Port of Entry

[maki11 0]

We were blessed to have our visa approved and scheduled a return flight for this past Saturday after we were told on our interview Wednesday to pick up his passport on Thursday. Unfortunately, Sebastian and about five other K1ers were told that since Washington only allows a certain number of visas to be issued per day, they would all have to return on Monday to pick up the passports.

I had to return to the States for work and need to ask you for your opinion. I wanted to see what your experiences have been like going through the port of entry. I am really skeptical about having Sebastian come out on his own for the following reasons:

a) He doesn't speak English (TSA officials are not necessarily known for their friendly approach to individuals, I don't want him to get turned back to Honduras)

b) He's never flown on a plane

c) Getting lost in the huge airports (nothing like Tegus)

I myself always get pulled to the side, and in fact just had all my carry-ons inspected (didn't even have a suitcase) and the officers were so rude (I know it's their job, but it gets really old).

Would you recommend that I fly back to get him or do you think he'd be okay going through the POE on his own? Any recommendations of things I could make sure of if he does come out on his own?

Thanks,

Maki

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

We were blessed to have our visa approved and scheduled a return flight for this past Saturday after we were told on our interview Wednesday to pick up his passport on Thursday. Unfortunately, Sebastian and about five other K1ers were told that since Washington only allows a certain number of visas to be issued per day, they would all have to return on Monday to pick up the passports.

I had to return to the States for work and need to ask you for your opinion. I wanted to see what your experiences have been like going through the port of entry. I am really skeptical about having Sebastian come out on his own for the following reasons:

a) He doesn't speak English (TSA officials are not necessarily known for their friendly approach to individuals, I don't want him to get turned back to Honduras)

b) He's never flown on a plane

c) Getting lost in the huge airports (nothing like Tegus)

I myself always get pulled to the side, and in fact just had all my carry-ons inspected (didn't even have a suitcase) and the officers were so rude (I know it's their job, but it gets really old).

Would you recommend that I fly back to get him or do you think he'd be okay going through the POE on his own? Any recommendations of things I could make sure of if he does come out on his own?

Thanks,

Maki

Congrats.

I've been dying to chat with someone that went through the interview using an interpreter.

Could you please share your experience?

[MrsOyetunji 9]

I would suggest you go back and pick him , Its better .

[Vicomi 31]

If you can, I'd recommend you accompany him back to the US. The last thing he needs is being stressed at the POE. Best wishes

[maki11 0]

We did not have an interpreter at the embassy's interview. I speak Spanish fluently and all questions from the embassy consultants were asked in Spanish.

I appreciate everyone's feedback!

Thanks.

[SweetieUs 4]

If he comes by Houston or Miami he will be fine by himself. If the officer doesn't know Spanish, they usually call someone that does. I do not think its necessary for you to fly back to Honduras to pick him up. My dad doesn't know English and he travels to USA without a problem.

[luis_bici_ 4]

If he comes by Houston or Miami he will be fine by himself. If the officer doesn't know Spanish, they usually call someone that does. I do not think its necessary for you to fly back to Honduras to pick him up. My dad doesn't know English and he travels to USA without a problem.

I agree with SweetieUs- most officers at Miami speak Spanish, but it may be best to travel with him because his lack of experience in airports- especially large ones. I don't agree with what you said "I myself always get pulled to the side, and in fact just had all my carry-ons inspected (didn't even have a suitcase) and the officers were so rude (I know it's their job, but it gets really old)." here. Read their cards that talk about how ANYONE crossing the border is to be treated, and rude is not acceptable. They need to be firm and protect the borders, but this can be and is supposed to be done respectfully. If not, you can report the situation. I wish you well in your journey.

[sancruz 26]

If is financially possible i would go back and travel with him. So much is riding on him getting here. After all of the waiting and this whole process and the expense of all of it it would be worth it and probably put both of your nerves at ease. He is probably going to be so nervous just flying for the first time and not knowing what to expect i would just make sure i was there for support and to make sure everything goes smoothly. Good luck and congrats on the approval!

[amyandjorge 76]

I think it is definitely do-able for a first timer. We might have just gotten super lucky but the girl that my husband handed his envelope to at customs was very understanding. He was so nervous and sweating that he couldn't properly get one fingerprint one the page. In ATL, they were calling interpreters up to the turnstiles all over the place, so I don't think he should worry about that as long as he can request interpreter. And you go through security in the first airport (Honduras) so if by chance he has to go through again he knows what to expect. I find it is always more rigorous leaving Honduras than leaving US.

Also, depends on how much luggage he is bringing. Less is more in this situation, the more he can check would be best so he isn't nervous AND tired from carrying bags. Any airport receiving flights from CA has all/most signs and announcements in Spanish. Airlines have personnel waiting for arriving passengers to direct them to the next gate, and they are very accomodating. On flights from CA at least one crew member speaks Spanish.

I would suggest making sure he has dollar bills for food or drinks, a way of contacting you once he arrives (internet or phone if possible), a large wallet for passport and boarding passes, your contact information, and of course the POE envelope! And remind him about having to remove jacket/belt/shoes so he can dress accordingly.