Why would immigration stop someone at the airport?

Generally, customs officers may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the United States, and they may search people's belongings for contraband. This is true even if there is nothing suspicious about you or your luggage.



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When you get to the airline counter, three things could happen: They apply your return ticket to your flight back. They add a fee to change your return flight date. They require you to buy a full-fare ticket.

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Looking, Acting, or Behaving In a Suspicious Manner Some of the most mundane things that can get you yanked out of your line are: Yawning too much. Coughing and clearing your throat frequently. Looking around in a suspicious manner (darting eyes, focusing on odd spots)

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What does it mean to get “flagged” by TSA? Getting “flagged” by TSA could mean a few different things. But for the most part getting flagged by TSA just means that you or your personal belongings will experience some type of additional screening when going through the airport.

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Airport body scanners alert the TSO to threats—mainly weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. They are designed to detect “metallic and nonmetallic threat items,” according to the TSA.

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Individuals can have memberships denied or revoked when found: In violation of customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country. Inadmissible to the United States under an immigration regulation.

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When you cannot present the TSA security officer with proof of legal status in the United States, he will ask you to wait on the side while he contacts CBP in Terminal C. At this point, your deportation from the United States begins. For many, it is their worst nightmare.

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Airport body scanners alert the TSO to threats—mainly weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. They are designed to detect “metallic and nonmetallic threat items,” according to the TSA. Those are things like explosives or knives made out of materials other than metal, like ceramics, says Malvini Redden.

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The Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. The TSA swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. This was an expansion in 2010 from simply swabbing luggage and other items.

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Here are some steps you should take if you are detained at the airport by immigration:
  1. Ask to speak with an immigration attorney and do not sign anything until you speak to an attorney. ...
  2. Do not take a voluntary departure without speaking to an attorney. ...
  3. You have the right to contact an attorney or your family.


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Prepare for Likely Questions From U.S. CBP Officials
  • Why are you visiting the United States? ...
  • Where will you be staying? ...
  • Who will you be visiting? ...
  • How long will you be staying in the U.S.? If you're coming in with an immigrant visa (have been approved for U.S. permanent residence), you won't likely be asked this.


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For most travellers going through customs is simply a matter of answering a few questions and then being sent on your way. But certain things can make customs officials more suspicious and may get you flagged for a more thorough inspection.

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