Hi,

I am from the Philippines. I am planning to go to the United States 2 months from now. I would like to travel to Buenos Aires and Sao Paolo first before I go to Los Angeles. I saw that it would be cheaper if I puchase a round trip ticket from manila to Los Angeles first and take a multi-city flight when I arrive in Los Angeles to Buenos Aires then Sao Paolo. After my tour to the two countries, that's the time I will go to/enter Los Angeles.

My question is, is it possible to take a flight to Los Angeles from Manila using my B1/B2 VISA without passing through the immigration since this is just like a "connecting flight". Moreover, after my tour of Brazil and Argentina, that's the only time I will officially enter the United States.

the reason I am doing this is because I do not want to have problems with the immigration if I enter the United States first then go to a non-contiguous country then return to the United States because I know I have to prove with the Immigration that I need to return to my home country and that I just do not want to extend my stay permit in the United States.

I've read this in the CBP website:
"If you visit other countries such as England or Costa Rica, then return to the U.S., your re-entry will be considered to be a new admission, rather than a re-entry from a contiguous country in the course of your initial visit, and the admission inspection may be more strenuous. The Officer inspecting you will want evidence that you intend to go back home to your country of citizenship to live as opposed to returning again and again to the U.S. after visits to other countries. Remember, a B1 or B2 visa allows you to come to the U.S. to visit. If the CBP officer suspects that you are actually trying to be a de facto resident, you will be denied entry."


Please advise me or give me references to my question. thank you in advance!