Chicago O'Hare Immigration

[SennaBrigante 92]

I (finally) got my tourist visa and I'm scheduled for travel on the 14th. My final destination is Washington D.C but my POE is at Chicago. I got my ticket through an airline promo and they only have US flights to Chicago. I already have a ticket for DC which is scheduled 3 hours after my arrival in O'Hare.

I've heard so many horror stories of tourists being denied entry by immigration and having their visas cancelled. That would be such a bummer if it happened to me. So I guess my question is, what's the usual procedure at the airport immigration counter? What red flags do they look for? Some friends told me that even the way you dress can be taken against you and I'm such a casual dresser. Another instance I heard that the consul only looked at their passport then took them to an interrogation room. They were asked why their name sounds Pakistani or middle eastern although they were pure Filipinos.

My tummy's in a knot and I am only traveling there to visit relatives. I worked hard to afford my plane tickets and allowance and my family has already applied for vacation leaves so they can show me around. Plz help!

[Tahoma 2,292]

Millions of visitors come to the U.S. every year. A few get denied entry.

You probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than you do of being denied entry by Customs and Border Patrol.

Enjoy your visit!

Edited June 8, 2013 by Tahoma

[SennaBrigante 92]

Oh nice. That's really comforting. I get bad anxiety attacks and since it's my first visit to the US, I'm really nervous. Thanks so much!

[batallion9 50]

They usually only deny people with criminal backgrounds, arrests for drugs, or are on terrorist lists. If you have clean record, there should not be a problem. Enjoy your stay! Many interesting things to visit in DC.

[Boiler 44,943]

I try and come back through Washington, usually out through O'Hare.

3 hours should be long enough, immigration has become a real sloooow process.

[SennaBrigante 92]

The aunt of my friend was refused entry by the SFO immigration and was sent home. They didn't even give her a definite reason why, just told her that they are not letting her continue and that she'll be flown back on the next flight. What are the red flags or whatever standards that they use to refuse entry to someone? That's so disheartening :'(

[Boiler 44,943]

There was the English woman who sold up and brought her cat and all her belongings. I think there is a YouTube video about it.

It is unusual and I would be surprised if the Lady was not both given the INA code and knew the reason anyway.

[SennaBrigante 92]

I made a big fuss over nothing

I only stood in line for 20 minutes and was given the max 6 months by the consul there. Ofc I won't be staying here that long but I just worried myself silly for nothing. Thanks for the advices guys!