Safe US entry: Essential tips for Green Card holders

For days now, there have been increasing reports of entry denials and aggressive controls at the US border — even with a valid visa or green card. We analyze the situation and explain how you can best prepare for your next entry into the USA in order to cross the border safely and stress-free.

Controls and detention in the USA: what is known so far

The developments at the US borders are causing considerable uncertainty for many travelers. Despite valid documents such as visas, ESTA, or even Green Cards, there have recently been an increasing number of incidents when entering the USA.

Several people report unannounced interrogations, searches of personal devices, lengthy questioning and, in some cases, even detention pending deportation.

In the cases documented so far, the travelers concerned were denied entry to the US upon return — often without clear justification. Some had to wait for days in detention centers, even though they were able to present all the necessary documents.

US border officials have always had far-reaching discretionary powers, which has led to a noticeable increase in subjectively perceived control behavior since the start of Donald Trump's second term in office.

The German Foreign Office and other European countries have tightened their travel advice and advise particular caution when traveling to the USA. It is particularly important that you carry all travel documents in full and up to date and ensure clear, factual communication with officials.

Entering the USA: Make sure you have these documents

If you want to enter the USA — whether as a tourist, business traveler, or Green Card holder — it is crucial that you can present all the required travel documents completely and correctly.

A valid, electronic passport is required for visa-free travel, as is a properly applied for and approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). If you do not have an electronic travel document, a visa is mandatory.

We recommend that you carry a comprehensive folder of travel documents with you, which you can show at the border if necessary. Documents that this folder should contain are

• Your return or onward travel ticket
• Hotel and rental car bookings
• Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statement)
• Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., employment contracts, rental agreements)
• Proof of the purpose of the trip (e.g., certificate of enrollment)
• If you have any physical abnormalities: Health certificates
• If you carry medication with you: Prescriptions and doctor's letters with dosage instructions

US entry with a GreenCard

The Green Card is still considered the safest travel document, as it gives you unrestricted right of residence and work within the USA. Nevertheless, caution is advised due to current developments.

Even if you have a Green Card, we currently recommend that in addition to your Permanent Resident Card (which would actually suffice as an identification document) you also carry a valid passport and the documents listed here:

• Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statement)
• Proof of the reason for the previous departure (e.g., family visit in the old home country)
• If you have any physical abnormalities: Health certificates
• If you carry medication with you: Prescriptions and doctor's letters with dosage instructions
• Proof of your place of residence in the USA (e.g., employment contract, rental agreements or family documents)
• A copy of your US tax return
• A letter from your US employer

Your Green Card should be undamaged and still valid. Pay attention to the expiry date. Prepare yourself well and stay calm during the check — factual, clear communication with the border officials is just as important as your documents themselves.

When and why will I be checked at the US border?

Checks when entering the USA have always been an integral part of the border procedure and generally affect all travelers.

The first check is carried out by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers immediately after landing or arriving at a US border post. This is where it is decided whether you will be allowed into the country or not — because the final decision on your entry is at the sole discretion of the border officials.

They will check your documents, ask questions about your purpose of travel and personal circumstances and, if necessary, carry out additional questioning or searches.

There can be many reasons for a more intensive check: Unclear or contradictory information, previous residence violations, entries in international databases, conspicuous travel movements or even random selection as part of random checks.

Even small misunderstandings or careless statements can lead to you being questioned for longer in the current political situation. It is therefore crucial that you prepare for possible questions, provide all information truthfully and present your travel documents properly.

Tips for entering the country

Make the best possible preparations for entering the country to avoid unnecessary complications at the US border. The following measures will help you to travel safely and well-prepared:

• Carry complete travel documents
• Communicate previous offenses openly: Past or discontinued proceedings — for example for cannabis possession — can become relevant when entering the country. Openness and honesty are crucial here.
• Have proof of return ready.
• Communicate clearly with border officials: Answer all questions calmly, objectively, and confidently. Avoid contradictory or joking statements that could be misunderstood.
• Clean up your cell phone and laptop before traveling: Remove sensitive or misleading content. US authorities may request to search your electronic devices.
• Keep consular assistance in mind: Should you encounter any difficulties, you can contact the relevant consulate at any time. You will receive consular support there.

The better prepared you are, the safer and less stressful your entry will be — even in politically tense times.

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