At a POE, who will typically be inspected?

At a Port of Entry (POE), the primary focus of inspection typically falls on foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States, which includes non-U.S. citizens and those categorized as "aliens." The inspection process is designed to assess the status and admissibility of individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals.

This includes examining individuals for compliance with immigration laws, verifying documentation, and determining the purpose of their visit. The authorities aim to ensure that those entering the country meet all the legal criteria for entry, such as holding valid visas or adhering to the conditions of their entry status.

In contrast, tourists, though they can be inspected as aliens if they are foreign nationals, would not represent the primary category being processed at a POE. Similarly, U.S. nationals and returning citizens typically have different procedures and may not undergo the same level of scrutiny, as their status as citizens generally grants them automatic entry rights.

Thus, the focus on aliens as the primary group typically undergoing inspection at a POE aligns with the legal framework governing border control and immigration processes.