Can You Be Detained and Deported at the Airport?
Yes, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to detain, question, and even deport travelers at the airport if they determine that the individual is inadmissible. This can happen for many reasons, such as missing documents, visa issues, prior immigration violations, or suspicions about your intent to enter the US If you are denied entry, CBP can cancel your visa, place you on the next flight home, place you in detention or even issue an expedited removal order which comes with a 5 year bar from re-entry.
However, being deported at the airport does not always mean your case is over. In many situations, legal action can help overturn a removal decision or secure permission to return in the future. Here are three real cases where we successfully assisted clients after an airport deportation.
Case 1: Business Visitor B1 Visa Holder Denied Entry Due to Suspicions of Unauthorized Work
A European entrepreneur traveling on a B1 visa was denied entry at airport when CBP officers accused him of planning to work illegally. They canceled his visa and sent him back on the next flight. We reviewed his case and determined that CBP misinterpreted his business activities. We worked with CBP to correct the issue and helped him obtain a new visa and return to the US legally for his business meetings.
Case 2: H1B Visa Holder Deported Over an Old Criminal Charge
An H1B visa holder returning from a family trip abroad was detained at the airport after CBP discovered an old drug related conviction on his record. His H1B visa was cancelled and he was removed and banned from re entering the US for a period of 5 years. Our firm quickly filed a legal brief with CBP and convinced them to remove the 5 year bar. Now that the bar was lifted, were able able to help him secure a new H1B visa which was approved without any delay.
Case 3: Student Visa Canceled for Alleged Visa Fraud
A foreign student arriving on an F1 visa was accused of misrepresenting his intent after CBP officers found social media messages suggesting he was working off campus. His visa was revoked, and he was banned from re-entering the US for five years. We filed a nonimmigrant waiver and appealed the decision, successfully arguing that the student did not intend to violate his visa. He was eventually granted a new F1 visa and resumed his studies.
Have You Been Deported at the Airport? Contact Us Immediately
If you or a loved one has been denied entry or deported at the airport, you may still have options. In many cases, deportations can be challenged, waivers can be filed, and bans can be lifted with the right legal strategy. The sooner you act, the better your chances of fixing the situation.
Contact my office immediately at 305-515-0613 or info@messersmithlaw.com for a consultation. We have extensive experience helping individuals fight wrongful deportations and regain their ability to enter the US.