Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the largest airport in Minnesota and a major entry point for international travelers to the Upper Midwest. With direct flights from Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, MSP serves millions of passengers annually — including thousands of foreign nationals.

Even travelers with valid visas or prior U.S. visits may be denied entry at MSP if CBP suspects unauthorized work, immigrant intent, or other violations. While MSP is not as high-volume as JFK or LAX, it still plays a significant role in immigration enforcement, especially for family-based visitors, students, and professionals entering from Canada and Europe.

Whether you’re traveling on a visitor visa, student visa, work visa, or ESTA, entry is not guaranteed. A single interaction at the airport can result in deportation, visa cancellation, or even a multi-year bar from returning to the U.S.

Travelers may be pulled aside at MSP for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Secondary Inspection for additional questioning about purpose of travel, finances, prior visits, etc.

• Allegations of misrepresentation (traveling on a tourist visa while intending to work or stay permanently)

• CBP suspicion of unauthorized work or immigrant intent

• Prior immigration violations, such as overstays or visa misuse

• Cancelled or revoked visa due to changed circumstances

• Expedited removal under INA 235(b)(1)

• Inadmissibility under INA 212, including 212(a)(6)(C)(i) for fraud or misrepresentation

• Criminal records or prior deportations

With proper legal representation, travelers may be able to avoid being put on a plane and sent back.

We offer legal support before, during, and after airport encounters — for individuals, families, and employers concerned about what might happen or what already has.

A. Proactive Support – Before or During Arrival

We can help reduce the risk of detention or denial by:

• Advising on documents to carry

• Preparing you for likely questions and CBP scrutiny

• Being available by phone during your arrival at MSP

• In some cases, arranging legal presence at the airport through local counsel

Whether you’re worried about a past visa issue, a pending waiver, or a potential CBP flag, we can guide you before you land.

B. Post-Denial or Deportation Assistance

If you were already denied entry or removed from the U.S. at MSP, we can help with:

• Reviewing your CBP removal documents or refusal notice (I-867A, I-877, I-296, I-275, I-213, I-860, I-296)

• Filing a waiver of inadmissibility (I-192, I-601, or I-212)

• Preparing a new visa application with supporting legal arguments

• Helping you challenge wrongful findings of fraud

• Reuniting you with family in the U.S.