CBP Sends More Travelers to Secondary Inspection in 2026

More Travelers Facing Secondary Inspection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has significantly increased the rate at which travelers are referred to secondary inspection at airports, land border crossings, and seaports of entry in 2026. Immigration attorneys and frequent travelers report that secondary referrals — which were previously reserved primarily for travelers with apparent admissibility issues — are now being applied more broadly, affecting U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and nonimmigrant visa holders alike.

Secondary inspection is the process by which a CBP officer at the primary inspection booth refers a traveler to a separate area for additional questioning, document review, and potentially a more thorough examination of luggage and electronic devices. While secondary inspection has always been a routine part of the border entry process, the apparent increase in referrals has created longer processing times at ports of entry and heightened anxiety among travelers.

Who Is Being Referred to Secondary

Based on reports from immigration attorneys and traveler accounts, several categories of travelers appear to be experiencing higher rates of secondary referral:

• Travelers from certain countries: Nationals of countries with elevated security profiles, and U.S. citizens or residents who were born in or have traveled to certain countries, report higher rates of secondary referral.
• Frequent travelers to specific regions: Travelers with extensive passport stamps from the Middle East, Central Asia, or certain African countries have reported increased scrutiny.
• Nonimmigrant visa holders with extended stays: Visa holders who have been in the U.S. for long periods or who travel frequently between the U.S. and their home country are being questioned more closely about the nature of their activities.
• Green card holders returning from extended trips: Lawful permanent residents who have been abroad for extended periods (approaching or exceeding six months) face heightened questioning about whether they have abandoned their permanent residence.
• Travelers with prior immigration or customs issues: Anyone with a history of immigration violations, customs violations, or prior secondary inspections may be flagged for additional review.
• H-1B, L-1, and other work visa holders: Work visa holders are being asked more detailed questions about their employment, the nature of their work, and compliance with visa terms.

What Happens During Secondary Inspection

The secondary inspection process typically involves the following steps:

1. Referral: The primary inspection officer directs you to secondary and may retain your passport and other travel documents.
2. Wait: You may wait for an extended period — sometimes hours — before being seen by a secondary officer. The wait time varies depending on the port of entry and how busy secondary is at the time.
3. Questioning: A CBP officer will ask you detailed questions about the purpose of your trip, your employment, your living situation, your immigration status, and other topics relevant to your admissibility.
4. Document review: The officer may review your documents in detail, including your passport, visa, I-94, employment letters, bank statements, and any other documents you are carrying.
5. Electronic device inspection: CBP has the authority to inspect electronic devices (phones, laptops, tablets) at the border without a warrant. The officer may ask you to unlock your device and may review its contents.
6. Decision: After the inspection, the officer will either admit you to the United States, admit you with a notation, or in some cases, deny entry (for nonimmigrant visa holders) or refer you for further proceedings.

Your Rights During Secondary Inspection

Your rights during secondary inspection depend on your immigration status:

U.S. Citizens

As a U.S. citizen, you have the right to enter the United States and cannot be denied entry. However, CBP can detain you for questioning and can inspect your belongings and electronic devices. You have the right to remain silent (though prolonged refusal to answer questions may result in extended detention for questioning). You do not have to consent to a search of your electronic devices, but CBP may seize the device for further inspection.

Lawful Permanent Residents

Green card holders have a strong presumption of admissibility, but unlike citizens, LPRs can technically be placed in removal proceedings if CBP determines they are inadmissible (for example, due to criminal convictions or abandonment of permanent residence). Answer questions about your residence, employment, and time abroad truthfully. If CBP suggests you may have abandoned your residence, consult an immigration attorney before signing any documents.

Nonimmigrant Visa Holders

Nonimmigrant visa holders (H-1B, L-1, F-1, B-1/B-2, etc.) have no absolute right of entry. CBP has broad discretion to admit or deny entry to nonimmigrants. If denied entry, you may be placed in expedited removal or allowed to withdraw your application for admission. You have the right to contact your country's consulate and, in many cases, to contact an attorney — though CBP is not required to delay the inspection to wait for counsel.

Electronic Device Searches at the Border

One of the most significant concerns related to the increase in secondary inspections is the expanded use of electronic device searches. CBP's authority to conduct border searches of electronic devices has been the subject of ongoing legal debate and litigation.

Under current CBP policy (which may be subject to legal challenge), officers may conduct a basic search of electronic devices — manually reviewing files, photos, messages, and applications — without any suspicion or justification. A more thorough "advanced search," which involves connecting the device to external equipment to copy, analyze, or review its contents, requires reasonable suspicion of a violation of law or a national security concern.

If you are concerned about electronic device privacy, immigration attorneys recommend backing up your data before travel and understanding that any content on your device may be reviewed at the border. You may decline to provide a password, but CBP may seize the device.

How to Prepare for Travel in 2026

1. Carry complete documentation: Bring your passport, visa, I-94 printout, employment letter, and any other documents relevant to your immigration status and the purpose of your trip.
2. Know your dates: Be prepared to answer questions about how long you have been in the U.S., when you last traveled, and where you have been.
3. Be consistent: Your answers to CBP should be consistent with your visa application, your I-94 record, and any prior statements to immigration officials.
4. Green card holders: If you have been abroad for more than six months, carry evidence of your ties to the U.S. (lease, utility bills, tax returns, employment letter). Consider obtaining a reentry permit before extended travel.
5. Review your electronic devices: Be aware that CBP may ask to inspect phones and laptops. Ensure you are not carrying materials inconsistent with your stated purpose of travel.

Official Resources

• CBP: Know Before You Go
• CBP: Border Search Authority
• CBP I-94 Website

Last verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.