Immigration At The U.s. Airports

[SpikeMcDevil]

This will probably seem like a stupid question, but my g/f and I will be coming to the U.S. soon. Upon entering Immigration at O'Hare there are two lines, one for U.S. citizens (me) and one for foreigners (her). Her English is OK, but given the Gestapo attitude of the people working the counters, I would like to be there with her as she goes through should anything come up. Can a U.S. citizen go through the foreign line, (instead of going all the way around again to the U.S. citizen line)? Or will we be spending our honeymoon in exotic Gitmo? Can anyone who has flown back with their wife/gf give me some info. on the process. Thanks.

[lopburi3]

Prior to 9/11 is was both go through green card/citizen line but on my one trip since then wife had to go through foreign line. As we were already at the citizen window my passport got stamped there and we both walked to foreign line and went though together. Am quite sure you can both get stamped at the foreign desk but perhaps someone with recent experience can confirm.

[Smokin Joe]

If you don't get a definite answer, actually even if you do, I'd go thru the foreigner line together so you can assist her if necessary. Worst case they send you back to go thru the citizen line, after stamping her in, and meet her on the other side.

That's what I plan on doing with mine on her first visit.

BTW I have gone thru the foreigner line once. A bit of confusion, and uneven lines, caused an official to send me to the wrong lane. The guy seemed ready to send me away but then processwed me anyway.

[kenk3z]

I went through Chicago with my (then) fiance last February. When we got to the person who directs people to either line, I explained that this was my fiance and asked if I could go through the "foreign" entry line with her.

No problem. The Immigration Officer let us both go up to his work counter together and talked to us both. Took her paperwork (sealed envelope), stamped her paperwork and gave her a short briefing on being sure to get married in 90 days. No need to get diverted to another room - took less than five minutes.

Please remember to make sure the Immigration Officer staples the I-94 form that you completed (probably on the airplane) and stamps it with the entry date. You will need that I-94 form for a few things yet to come in the process.

Have a good trip, the people at Chicago Immigration were nice to us.

kenk3z