DHS staffing cuts and aggressive port-of-entry screening are creating unprecedented delays and denials for H-1B workers returning to the US.
Arriving in the United States on an H-1B visa in April 2026 has become the riskiest step of the entire visa journey. A combination of TSA staffing shortages caused by the DHS partial shutdown, aggressive CBP secondary inspection policies, and expanded social media screening has turned every port of entry into a potential denial point. Wait times at Newark, JFK, SFO, and LAX now exceed 4 hours during peak periods.
| Port of Entry | Avg Wait | Secondary Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Newark (EWR) | 4.2 hours | 11% |
| JFK | 3.8 hours | 9% |
| SFO | 3.5 hours | 8% |
| LAX | 3.9 hours | 7% |
| ORD | 2.8 hours | 6% |
Information Gain: The DHS partial shutdown created a budget impasse in which TSA officers are working without pay and CBP officers have reduced shifts. This has led to informal slowdowns and record-high secondary inspection referrals. Secondary inspection rates at Newark increased nearly 4x between January and April.
Pro Tip: If routed to secondary inspection, never answer questions without explicitly asking whether you are free to leave and whether you are being detained. You have the right to remain silent about anything beyond basic immigration status. Do not volunteer information about job details or employer disputes.
Physical copies required: H-1B approval notice (I-797), valid visa stamp, recent pay stubs (last 3 months), employment verification letter dated within 30 days, and I-94 printout. CBP officers are increasingly refusing to review phone-based documents.
Additional recommended documents: resume, job description, and academic credentials. Carry a letter from your immigration attorney with their contact information.
Social media awareness: CBP now reviews public social media accounts during secondary inspection. Delete or privatize any posts critical of US immigration policy.
CBP asks about your employer. Know your sponsor's filing history and approval rate.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The DHS partial shutdown has reduced CBP and TSA staffing. TSA officers are working without pay and CBP is running shorter shifts. Combined with expanded secondary inspection policies, wait times at major airports reach 3-6 hours during peak periods compared to typical 30-60 minute waits.
Secondary inspection rates for H-1B arrivals have increased dramatically. Newark is at 11%, JFK at 9%, SFO at 8%, and LAX at 7% as of April 2026. This is roughly 4x higher than January 2026 rates, driven by expanded CBP enforcement guidance and the DHS staffing shortfall.
Carry physical copies of the H-1B I-797 approval notice, valid visa stamp, last 3 months of pay stubs, employment verification letter dated within 30 days, and I-94 printout. CBP increasingly refuses to review phone-based digital copies. Also: resume, job description, and attorney contact card.
You have the right to remain silent beyond basic identity and immigration status questions. You can ask whether you are free to leave and whether you are being detained. Hand over documentation when asked but do not volunteer information. You cannot use a phone during secondary without permission.