U.S. Border Refusal, Expedited Removal & Reentry Law
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Can You Review or Correct Form I-867 Before Signing?

FORM I-867 SWORN STATEMENT

Can You Review or Correct Form I-867 Before Signing?

The expedited-removal regulations require more than simply obtaining a traveler’s signature. After CBP records the sworn statement, the traveler must read it or have it read to them, and the traveler must sign and initial each page and each correction.

The Regulation Requires

  • Record of facts and traveler statements
  • Form I-867A advisals
  • Review of the sworn statement
  • Signature and initials
  • Initialing each correction

CBP Must Create a Record Before Expedited Removal

When expedited removal is applied, 8 C.F.R. §235.3(b)(2)(i) requires the examining immigration officer to create a record of the facts of the case and statements made by the traveler using Form I-867A/B.

The Statement Must Be Read or Reviewed

After the officer records the traveler’s responses, the regulation requires the traveler to read the statement or have it read to them.

The regulatory process contemplates review before signature. It also specifically contemplates corrections to the statement.

Each Correction Must Be Initialed

The traveler must sign and initial each page of the statement and each correction.

This requirement is important where the later CBP record contains an answer that the traveler says was inaccurate, incomplete or mistranslated.

The Traveler Must Have an Opportunity to Respond to the Charges

The officer must advise the traveler of the charges contained on Form I-860 and give the traveler an opportunity to respond to those charges in the sworn statement.

See Form I-860 Expedited Removal Order.

Supervisory Review Is Required

An expedited-removal order entered by the examining officer must receive supervisory review and approval before becoming final. The supervisory review includes the sworn statement and any answers concerning fear of removal or return.

What If the CBP Copy Is Inaccurate?

An inaccurate statement does not automatically disappear because the traveler later disputes it. The first step is usually to obtain the available CBP record and identify the exact discrepancy.

  • Compare the I-867 with the traveler’s recollection.
  • Identify missing questions or answers.
  • Identify translation or language issues.
  • Check signatures and initials.
  • Check whether corrections appear on the form.
  • Review the I-860 charge.
  • Compare other contemporaneous documents and records.

Correcting the Record After the Border Incident

Depending on the problem, possible post-inspection strategies may involve CBP record correction, DHS TRIP, a targeted agency request, or other legal action. FOIA itself obtains records but does not automatically amend or overturn them.

See Correcting a CBP Record After Denied Entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the regulation allow corrections to an I-867?

Yes. The regulation specifically states that the traveler signs and initials each page and each correction.

Should the statement be read back before signing?

The regulation requires the traveler to read the statement or have it read to them before signature and initials.

Does an error automatically invalidate expedited removal?

No. The legal significance of an error depends on the record, the type of defect and the limited procedures available for expedited-removal challenges.

Primary Government Sources

These government materials provide the principal CBP inspection and expedited-removal rules discussed on this page.

Obtain the Actual I-867 Before Challenging What CBP Recorded

The most useful comparison is between the traveler’s account and the signed statement, corrections, interview language, I-860 charges and supervisory record.