US Immigration Problems

A word of warning to those of you who travel out to the US on a regular basis, I thought I'd share this harrowing experience with you.

I flew out to Orlando last Saturday via New York (thought it would make a change rather than going direct, plus it meant a UCS flight:D).

At immigration in JFK I was questioned about the amount of time I visit the US (around 4 or 5 times a year). I was then whisked away by the officer to a large room and was told to leave all of my belongings outside (including my travelling companion who didn't even know what was going on and had never been to the US before and they would not let me stop and explain to her what was happening).

Inside the room were around another 30 people with more coming in, and told to sit and wait for my name to be called.

Another office eventually called my name and I was then subjected to what was no less than the 3rd degree about the amount of visits I make to the US. Of course my reason was I own a rental home so make frequent visits to ensure all is OK as well as use it as it was intended...as a vacation home.

In the end my passport was stamped and I was sent on my way, but this was a really harrowing experience that I would not wish on anybody.

I'm just hoping now that my card has not been marked for future trips. For my flight out of Orlando I was pre-selected for a complete search before boarding the flight to JFK (with the dreaded SSSS on my boarding card). I'm hoping this was just a one off and not in relation to my entry to the US the week before.

Anyone any advise? I have been told at work that maybe I've been taking advantage of the VWP and that I should apply for a B1/B2 visa!! Any thoughts?

Matt

Interesting--I was stopped as a US citizen (Brit expat) at Heathrow last month for similar reasons--the number of visits I made to the UK (not really that many in my view-never more than 4). The difference is of course that the immigration officers did no "3rd degree" just wanted to do their job. In fact one laughed with me when I said I was onward bound for Malaga, sunshine and sea, saying he was headed that way himself the next week. I was passed through in 15 minutes.
An amusing aside: They also commented on the warren of VS stickers on the back of my passport-- and commented on my loyalty!

I'll be making my 9th US visit this year later in the month - and ariving through JFK.

I'll let you know how I get on. [:(]

Phil (Buffy)

[Bazz]

My wife and I are making our forth trip to the USA this year, one week today (8th) so it may be we will get the same treatment. We use the visa waiver scheme and haven't held visas since our indefinite one were cancelled due to USI doing away with indefinite visas way back.

I will let you know.

quote:Originally posted by Bazz
...haven't held visas since our indefinite one were cancelled due to USI doing away with indefinite visas way back.

I had one of those and always wonder whether I should tick yes to that question on the Visa Waiver entry card about ever having a Visa cancelled - I never do though as I reckon it would be more trouble than it's worth.

The other question that always gets on my nerves is 'Have you visited a farm' - what EVER!! I assume there is a time limit e.g. in the last two weeks, with the shoes you're wearing etc.

A bit off-topic but we are talking about US Immigration.

Phil (Buffy)

Interesting thread, this one! I fly to LAX tomorrow, the fifth time in about a year, so I'll also report back if I get singled out as a lone male traveller!

Last year I flew into the US about 9 times including two consecutive weekends in MIA

The freaky think about that trip was that I was sure I'd be flagged after being there the weekend before.

The imigration guy was 15mins+ talking to the guy in front of me[:(] When I got to the front conversation was something like:
Q I come here a lot
A I said yep I have friends here..
Q why am I here this weekend
A 4th July weekend

Have a great 4th!!

Then the customs guy said weren't you here last week..I said yep
He said you must love it here..I said its warmer than London..
He said dont queue with those other guys and opened another line for me then closed it behind me!! ;);)

Hate to be a pessamist.... but

I have a L2 residency visa which means I am the spouse of an L1, our lawyer makes me copy the I94 passport section, because of the amount of errors. in 40 trips, this year, 38 variancies on how the immigration treated and completed the paper work.

My favorites are:
why are you traveling so much, - well I have been waiting 6 months for my work visa so I need to still work in the UK.

Why don't you have any luggage - well I live here hence the L2visa

What is L2

Who is your wife - especially funny as it is written in the biggest type face on the visa.

Overall I have had 8 extra checks, and I get the third degree every time I scan my finger prints - i work in a business that is hard on your hands and so my prints often include cuts, blister and flaky skin, whcih gets me a telling off.

Just my view

Thanks for your responses so far guys, hopefully someone will come around shortly with a more definite comment.

For those of you who are travelling out in the coming weeks, I wasn't scare-mongering or anything, but as mentioned would hate for anyone to go through what I did. It was definitly an experience I wouldn't want to go through again.

Commenting on Buffys statement. I too held an indefinite visa which was cancelled. I remember when he placed a cross on my old visa that he told me not to declare a cancelled visa when completing the VWP form. With regards to the farm question. It relates to if you have been on or near a farm immediately prior to entering the US on this particular trip.

Matt

quote:I wasn't scare-mongering or anything, but as mentioned would hate for anyone to go through what I did.

We will be on our 7th trip in 12 months to the US end of this month only had 3rd degree at SEA(on BA) but with customs not immigration.I am afraid if you are asked to go to the room for whatever reason by immigration you go to the room you have no choice.

[Bazz]

quote:Originally posted by BuffyTVS65
...I had one of those and always wonder whether I should tick yes to that question on the Visa Waiver entry card about ever having a Visa cancelled - I never do though as I reckon it would be more trouble than it's worth...

Phil (Buffy)

Hi Phil,

I did this the first time I entered the US after my visa was cancelled, not a good idea.

Pulled out of line into an office and grilled for fifteen minutes by two immigration guys. I think they thought I was trying to be a smartass, I simply kept reiterating that I was answereing the question correctly. Eventually after they considered that they had wasted enough of my time they let me through.

quote:Originally posted by Matt
With regards to the farm question. It relates to if you have been on or near a farm immediately prior to entering the US on this particular trip.

Lest you think me less than sensible. I sort of guessed what the farm question related to but what is termed 'immediately prior', an hour, a day, a week! - I guess my point was that the form is badly explained - as with the visa cancel question, which I was not told to ignore when mine was cancelled.

Bazz - You are a smartass I'm surprised they didn't throw you behind bars - make a change from being sat in front of one.

Phil (Buffy)

An antidote to posters reporting problems! We flew in to LAX on 30/09 - first day of new procedure of fingerprinting and photographing all visa waiver passengers - and I am happy to report it doesn't appear to create any problems or delays.

VS7 was 3.5 hours late - diverted to Prestwick for medical emergency - and we arrived about 10 minutes after VS23 joining the end of their queue at immigration desks. However the queue moved surprisingly quickly and we were through in about 10 minutes.

The procedure of taking fingerprints - left and right index fingers -takes seconds and the immigration officer took photograph at the same time as I was sticking my fingers on the scanner. He was very friendly, even cracking a couple of jokes. Being of a suspicious nature and having heard horror stories about US immigration such as those in this thread I look for the ulterior motive - is he trying to trick me into giving something away? Not that I had anything to hide on this occassion! However I covered all bases by laughing politely.

All in all we were able to get from our seat on VS7 to a seat in an AA flight out of T4 at LAX in 80 minutes which we thought was pretty good going. And our luggage made it. My wife refrained from her "everything has a purpose" line until I was on to my second beer in our hotel in San Diego.

[Bazz]

quote:Originally posted by BuffyTVS65
...Bazz - You are a smartass I'm surprised they didn't throw you behind bars - make a change from being sat in front of one.

Phil (Buffy)

Moi? LOL ;):D

On a happier note... I just completed my 5th transatlantic flight this year and must admit that the customs official was the nicest I've ever had. Recognizing that I have a work visa the questions were kept to a minimum, just the ones needed for the i94 section they keep at that was it.

I don't know if there are certain aiports that are hot spots but I've not been subjected to any of the 'office' related questioning mentioned on here, even when I did back to back flights in the space of a week (BOS - CDG return then 5 days leter BOS - LHR).

To be honest if I were taken to a room I've really got nothing to hide so they could ask me any question and I'd feel OK (especially after the VISA process is much the same type of screening)...

I'm sure it can be harrowing, I have no doubt, but one thing to think about is that on arrival to the UK, where us Brit's can wave our passports at the officials and we're welcomed home, if you think US immigration ask hard questions the UK officials are twice as harsh.

I like the fact it's a bit awkward to get through customs and immigration... imagine how many people would fill out their forms incorrectly or stand and chat with officials if they were much nicer... we'd never get through and on with our day.

I have a question... if 4-5 visits to the US gets an office screening then what happens to those who travel 20+ times a year?

JC.

Matt

We too own an STR home, but we have 2 small children and so only visit twice per year and do so without any problems under the VWP. We were told by a custom official one time that if we planned more than 4 trips in a year the B1/B2 (I think that's the one - its the business interest one) visa would be a good idea. Apparently I'm told that if you are refused entry under VWP you have no right to appeal and are straight back on the plane home again. If you hold a Visa apparently you have the right to appeal - could be helpful in your situation especially as a "single young guy" travelling alone. I've sent you a PM.

Pippa

Pippa,

Thanks for your response. I'm due to fly out again on Xmas Day, so will wait and see what happens. If I have any problems with this visit then I will look into getting the B2/B1 Visa.

Where is your home? I recognize your name from somewhere?

Matt