When you arrive, CBP will decide whether you are a “returning resident” (processed quickly and admitted) or an “arriving alien” (subject to additional review).

CBP may consider you an arriving alien if you have:

• Abandoned or given up your LPR status
• Been outside the U.S. for a continuous period of more than 180 days
• Engaged in illegal activity after leaving the U.S.
• Departed the U.S. while in removal or extradition proceedings
• Committed certain criminal offenses (unless granted an immigration waiver)
• Tried to enter without inspection

If CBP cannot admit you quickly, you may be taken to a separate area for “secondary inspection.” Being sent to secondary does not necessarily mean you are in trouble, but you may be held for minutes to several hours or longer.

During secondary inspection:

• CBP may ask questions, run background checks, and collect your biographic and biometric data (fingerprints, photographs).
• Your phone, laptop, or electronic devices may be searched and temporarily kept. Searches may include screening of your social media.
• You may request a receipt for any devices taken by CBP.
• You may be detained if CBP has concerns about your admissibility.

CBP may ask you to sign Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status.

⚠️ DO NOT sign this form unless you have spoken to a lawyer. Signing is voluntary.

Important facts:

• You cannot lose your LPR status because of time spent outside the U.S. without an immigration judge’s review.
• The government must prove abandonment by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence in removal court — CBP cannot do this at the border.
• If you refuse to sign Form I-407, CBP must issue you a Notice to Appear for immigration court.
• If CBP takes your green card, you can request evidence of your status by asking for a stamp in your passport, or scheduling a USCIS appointment for an I-551 stamp.

If CBP believes you are inadmissible or you refuse to sign Form I-407, you may be detained overnight or transferred to immigration detention. You still have these rights:

• You have the right to contact your consulate. The consulate can help you reach a lawyer or family member.
• You may ask to speak with a lawyer. CBP may deny access, but always ask (for the record).
• You have the right to remain silent and not sign any documents without legal advice — especially if the documents contain errors or statements you disagree with.
• You have the right to review all written statements prepared for you, in a language you understand.
• You have the right to request an interpreter. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand.

If CBP claims you are removable, you have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. Do not waive this right.

An immigration judge — not CBP — must decide if your green card status can be taken away.

CBP may ask about your political beliefs, associations, or participation in protests.

You do not have to answer questions about First Amendment-protected activity. You may decline to respond to inappropriate questions.

Consult an immigration lawyer before traveling if:

• You have a criminal record — even for minor offenses or arrests — or a pending criminal case.
• You have pending applications with USCIS or immigration court.
• You have past immigration violations or challenging interactions with CBP.
• You are a conditional resident.

Also:

• Travel with your lawyer’s contact info and your consulate on a separate paper.
• Let family know your travel plans and check in when you land.
• If detained, try to contact a lawyer — a signed Form G-28 can be helpful.