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The questions the immigration officer will ask you
When we reached the immigration counter at LAX, the officer started with the most fundamental question: the purpose of our visit. We told him we were there for tourism, and from there it turned into what I would describe as a casual but thorough conversation. He asked for details about the trip — how many days we were staying, where we were going, and whether we knew anyone in the United States. We do have a cousin based there, so he went further and asked what she does for work and where she lives. He also asked about our own professions. So even though the tone was relaxed, do not underestimate how many details the officer will want to know.
The money question — one almost every traveller gets asked
The officer asked us how much cash we were carrying, and this is a very common question at the immigration counter. The reason is straightforward: you are not supposed to carry more than 10,000 USD in cash per person. He specifically asked about this, so make sure you know exactly how much cash you have on you before you reach the counter.
Where you are from and a quick chat with your kids
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Book a Mock InterviewHe asked where we live and where we were travelling from — we told him we are from Bangalore, India. My child was with us, and the officer had a very brief, friendly interaction with him too. He joked around, asked him to show his boarding pass and ticket, and told him he was doing a good job. It was genuinely warm. At the end, photographs were taken of all three of us — that is standard procedure. We also noticed that other families nearby were being asked very similar questions.
Secondary screening — what it is and who gets sent there
After the main immigration area, we noticed a separate queue for secondary screening. A very small percentage of travellers were directed there by the officer for additional questioning by another immigration official. If you are sent to secondary screening, stay calm — it does not automatically mean something is wrong. The reasons vary, and I will cover those in more detail separately.
What you cannot bring through US immigration
Once you step off the plane and join the immigration queue, you will see posters all around you listing prohibited items. Pay attention to them. The biggest category is food, and the rules are strict. Here is what you cannot bring:
Any cooked food, any open packages, fruits, vegetables, agricultural produce, seeds, meat, and dairy products are a strict no. If you are carrying any packaged food items, make sure the packaging is completely sealed and unopened. Customs does check bags, so do not assume you will slip through unnoticed. And as mentioned above, do not carry more than 10,000 USD in cash per person — that is something the officer will directly ask you about at the counter.
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