Job Discussion Forums

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

with the school calendar getting pushed out two weeks by the pandemic my calendar got a little messy.

last year for our honeymoon i had to get a new passport to be able to get on the plane, and that meant they only gave me a 1 year passport that is only renewable in the US, with work I was unable to get back for long enough to renew the passport as timelines have been between 6-8 weeks.

my document expires on the 14th, I am currently in Torreon (northern Mexico). FINALLY got my finiquito (end of semester pay out) and was able to plan travel. couldnt get an appointment with the passport office in los angeles til the 20th of july. have an interview in phoenix the 16th...

so, since I need to get back into the US to take care of my passport, but my first order of business is a job interview on the 16th... I'm wondering if I can enter the US via ground on an expired passport. It is still proof of citizenship... isn't it?

notamiss · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:48 pm Post subject: Some research

I don�t know the answer to your question, but I wondered if there is information available. The official word seems to be �maybe,� or �yes, but it may not be straightforward.�
From http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/passport_renewal.html (emphasis mine)

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

going back by ground. easier, cheaper, im ust 9 hours from el paso by bus (night's ride)

i've called them and they basically told me to go home.

if only t'were that easy.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

They may be reasoning that by letting your foreign passport expire, your FM3 becomes no longer valid, which then puts you in Mexico illegally. Just a thought.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:16 pm Post subject:

ICE at the border might question you a little more closely. As long as you look like a decent, clean-cut American, and you explain things to them, they will let you back into the US. Take anything else you might have that proves you're an American: Birth cert., DL, Social Security Card etc.

Make sure you always give the same answer to them, they look for ways to trip you up.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

we'll see how things go tonight. had some business to take care of here at the university before I could get on the road.

i'll post on whether or not it becomes a problem getting home.

ritamg · Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Reynosa

Last week I was driving my car from Reynosa to McAllen and waiting in line at the border. I'm American and my Canadian friend needed a ride back to McAllen. I was 5 cars away from the checkpoint when I realized I had left my wallet at the hotel in Reynosa. I had no passport, driver's license or any form of ID whatsoever. I called my friend at the hotel and my wallet was safe, but I had no way of turning around before reaching the checkpoint. I sheepishly told the border agent my dilemna, fully expecting to be turned around to retrieve my wallet. Much to my surprise he told me and I quote, "Because you are an American citizen, I can not deny you entry into the country." I was able to drop off my Canadian friend to his destination in McAllen and then return for my wallet. I wouldn't recommend that anyone should do this, but I just wanted to share my experience.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Wow, that's interesting. How did he determine you were a US citizen if you didn't have any form of ID?

ritamg · Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Reynosa

That's a good question, considering I was travelling with a Canadian. I was driving my vehicle with Texas plates, but I did not show him any documents not even my car insurance card. I certainly had no photo ID with me. I've met Mexicans with light hair and blue eyes like me, but my midwestern accent must have led him to believe I was telling the truth. However, I realize that if this should ever happen to me again, the next agent may not be as kind and forgiving.

cvmurrieta · Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 209 Location: Sendai, Japan

silicho · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 4

Customs cannot deny a U.S. citizen from re-entering the country. They may ask you more questions, be rude, even hold you a little while, but there is no legal ground for preventing you from re-entering. Your passport, while expired, is reasonable proof of citizenship. But get it renewed.

My qualifications? Former CBP Officer.

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

the guys at the border and then the subsequent border patrol checkpoint somewhere in new mexico.... didn't bat an eyelash.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:39 pm Post subject: