Navigating Re-Entry to the U.S. Without Your Children’s Green Cards
As a British family currently residing in Los Angeles, my husband and I are green card holders along with our two children, who are 9 and 7 years old. Recently, we experienced a situation that left us feeling quite anxious during our travels. We had flown from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Canada to attend a wedding, only to discover that we had forgotten both of our children’s green cards at home.
Fortunately, we still had our own green cards in hand, and our kids possessed valid UK passports. With our return flight back to Los Angeles fast approaching, we found ourselves grappling with uncertainty about the process of re-entering the U.S. without the physical green cards for our children.
Before we left, we consulted with Air Canada staff regarding our travel plans, and they advised us to obtain Form I-131A from the U.S. embassy as a precaution. However, upon asking the staff at the Air Canada desk in Canada, we received another perspective. The supervisor informed us that U.S. Customs at the Canadian airport might be able to verify the children’s immigration status electronically, potentially eliminating the need for the physical cards altogether—just as long as we arrived early.
This experience has made us wonder if anyone else has found themselves in a similar predicament. Specifically, we want to know if it’s possible for minors to re-enter the United States without their physical green cards, provided that they are traveling with both parents who have their green cards.
If you’ve navigated this situation before or have insights to share regarding U.S. re-entry protocols for minors, we would greatly appreciate your input. Your experiences could be invaluable as we prepare for our upcoming journey home!
Helpful Insights on Re-Entering the U.S. Without Kids’ Green Cards
As a fellow London resident who has gone through similar experiences, I wanted to share some practical advice. While it’s reassuring to hear that your green card holders’ own status is secure, re-entry for minors without physical green cards can be a nuanced process. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Important Insights on Re-Entry Without Kids’ Green Cards
As a fellow London resident who has traveled to the U.S. with children, I understand the anxiety surrounding these situations. While it’s true that physical green cards are the most straightforward proof of lawful permanent resident status, there are alternative options and protocols worth knowing.
Here are some key points to consider: