ROC - Traveling to the Arab Gulf

[firebird00 66]

Hello everyone,

 

I am going thru ROC now and probably will use a divorce waiver. However my question is that I am thinking to visit my country in the Arab gulf, my country was not among the 7 countries which was banned. If i visited for a week or two, what are the chances of having trouble coming back in? Legally, Can the CBP or DHS deny my entry back to the US even if I have a GC? My GC is expired but I have the extension letter. I also read that they can ask me to give them my phone or laptop and the passwords too, can they do that if I am a GC holder? Or is it for visitors only? Can I refuse to give them my password and give them access to my devices? Do you suggest to wait and not travel now untill things get more clear or at least untill I get my GC approved (hopefully)?

 

I appreciate your inputs or any personal experience too.

Thank you

[Sukie 1,467]

If you could wait, that would be better.  You SHOULD not be denied entry, but your chances of being held in secondary and hassled are much higher these days.  Especially if you are Muslim.  Unfortunately.

 

You may, indeed, have trouble when you return.  They can inspect your phone and/or laptop although that might not be legal (I'm sure this is going to end up in court!).  They can even ask that of US citizens.  They just prevented a US citizen who is a NASA scientist from entering the country unless he gave them the phone. 

 

If you refuse, I guarantee you that they will deny you entrance.

 

Those of us with expired GCs and NOA1s are hoping that the new Green Card will make it easier, but there is absolutely no guarantee these days, unfortunately.  My spouse was taken to secondary in December when she entered with her expired Green Card and NOA1.

 

Sukie in NY

 

 

[Sukie 1,467]

Here is an article from the New York Times on February 14, 2017

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/business/border-enforcement-airport-phones.html?action=click&contentCollection=Times Insider&module=Trending&version=Full&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article

 

Sukie in NY