Hi,
I am currently in the process of working through I-130, applying for LPR for my mother. I am a US citizen. I have some questions regarding C.16 of the I-130 form, and would appreciate any advice.
C.16 of I-130 reads as follows: "Has your relative ever been under immigration proceedings? No or Yes. If yes, check one of the following: Removal; Exclusion/Deportation; Rescission; Judicial Proceedings."
My mother attempted to enter the US in 2008 using a B-2 (tourist) visa, and was denied admission at Seattle International Airport under Section 235(b)(1) of the Act. Between 2006 and 2008, she had spent 22 months in the US under multiple trips, never overstaying, but appears inadmissible since she spent more time in the US total over the time period. Her application to enter the US was considered "voluntarily withdrawn" under 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(1).
My questions are the following:
1. Does her interview with an immigration officer count as "immigration proceedings"?
2. If yes, then which option should I check? I did some research, and it's definitely not "Exclusion/Deportation" since that's before 1997. I would probably check "Removal," but her "voluntary withdrawal" is "in lieu of a formal determination concerning admissibility," so technically she was never "removed"?
3. How will this impact the I-130 petition?
Thanks for any help!
And this interview was with an immigration officer, not an immigration judge.

