As the name indicates, the procedure provides for the immediate deportation of individuals who arrive without valid travel documents, such as a passport and visa. It also can be used against individuals who have a facially valid visa that immigration inspectors suspect was obtained under false pretenses. Unfortunately, the process is so expedited and summary that it risks mistakenly excluding even refugees fleeing persecution and torture in their homeland. This is not so.
Secondary inspection consists of an intensive interrogation to determine admissibility.
This low-level INS officer can order the person deported, subject only to a supervisor's approval. There is no further review of a secondary inspector's removal order. The secondary inspector is required by law to refer anyone who asks for asylum or expresses a fear of persecution to the next stage of the process. For someone arriving by plane, secondary inspection takes place at the airport, shortly after arrival. There is no opportunity to rest or eat, and no right to contact relatives, friends or a lawyer.