Although there is no formal requirement to have your passport and visa checked when leaving the U.S. on an international flight, that does not mean ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or CBP (Customs and Border Protection) isn't there waiting to catch visa violators.
Immigration authorities have already used tactics such as court arrests and subsequent deportation for immigrants just about to walk into court to plead their case before a judge. Now, they have set their sights on airport boarding ramps.
It's been reported that immigration authorities have been waiting for passengers bound for flights out of the U.S. inside the airport terminal's boarding ramp. They are supposedly going after immigrants that have overstayed their visa. It is certain that some of these violators also have a criminal record and were hoping to make it back to their home country to avoid prosecution. However, making it past the airline's gate agents no longer guarantees they are home free.
What are the consequences of being caught with an expired visa?
For those that are lucky enough to get back to their country of origin without being arrested and deported from the U.S. for visa violations, the consequences will continue to follow. If the immigrant wishes to visit the U.S. again or apply for any type of U.S. visa, more than likely they will be banned from entering the U.S. for up to 10 years or even permanently for their previous violation.
With penalties this stiff, it is imperative that an immigrant seek legal help from an immigration attorney prior to committing a visa violation. It could mean the difference between continued travel in and out of the U.S. and a permanent ban on returning.
