Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) Practice Exam

What happens to individuals who are marked as "arriving aliens" at the border?

1. They are automatically granted refugee status

2. They can be placed in expedited removal proceedings

3. They are allowed to stay without documentation

4. They must return home immediately without a hearing

The correct answer is: They can be placed in expedited removal proceedings

Individuals marked as "arriving aliens" at the border can indeed be placed in expedited removal proceedings. This is a significant aspect of immigration law regarding how the U.S. handles individuals who present themselves at the border without the necessary documentation or permission to enter. Expedited removal is a fast-track process for deportation that allows immigration authorities to quickly remove individuals who are determined to be inadmissible without a formal hearing. This procedure is primarily used for individuals who attempt to enter the U.S. unlawfully and do not provide a credible fear of persecution or other valid grounds for entry. The other options do not accurately reflect the legal framework for arriving aliens. Granting refugee status requires a formal application process and valid claims of persecution, which is not automatically applicable. Allowing individuals to stay without documentation contradicts immigration laws that require proper legal status for residence. Lastly, while some individuals may be returned immediately without a hearing, this typically applies under specific circumstances, and arriving aliens are given the opportunity to contest their status through the expedited removal process.