US CBP TX Internal Checkpoints

[Marco&Bettina 502]

I wasn't sure where to post this but have concerns. My K-1 Fiancee & I will be getting married on South Padre Island, TX on Jan 10, 2015. Will we have problems clearing the internal checkpoint in Sarita on US Hwy 77 heading pack north to go home on Jan 12? The documentation we will have with us is her passport with Visa (which my understanding is will become invalid immediately following marriage), her I-94, & our marriage certificate. We will be applying for AOS on Jan 13 in Killeen, TX & will not go down by the border again after that.

[belinda63 3,038]

Shouldn't be a problem. She has all the proper documentation.

[TBoneTX 45,267]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the "Working & Traveling" forum -- topic involves that phase. ***

[TBoneTX 45,267]

[Moderator hat off]

I've been through perhaps all the internal checkpoints in Texas except for Sarita. The CBP agents vary in their professionalism. For example, the checkpoints north of Laredo and south of Marathon are highly efficient and professional. The one south of Alpine is to be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, you'll be much farther east.

The documents that you plan to take are all crucial. I'd also type up the cover-letter for your pending AOS package, in advance, and take a photocopy with you.

It will impress the CBP agents if, when they ask "U.S. citizens?" you say, "I am. She entered on the K-1 visa; we're returning from our honeymoon; here's her passport with the canceled visa, her active I-94, our marriage certificate, and a copy of the cover-letter for the I-485 package."

CBP sees a lot of weird stuff, and if people are this prepared, it will be "good" weird.

Edited October 24, 2014 by TBoneTX

[Marco&Bettina 502]

[Moderator hat off]

I've been through perhaps all the internal checkpoints in Texas except for Sarita. The CBP agents vary in their professionalism. For example, the checkpoints north of Laredo and south of Marathon are highly efficient and professional. The one south of Alpine is to be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, you'll be much farther east.

The documents that you plan to take are all crucial. I'd also type up the cover-letter for your pending AOS package, in advance, and take a photocopy with you.

It will impress the CBP agents if, when they ask "U.S. citizens?" you say, "I am. She entered on the K-1 visa; we're returning from our honeymoon; here's her passport with the canceled visa, her active I-94, our marriage certificate, and a copy of the cover-letter for the I-485 package."

CBP sees a lot of weird stuff, and if people are this prepared, it will be "good" weird.

It's funny but I totally didn't even consider the internal checkpoints until reading something today on VJ. I don't remember what prompted me to look into it but I think it was a thread that you posted in. Thanks for the info. I will ensure I add the AOS cover letter to the docs I bring with us as we travel down near the Mexican border to begin our life together.

[TBoneTX 45,267]

You're welcome.

I can't tell you how crucial it was to have the wife's (first) AP + marriage certificate, and then the green card, with her at all times, even when we weren't traveling. Federal agents can be anywhere.

Definitely report back about how the checkpoint went.

[TBoneTX 45,267]

By the way, don't avoid the border areas permanently -- a lot of enjoyable border towns are right there in Mexico.

[Marco&Bettina 502]

By the way, don't avoid the border areas permanently -- a lot of enjoyable border towns are right there in Mexico.

Thanks for both bits of info. I have already stressed to her numerous times to have all documents with her in her purse at all times. And about the border. Funny topic for me. I've lived in Texas since 1986. Have been in Bell County the whole time, situated about 1 hour north of Austin, with the exception of 2 years spent living in DFW about 15 years ago. All these years & this will be my 1st time to the coast. This will also be the closest I've been to the border since being in the Davis Mountains about 20 years ago.

[Hank_ 9,174]

I wasn't sure where to post this but have concerns. My K-1 Fiancee & I will be getting married on South Padre Island, TX on Jan 10, 2015. Will we have problems clearing the internal checkpoint in Sarita on US Hwy 77 heading pack north to go home on Jan 12? The documentation we will have with us is her passport with Visa (which my understanding is will become invalid immediately following marriage), her I-94, & our marriage certificate. We will be applying for AOS on Jan 13 in Killeen, TX & will not go down by the border again after that.

My wife and I pass through those internal check points all the time. As long as your fiancee/wife is carrying her passport and a copy of the I-94 all is fine. Don't need to carry a copy of your marriage certificate.