Roberta Aguirre
Green card holders, also known as lawful permanent residents, have been facing tougher scrutiny at airports. There are a limited set of circumstances under which green card holders could be denied automatic re-entry to the US, such as having been absent from the country for over 180 days or having engaged in illegal activity. Green card holders should use the line for non-citizens when entering the US, unless there is signage or staff directing them otherwise. At some airports, there are separate lines for US citizens and permanent residents, which can be faster and more efficient.
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What You'll Learn
- Green card holders may use Automated Passport Control
- Green card holders may not use the Mobile Passport Control app
- Green card holders are considered lawful permanent residents
- Green cards are mailed to recipients after they pass inspection
- Green card holders are subject to immigration inspection or examination at a port of entry
Green card holders may use Automated Passport Control
Green card holders are considered lawful permanent residents of the United States. As a result, they have certain rights and privileges that non-citizens do not. For example, they cannot be denied re-entry into the US without a hearing before an immigration judge. They also cannot be denied entry for refusing to answer questions about their religious beliefs or political opinions.
However, green card holders are still subject to certain restrictions and requirements when entering the US. For instance, they must still pass inspection at a US airport, docking point, or land border. They must also answer questions establishing their identity and permanent residency and submit to customs-related inspections.
When entering the US, green card holders may use Automated Passport Control. They may not, however, use the Mobile Passport Control app. In the absence of specific signage or instructions from staff, or when accompanying a citizen, green card holders should use the line for non-citizens.
It is important to note that procedures may vary depending on the airport or border location. Green card holders should always check the signage at the airport and be prepared to present their green card or other valid identification.
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Green card holders may not use the Mobile Passport Control app
Green card holders are lawful permanent residents of the United States. However, they are not US citizens, and therefore they may not use the Mobile Passport Control app.
At US airports, there are typically two lines: one for citizens and one for non-citizens. Some airports have separate lines for US citizens and permanent residents, while others have mixed lines. For example, at Seattle-Tacoma airport, there are separate lines labelled as "US Citizens and Permanent Resident" and "All Others, including Visa Waiver Program". On the other hand, airports like EWR, ORD, and IAD have only mixed lines.
Green card holders should use the line for non-citizens. If there is no signage indicating a separate line for permanent residents, they should queue with non-citizens. CBP officers may, at their discretion, allow green card holders to use the faster lines on the non-citizen side or direct them to the citizen line once it is empty.
It is important to note that green card holders have recently faced tougher scrutiny at airports. Immigration attorneys recommend that green card holders double-check their immigration documents before flying and consult an immigration lawyer if they have any concerns. Other factors, such as a long trip abroad or a criminal record, can also raise suspicion at the airport.
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Green card holders are considered lawful permanent residents
Firstly, green card holders have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. They can also travel outside the country and return without facing the same restrictions as non-immigrant visa holders. However, it is important to maintain their status by not remaining outside the U.S. for more than 180 days and avoiding any involvement in illegal activities or crimes.
When travelling, green card holders should carry their physical green card and ensure their passport is up to date. They may use Automated Passport Control but not the Mobile Passport Control app. At some airports, they may join the citizen line, while at others, they must queue with non-citizens. In the absence of clear signage, green card holders should follow the directions for non-citizens.
Upon arrival at a U.S. airport, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify the green card holder's identity and direct them to a designated secondary inspection area for new immigrants. This process may vary depending on the airport and the traveller's point of origin.
Green card holders have the right to refuse to answer questions beyond those establishing their identity and permanent residency, as well as customs-related queries. However, refusal may cause delays, and certain circumstances, such as a long trip abroad or a criminal record, can raise suspicion and lead to further scrutiny or even detention. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an immigration attorney before travelling.
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Green cards are mailed to recipients after they pass inspection
When entering the US, green card holders are required to go through immigration at the airport. There are two lines: one for citizens and one for non-citizens. Green card holders should join the line for non-citizens. After this line reaches the APC kiosks, green card holders are separated from other non-citizens.
Green card holders are advised to double-check their immigration documents before flying and ensure that their visas are not expired. They are also encouraged to consult an immigration attorney to receive tailored advice on their personal situation.
Upon arrival at a US airport, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify a green card holder's identity. The officer will then direct the individual to a designated secondary inspection area for new immigrants. This inspection usually occurs at the first US airport at which the individual lands. However, depending on their departure location, they may undergo a "pre-flight inspection" at the airport they depart from.
After passing the inspection, green card holders will receive a stamp on their passport, indicating their new status as lawful permanent residents or lawful conditional residents. Their physical green card will be mailed to them in the following weeks, provided that they have paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee.
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Green card holders are subject to immigration inspection or examination at a port of entry
At some airports, there are separate lines for citizens and non-citizens, with green card holders being instructed to join the citizen line. However, other airports have a single line for all passengers, who are then separated into citizens, green card holders, and other non-citizens after reaching the kiosks.
Upon arrival, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify the identity of the green card holder and direct them to a designated secondary inspection area for new immigrants. Here, the CBP officer will review the individual's documents. Green card holders are only required to answer questions establishing their identity and permanent residency, and they cannot be denied entry to the U.S. solely based on their refusal to answer other questions.
It is important to note that green card holders have been facing tougher scrutiny at airports recently. Factors such as a long trip abroad or a criminal record can raise suspicion, and immigration attorneys recommend consulting a lawyer before travelling to understand the risks. Additionally, green card holders should ensure that their immigration documents are in order and check for any travel bans or restrictions that may impact their entry into the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions
Green Card holders can use the Automated Passport Control booth at the airport. If there is no specific signage, they should join the line for non-citizens.
You need to have a valid entry document, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), and a valid unexpired travel document. If you are already outside the US and need to return, but do not have your Green Card, you can see Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation.
The first US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer you meet will verify your identity and direct you to a designated secondary inspection area for new immigrants. Procedures vary depending on location, so look out for signage that might direct you to a designated line.
It is recommended that you double-check your immigration documents before flying. Make sure your visa hasn't expired and that you don't have a pending renewal application. Factors like a long trip abroad or a criminal record can raise suspicion at the airport. It is also useful to have an immigration attorney's contact information on hand.
