Non-English Speaking tourist arriving in US

[Dave&Roza 748]

Okay, my MIL managed to get a tourist visa to visit the US. She wil arrive in Denver on June 5th. She speaks only Russian or Kazakh. What should we do to make the POE go as smoothly as possible? I have sent her copies of the I-94 and Customs Declaration form to copy. I have tried e-mailing the CBP to ask them what to do, but I have not received any information. Has anybody here had a relative come to the US who does not speak English and what did you do to make life easier for the relative?

Thanks.

Dave

[Boiler 46,003]

BA or Lufthansa?

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

You could send her some "flash cards" printed in both her language and English for the standard questions the CBP asks. Also if you are going to pick her up the the airport, make sure she knows and has your cell number so if necessary, the CBP can call you.

[jaycali 415]

I like Penguin's idea. Especially regarding having your cell phone number.

[Dave&Roza 748]

I like Penguin's idea. Especially regarding having your cell phone number.

We were going to make certain she has both my wife's cell phone and my cell phone numbers. I did think of the flash card idea, but how does she know what to show them if she does not understand the question and I was only asked where did I visit and when I said Kazakhstan the CBP guy ask "What the hell were you doing in Kazakhstan?!" So how do you know what questions they will ask? I personally like the guards in the Almaty airport. Not a word is spoken by either party. They just look at you with a scowl and fill out the forms and stamp everything.

She will be arriving on Lufthansa.

Thanks for the suggestions they are appreciated.

Dave

[Dave&Roza 748]

FYI. I called the CBP people and spent 30 minutes on hold to ask my question. They say they can call an interperter if one is not available. She also recommended that I write a letter my MIL can carry with her name, place of residency, flight, reason for visit and when she is expecting to leave and my wife's cell phone number.

Just wanted to let people know.

Dave

[jaycali 415]

I personally like the guards in the Almaty airport. Not a word is spoken by either party. They just look at you with a scowl and fill out the forms and stamp everything.

Haha. But Khazakstan doesn't have 20 million illegal aliens and daily threats.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Haha. But Khazakstan doesn't have 20 million illegal aliens and daily threats.

. True. But once you find out it is a nice country that has not been taken over by the lawyers, people will be flocking to it in droves. .