POE for people who don't know any English

[a+j 77]

I've been a permanent resident since last October, and my parents are thinking of visiting me in the US at some point this year. They would come on the VWP. Thing is they don't know any English, so I'm wondering how their interview at POE might go... It doesn't seem it would be too easy for them. Is there any way I can help?

[KimberlyAhmed 28]

They should be able to get an interpreter.

[slowlyman 118]

I asked that very question at the Chicago POE. I was told, they could not possibly have interpreters on hand for every nationality that comes through the airport. English is the language of the land. Your parents will have to get by as best they can.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Italian speakers should be around, staff, or maybe other passengers can help. People who don't speak English visit the US every day. But, another thing you can do to help, is send them something to print out that says basic info about them, perhaps, what language they speak, who they are visiting, how long and where they are staying, etc.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

*** Thread moved from "Moving Here & Your New Life" forum to the Tourist Visas forum -- topic involves VWP visitors and not the acclimation of the immigrant. ***

[Dave&Roza 748]

My MIL only speaks Russian and had not problems at POE in Denver. I did have my wife e-mail her some common phrases with Russian on the back and English on the front like Harpa suggests. I called the CBP in Denver and was told they could call an interpreter if needed. I also included my wife's cell phone number so if there were any questions they could call her.

Good luck,

Dave

[Boiler 45,500]

Same way English speakers do when visiting non English speaking countries.

[MacUK 983]

Same way English speakers do when visiting non English speaking countries.

What? Say everything in English, but louder and slower.

Then complain that Johnny Foreigner can't be bothered to make an effort.

[HK12 273]

I've been a permanent resident since last October, and my parents are thinking of visiting me in the US at some point this year. They would come on the VWP. Thing is they don't know any English, so I'm wondering how their interview at POE might go... It doesn't seem it would be too easy for them. Is there any way I can help?

I am in a similar situation and have a follow-up question. I would like my mom (who does not speak any English) visit us for Christmas, since I do not want her to be all by herself in Germany during the Christmas season. She could come under the VWP and I would write her a letter for the POE explaining how long she will stay and who she is visiting, but then again - wouldn't such a letter hurt her chances of being admitted into the U.S. seeing that she has an immediate relative (me) living in the States?

She has been to the U.S. once, but that was when I was with her and I did all the translating.

[a+j 77]

She could come under the VWP and I would write her a letter for the POE explaining how long she will stay and who she is visiting, but then again - wouldn't such a letter hurt her chances of being admitted into the U.S. seeing that she has an immediate relative (me) living in the States?

^This is actually my main concern. My parents would come on vacation for a 2-3 weeks, but I wonder if the fact that I live here could deal to more questioning at POE. They have plenty of ties to Italy and would have no problem with it, if it wasn't for the language barrier!

[a+j 77]

What? Say everything in English, but louder and slower.

Then complain that Johnny Foreigner can't be bothered to make an effort.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

People visit their relatives all the time. I wouldn't worry about that.

[Stressed Out 81]

Wouldn't such a letter hurt her chances of being admitted into the U.S. seeing that she has an immediate relative (me) living in the States?

Well my husband made it through customs before when we were engaged and he had just had his B-2 visa denied just 2 months before his arrival. If he was granted entry into the US with a visa denial and a USC fiance, I don't think your mom has a thing to worry about. Like someone else said, people visit family members all the time, and who has a better reason to visit than parents? The border officers can tell when you're just nervous, but telling the truth, and when you're so nervous that you're lying to them.

[loladolly 51]

When my dad visited me alone back when i was a student in 2011, i wrote a letter explaining he didn't speak english, my info and the lenght of his stay. The CBP agent refused to take it. My dad barely knew how to say hello at the time. He went through without any issue, i don't know how but the officer probably didn't feel like spending 10 minutes trying to understand him so let him go lol

[Boiler 45,500]

I must have been to over 30 non English speaking countries. Somehow I got in.