10 Items You Can and Can’t Bring When Immigrating to the U.S.

Immigrating to the United States is far from easy, and even once you’re granted entry, there are still rules you must follow. One of the most important things you need to know is what you can and can’t bring with you as you’re immigrating to the U.S. If you’re not careful, you can jeopardize your immigration status, and if you’re too careful, you may leave behind something precious that you could have brought.

For these reasons, it’s essential to understand these guidelines to avoid any delays or issues during immigration. We can break down what you can bring, what you can’t bring, what’s restricted, and what you need to bring with you. If you have any questions or need legal help immigrating to the U.S., the immigration attorneys at The Law Offices of Diron Rutty, LLC can help.

Items You’re Allowed to Bring to the U.S.

Firstly, let’s start with the items that you are allowed to bring with you when immigrating to the US. These include personal belongings and items that are necessary for your occupation or studies. These are harmless and can be brought in any number, though it may appear suspicious to bring more than most people have. These items can include:

1. Clothing
2. Jewelry
3. Laptops
4. Textbooks
5. Work-related tools 

Restricted Items that Can be Brought in Limited Quantities

Certain items require special permission or documentation before they can be brought into the U.S. This is because these items are legal to own, but can pose a danger to people around them. This includes: 

1. Firearms and other weapons
2. Ammunition 
3. Fruits
4. Vegetables
5. Meats
6. Cigarettes
7. Alcohol

Weapons must be declared and approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Even then, if you’re a firearm aficionado, you’ll likely have to leave behind some of your favorites. 

Then, some agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and meats need to be declared and inspected by the Department of Agriculture to ensure they meet U.S. standards. If they don’t, they can make someone sick or harm crops.

Additionally, you are permitted to bring up to 200 cigarettes and one liter of alcohol with you.

Items You Can’t Bring to the U.S.

Some items are strictly prohibited from entering the U.S. under all circumstances. These include: 

1. Illegal drugs 
2. Counterfeit goods
3. Any materials or products that contain endangered species (illegal game)

It is important to note that these items may be legal in your home country, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t illegal here. Some of these items may only be legal in the U.S. when they are purchased in the U.S. Bringing prohibited items into the country can result in significant fines or even criminal charges, which can lead to deportation.

Items You Should Bring to Enter the U.S.

There are some things you need to bring with you and your family as you try to enter the U.S. Have these items ready at all times for immigration and customs:

1. Green cards
2. ID cards
3. Passports
4. Driver’s license if you have one
5. Vaccination certificates
6. Any relevant medical records, such as a notice of a pacemaker for metal detectors
7. Birth certificates
8. School and work certificates
9. Marriage and divorce certificates
10. Custody agreements
11. Documents related to existing accounts
12. Tax statements

Contact the Immigration Law Attorneys at The Law Offices of Diron Rutty, LLC For Help

Navigating immigration laws can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to what you can and cannot bring with you. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s best to seek legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney. 

If you’re trying to start the immigration process to live in the U.S., our attorneys can help. At The Law Offices of Diron Rutty, LLC, our team of immigration law attorneys can provide guidance and assistance with all aspects of immigrating to the U.S. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.