As a trusted immigration law firm, VisaMadeEZ is dedicated to healthcare employers and international nurses throughout the complex US immigration process. Lately, we have received numerous inquiries from Filipino green card holders and healthcare professionals who have experienced heightened scrutiny when returning to the United States. Let’s break down the recent developments, what they mean for healthcare workers, and actionable steps for international nurses looking to build their careers in the US.
Filipino Green Card Holders Face Interrogation at US Airports
Several Filipino green card holders, including those working as registered nurses, reported being detained and questioned at US airports upon reentry, particularly in California. This has raised concerns in the international nursing community especially among those employed, or seeking employment, at American hospitals and long-term care facilities.
These detentions mostly involve permanent residents (green card holders) who have traveled to the Philippines and are returning to US. Reports mention that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers asked intrusive questions, reviewed travelers' mobile devices, and even placed some individuals into secondary inspection.
Why Is This Happening?
CBP representatives clarified that their job is to verify the admissibility of all travelers, including green card holders. Enhanced scrutiny has been partly attributed to concerns about possession of fraudulent documents, longer absences from the US, or inconsistent answers about employment and intent to reside.
For international nurses, this means it’s essential to understand your obligations as a US green card holder. Nurses who spend extended time out of the country, those who cannot clearly explain their employment status and ties to the US, could be flagged for further questioning.
How Filipino Nurses Can Prepare for a Smooth Re-entry
At VisaMadeEZ, we recommend the following immigration tips for international nurses and healthcare professionals who hold US green cards:
1. Document Continuous Residence
Green card holders must demonstrate the US is their primary home. Nurses should keep copies of work schedules, pay stubs from US employers, and utility bills. Being able to prove active for a US healthcare provider is critical.
2. Avoid Extended Stays Abroad
International nurses should avoid staying outside the US for more than six months at a time. Absences of one year or more may cause CBP to assume you abandoned your permanent resident status unless you have a reentry permit.
3. Be Prepared at the Airport
You may be asked about your US address, employer, or recent activities. Give clear, truthful answers and keep supporting, such as an employment verification letter from your hospital or nursing home.
4. Know Your Rights
CBP can question and search green card holders, but you have the right to to an immigration attorney before answering detailed questions. If you feel your rights are violated, contact VisaMadeEZ for assistance.
What to Do If You’re Detained
If you are an international nurse or healthcare professional who is detained or sent to secondary inspection by CBP, remain calm and polite. Request to contact your employer and an immigration lawyer immediately. VisaMadeEZ specializes in emergency immigration support for healthcare workers and can help clarify your status to government officials.
Why VisaMadeEZ Is Your Trusted Partner
The need for international nurses in America’s healthcare system has never been greater. At VisaMadeEZ, we help hospitals, staffing agencies, and foreign-educated nurses overcome immigration challenges from green card processing to guidance on lawful reentry.
We stay current on the latest CBP and immigration enforcement trends to ensure your transition as an international healthcare worker is as smooth as possible.
Are you a nurse with questions about your US immigration status, travel risks, or employer sponsorship?
Contact VisaMadeEZ today for personalized legal advice and comprehensive immigration solutions for healthcare professionals.
