U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has apparently discontinued stamping passports for travelers entering the United States via air, according to multiple reports.
Traditionally, in addition to issuing the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, CBP stamps travelers’ passports upon entry to the U.S., confirming the traveler’s class of admission, date of entry, and length of admission. Reports indicate that CBP will now eliminate stamping passports and rely solely on the electronic-only Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
Reports also indicate that not all airports and ports of entry have implemented this practice yet and that the agency is taking a phased implementation approach.
The attorneys at Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm recommend individuals request a physical passport stamp during the inspection process. Individuals should make this request respectfully, framing it as a question and not a demand. CBP agents may or may not accommodate such requests. Regardless of whether or not they obtained a passport stamp, travelers should also access and review their electronic Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record via the CBP website or CBP One™ mobile app as soon as possible to ensure accuracy.
As a reminder, the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is issued digitally to travelers who are:
- Admitted to the U.S.
- Adjusting status while in the U.S.
- Extending their status
- Other select uses
Travelers must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date listed on their digital Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. The form can be accessed via the CBP website or CBP One™ mobile app.
Travelers can print a copy of their Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record directly from the CBP website or CBP One™ mobile app. A paper version of the form can also be requested during the inspection process at the point of entry. However, “all such requests will be accommodated in a secondary setting,” according to CBP.
Travelers are responsible for monitoring their own Forms I-94 and should contact their Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm attorney as soon as possible if there is any issue or error present on their Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record following entry into the United States.
The attorneys at Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm continue to monitor the situation closely and will alert clients as circumstances evolve.