Will they deny entry to an unaccompanied minor

[NYPeach 13]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for opinions/experience with this for future reference.

We always fly our kids over as unaccompanied minors to visit us here in the US. (They're all under 18 and they visit several times a year for the last few years). This means in both directions, the parent must furnish information about what adult has permission to pick them up on the other end, including phone number, address, etc. That adult is required to show ID before the children are released to them by the airline. Their mother drops them off and gives permission for my husband to pick them up in the US, and vice versa. A rep from the airline walks them through immigration.

If one of the kids wants to move here, what are the chances they would deny him entry if he tries to visit while the application is pending? I know there is the risk of them viewing him as someone with intention to stay, but I don't see how the airline could just put him back on a flight when they are so strict about the requirements for flying him unaccompanied. He is a teen, but again, as a minor flying without a parent, would they do this to him?

Curious as to your thoughts on this. Am I being naive thinking they'd never put him back on a plane?

Edited May 21, 2008 by Peachbythebeach

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I am not sure, but I would think the same applies to folks with fiance/spouse applications in process: you would need to prove that your child has close ties to his/her current home country (letter from the other parent, the school). But I am not sure --- hopefully some other member will chip in with wise words for you.

[NYPeach 13]

Thanks for the reply.

Anyone have any experience with this?