Handle Airport Questioning with Confidence and Ease
April 10, 2025
If you’re a green card holder or someone who frequently travels to the U.S., you’ve likely heard about secondary questioning at the airport. Maybe you’ve even experienced it yourself—or you’re anxious about what could happen if you’re ever pulled aside by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). That anxiety is completely understandable.
Let’s walk through what secondary questioning really is, what to expect, and how you can prepare for it—plus, we’ll share a story of how one traveler successfully navigated this situation.
LaToya McBean Pompy, who immigrated to the United States herself, was inspired to help families unite by founding McBean Law, a New York immigration law firm. If you or loved one need assistance with denaturalization issues or visa applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. You can contact us here or call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation with LaToya and her experienced immigration attorney team, who are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
What Is Secondary Questioning?
Secondary questioning is a process used by CBP when an officer at the airport needs more time or information before they can clear you to enter the United States. It might be something as simple as a discrepancy in your travel records, or something more serious like a flagged issue in your immigration history.
While it can feel alarming, being referred to secondary questioning does not necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong. Think of it as a deeper review to verify details or resolve questions that couldn’t be addressed during the initial screening.
What Kind of Questions Might Be Asked?
If you’re referred to secondary questioning at the airport, don’t panic—but do be prepared. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will ask follow-up questions to better understand your travel history and confirm your eligibility to re-enter the United States. Their goal is to verify information and clear up any concerns that couldn’t be addressed during the initial inspection.
Here are some of the most common types of questions you may be asked:
- Where you traveled – including the countries you visited and the dates of your trip.
- How long you were away – to determine if your trip raises any concerns regarding your green card status.
- What was the purpose of your trip – whether it was for leisure, business, family, or another reason.
- Your employment or living situation in the U.S. – to verify your ties and intent to maintain residency.
- To provide supporting documents – such as hotel receipts, flight itineraries, or proof of lawful status.
- Whether you have any past criminal history or immigration violations – to evaluate any potential legal issues.
- If you’re bringing items into the country that must be declared – such as gifts, goods, or large amounts of cash.
Pro Tip: Answer clearly and honestly. Any inconsistencies or hesitation could lead to more in-depth questioning or delays. Remaining calm and cooperative can help make the process smoother.
You can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s YouTube video, “Common Questions for Green Card Holders at the Airport,” to gain a better understanding of the types of questions you may be asked during secondary questioning, why CBP asks them, and how best to answer with confidence.
