Whenever you arrive in the United States, Immigration Officers and other personnel will be the first people to greet you. Depending on your visa or citizenship status, they’re likely to ask you a couple of questions. Here’s what an expert
San Diego immigration lawyer has to say in this matter.
For US Citizens
Arrival through any US port of entry is shorter and easier for US citizens. You will have to produce your passport before the officer/inspector. He/she will then verify your citizenship number and ask general questions about your trip, before welcoming you to US.
This, however, does not exempt US citizens from a secondary inspection. In the event a flag has been placed on the passport or passport holder’s name, the second inspection takes place. This process is comparatively lengthy and involves detailed questioning on your foreign trip.
For Immigrants
1. Inspection
CBP officer ask foreign nationals and immigrants on their purpose of visit. They will have a right to inspect your passport and all other traveling and supporting documents. Make sure to collect your electronic travel record from your airline to complete the I-94 Arrival & Departure schedule.
Once you’ve cleared immigration process, the officer will mark the date and class of admission on your passport. A few days after your entry, you will be able to access the automated I-94 form and complete your traveling details there.
2. Land Border
If you’re entering US through a land border, you may be subjected to the same immigration procedure- albeit a few differences. Form I-94 is not automated for land travelers. As a result, you will have to fill it out on paper. Once your documents have been stamped, the CBP officer will issue paper I-94 form for you to fill out. It should mention your immigration classification and state your duration of stay.
3. Seaport
Many visitors and immigrants prefer entering to the US via seaport. The resulting immigration process is a lot similar to airport entry- as the I-94 form is fully automated. In most of the seaport entry cases, all immigration inspections are completed before disembarking to the US seaport. The primary and secondary inspections may be more rigorous here.
It is important to note for foreign nationals that a cruise along the international waters surrounding the US will be considered as an entry to or an exit from the country. Irrespective of how short the cruise is, the foreign nationals will be inspected for documents the minute they enter US territory.
4. Document
All non-immigrant foreign nationals arriving in the US must have a valid passport and all necessary travel documents. The visa will also be subjected to a check. Such nationals should also satisfy all admission conditions that are necessary to determine their class of admission. For instance, H1-B workers will need to produce Form I-797 for inspection.
