Can a US citizen be denied entry into the country? What happens if you are stopped at the border

U.S. citizens and lawfully permanent residents usually retain the privilege of re-entering the country, as long as they possess the valid documentation.
A valid U.S. passport is required for all international traveling U.S. citizens. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-approved identification, in the form of an enhanced driver's license or Global Entry card, can also be utilized for entry by land or sea.

For permanent residents, a current Green Card is required. At arrival, CBP officers check documents and determine if the traveler qualifies for entry.
Foreign nationals and visa holders are required to abide by visa terms and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approvals, as applicable.

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Grounds for Denial of Entry

While American citizens cannot be strictly denied admission, they can be detained or extensively questioned upon entering the country, as mentioned in a report by USA Today and Reuters.

Lawful permanent residents and foreigners are under stricter entry bans, though. Numerous factors in U.S. law can make one inadmissible, such as:

National Security Concerns: Suspected ties to terrorist groups or extremist philosophies result in denial.

Financial Reasons: If a person is likely to become a public charge or apply for government benefits, they can be denied entry.

Health Issues: People carrying communicable disease of public health interest, i.e., tuberculosis, can be refused admission.

Visa Abuses: Arrival with an expired visa, improper documents, or misstated purpose of entry results in deportation.

Criminal Record: People with prior criminal convictions, particularly drug charges, fraud, or violent offenses, may be considered ineligible.

Consequences of Denial of Entry

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