Going through Customs & Immigration w/ your fiance

[Arnold_and_Joan 0]

After wait and journey through getting Joan's visa, we finally arrived here in U.S. last Sunday May 13. I decided to take Joan with me to the U.S. Citizen line instead of separating with her going to Visitor line. I've read before that this won't be a problem. My parents who I've petitioned before also went through the Citizen/Immigrant line when they finally came over and had no problems. Well, I guess it comes down to the Officer that checks your papers. The guy we got was a big flockin' eyes hall. The moment we walked up to him, I could tell he was going to be a jerk. He saw the sealed envelope I was carrying and asked for it. He was gruff, curt, didn't smile, and was cold. He processed my passport first then told me to leave - "You can go" was all he said. So I had to leave Joan alone with him. Then after checking the seal on Joan's envelope told her to go back to one of the other desks in the Visitor part. All I noticed was that she was walking back (not in back of lines but in front of the Immigration desks) and she was confused. Finally another officer approached her and asked her where she was going. Once she explained, he told her to follow him and they walked a few more desks away and he told her to stand in front of one of the lines. She was a bit scared and confused by this time and so was I. I couldn't go back to be with her and just watched anxiously from the baggage claim area wondering what was going on. The officer who finally processed her papers turned out to be nice and just asked her one question, "Did you come here to marry your fiance?". That was it. Another 10-15 minutes and she was done (fingerprinting, picture taken, etc.) The sealed envelope wasn't even opened.

So I guess it's a hit or miss with whoever you get. The guy we got by the way was Asian of all people. I thought he'd be friendly facing 2 asians but he was just a big f**ing jerk. So, if you want to take a chance, bring your fiance with you to the Citizen/Immigrant line or to play it safe, take the Visitor line.

Another advice just to get out of the airport quicker, DO NOT bring anything you HAVE TO DECLARE. Specially Fruits (whether dried, preserved, pickled, etc.). There was a line of people going through an x-ray machine then some bags being opened and sorted through. This is just another stressfull delay for your both or your fiance alone to go through when all you both want is to get out of there.

Anyhow we finally made it here and now it's time to plan the civil wedding and start the next part of the process. Good Luck to all!!!!

[raymaga 25]

Sorry to hear that you had a bit of a rough time at the POE. Glad to hear that it finally got sorted out and you are both "home" safe and sound.

Congrats on getting thru the process and finally being able to be married and start your new lives together.

Best wishes to you both!!!

[payxibka 10,047]

Which POE? That is why it is always suggested to ask the "crowd control" officer. In your situation had you been directed by him/her you could have said as such....

Edited May 15, 2007 by fwaguy

[bora bora 1]

I went to Brazil for my hubby's interview - and then we came back to the States together. Our POE was Miami and I took him to the US Citizen line.

The officer told me that it was a line for citizens (when he saw my hubby's green passport). But once I told him that my fiance arrived on an immigrant visa he was friendly and helpful.

I've faced a lot of immigration officers in Miami and NY and noticed that it all depends on the guy....IMO.

Congrats on your fiance's arrival!

Edited May 15, 2007 by Bora Bora

[maya62 7]

Just an opinion, but I'd think in general things would go smoother if the USC went with the non-USC to the non-citizen line. That's what we did and we had absolutely no probs at JFK. The non-USC line is set up to do what the non-USC needs done, and processing a USC while they're at it is no big deal.

Just my $.02

Best wishes to the OP for smooth sailing from here on out.

Maya

[Arnold_and_Joan 0]

Our POE was Los Angeles. Didn't have a problem there before with my parents going through the Citizen Line that's why I thought it was no big deal with me escorting my fiance. IT IS a hit or miss and both of us going to non-citizen line would've been easier and less stressful specially for Joan. But the lines were long - oh well. Thanks for the well wishes!!

Arnold & Joan.