Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dharma bum]

I'm planning to visit the States with my girlfriend (Korean) for a few weeks to introduce her to my family, etc. She's already gotten her visa (B1/B2) and is set to go, but I've been reading some nasty stories lately about people being turned away/denied entry when trying to go through immigration processing after landing in the States. I've also heard that this is even more likely if immigration officials know she might be traveling with a boyfriend/husband, so I wanted to ask if there really is a big risk that this might happen and, if so, how might we minimize that risk? Any advice, input, or anecdotes would be very much appreciated.

[fortysixyou]

First off, don't worry too much about it. Try to think happy thoughts.

Next, give her your mom's contact information. If immigration asks, she's here in the states visiting her friend, your mom. Not her boyfriend. Your mom.

My girlfriend came and visited last week and I was sweating bullets waiting for her at the airport, having heard the urban legends of the Asian girls being turned away for saying they're there visiting their boyfriends. I thought happy thoughts, she gave the immigration officer my mom's info., and it was aaaaaallll gooooood.

Good luck, and let me know how it goes.

[dharma bum]

That's helpful - especially the bit about giving my mom's info. What if we're coming in on the same plane though? Is there any way that that could work out well or are some serious red flags going to go up if the immigration people see us together?

[dharma bum]

bump - Really do need some info about this as I'm still pretty nervous about the whole thing and don't know how to go about preparing for it.

[Easter Clark]

I just visited the US last month with my gf and we had no problems at all. As fortysixyou said, write your parents' address as the place she will be staying. When we got to the airport, we tried not to look *too* "together," as well (until we'd gone through customs, anyway)! Have her say she's there for sightseeing and will be staying with friends. Since she'll have a return ticket, there shouldn't be any problems.

Sorry if this isn't new information, but maybe my experience will help you feel a bit better.

Have fun and good luck with the family!

[fortysixyou]

[Bibbitybop]

I have talked with a couple (American man and Korean girl) who went to the USA like you, OP. The man said "exit the plane separately and don't talk or make eye contact until after immigration." The girl didn't know the address they were staying at and at the immigration desk called over her waiting boyfriend. This brought an onslaught of serious relationship and intention questions. The guy was super pissed as he thought they almost didn't let in the girl.

Play it safe. US immigration sucks harder than Korean immigration.

[fortysixyou]