United States: Immigration procedures at Dulles International Airport, Washington DC; types of questions asked of foreign citizens arriving on international flights by immigration officers; procedures where the foreign citizen does not speak or understand English
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1999 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | USA32206.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, United States: Immigration procedures at Dulles International Airport, Washington DC; types of questions asked of foreign citizens arriving on international flights by immigration officers; procedures where the foreign citizen does not speak or understand English, 1 June 1999, USA32206.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab036c.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The following information was provided by a Public Affairs Officer with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) office at Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. in a 22 June 1999 telephone interview with the Research Directorate. According to the officer all non-U.S. citizen foreign arrivals must clear U.S. immigration at their initial point of entry. This consists of a primary interview with an immigration officer whereby the person is asked about the purpose of their visit to the United States and their intended length of stay. If the officer feels it necessary, further questions may be asked to clarify these points. In some cases, a secondary inspection/interview is conducted in another area for further assessment of the person's eligibility to enter the United States. The officer stated that in cases involving persons who do not speak or understand English, an interpreter is sought. If a live interpreter is not available, a service involving the use of interpreters over the telephone, called "Language Line," is used.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC. 22 June 1999. Telephone interview with Public Affairs Officer.
