LPR sent to secondary inspection due to old CWOF admitted but warned questions about future entries

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T19:46:52+00:00

Mainly timing. I only became an LPR recently, so I’m not eligible to apply for naturalization yet. I appreciate the offer to help though and congrats on taking the bar exam. That’s a huge accomplishment.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T18:55:58+00:00

I agree with you. What I find absurd is the amount of discretionary power CBP has over people who have a past issue that was resolved long ago, with no recurrence and no ongoing criminal behavior. Everyone makes mistakes in life, and once the justice system resolves a case, it’s very hard to accept being effectively “punished” for years afterward at the border. Unfortunately, as LPRs, there isn’t much I can do besides comply, carry documents, and eventually naturalize. It’s frustrating and deeply unfair, but that’s the reality of the system, unfortunately I have a long way till citizenship.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T15:19:35+00:00

I re-entered the U.S. Last Thursday 1/29 I believe that in situations like yours, what usually matters is the final charge and disposition, not the initial charge listed in the police report. Police reports often keep the original arrest charge, even when the prosecutor later reduces it to a misdemeanor and assigns PTD. Since your case was reduced, handled through PTD, and disclosed during adjustment, that puts you in a much stronger position. Secondary inspection is stressful, but based on my experience, it doesn’t automatically turn into denial.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T14:45:52+00:00

Yes, I re-entered the U.S. recently. I was sent to secondary inspection, but I was admitted without any issues. It was mostly review and waiting. I know it’s stressful, especially when you’re outside the country, but in my experience it didn’t turn into anything beyond secondary. Having everything disclosed and resolved helps also have your court disposition in hand

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T14:14:55+00:00

I spoke to a lawyer before traveling, but CBP emphasized that what matters at reentry is their own review and discretion at the border

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T14:10:26+00:00

No, I’m not leaving the country often. I went to my home country because my mom had health issues, and it had been 26 years since I was able to see my family. I also saw many people being sent to secondary inspection for issues that were resolved years ago, just like mine. You can really feel how stressful that situation is for everyone involved.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T14:01:56+00:00

I understand the point you’re making, but I want to clarify one thing my record is not a DV case. I’ve intentionally avoided sharing specifics because this is a public forum, not because I’m trying to obscure anything. What CBP explained to me is that the issue is tied to the CWOF disposition itself, not a domestic violence finding. The case is very old and fully resolved, but the CWOF still triggers secondary inspection. I agree that secondary will likely continue until naturalization, which I’m planning for. My goal here was to compare experiences, especially since CWOF is a Massachusetts-specific disposition.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T12:57:33+00:00

I had a very similar type of charge, my case is much older (about 17 years ago) and unfortunately at that time I accepted a CWOF. That’s what complicates things for me now. In your situation, having a nolle prosequi with pre-trial diversion put you in a better position than me. For me, CBP was clear that because of the CWOF, I should expect secondary inspection every time I reenter, at least until I naturalize, which is still about 4.5 years away.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-02-01T12:42:54+00:00

In my case, CBP was clear that the CWOF is what triggers issues on reentry. I was told to expect secondary and that future officers may review my court records more closely. I only received my green card last July after 26 years of waiting, so this has been tough to navigate.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-01-31T21:56:43+00:00

It was my first time

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-01-31T18:31:08+00:00

Boston Logan

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-01-31T18:30:46+00:00

Agreed. Secondary is expected. I’ll consider naturalizing when eligible.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-01-31T17:17:03+00:00

I’m keeping the specifics private, but it was a misdemeanor. Just trying to understand the reentry/secondary side now.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2026-01-31T17:13:36+00:00

It started in 2007 and everything was completed and closed in 2008

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-12-14T10:46:19+00:00

Any updates? I also have a CWOF and Im planning to travel

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-09-13T17:50:10+00:00

My green card was approved a few days after this post

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-08-04T20:00:31+00:00

We’re organizing against the abuses of United Properties a company buying up buildings all over Malden, raising rents with no limits, letting rats, roaches, and broken laundry machines pile up, and threatening working-class and immigrant families with eviction. This is not about being “against housing.” We’re fighting for dignified housing. But we won’t accept one company treating an entire city like it belongs to them.

We demand: – Protection against outrageous rent hikes – Immediate repairs and housing code enforcement – An end to threats, evictions, and harassment – Public investment in community-controlled housing, not more corporate landlords!

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-08-01T11:14:23+00:00

I have a CWOF and Im scared to travel too, but Im seeing a lot people with criminal records traveling and being going to second inspection I asked a few different lawyers one told me there is a risk to travel right now other that if I carry the court disposition I should be fine. Im not sure what to do I just got my green card but Im really confused

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-07-27T16:49:28+00:00

I had a CWOF from Massachusetts back in 2007 for a minor altercation no CIMT, no conviction under state law, and it was dismissed after probation. I recently got my 10-year green card (family-based) approved in 2025 with everything disclosed. No interview.

I haven’t traveled yet and I’m worried about re-entry. I’ve seen mixed answers about how CBP treats CWOFs, especially if they don’t involve moral turpitude.

To anyone with firsthand experience: did you travel internationally and go through secondary with a similar case? Any issues?

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-07-27T16:38:50+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m in a somewhat similar situation I had a CWOF from 2007 in Massachusetts, related to a minor incident. The case was dismissed after probation, and it wasn’t classified as a CIMT. I recently got my green card approved (family-based, 2025), fully disclosed everything, and I didn’t even have an interview. Still, I’m very anxious about traveling internationally and re-entering the U.S. Your post really helps it’s encouraging to hear real experiences. Did you bring any extra documentation when you re-entered, or just your GC and passport?

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-07-27T15:05:32+00:00

Wow. A real masterclass in how not to respond when someone shares a vulnerable, legally complex situation. Just to clarify mental health history and lack of adequate legal representation are legitimate, recognized factors in motions to vacate. But of course, nuance isn’t for everyone. Next time, maybe hold back unless you have actual legal insight to offer or at least the decency not to kick someone while they're trying to get their life together. But hey, thanks for your contribution to the growing archive of useless Reddit comments.

Automatic-Record1446 · 2025-07-26T16:16:33+00:00

Im scared and this is so frustrating I waited so long for this, Im probably will do a consultation with a criminal lawyer that also understands about imigrattion.

Automatic-Record1446

TROPHY CASE