Travelling to USA while I-130 Pending? Family emergency

[Boiler 45,912]

13 minutes ago, JFH said:

Recently I’ve seen 2 British VWP visitors being turned away for “visiting too often”. 

They are the worst.

[geowrian 22,338]

6 hours ago, vincentlina said:

That's not entirely true. Although I can concede that with immigration, it's probably best to err on the side of caution. However, "legally" in this case simply means he is "sound" in terms of being from a country that is apart of the visa waiver program which "permits" travel to the US (via ESTA) once you meet CPB inspection criteria. As an example, someone who is "not" legally sound to travel to the US are citizens from Iran for example.

I think you are misunderstanding. The reason to be denied entry does not have to be related to being ineligible for the VWP (or just an ESTA). Being eligible to apply for entry under the VWP is just one part of the puzzle. Being admitted is a separate issue.

CBP can (and sometimes do) deny entry due to immigrant intent, under INA 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I). Basically, if they believe you are an intending immigrant then you can be denied entry. This is entirely at their discretion.

[Mike E 11,742]

If it were me, I would make the effort to be with my wife. And I would  hedge my bet: connect through Dublin, Ireland, where if one is stopped, it is at least not in the USA, and expedited removal won't apply (because you aren't actually in USA).

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

40 minutes ago, Mike E said:

If it were me, I would make the effort to be with my wife. And I would  hedge my bet: connect through Dublin, Ireland, where if one is stopped, it is at least not in the USA, and expedited removal won't apply (because you aren't actually in USA).

I don’t think “expedited removal” is the normal procedure for denying entry to ESTA visitors suspected of immigrant intent, more likely given the opportunity to withdraw application for admission which has much less serious consequences. That said, for overall ease in case of denial, Dublin is a relatively good option because you don’t fly all the way there just to fly all the way back, and if you have a refundable or changeable ticket you don’t lose the cost. Not sure if the detour from Finland is worth it for the OP.

[Boiler 45,912]

BIG detour from Finland.

[Mike E 11,742]

7 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

I don’t think “expedited removal” is the normal procedure for denying entry to ESTA visitors suspected of immigrant intent,

IOW using preclearance reduces the chance of expedited removal, which has risen since January 2017, to zero and thus precludes a 5 year ban.  
 

But you are advising OP to take that chance. Okey dokey. 
 

7 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

That said, for overall ease in case of denial, Dublin is a relatively good option because you don’t fly all the way there just to fly all the way back, and if you have a refundable or changeable ticket you don’t lose the cost. Not sure if the detour from Finland is worth it for the OP.

You think  more nonstops from Helsinki to the USA than from Dublin?

 

I don’t.  If there has to be a connection, might as well connect in Dublin.