CBP automated entry-check kiosks and multi-nationality families
May 12, 2014, 11:56 am
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 280
CBP automated entry-check kiosks and multi-nationality families
I have discovered that the CBP has apparently rolled out automated self-service kiosk-based immigration control facilities at several airports for US citizens to use. (Yes, I need to go out more.)
I guess this follows the old model with one queue for USA people and one queue for foreigners where one is still welcomed/processed by a human.
However, in the past it was possible to present yourself as a family on the US side even if some members are foreigners. Is this still the case with this kiosk action? Are families supposed to split up? What is the forum wisdom on this?
Many thanks,
Al
I guess this follows the old model with one queue for USA people and one queue for foreigners where one is still welcomed/processed by a human.
However, in the past it was possible to present yourself as a family on the US side even if some members are foreigners. Is this still the case with this kiosk action? Are families supposed to split up? What is the forum wisdom on this?
Many thanks,
Al
May 12, 2014, 2:02 pm
#2
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You can either split up or all go through the non-citizen line. US CBP has chosen not to implement the technology (yet) that would allow non-citizens to use the general entry automated systems.
GE is different though. Kinda.
GE is different though. Kinda.
May 12, 2014, 8:29 pm
#3
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May 13, 2014, 1:51 am
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Jan 15, 2015, 3:27 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 280
I survived. 
I ended up finding the additional and new distinction that they were making (or trying to make) in ORD at the pre-immigration area when herding people:
- between "first time visiting" ESTA people (who were directed to the line with people equipped with actual visas - very long and sad line indeed) and
- non first time ESTA people (who were directed along with citizens and permanent residents) to be quite confusing (especially for someone who would not be used to US immigration and its technicalities, or very proficient in English).
Al
I ended up finding the additional and new distinction that they were making (or trying to make) in ORD at the pre-immigration area when herding people:
- between "first time visiting" ESTA people (who were directed to the line with people equipped with actual visas - very long and sad line indeed) and
- non first time ESTA people (who were directed along with citizens and permanent residents) to be quite confusing (especially for someone who would not be used to US immigration and its technicalities, or very proficient in English).
Al