U.S. citizens should be mindful of immigration and permit requirements when traveling into Mexican waters by private boat. Likewise, the U.S. Consulate recommends that all individuals on board vessels used for sport fishing, including passengers on commercial and charter boats, understand the entry requirements and permits needed before traveling. Each individual is responsible for making sure s/he is in compliance.

A U.S. visa gives you permission to travel to the United States, but does not guarantee your entrance or determine the length of time you will be allowed to stay. An immigration officer at the point of entry makes those decisions.

For individuals who entered without inspection, subsequently were granted Temporary Protected Status, and now seeks to adjust his or her status. The basis for this argument—and for the court decisions which have adopted it—is that a grant of TPS satisfies the requirement in the adjustment statute that the applicant has been “admitted” to the U.S.