Crossing the US-Mexico border with Naturalization Certificate?

[DenverCitizen 7]

Hi, we had already a paid trip to Mexico and we will drive, we will cross the border and back. Can I cross the border back to the US with my naturalization certificate?

Has anybody crossed the border with a naturalization certificate? Someone that has already done it? Is there any risk?

[Chancy 6,243]

*** Moved from US Citizenship General Discussion to What to do now that you are a US citizen ***

 

[Timona 4,208]

Yes you can use it.

[JeanneAdil 6,583]

Dec 12, 2022 — U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by ...

 

from the state department

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/us-mexicoborder.html

[DenverCitizen 7]

It doesn't say that I "can't return with a naturalization certificate" I understand and well aware the it is not the ideal way of coming back but we don't have a choice. I was asking if there is any risk of being denied entry.

[MillerTime 22]

From the actual CBP website https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-3618?language=en_US

 

Land or Sea Travel: U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea are required to present a valid WHTI-compliant document, which include:

- U.S. Passports

- U.S. Passport Cards

- Enhanced Driver's Licenses

- Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)

- Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry*, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST

- Military Identification Cards (for members of the U.S. armed official maritime business)

* The Global Entry (GE) card is only an ENTRY document and may not be used to enter Canada, Mexico or Adjacent Island.

 

It does say that U.S. citizen children ages 15 and under can enter back into the U.S. with their naturalization certificate but not anywhere does it say that adults can.

 

Personally, I wouldn't risk it but to each their own. Be prepared for a very hard time with CBP. They don't play around lol. Good luck whatever you decide to do!

Edited January 25, 2023 by MillerTime

[Olly_ 29]

I mean they can't deny you entry as a US Citizen but it probably won't be much fun...

[top_secret 2,462]

Once I crossed to Tijuana and accidentally left my wallet with my passport card and ALL of my ID in my car parked on the US side.  Coming back at the San Ysidro border crossing I explained the situation and they sent me to secondary where I got a 5 minute trivia quiz with questions like the name of the school I went to 4th grade in? Where exactly is that school?  etc.  He may have googled if my answers made sense.  It was easy and the secondary guy was friendly. It was really no big deal. Less than 10 minutes I was in with NO ID whatsoever.  I do however look and sound American and can pass a trivia quiz about my life.  Your milage may very.  

[nastra30 2,300]

On 1/25/2023 at 2:38 PM, DenverCitizen said:

Can I cross the border back to the US with my naturalization certificate?

Yes, you can. As a USC you can't be denied entry but expect to go into secondary inspection whiles CBP verifies citizenship. Good luck.