What happens if you ARE turned away by CBP

[Amy and Nick 37]

I do plan to make a trip to the US while my I-130 is pending. However I am paranoid about being turned away, particularly after having travelled such a long way.

In general, I am just curious as to the exact process when you are turned away. Are you straight back on the next flight, paid for by them? If there isnt a flight until the next day what happens? Are you kept in a cell, or free to wander the airport until your flight!

Anyone been through this experience?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I was turned away. It is NOT paid for by them.

I'm not sure about where you are held but I've heard people being detained until the next flight.

Why are you afraid that you will be turned away? Do you have strong ties to England?

Good luck

[amykathleen2005 441]

I do plan to make a trip to the US while my I-130 is pending. However I am paranoid about being turned away, particularly after having travelled such a long way.

In general, I am just curious as to the exact process when you are turned away. Are you straight back on the next flight, paid for by them? If there isnt a flight until the next day what happens? Are you kept in a cell, or free to wander the airport until your flight!

Anyone been through this experience?

The flight back is paid for by YOU.

[RichiJenny 14]

Yes, the last thing you want is to be considered being a public charge before you've even got your visa.

[Val and Gary 29]

I do plan to make a trip to the US while my I-130 is pending. However I am paranoid about being turned away, particularly after having travelled such a long way.

In general, I am just curious as to the exact process when you are turned away. Are you straight back on the next flight, paid for by them? If there isnt a flight until the next day what happens? Are you kept in a cell, or free to wander the airport until your flight!

Anyone been through this experience?

All carriers on the VWP have signed an authority to take you back to your own country. You have to have a return ticket, and that is what is used. You are not "held" as such, you sit in an office, and wait for the next flight. You are escorted to the plane by an officer who gives the steward your passport in a brown envelope, and then you are questioned back in the UK as to why you were sent home.

NOT a pleasant experience, but something that CAN happen as it did to me. A big REFUSED stamp is stamped on your passport also, which is not good.

Be VERY careful...

Edited January 16, 2011 by Val and Gary

[Amy and Nick 37]

Phew, thats not nice.

To be honest, im not overly worried about it, but i do have an innate need to know the EXACT in and outs of what MIGHT happen. I was also pulled into secondary a couple of times and even sitting in that room and noticing that I couldnt get out until THEY pushed a button drove me crazy!

Annoying at times, but VJ helps with the most of the questions that pop into my head - no matter how obscure!

To be honest, I AM hoping to get through the process without having to go back over there, as I dont want to even risk it. Going to make Nick come and see the beauty of England a couple of times!!(he wasnt keen the first time, but i'll soon change that attitude!)

What are the ramifications of this REFUSED stamp. Does this mean you cant travel on VWP again?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Yes, you cannot travel onthe VWP again, you'll need to apply for a B2 visitors visa

It will have no negative impact on your Cr1 visa as long as you are truthful about it on the DS-230 and if asked at the interview

Good luck

[Val and Gary 29]

Phew, thats not nice.

To be honest, im not overly worried about it, but i do have an innate need to know the EXACT in and outs of what MIGHT happen. I was also pulled into secondary a couple of times and even sitting in that room and noticing that I couldnt get out until THEY pushed a button drove me crazy!

Annoying at times, but VJ helps with the most of the questions that pop into my head - no matter how obscure!

To be honest, I AM hoping to get through the process without having to go back over there, as I dont want to even risk it. Going to make Nick come and see the beauty of England a couple of times!!(he wasnt keen the first time, but i'll soon change that attitude!)

What are the ramifications of this REFUSED stamp. Does this mean you cant travel on VWP again?

Yes it does, I cannot travel on VWP again, hence I am stuck in the UK awaiting the approval of I-130. They look very suspiciously on lone travellers, and the mention of a spouse is what did it for me. I couldn't just lie and say I was there for a holiday - I'd travelled too much in and out. If you've had secondarines, I'd be real careful. Coping with a 16 hour flight with all the stress of coming back is not pleasant.

BUT, I was only refused entry, not deported or anything. Just refused under VWP.

[Gosha.Bee 1]

Poland is not in VWP. I do carry a 10-year visitor's visa. Never had a problem so far but the last time I traveled we weren't married yet. I was a student there and visited a gazillion times back and forth. I do have some ties in Poland. Can't provide them with a serious looking employer letter since I run a small family business with my mom. But I do own a flat here in Warsaw and a car (with insurance paid for the whole 2011, etc) My two dogs are here...

I wonder if that would help me get through... What do you think?

[Done--Really 331]

I have a friend who flew to Chicago from Sao Paulo and she was refused entry. They kept her in that little room over night until the next plane out--over 12 hours

[Channah&Aaron 51]

; I WAS REFUSED ENTRY LAST MAY

I HAD TO SIT DOWN IN SECONDAIRY SECURITY AND SAT ON A CHAIR FOR 4 HOURS. THEY GAVE ME FOOD AND DRINK AND I WENT ON THE FIRST PLANE BACK HOME TO THE NETHERLANDS. OH... AND GUESS WHAT, I DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR MY FLIGHT BACK.. THEN I HAD AN INTERVIEW 2 MONTHS LATER (B2) AND I DON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS ENTERING THE US EVER SINCE...

[Gosha.Bee 1]

Paranoia is a mental illness which can cause a lot of problems for you, not only during the immigration process, but also later on. Keep in mind, in the US you can buy a handgun even as a Lawful Permanent Resident, and if you then have an episode of paranoia where you feel somebody is going to get you and you load your gun and . . .

Just sayin' you should try to deal with your paranoia with the help of a mental health professional . . .

Not sure what you're getting at, Just Bob. Are you trying to insult me or someone else or was that supposed to be a light-hearted joke? Because if it was, it definitely didn't come out this way. I do not, I assure you, have paranoia. Just trying to get an idea, based on other people's experiences, just how worth it may be for me to blow $1000 on ticket and spend 10hrs on a plane to try to go and visit my husband while our petition is pending.

It may be easier for you to judge us, beginners and look down on our silly questions. This process is far behind you. We are just starting and everything is new and strange and suspicious and raising all kinds of doubts. So I personally would appreciate a bit of tolerance and open-mindedness.

PS. I'm a Psychology graduate. Trust me, you don't need to explain to me what is and what is not a mental illness.

Edited January 17, 2011 by Gosha.Bee

[Val and Gary 29]

Not sure what you're getting at, Just Bob. Are you trying to insult me or someone else or was that supposed to be a light-hearted joke? Because if it was, it definitely didn't come out this way. I do not, I assure you, have paranoia. Just trying to get an idea, based on other people's experiences, just how worth it may be for me to blow $1000 on ticket and spend 10hrs on a plane to try to go and visit my husband while our petition is pending.

It may be easier for you to judge us, beginners and look down on our silly questions. This process is far behind you. We are just starting and everything is new and strange and suspicious and raising all kinds of doubts. So I personally would appreciate a bit of tolerance and open-mindedness.

PS. I'm a Psychology graduate. Trust me, you don't need to explain to me what is and what is not a mental illness.

I'm with you - it's not paranoia - it happens, and it was a nightmare to go through. I would be very cautious if I were you. People do get refused entry, and I was one of them.

[RichiJenny 14]

Not sure what you're getting at, Just Bob. Are you trying to insult me or someone else or was that supposed to be a light-hearted joke? Because if it was, it definitely didn't come out this way. I do not, I assure you, have paranoia. Just trying to get an idea, based on other people's experiences, just how worth it may be for me to blow $1000 on ticket and spend 10hrs on a plane to try to go and visit my husband while our petition is pending.

It may be easier for you to judge us, beginners and look down on our silly questions. This process is far behind you. We are just starting and everything is new and strange and suspicious and raising all kinds of doubts. So I personally would appreciate a bit of tolerance and open-mindedness.

PS. I'm a Psychology graduate. Trust me, you don't need to explain to me what is and what is not a mental illness.

Dont worry about it - you always get the holier than thou 'Ive read the internet so can judge you better than anyone else', brigade on here.

Try not to worry. Anyone that has said to me they've never suffered a bout of paranoia in their life - to me is a liar. Try to remain positive and calm too and good luck.

[amykathleen2005 441]

Not sure what you're getting at, Just Bob. Are you trying to insult me or someone else or was that supposed to be a light-hearted joke? Because if it was, it definitely didn't come out this way. I do not, I assure you, have paranoia. Just trying to get an idea, based on other people's experiences, just how worth it may be for me to blow $1000 on ticket and spend 10hrs on a plane to try to go and visit my husband while our petition is pending.

It may be easier for you to judge us, beginners and look down on our silly questions. This process is far behind you. We are just starting and everything is new and strange and suspicious and raising all kinds of doubts. So I personally would appreciate a bit of tolerance and open-mindedness.

PS. I'm a Psychology graduate. Trust me, you don't need to explain to me what is and what is not a mental illness.

It is in many ways luck, who you get at the border and what their current mood is. All you can do is go in with whatever evidence you can, a positive attitude, and don't mention or elaborate anything unless specifically asked.