U.S. Entry, Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of 3 components to the restructured Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) now know as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The other 2 are United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have absolute discretion and authority to admit or deny any traveler requesting admission into the U.S. should they believe or determine that the traveler poses a threat to the U.S. or its entry visa paperwork is not in order. Just because you have obtained a valid visa from your embassy or consulate processing does not guarantee your entry. Border review is the final step. Inadmissibility can be for the commission of fraud, drug trafficking, smuggling, overstay on a previous visa, fraudulent document submission, criminal record or terrorism.

If this occurs to you the CBP can detain you and put you on the next flight home, allow you remain in the airports secured area or allow you a temporary exit for a limited time to consult with an attorney. By all means seek legal consultation to explore your options for a Waiver of Inadmissibility. There are many intricate solutions to this problem and a Charleston Immigration Attorney can speak with you and advise you of how to proceed. Remember, "with immigration, nothing is as simple as it first appears". (sm)