What to know about crossing US border as an international visitor

In recent weeks, a turmoil of international visitors trying to enter the United States from other countries has denied entering border control points, leading to either deportations in their countries of origin or days or weeks of detention.

A 28 -year -old British woman arrived in Britain earlier this week after being held at a Washington State Detention Center for three weeks. He had tried to enter the United States from Canada and the questions arose at the intersection of the Earth, or he had the right visa.

Its test came shortly after two German tourists in separate incidents were deported after trying to enter the United States from Mexico. Both had spent weeks at a detention center in San Diego, and the two said they were unclear as to why they had been detained and deported.

The incidents have raised international concern about what travelers can expect in US border crossings. Most citizens of most European countries have been enjoying vision -free trips for up to 90 days in the United States for years.

Here is what to know about travel theories and rights for international visitors entering the United States.

Basics of input and exit from the US

People seeking to enter the United States who are not US citizens must have a valid passport that is not set to expire within six months. In addition, most people need either a visa or, for citizens of the countries involved in the vision -free travel agreement, an electronic travel authorization system known as ESTA.

Estas apply to online by submitting a photo (or computer) of a valid passport, as well as an email address, home address, phone number and emergency contact.

For citizens of countries who are not part of the visa -free program, most of the views are displayed in consulates in visitors’ countries of origin, said Jeff Joseph, a Denver migration lawyer. Consulate employees will seek signs that people intend to overcome their tourism theories or intend to work, among other things.

The visa – or authorization – is just an entry document to reach people at the airport or a land border, Mr Joseph said. Does not guarantee entry into the United States. Once a traveler arrives, they must prove that they intend to use the visa according to the instructions.

Immigration officials will ask ordinary questions, usually about the purpose of the visit, the duration of the stay, where travelers plan to stay and what they intend to do. Visitors can be taken for a second round of questions, which is larger and more detailed.

The most common visa to visitors

The United States has three categories of visas for non-migratory visitors: Visitors’ view for those who want to temporarily enter business purposes, known as B-1. A tourism view, known as B-2. and then a combination visa for both purposes-one B-1/B-2.

While the visions themselves have been valid for up to a decade, visitors are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of six months.

Travelers with these tourist theories are not allowed to study, work permanent work, do any paid performances, arrive as a member of a crew on a aircraft or ship, work in a foreign type, or receive a permanent residence, according to the Foreign Ministry.

In order to obtain these visas, prospective visitors must complete an online application, provide the required documents, such as a passport and photo, and plan a visa interview. Interviews cost $ 185.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Homeland Security and the Customs and Protection of US Border Protection, officials “have power to allow or refuse entry into the United States”.

Countries with Visa-Waiver programs

The Visa-Waiver program, which allows most citizens to travel to the United States for business or tourist purposes for up to 90 days, applies to 43 countries. In return, American citizens can travel to these countries for a similar time without a view.

The program began in 1986 and is regarded as a “security relationship” with our allies.

Travelers still need a valid ESTA to enter the country. Applications cost $ 21 and authorizations are active for two years. ESTA must be taken at least 72 hours before boarding.

There is a delicate printing – for example, you cannot get an ESTA if you visited some countries after some times, such as Cuba on January 12, 2021. If you are not eligible for ESTA, you must obtain a tourist visa.

Those who enter the United States with ESTA are not allowed to study or work permanent work.

In this process, visitors “give up” many rights, Mr Joseph said, including the right to question the expulsion. Because of this, people who use this program can be subject to compulsory detention.

What rights do visitors have?

The US federal law gives government agents the right to seek ownership of people, including phones and their laptops, at the points of entry to the border. They do not have to suspect an offense to be sought, according to the US Association of Civil Freedoms.

All visitors have the right to remain silent. But the burden of proof is based on the visa holders. For example, if an officer asks if one plans to work in the tourist visa and this man remains silent, the officer is likely to refuse to enter them, Mr Joseph said.

If a person is found unacceptable during dispute, they may withdraw their intention to enter the country and may then be allowed to return home. Their visa is canceled and often take the next flight home. But an officer may refuse to withdraw, so the visitor is held.

Because these controversies are technically occurring outside the country, the rights described in the US Constitution do not apply, Mr Joseph said and prisoners are not necessarily entitled to a lawyer. The government has about 90 days to displace people. This period can be extended if prisoners do not cooperate by providing the right travel documents, so they can undergo criminal proceedings. After a series of removal, people are forbidden to enter the US for five years.

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