Even during COVID-19 millions of people continue to enter the United States. Regardless of how they arrive—whether by sea, air, or land—each person must by inspected by United States Customs and Border Protection agents for compliance with immigration, customs, and agriculture regulations. This process applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens, immigrants, and visitors. At Kosobucki & Tessier, PLLC, an immigration law firm in Florida, we are often asked why someone may be denied entry into the United States. 

Individuals who are not citizens of the United States and who seek entry (“admission”) into the country are subject to the list of grounds of inadmissibility enumerated in the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”).  During the immigration inspection process—which is often brief—at ports of entry, noncitizen travelers are required to present his or her passport and travel documents to a CBP agent to verify eligibility to request admission into the country. CBP asks questions, consults records, and makes a determination as to whether the foreign citizen seeking entry into the U.S. is admissible.  Because each time a noncitizen seeks admission into the United States that the grounds of inadmissibility can be applied to him or her, it is important to have entry documents in order and to answer all questions truthfully. Individuals who have questions about their admissibility to the U.S. should contact a U.S. immigration lawyer prior to traveling. 

While there are many reasons why someone might be found “inadmissible” and denied entry into the U.S., some common reasons follow.

Top Reasons Why a Noncitizen Might Be Denied Entry into the United States

1. A person granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. has not maintained his or her uninterrupted residence in the U.S. whose absence and/or activities abroad are inconsistent with permanent resident status in the U.S.;
2. The person has committed or been convicted of certain crimes in the U.S. or abroad;
3. The person has previously violated the terms of their visa.

Any non-citizen who is seeking entry into the United States can be denied entry by a Customs and Border Protection agent. The job of a CBP agent performing immigration inspection is to determine admissibility. They are trained to seek out those who may be lying or who present a security risk.  It is important to interact honestly and courteously with each Customs and Border Protection agent you meet.

Have Questions Regarding U.S. Immigration?

If you have any questions or concerns about your immigration status, contact Kosobucki & Tessier, PLLC. We are a boutique, full-service immigration law firm in Ormond Beach, FL practicing exclusively in the area of U.S. Immigration Law. We service clients in all 50 states and across the world. Call us at (386) 506-8898 or visit our contact us page to schedule an appointment with us.