A person with a valid J-1 visa was denied boarding a flight to the US by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) with no reason or explanation. He was simply told to contact the US embassy which further complicated his situation.
The embassy didn’t confirm if the visa was valid. They simply said, “There can be many reasons” and sent a DHS (Department of Homeland Security) redress link, which can take weeks or months to process.
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Meanwhile, the person’s job in America is at risk. Their sponsor says it could be a mistake as CBP might be looking at an old, canceled SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record.
But here’s the scary part that sparked some panic among netizens: if CBP can deny boarding, what stops them from revoking the visa or even flagging the traveler as inadmissible?
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The immigration lawyer simply said, “Try boarding again.” But the J-1 Physician is still scared. What if CBP detains or deports them?
Immigration attorneys warn that such denial often points to visa revocation. DHS redress won’t help if the visa is quietly canceled by the State Department.
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With all these reasons, the immigrant doesn’t even know if their visa is valid or not. All of this doubt could have been quashed by simply the CBP explaining why they are denying him to board.
Alas, that is the brutal truth of US immigration— confusing, opaque, and dangerous for visa holders. No clear answers and no second chances.
