Los Angeles International Airport · Los Angeles, California
If CBP questioned, detained or refused you at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), or you are concerned about an upcoming US arrival, The Messersmith Law Firm can evaluate your immigration history, documents and potential options. Consultations are available by phone or in person by appointment.
Phone or in-person appointments · Immigration assistance before and after airport encounters
Two ways we can help
Reviewing the actual facts, immigration history and CBP paperwork is more useful than assuming every airport inspection has the same outcome.
01 / Before entry
Before a long-haul arrival at LAX, review visa and petition validity where applicable, the true purpose of travel, earlier stays, contact information and supporting status documents.
Discuss travel preparation ↗02 / After the incident
After refusal, retain all forms, passport annotations and flight information. An attorney can evaluate whether a new visa application, permission to reapply, waiver or other legal step is available.
Discuss what CBP decided ↗Los Angeles, California · LAX
Los Angeles International Airport is a gateway for many transpacific and other international itineraries. Travelers flying through LAX may be heading to Los Angeles itself or connecting elsewhere in the US. In an initial US arrival, admission is generally assessed before a domestic connection unless US preclearance has occurred.
Students, employees, entertainment-industry visitors and business travelers have different immigration requirements. CBP may ask whether the proposed activity matches a visitor, student or work classification. Misstatements on earlier applications and documentation about a planned activity can create separate issues that should be examined carefully.
A prolonged inspection at LAX is not necessarily a removal order. If a traveler was required to return overseas, we assess the exact CBP decision, any visa cancellation and whether a fraud, unauthorized employment or prior immigration violation finding was made.
How our firm assists
We provide telephone or in-person consultations by appointment and can assess issues before travel, during some inspection situations, or after a denial.
Assess prior immigration history, visa or ESTA eligibility, arrests, travel plans and supporting documentation.
When practical and permitted, explore communication with the traveler or CBP during secondary inspection. Family members can also contact us.
Examine an I-275, I-860, visa cancellation, statements and other records to identify the action actually taken.
Evaluate new visa applications, waivers, permission to reapply or other responses where legally appropriate.
Yes, assistance may be possible. Depending on the circumstances and CBP procedures, we may be able to communicate with the traveler or CBP officers. If someone is being questioned at LAX, call (305) 515-0613 so we can discuss the available assistance.
Important legal distinctions
The appropriate remedy depends on the specific CBP determination and immigration history, not simply whether the traveler returned home.
Additional questions or document review. Referral alone is not a finding of inadmissibility or a removal order.
CBP may permit a traveler to withdraw an application for admission and depart. This is discretionary and may still affect future travel.
A formal removal order under INA §235(b)(1) in applicable cases. A statutory reentry bar or further consequences may apply.
Alleged misrepresentation, a canceled visa, or criminal and immigration grounds require separate examination.
A documented immigration practice
The Messersmith Law Firm has represented immigration clients since 2002. Review published case results and speak with the firm about your own circumstances.
Questions about LAX
Talk to us about the actual documents, legal findings and travel plans before deciding what comes next.
Travelers first entering the US at LAX generally undergo immigration inspection there before a domestic connection, unless they were inspected through preclearance overseas.
Yes. The activities actually planned may affect the appropriate immigration classification. An attorney can assess the facts before travel.
Yes. We can review the cancellation notation together with the CBP record and advise about the effect on future visa issuance or travel.
Assistance may be possible. Access and communication depend on the circumstances and CBP procedures. Call us promptly so we can assess possible contact and guidance, including assistance to family members or companions.
Keep available CBP forms, visa cancellation markings, your itinerary, admission history and a written timeline. Depending on the outcome, relevant records can include Forms I-275 or I-860, but not every traveler receives the same documents.
Yes. Call (305) 515-0613 or request a consultation . In-person meetings are by appointment; representation can also be discussed by phone.
Los Angeles International Airport
Speak with The Messersmith Law Firm about your travel and immigration history, the airport encounter and potential legal options. Phone or in-person consultations by appointment.