lindapugh

Hi there

I am English and moved here last May 08. I got married and had a green card issued last year.
I am about to travel back to the uk for the first time since I moved here last year. When I return to the states am I going to have any trouble getting back into the country and what kind of documents should I have with me apart from the Green card? Will I get pulled aside into that horrible waiting area to be questioned just like every other time I came into the country (before I had the Green card?).
many thanks !!

discoviking

You will need your UK passport and your green card. The green card identifies you as a legal permanent resident, permitted to reside and work in the US.

Unless they suspect you of carrying contraband or being a terrorist, I would hazard a guess that that the odds of being hauled into secondary are slim.

crg

I agree with the first part, but not the second. I'd put the chances a bit higher than "slim". It's not uncommon for new green card holders to experience a hangover and get sent to the back, especially if they played the system fast and loose on their way to getting the card.

discoviking

Fair enough. While I never experienced a trip to secondary during my years as a green card holder myself, my experiences are too small of a statistical sample to base a prediction on.

So the answer to the second part of the question would be: You may be sent to secondary, or you might not be. No way to know what the CBP officer at the POE will decide.

Folinskyinla

Hi:

What does it matter if one is sent to secondary? I would recommend against in making tight connections if you are not seeking admission at your final destination.

chocchipcookie

I have had a green card for four years and travel back all the time. I have never had a problem.

lindapugh

thanks everyone for you responses. I made it back into the country with no issue whatsoever