Julia & Aaron
Difficulty:  | Review Topic: Port of Entry Review
Unfortunately not the best port of entry I've ever had for the US, especially with something as big as entering on a K-1 *but* I'm officially in! Which means I can't grumble.
When I arrived at Chicago, customs was busy. All non-US citizens were sent down the far end in a big snaking queue. Three separate flights had all arrived at the same time (2pm on a Tuesday)
It moved most of the time but overall took about an hour to see the officer.
I gave him my passport and envelope (which I had enclosed in cardboard and was carrying in a tote bag)
He didn't mention the two bits of clear tape on the small rips (only a couple cm's) as per embassy instructions.
He opened it, read through some stuff. Took my picture and stamped my passport. He did make a joke about being sure about getting married (of course, we're very sure)
Then he hesitated for a second and asked his colleague a question. He then asked me to take a seat as I was having to be taken aside.
I was walked through baggage claim with a grumpy border officer and into a non distinct white room with some benches and a lot of unhappy people. I was expecting to be called in for an interview but after another hour, the guard at the exit called my name and gave my back my passport and an orange slip to give over on my way out of the baggage area (where you'd normally give your blue questionnaire)
No one gave me any grief, it was just boring and a little stressful knowing my connection was coming up fast.
Thankfully my bags and my beloved bass were still at baggage claim on the ground. Rushed my way to terminal 3 and finally have time to relax and write this with the knowledge I'm almost with my favourite person 
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Port of Entry Member Review #17415
Entry Date: 2023-09-05