A Venezuelan national reported on his TikTok account (@andreapa0la7) that he was able to enter the United States. Despite presenting an expired passport.
The incident occurred at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Maryland) and came to light. Little known details About how immigration officials act in certain cases.
The situation occurred when the woman was traveling to Cartagena (Colombia) to renew her Venezuelan passport. During his trip, he stopped in Florida and airline staff checked his expired documents.
After a few anxious minutes, they allowed her to ride with a handwritten note on the ticket that read: “Sir, I understand.”This confirmed that our documents were in order and we were able to continue our trip safely.
He arrived in the US with an expired passport, but revealed what they told him at the airport
The traveler, who identified himself as Andrea Paola, explained that his passport expires in 2022. When he submitted his documents to an immigration official in Baltimore, he hesitated when he saw the expiration date, but consulted another official who told him: The expiry date of some Venezuelan passports has been extended.
According to a newspaper article The Commerce A police officer from Peru reminded the young woman: A permanent resident card (“green card”) was sufficient for entry.I told him it would be no problem if I traveled with my girlfriend.
The young woman explained that she had to go to Colombia to renew her passport because there is no Venezuelan diplomatic mission in the United States. After completing the procedures in Colombia and returning to the United States, he looked relieved. “Everything is fine. I’m here. I’m happy. Now I just have to wait for my passport to arrive.”
In cases like this, police officers Exception criteria may apply When the traveler has a legal residence. However, this flexibility applies in the following cases: very special situationand is always under the discretion of the immigration officer.
General rules require a valid passport and a valid visa or green card.Therefore, it is not recommended to assume that all cases will be treated the same.
Recommendations for travelers with expired passports
Non-nationals and general requirements
The website says the rules are clear for non-citizens entering the United States: They will not be allowed to enter the country with an expired passport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The document must be Valid for entire tripand its validity is reviewed by both airlines and aviation authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This ensures that entry complies with legal standards and avoids any inconvenience at immigration.
Featuring Andrea Paola specific exception Associated with permanent residence (“green card”).
Although her passport had expired, officers checked her green card. A green card, similar to what she already had, is a document proving her legal right to reside and enter the United States. Valid residencethe agent provided specific verification and allowed him to proceed.
In other words, for permanent residents, an expired passport did not prevent entry because a green card is sufficient, but for travelers who are not legal residents, an expired passport remains an obstacle.
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