Border Crossing Card: Legal Entry Or Not?

does a border crossing card constitute a legal entry

The Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. It is a handy way for Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. by land or sea, especially if they live near the U.S. border. However, it is not the same as a U.S. green card and comes with several restrictions. One of the main questions surrounding the BCC is whether it constitutes a legal entry into the U.S.

Characteristics Values
What is a Border Crossing Card? A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens.
Who issues the BCC? The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issues the BCC to Mexican citizens to enter the United States for temporary purposes.
Who is eligible for the BCC? Only Mexican citizens and residents are eligible for the BCC.
What is the validity of the BCC? The BCC is valid for an unlimited number of entries into the U.S. during a 10-year period. However, the holder can stay for only up to 30 days and travel only within a certain area.
What is the purpose of the BCC? The purpose of the visit to the U.S. can lawfully include business, pleasure, medical treatment, or a combination.
Does the BCC allow employment in the U.S.? No, the BCC does not allow the holder to accept employment or work in the United States.
Does the BCC constitute a legal entry? Yes, entering the U.S. with a valid BCC counts as a lawful entry.

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Border crossing cards are only for Mexican citizens and residents

Border crossing cards (BCC) are only issued to applicants who are citizens of and residents in Mexico. This means that the applicant must be a Mexican citizen who is living in Mexico.

The BCC is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. It is issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and allows Mexican citizens to enter the United States for temporary purposes. The BCC is valid for an unlimited number of entries into the U.S. during a 10-year period, except in the cases of some children. However, the holder can only stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 30 days and travel only within a certain area (generally no more than 25 miles from the border) after each entry.

To apply for a BCC, applicants must meet the eligibility standards for B1 and/or B2 visas and plan to stay in the U.S. no longer than six months. They must also demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico that would compel them to return after their temporary stay in the U.S. Applicants must have a valid Mexican passport at the time of application and make their application using the procedures set by consular sections in Mexico.

The BCC is a convenient way for Mexican citizens who live near the U.S. border to enter the U.S. by land or sea. However, it is not equivalent to a U.S. green card and does not allow the holder to accept employment or work in the U.S.

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The card is valid for 10 years and allows unlimited entries into the US

A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issues the BCC to Mexican citizens to enter the United States for temporary purposes. The BCC is valid for a period of 10 years, except in the cases of some children. The card is the size of a credit card, is laminated, and includes enhanced graphics and technology, such as an RFID chip and Integrated Contactless Circuit.

The BCC allows its holder to travel directly from Mexico to the United States by land, pleasure vessel, or ferry. It is valid for an unlimited number of entries during the 10-year period. However, the cardholder may only stay in the U.S. for a period of 30 days and travel only within a certain area (generally no more than 25 miles from the border). The specific travel limitations vary by state: in New Mexico, the holder can travel up to 55 miles from the border, and in Arizona, the limit is 75 miles.

If a BCC holder wishes to stay longer or travel farther, they can request a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from the immigration officer at the time of entry. The I-94 will specify how long they can stay in the U.S. and will generally be valid for up to six months, allowing them to travel throughout the country. The I-94 is issued electronically at air and sea ports, but those entering by land will receive a paper version.

The BCC is not equivalent to a U.S. green card and does not allow the holder to work in the United States. To apply for a BCC, individuals must be Mexican citizens and residents, meet the eligibility standards for B1 and/or B2 visas, and demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico that would compel them to return after their temporary stay in the U.S.

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Cardholders can only stay in the US for 30 days and travel within a certain area

Cardholders of the Border Crossing Card (BCC) are only allowed to stay in the US for 30 days and travel within a certain area. This is because the BCC is not the equivalent of a US green card and comes with several restrictions. The BCC is a US immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. It is issued by the US Department of State (DOS) to Mexican citizens who want to enter the US for temporary purposes.

The BCC is valid for an unlimited number of entries into the US during a 10-year period. However, the cardholder can only stay in the US for a maximum of 30 days and can only travel within a certain area, which is usually no more than 25 miles from the border. The specific travel limitations depend on the state. For example, in New Mexico, the holder can travel up to 55 miles from the border, while in Arizona, the limit is 75 miles.

If a cardholder wants to stay longer or travel farther, they will need to request an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The I-94 will specify how long they can stay in the US and will generally be valid for up to six months. With the I-94, cardholders can travel throughout the US. It is important to note that the BCC does not provide employment authorization, so cardholders are not allowed to work in the US.

Please note that US immigration laws are constantly changing and have become stricter since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

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The card is not a work permit and does not authorise the holder to work in the US

A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. The BCC is a laminated card that authorises its holder to cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land or to enter the U.S. on a boat from Mexico as a visitor with B-1 or B-2 status. This means that the purpose of the visit to the United States can lawfully include business, pleasure, medical treatment, or a combination of these. The BCC is not a work permit and does not authorise the holder to work in the US.

The BCC is valid for an unlimited number of entries into the US during a 10-year period. However, the cardholder may only stay in the US for a maximum of 30 days and travel only within a certain area (generally no more than 25 miles from the border). If you want to stay longer or travel further into the US, you will need to request a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from the immigration officer at the time of entry. The I-94 will generally be valid for up to six months, and you will be able to travel throughout the US. However, the BCC does not provide employment authorisation, so you may not work in the US.

The BCC is issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to Mexican citizens to enter the US for temporary purposes. To apply for a BCC, you must be a Mexican citizen and resident, and you must meet the eligibility standards for B-1 and/or B-2 visas. You must also demonstrate that you have ties to Mexico that would compel you to return after your temporary stay in the US. The BCC is not a work permit and does not authorise the holder to work in the US.

The BCC is similar in size to a credit card and includes enhanced graphics and technology, such as an RFID chip and integrated contactless circuit. It is virtually identical to the US passport card, which is issued to US nationals for land and sea border crossings. The BCC allows its holder to travel directly from Mexico to the US by land, pleasure vessel or ferry. When presented with a valid Mexican passport, the BCC also functions as a B-1/B-2 visa and is accepted for travel from any country to any part of the US by any means of transportation. The BCC is not a work permit and does not authorise the holder to work in the US.

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The card is similar in size to a credit card and has biometric information and a photo

The Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. It is issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to Mexican citizens who want to enter the United States for temporary purposes. The BCC allows its holder to travel directly from Mexico to the United States by land or sea. The card is similar in size to a credit card and has enhanced graphics and technology, including an RFID chip and integrated contactless circuit. It also has biometric information and a photo, making it easy for immigration officials to scan and admit visitors at the border.

The BCC is a laminated card that authorises its holders to cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land or to enter the U.S. by boat from Mexico as a visitor with B-1 or B-2 status. This means that the purpose of the visit can lawfully include business, pleasure, or medical treatment. The BCC is valid for an unlimited number of entries into the U.S. during a 10-year period, but there are restrictions on the length of stay and the area of travel after each entry. For example, BCC holders can only stay in the U.S. for up to 30 days and can only travel within a certain area, typically no more than 25 miles from the border.

To apply for a BCC, Mexican citizens can visit the website for the U.S. embassy in Mexico City or one of the nine U.S. consulates in Mexico. They will need to complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) for a B-1/B-2 visa and upload a passport-style photo. BCC applicants must meet the eligibility standards for B1 and/or B2 visas and plan to stay in the U.S. for no more than six months. They must also demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico that would compel them to return after their temporary stay in the United States.

It is important to note that the BCC is not equivalent to a U.S. green card and has many restrictions. For example, it does not allow holders to accept employment or work in the United States. Additionally, if BCC holders wish to stay longer or travel farther into the United States, they will need to request an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The I-94 will specify how long they can stay and where they can travel within the United States.

Frequently asked questions

A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. It is issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and allows Mexican citizens to enter the United States for temporary purposes.

The Border Crossing Card is valid for an unlimited number of entries into the U.S. during a 10-year period. However, each entry is restricted to 30 days and travel within a certain area. The BCC allows its holder to travel directly from Mexico to the United States by land or sea.

Yes, entering the United States with a valid Border Crossing Card counts as a lawful entry. However, it is important to note that the BCC is not equivalent to a U.S. green card and has many restrictions. For example, it does not allow the holder to work in the United States.

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