plan to have a wedding ceremony in Turkey.

What advice would you give to couples in a similar situation?
I would suggest going on a honeymoon. Sharing that experience during the interview is helpful. If your partner has a child, spend time with them and build a relationship. Take these steps seriously. Above all, become a true family. Travel together before marriage. It’s important for getting to know each other and creating memories with photos. If your marriage is genuine, with proper guidance and careful preparation, the process will flow smoothly.