USA Border Crossing
YOU HAVE NOW JUST ARRIVED AT THE U.S. BORDER.
The Inspection Process is used to determine if you are admissible to the USA. Essentially, it is a check to see if you meet us entry requirements. The burden of proof is on you to show that you are admissible and do not need a us entry waiver or have a current us entry waiver in your possession if needed.
During an inspection at the border, a C.B.P. officer will determine:
(1) Why you are coming to the U.S.;
(2) What documents are required for you to enter the U.S.;
(3) If you have the required documents;
(4) How long you should be allowed to remain in the U.S.; and
(5) If you are admissible or inadmissible.
C.B.P. makes these determinations during processes called primary inspection and, if necessary, secondary inspection.
Primary inspection at a land border port of entry involves:
· Initial questioning in the vehicle lane/booth
· Review of identification of all individuals in the vehicle
· Review of the travel documents of all individuals in the vehicle
Sometimes, a more detailed inspection is required to make the determinations listed in (1)-(5) above. A more detailed and thorough inspection is called a secondary inspection.
Secondary inspections can include:
· Specific questions about your travel, your immigration history, and other related topics
· Inspection of your goods and your vehicle, including personal items
· A personal search
· A search of the C.B.P. records system
· A search of the Internet
If you “pass” inspection, you will be allowed to proceed into the U.S. If, like most Canadian citizens, you are visa exempt, you will simply continue on your travels without any passport stamp.
If an immediate decision concerning the admissibility cannot be made, you may be scheduled for a deferred inspection. This means on a future date, you must personally appear at the designated location and present the necessary documents and information.
If inspection at the border reveals that you are inadmissible, you might be:
· Turned away with instructions on what you must do in order to enter the U.S.
· Issued an order of Expedited Removal
· Issued a Notice to Appear, which initiates removal proceedings against you. If this happens, you may also be placed in detention.