Going Home

It is finally almost completed. It is time to bring your child to your home country. Since we live in Thailand, we had the joy of having our son live with us for almost two years before we made our first trip to the United States. But there was something special about taking him to see extended family, especially grandparents.

Whether you live in Thailand or the United States, by the time you travel you will have received a visa in your child's passport and a sealed packet of information from the consular section at the U.S. embassy. DO NOT open the packet before your arrival at the port of entry in the U.S. In fact, I am sure you were told by the consular official to keep the packet sealed. Your child‘s immigrant visa and this packet are very valuable documents. Keep this packet with you at all times during your trip to the U.S. DO NOT put it in your checked baggage! You must take your child through immigration procedures at the first airport you arrive at in the United States, even if that airport is not your final destination.

When you arrive at your port of entry to the U.S., use either the line for U.S. citizens or the line for non-U.S. citizens. Once you reach the front of the line, an immigration inspector will ask to see your passport, your child’s passport, and your the sealed packet of information. The immigration official will take the sealed packet and ask you to proceed to the USCIS office which will be nearby the passport control area. Once you arrive at the USCIS office you may have to wait a bit, but eventually your child’s name will be called. The USCIS officer will ask you a few questions and take a photo of your child for her permanant residence card. Now you may proceed to the baggage claim area and then to the parking area for your trip home or either proceed to your next gate for the next flight of your journey.

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