
Know Your Rights: What to Do if You Are Detained at a U.S. Port of Entry (for Lawful Permanent Residents)
Updated for 2025: Heightened Enforcement at Ports of Entry Like all international travelers, lawful permanent residents (LPRs)—also known as Green Card holders—are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) when arriving at an airport or land port of entry. While LPRs enjoy greater rights than nonimmigrants when returning to the United States after travel abroad, all noncitizens now face increased scrutiny at the border for past immigration issues, interactions with police, and political activity. It is important that you know your rights when returning to the United States. Secondary Inspection: If questions arise and CBP is unable to admit you quickly, you may be taken to a separate area for “secondary inspection.” Being sent for a secondary inspection by itself does not necessarily mean you are in trouble, but you may be held anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or longer. During secondary inspection, CBP




