What to Do If Your Relative is Detained at an Airport In California

At Maison Immigration, we know how important it is to have a safe place for your relatives living in your home country. One of the very first meeting points is at the airport, but because security is so strong there, it could lead to a situation where your relative is detained there. Knowing how to approach this situation requires skill and patience, so you can turn to our team of immigration lawyers at Maison Immigration for help. Contact us today to set up a consultation.

Why Would Your Relatives Be Detained at the Airport?

When there’s potential immigration issues, it can be very scary when your relatives are detained at your local airport. Not only that, but it can also be confusing. With so many people coming in and out of airports, it’s a high-volume area. But in terms of reasoning, there are usually a few things that are cited when someone is being detained:

  • Visa issues – This is one of the most common reasons. If your relatives attempt to enter the country on a tourist visa but intend to work or study without the appropriate visa, they could be detained for violating immigration laws.
  • Overstaying their visa – If your relatives have previously entered the country legally but overstayed their visa, they might be detained upon attempting to leave or re-enter the country.
  • Illegal entry – Trying to enter a country without going through proper immigration channels or using fraudulent documents can result in detention.
  • Deportation orders – If they have been previously deported or have deportation orders against them, your relatives could be detained upon arrival.
  • Asylum claims – If your relatives are trying to seek asylum upon arrival to the country, they could be detained while their claims are processed.
  • Criminal history – Immigration authorities may detain relatives of yours with criminal records or those considered a security risk.

While this is indeed frustrating, it’s important to remember that there are procedures in place and channels to go through when your relative is being detained for an immigration issue. It’s here that our team of experienced lawyers can help, but there’s also things you can do.

What Can You Do If Your Relative is Being Detained at an Airport?

In terms of your options and what you can do if your relative is detained at a California airport, it depends on the situation. If it’s a simple documentation issue, that can be cleared up fairly easily. But every situation is different. That said, you have to approach the situation the right way to make it go smoothly. So, when your relative is being detained at the airport, make sure to:

  • Talk to the authorities – Speak with the airport or immigration staff to ask why your relative is being held and how you can help. Remember to be nice and helpful when asking questions.
  • Have documentation ready – If your relative has any important papers about their trip or their permission to be in the country, give these to the airport or immigration staff to help explain things.
  • Stay informed – Keep in touch with the airport or immigration authorities to know what’s happening and if there are any changes.
  • Contact the consulate – If your relative is from another country, tell their embassy or consulate about what’s happening. They might be able to help.
  • Keep records – Write down everything that happens when you talk to airport or immigration people. This can be useful if you need to get more help later.
  • Stay calm – Try to stay relaxed and clear-headed to deal with the situation well.
  • Be supportive – Be there for your relative and let them know you’re on their side and trying to help them get out of this situation.

By taking these steps, it can go a long way in fixing the situation and clearing up any confusion. However, if there are further issues or the detention drags out, you can contact our team at Maison Immigration for help.

Maison Immigration Has the Solutions You Need

Whenever there’s a situation where a relative is detained or questioned at an airport because of potential immigration issues, it can be overwhelming. Knowing where to turn is vitally important in this situation, and Maison Immigration has the solutions and guidance you need. If you or a loved one have experienced this situation, contact us today to set up an initial consultation to talk about your options.