I did something pretty stupid..

[Divalicious 2]

I just came back from my visit in the USA, when I went through US Immigration they asked me what I was doing here, I said I was visiting a friend. They asked how we met and under so much pressure, I said we met through a friend when he was visiting the UK but this was actually false. We met online and this was going to be our first time of meeting. They let me through when I gave names of my friends I was visiting and my job information. Would they have kept exact notes on what I said?

I am now going back in December and I am so terrified of going through Immigration again. What would you suggest I say this time?

I cannot believe how stupid I was.

[Ning 619]

I just came back from my visit in the USA, when I went through US Immigration they asked me what I was doing here, I said I was visiting a friend. They asked how we met and under so much pressure, I said we met through a friend when he was visiting the UK but this was actually false. We met online and this was going to be our first time of meeting. They let me through when I gave names of my friends I was visiting and my job information. Would they have kept exact notes on what I said?

I am now going back in December and I am so terrified of going through Immigration again. What would you suggest I say this time?

I cannot believe how stupid I was.

You already know you lied so the only way forward is to tell the truth. When you are caught lying you will have caused yourself a great deal of problems. You can look forward to being questioned simply because of the timing of the next trip.

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

Yeah, most immigration problems can be overcome one way or another. However, lying to immigration agents is a big no-no. They don't like that. Just be as honest as possible from here and forward, because it will never work to lie to try and cover your previous misrepresentation. ( I didn't want to say lie anymore because that sounds so bad and I know you did not mean to do anything wrong).

[Divalicious 2]

Yeah, most immigration problems can be overcome one way or another. However, lying to immigration agents is a big no-no. They don't like that. Just be as honest as possible from here and forward, because it will never work to lie to try and cover your previous misrepresentation. ( I didn't want to say lie anymore because that sounds so bad and I know you did not mean to do anything wrong).

I am honestly so sorry for what I did. If I say we met online on a forum, will they think that's strange? What may they ask me?

Do they keep exact records of what I have said previously? I'm so scared of being detained. I am going out for Christmas and would hate to be sent back home.

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

I am honestly so sorry for what I did. If I say we met online on a forum, will they think that's strange? What may they ask me?

Do they keep exact records of what I have said previously? I'm so scared of being detained. I am going out for Christmas and would hate to be sent back home.

Yes, if they ask, tell them you met online. It is a very, very, very common tale and they here that everyday.

[Divalicious 2]

Yes, if they ask, tell them you met online. It is a very, very, very common tale and they here that everyday.

Okay I will. Shall I mention we also met in September? or should I not mention that since I lied?

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

Okay I will. Shall I mention we also met in September? or should I not mention that since I lied?

No need to give information voluntarily....just be pleasant and polite and answer each question with honesty. If asked, tell them September. The truth will set you freeeeeeee.....

you can't misrepresent to cover another misrepresentation.....eventually you will get caught purposefully misrepresenting.

[Maritah 77]

IMO probably in the future you will have problems, If they check about your friend and discover that he or she never been in UK, then that can be taken as a misrepresentation.

We know that lie to the US immigration its a bad deal and to them doesnt exist honest mistakes when lies are use, saddly the results of that mistake can give you problems in the future if you have another procedure pending. As the another posts adresed dont do it anymore.

Good luck and regards.

Edited September 26, 2014 by M@rita

[Divalicious 2]

So if they ask how we met, I will say online. If they ask if we've met before, I will simply say, yes in September. Does that sound okay?

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

So if they ask how we met, I will say online. If they ask if we've met before, I will simply say, yes in September. Does that sound okay?

Whoooo hoooooo...........sounds great! and I doubt you will have any problems.

[Ortolan 381]

Every time you go through Customs and Immigration, keep it simple. Don't volunteer any info that isn't asked. Try to relax, and just tell the truth, and you'll be fine.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Don't volunteer yourself to give any information more than what they have asked for. It's actually make them more suspicious because it seems you are desperate to impress them.

[HafsaJawwad 39]

Just remember that immigration is just making sure you are not lying. They don't really care how the two of you met, they just want to know what's going on and see how you act when answering questions. If he asks you how you met, and you say umm uhh etc., he could assume you don't really have a friend in the US. Something like that. It's less about the answers and more how you react to them I think. So just stay cool and calm and be honest. And if this comes up, just be honest and say you got nervous and just gave that response. I'm sure you're not the first one it happens to. I'm USC and still get nervous going through and answering the questions as well. Hope everything works out for you okay. Best of luck!

[Teddy B 17,251]

I just came back from my visit in the USA, when I went through US Immigration they asked me what I was doing here, I said I was visiting a friend. They asked how we met and under so much pressure, I said we met through a friend when he was visiting the UK but this was actually false. We met online and this was going to be our first time of meeting. They let me through when I gave names of my friends I was visiting and my job information. Would they have kept exact notes on what I said?

I am now going back in December and I am so terrified of going through Immigration again. What would you suggest I say this time?

I cannot believe how stupid I was.

I wouldn't worry about it. Unless you got pulled into secondary inspection and questioned there, chances are they don't have a word for word record of what you said. Just be truthful from here on in and you should be fine.

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

It's a stressful situation, especially the first time and after a long flight, don't beat yourself up over it. As others have said make sure you are honest in the future, honestly they don't really care if you met someone online or not it's the 21st century and happens all the time. They do care that you are honest with them though! Good luck on your next POE.