immigration

A United States Passport: More than Mere Identification

What does having a passport mean? For starters, having a United States passport means your individual identity has been certified, and that you are a United States citizen. A passport is an official document issued only by the government, in this case, the State Department.

What do you require a passport for? Your United States passport is your major requirement for entering almost any foreign country. This is because it is recognized as an official and international travel document which permits an individual to leave the United States for travel to foreign nations, and to allow him or her to return to the US.

In January 2007, a law was declared that compelled all US citizens to own an official travel document and have it ready when traveling between the US and Canada, Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda and other international countries. An official US passport was considered valid, and so were a US passport card, a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card or an AIR Nexus card.

Getting a passport in the US can be challenging, and it is absolutely important to follow all instructions stated in the US passport information that is in the application and renewal guide. This guide helps US citizens with the requirements and procedure, so that they do not have to hire the services of a third party immigration, passport and visa support center.

If you would like to apply for the passport, you should also consider getting a US Passport card. You can only do both if you are a US citizen.

Inspection Procedures at US Ports of Entry

Whether you are a foreign national traveling to the United States for the first time in your life, or are an American going back home after a stay abroad, it is important that you are prepared for the inspection process that is performed in all United States ports of entry by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Inspection processes such as this is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and the requirements and procedure is published under the Federal Register in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Customs and Border Protection officers perform an inspection of immigration, customs, and agriculture components, and may refer a traveler to the public health officer if found to have a health issue.

When you get to your Port of Entry (which is usually an airport, seaport or a land border) you will be inspected by CBP officers. Your reason for entry will be defined, as well as your purpose and the duration of the stay. You will undergo inspection in four categories namely, agriculture, customs, immigration and public health.

You must be prepared to present your passport, visa and other related documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your identity and nationality. Also, you will be asked how long you intend to stay and in which status. Your inspecting officer will look into your fingerprint records, national qualifications for your visa, and your arrival and departure record. Finally, be prepared to answer questions about your true intention for entering the US. You will need to specify if you are going there to tour, visit family, study or work.