The Top 7 U.S. Customs, Border, and Travel FAQs from Immigrants on Reddit

Every day, thousands of U.S. immigrants and visitors turn to Reddit to ask questions about U.S. customs, borders, and travel, but finding reliable answers can be a challenge. Whether you’re traveling internationally on a green card, coming to the U.S. to study, or visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa, navigating U.S. customs and border crossings can be confusing.

That’s where Boundless comes in.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 most frequently asked U.S. customs, border, and travel questions from immigrants on Reddit, along with clear answers you can trust.

Click on any of the questions below to jump to their answers:

1. What happens if I’m denied entry into the U.S. at a port of entry?
2. Can I travel to the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa while my I-130 petition is pending?
3. As a U.S. immigrant, what forms of identification qualify as REAL ID for domestic air travel?
4. Do border agents have the authority to search my phone?
5. What types of questions should I expect when crossing the U.S. border to reenter the U.S.?
6. Is it risky for green card holders or naturalized citizens to travel internationally?
7. What happens if I travel frequently to the U.S. as a visitor?

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not legal advice. Click here to learn more about Boundless Immigration’s lawyer-guided services.

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#1: What happens if I’m denied entry into the U.S. at a port of entry?

Being denied entry to the U.S. can happen to any non-citizen — even with a valid visa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may detain or remove travelers for:

• Past immigration violations
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Certain health conditions that are deemed risks to public health
• Fraud
• Perceived security risks

If you’re detained, stay calm, ask for an interpreter if needed, and avoid signing anything you don’t fully understand. You have the right to contact your embassy and a U.S. immigration lawyer.

Related Articles:

• Traveling on a Green Card? Know Your Rights at the Border
• Know Your Rights as a Tourist Entering the U.S.
• Know Your Rights as an Immigrant

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#2: Can I travel to the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa while my I-130 petition is pending?

Yes, you can travel to the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 visa while your I-130 petition is pending, but you may face challenges either obtaining the visa or being admitted at the port of entry. The pending I-130 indicates an intent to immigrate, which could raise concerns at the port of entry. You must prove to CBP officers that your visit is temporary and that you intend to return home afterward. It’s wise to bring documentation showing ties to your home country such as a return ticket, proof of employment, or property ownership to strengthen your case.

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#3: As a U.S. immigrant, what forms of identification qualify as REAL ID for domestic air travel?

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have another valid immigration status, you may use the following REAL ID-compliant documents for domestic air travel:

• A state-issued driver’s license or ID card marked with a REAL ID star
• A valid permanent resident card (green card)
• A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• A valid, unexpired foreign passport with a visa and I-94 record
• Trusted traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)

Undocumented individuals who cannot obtain REAL IDs from their state of residence can use alternative forms of REAL ID-compliant identification, including:

• A valid, unexpired foreign passport
• EADs
• Trusted traveler cards

If you’re undocumented and wish to travel domestically by plane, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney before doing so. As the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown, traveling through airport security could carry more risks.

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#4: Do border agents have the authority to search my phone?

Yes, CBP agents have the authority to search your phone and other electronic devices at the border, regardless of your citizenship or immigration status. This authority is based on the border search exception to the Fourth Amendment, which allows warrantless searches at international borders and ports of entry for purposes such as enforcing immigration and customs laws. While you have some protections, they are limited. Knowing your rights can help you stay prepared.

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#5: What types of questions should I expect when crossing the U.S. border to reenter the U.S.?

When crossing into the U.S. as a U.S. citizen, immigrant, or nonimmigrant, CBP officers may ask questions about your travel history, purpose of visit, length of stay, and visa or immigration status (if applicable). Common questions include:

• “Where do you live?”
• “Where are you traveling from?”
• “What was the purpose of your visit?”
• “Where did you stay, and for how long?”

If you are a green card holder, they might ask about your last trip abroad and whether you have maintained U.S. residency. If you are on a work, student, or travel visa, they may ask about your job, studies, or family in the U.S. It’s important to answer truthfully, provide supporting documents if needed, and remain calm and respectful during questioning.

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#6: Is it risky for green card holders or naturalized citizens to travel internationally?

Green card holders without criminal records or prior immigration violations can generally travel internationally without issues. However, under the Trump administration’s heightened immigration enforcement, some green card holders have reported being detained, questioned, or even pressured to relinquish their status at U.S. ports of entry.

Factors that increase your risk include:

• Spending more than 6 months outside the U.S. in one trip
• Pending green card renewal or adjustment of status applications
• Past immigration violations or deportation orders
• Political activism, especially pro-Palestine protests, which the Trump administration has said could impact immigration status or entry into the U.S
• Weak evidence of ties to the U.S.

To reduce risk, be prepared to present documentation showing your life is based in the U.S., such as:

• Recent pay stubs or job letters
• Tax returns
• Lease or mortgage documents
• U.S. school records for children
• Bank or insurance statements

Naturalized U.S. citizens, by contrast, generally do not face these risks. They have the same legal rights at the border as U.S.-born citizens.

If you have any concerns about traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney.

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#7: What happens if I travel frequently to the U.S. as a visitor?

Traveling to the U.S. often — whether on a B-1/B-2 visa or through the Visa Waiver Program — can attract attention from CBP. Each time you arrive, your entry is reviewed independently, and holding a valid visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) does not guarantee that you will be allowed in.

Key considerations:

• U.S. law does not set a specific number of allowable visits or days per year for visitors. However, making frequent, lengthy, or back-to-back trips can lead to increased scrutiny by CBP officers.
• You must demonstrate that each visit is for a temporary purpose and that you maintain strong connections to your home country. Evidence can include proof of employment, property ownership (or rental), or immediate family ties in your home country.
• If CBP believes you are using visitor status to effectively live in the U.S. rather than for short-term visits, they may deny you entry at the border or bar you from future visits.

To avoid issues:

• Ensure each stay is clearly temporary.
• Maintain and be ready to show evidence of your ties to your home country.
• Avoid patterns that suggest you are residing in the U.S. rather than visiting.

Each entry is a fresh evaluation, so consistent documentation and clear intent are essential for smooth travel.