Understanding the Procedures at a US Port of Entry
July 16th, 2012 by Abby Keane
Millions of people from various countries around the world travel to America every year. People who wish to enter America, enter through a US port of entry where their papers are verified after which they are granted entry into the United States. If you are passing through a port of entry, it means that you are seeking permission from an immigration officer to enter into the United States for a specific duration and for a specific purpose.
It is hence important to know your rights and the procedures as you enter through a US port of entry. There are certain rights that are granted to the people who enter either for pleasure or for employment; for temporary residence or for permanent residence. A place where a person may enter the United States lawfully is the US port of entry. This is a place where the individual’s passports, visas, and luggage are verified and inspected. Security checks at a US port of entry are conducted to ensure that no smuggling is taking place.
Every individual who is entering at an airport, land, or a sea port of entry, into the United States will be inspected by the US Customs and Border Protection officials. Three components of inspection, immigration, agriculture and customs will be conducted by the officers. An individual with health concerns will be referred to a public health officer. At the port of entry, there will be separate lines for the immigrants and for the US citizens. The legal documents that you need to submit depends on your status in the United States.
After you arrive at an airport that is a US port of entry, your passport will be stamped after you answer the questions asked by the immigration officer. Your visa, passport, Form I-94, and the customs form will be checked and certain questions about your visa type will also be asked. Questions about the purpose of your visit, questions about your work and your employer will be asked, if you enter the United States for employment. You will also be questioned about the duration of your stay in the United States. Your fingerprints and a digital photograph will be taken after which your passport will be stamped and your Form I-94 will be attached to your passport. You will be allowed into the United States after getting your passport stamped. If you are a US citizen, the immigration officer will verify your US passport.
Entry process at the land port of entry is similar to that of an airport. Inspection process will be conducted in the vehicles lane. If necessary, a secondary inspection may be required, where your immigration papers will be reviewed. Similarly, inspection at the sea port of entry will be conducted, if such facilities are available or the passengers will be provided information accordingly. Once your passport is stamped and returned to you, you can go through customs with your luggage, where you will be asked a few questions about your luggage. On fulfilling all the requirements at the US port of entry, you are allowed to enter the United States.