Originally Posted by
seawolf (Post # 533)
There is no clear definition as to what "without a valid US passport" or what "to bear" a US passport actually mean
Does it mean passenger merely need to have a passport issued covering travel period but not physically with them?
Does it mean passenger need to have passport physically in their possession?
Does it mean it has to be reflected in APIS submission by airline? There's is nothing to say APIS contains foreign passport and passenger presenting US passport at primary inspection is against regulation.
"To bear" does indeed have a legal definition. The passport must indeed be in one's immediate physical possession -- so one can present it if asked.
Having the passport in carry-on luggage at an inspection station would comply.