First entry into US on CR1 Visa

[HurtRN 50]

Good morning all!  So, do you know if secondary processing always happens on the first entry into the US? My husband arrived in Austin July 25th for his first time on his CR1 Visa. They asked him about fruits plants meat and took his fingerprints. Also asked for our address here in the US. I was under the impression they would then take him to another area for secondary inspection and to "activate" him. But, they just stamped his passport and notated CR1 With 1 year on it and sent him on thru to the international exit.  Does anyone have experience not going thru secondary?!?  

 

I'm so confused. Another friend tells me I need to take him back to a POE.  I called the customs in San Antonio and the office told me it was nornal, i confirmed that it was his first entry etc etc. But still worried and waiting on his SS card. Yes I did check the box on the application to generate that. Anyhow, any information or experience you might have with this would be much appreciated. 

Edited August 15, 2023 by HurtRN
Spelling

[Mike E 11,727]

8 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

So, do you know if secondary processing always happens on the first entry into the US

No it dies not happen always. Some primary inspectors are comfortable, competent, and authorized to process CR-1 visas.

8 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

 

But, they just stamped his passport and notated CR1 With 1 year on it and sent him on thru to the international exit.

That is what they would do in secondary too

8 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

Another friend tells me I need to take him back to a POE

Bad and incorrect advice.

 

Nothing good comes from unneeded encounters with police.

Edited August 15, 2023 by Mike E

[SalishSea 16,900]

8 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

Good morning all!  So, do you know if secondary processing always happens on the first entry into the US? My husband arrived in Austin July 25th for his first time on his CR1 Visa. They asked him about fruits plants meat and took his fingerprints. Also asked for our address here in the US. I was under the impression they would then take him to another area for secondary inspection and to "activate" him. But, they just stamped his passport and notated CR1 With 1 year on it and sent him on thru to the international exit.  Does anyone have experience not going thru secondary?!?  

 

I'm so confused. Another friend tells me I need to take him back to a POE.  I called the customs in San Antonio and the office told me it was nornal, i confirmed that it was his first entry etc etc. But still worried and waiting on his SS card. Yes I did check the box on the application to generate that. Anyhow, any information or experience you might have with this would be much appreciated. 

Have you paid the $220 green card fee?

 

The Social Security Administration is a separate agency, unrelated to homeland security.

[TBoneTX 43,422]

At some land ports, sometimes CBP agents serve double duty (customs & immigration).  This is the first that I'd heard about Austin's being an air port of entry, so maybe the CBP staff there is kept lean and efficient.

[HurtRN 50]

6 minutes ago, Mike E said:

No it dies not happen always. Some primary inspectors are comfortable, competent, and authorized to process CR-1 visas.

That is what they would do in secondary too

Bad and incorrect advice.

 

Nothing good comes from unneeded encounters with police.

Thank you thank you!  That makes me feel better. 

3 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

Have you paid the $220 green card fee?

 

The Social Security Administration is a separate agency, unrelated to homeland security.

Yes, I paid the immigration fee about a month before. Right after his interview. 

[HurtRN 50]

4 minutes ago, TBoneTX said:

At some land ports, sometimes CBP agents serve double duty (customs & immigration).  This is the first that I'd heard about Austin's being an air port of entry, so maybe the CBP staff there is kept lean and efficient.

Yes, they have direct flights almost everyday from Liberia, Costa Rica to Austin. I chose that airport so he wouldn’t have to deal with the craziness in Houston. Lol

[Crazy Cat 39,652]

16 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

But, they just stamped his passport and notated CR1 With 1 year on it and sent him on thru to the international exit.

Perfect!!!   He was properly processed in.  Green Card and SS Cards should arrive within the next few weeks.

Edited August 15, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Mike E 11,727]

8 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

Thank you thank you!  That makes me feel better. 

As for the SSN, he has waited long enough.

 

1. take him to SSA to get him an SS  card.

 

2. After he has an SS card in hand, take him to DPS (if he lives in TX) to get a drivers license or state ID. 

Edited August 15, 2023 by Mike E

[TBoneTX 43,422]

1 minute ago, HurtRN said:

I chose that airport so he wouldn’t have to deal with the craziness in Houston.

Smart lady!  Yes, depending on time of day, Houston IAH can be loco.  So many international arrivals come from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., for example.

[Mike E 11,727]

2 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

chose that airport so he wouldn’t have to deal with the craziness in Houston. Lol

Indeed. Secondary inspection is like the cantina scene in the 1977 Star Wars movie. All kinds of strange and disturbing things there. Good decision, and ironically it added to your angst.

[Crazy Cat 39,652]

1 minute ago, Mike E said:

After he has an SS card in hand, take him to DPS (if he lives in TX) to get a drivers license are state ID. 

Agree.  Go fully prepared.  They don't cut you any slack at the Texas DPS.  I even had to take my 88 year old Mother twice for her ID a couple weeks ago because they are strict. 

[HurtRN 50]

3 minutes ago, TBoneTX said:

Smart lady!  Yes, depending on time of day, Houston IAH can be loco.  So many international arrivals come from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., for example.

Hehe yes, but I am actually a man too. ☺️☺️ gay couple. 🌈🌈

[HurtRN 50]

5 minutes ago, Mike E said:

As for the SSN, he has waited long enough.

 

1. take him to SSA to get him an SS  card.

 

2. After he has an SS card in hand, take him to DPS (if he lives in TX) to get a drivers license are state ID. 

Ok perfect. There is a SS office close to my house so we can go there this week. Preparing myself for that craziness and long wait. Haha. Yes, I was wanting his SS card before we leave to my mothers in the Panhandle for 2 weeks because the DMV in my hometown is super small and of course I know everyone. So wanted to take care of that while visiting there. So hopefully we will get the SS card before we leave on the 26th of August. Thank you so much for your kind help!  

[JeanneAdil 6,253]

Adil didn't do secondary at POE (Chicago)

or the 2 times he traveled home on his green card

[TBoneTX 43,422]

5 minutes ago, HurtRN said:

I am actually a man too.

Whoops... sorry.

Where in the Panhandle?