At some point, you may experience that the U.S. government has somehow "flagged" you for closer scrutiny when you enter the U.S. If you are repeatedly delayed or pulled into secondary inspection, the officers may inform you of the problem.

• SEVIS Flags: These sorts of flags can potentially be removed by the sponsor of your F, M or J status. If you have a SEVIS-related flag, then you should discuss this with the appropriate person at the sponsoring institution. Sometimes flags can be removed through a simple telephone call by the school to DHS.
• Other Flags: Non-SEVIS related flags may potentially be removed using the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP). TRIP is a centralized attempt to assist travelers in the following situations:
  • their name matches another person's name on a government watch list
  • they face screening problems at ports of entry
  • they are unfairly or incorrectly delayed, denied boarding or identified for additional screening at U.S. airports, train stations, etc.