Articles Posted in Prolonged Absences

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Are you a visa holder or permanent resident thinking of traveling overseas? Then, you won’t want to miss this important video, where we share our top 3 tips to smoothly re-enter the United States after temporary foreign travel for a safe and stress-free travel experience.

This information applies to:

  • Lawful Permanent Residents (Green card holders) and
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Holders

If you are a U.S. Citizen, do not worry as this information will not apply to you.

Overview

With the ongoing saga of detentions at U.S. ports of entry, and visa holders being questioned in secondary inspection, we can understand that re-entering the United States after traveling abroad can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for green card holders and nonimmigrant visa holders.

Even with valid documentation, many travelers feel a sense of uncertainty as they prepare to face U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Whether it’s your first time returning, or you’ve done it many times before, a little preparation can go a long way to ease your travel concerns under the Trump Administration.

In this post, we’ll share three practical tips to help reduce anxiety and make your return to the U.S. as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Although everyone’s situation is unique, these three tips can help you navigate U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with confidence.

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Have you ever wondered what to do if you are detained at a U.S. airport or port of entry while traveling as a green card holder?

In this video, you will learn about your rights as a green card holder and under what circumstances you can be detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when re-entering from a trip overseas.

For more information, please continue watching this video.

Overview

What happens when a Green Card holder is detained at an airport or U.S. port of entry after returning from a trip overseas?

In recent months, green card holders have reported being detained at U.S. ports of entry after returning from overseas travel. Viral social media posts have told cautionary tales of individuals being taken to secondary inspection when passing through customs.

All travelers arriving at U.S. ports of entry are subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

Unlike tourists and temporary visa holders, permanent residents (green card holders) are entitled to certain rights that others do not have. This includes the right to:

  • Live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law
  • Be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions

When being questioned or detained by a CBP officer, permanent residents may:

  • Report the incident to their embassy or consulate
  • Request to speak with an attorney to discuss the legal consequences of detainment and/or green card revocation

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