Travel Entering the US from a Cruise Port

[NYCruiser 423]

We just got back from a Cruise. Massive ship with a lot of passengers. 6,500!! The lines moved very fast. However, with the I-787 letter/Expired GC and Passport, the ICE/CBP Officer got confused. She read the letter two times (holding everyone in the line behind us). Very nice lady..Rodrigues by name.

 

She then said, 'I better have you go to Secondary'.  She was gone about 15 minutes (No one but us was in the room).

 

Another officer came back and wanted to make sure he applied for ROC. i said you mean the I-751? She said yes.

 

We gave the date of application which was over a year ago. She said no card yet? (Seemed surprised). 

 

The CPB Officer also did not know the expiration date of the I-787 is one year from GC Expiry NOT date of ROC I-751 submission. Sigh. She seemed surprised at the length of time. I said it is 15-18 months at VSC. (she did not know what that was either) Vermont Service Center, St Albans, VT

 

....We expressed empathy with USCIS that there are a lot of applications and that takes time to process/security. I am sure they get a lot of people bitching at the process, so this seemed a welcome respite for her. Then she forgot to give him back his I-787. Thank goodness he remembered...(THAT would have been an interesting issue!!)

 

Also, there was no stamp put in his passport either...all in all ...very odd.

 

Anyway, they were very nice and courteous. We have never ever had an issue with CPB at any border. He just gets nervous, but is getting better. 

Edited July 2, 2018 by NYCruiser
Typos