Embassy of China: Chinese Students Traveling to the U.S. Should Carefully Choose the Route to Houston for Entry

On August 25, the Embassy of China in the United States reminded Chinese students traveling to the U.S. to carefully choose the route to Houston for entry.

Currently, with the arrival of the U.S. college and university enrollment season, there is a peak period for Chinese students entering the United States. Recently, several Chinese students were subjected to unwarranted inspections and harassment by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers upon entering the U.S. through George H.W. Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Their electronic devices were checked, and some were even restricted from personal freedom for more than 80 hours, ultimately being unjustly deported back to China, seriously infringing on the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students. The Embassy of China in the United States has raised serious representations with the U.S. side, urging it to correct its mistakes and stop selective and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese students.

The Embassy of China in the United States reminds those planning to study in the U.S. to carefully choose to enter through George H.W. Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Please carefully consider the possible problems that may arise when entering the U.S. for study and pay attention to the following matters.

First, please prepare your valid passport and visa in advance, ensuring that your passport is valid for at least six months, and that your student visa and I-20 SEVIS form indicating your student status are valid.

Second, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may inspect the documents held by students, review the reasons for their trip to the U.S., check electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers, and recently increased the review of students' social media. Please ensure that your words and actions are legal and compliant.

Third, if you are questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, please answer the relevant questions objectively and truthfully, remain rational and cooperate properly, and deal with the situation appropriately. If you encounter unfair treatment, please note the information of the officers on site, carefully verify the content of the documents you need to sign, request a copy, keep necessary evidence, and promptly contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the U.S. for assistance. Afterward, you can file a complaint through the official website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department. If you encounter obstacles at the port of entry, you may try to negotiate with the officers to apply for a suspension of entry; if approved, this can avoid leaving a record of being denied entry and deportation.

Fourth, according to U.S. Customs regulations, fulfill the declaration procedures. Do not carry prohibited items, especially paying attention to the regulations regarding medicines, food, seeds, liquids, and cash. If violated, in severe cases, not only will the items be confiscated, but the individuals may also face fines, detention, or even criminal penalties.

Foreign Ministry Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24-hour):

+86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308

Consular Protection and Assistance Telephone Numbers of Chinese Embassies and Consulates in the U.S.:

Embassy of China in the U.S.: +1-202-495-2216

Consulate General in New York: +1-212-695-3125

Consulate General in San Francisco: +1-415-929-6998

Consulate General in Los Angeles: +1-213-807-8052

Consulate General in Chicago: +1-312-397-3015

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1841501621415948/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.