If the final destination is in the U.S. and the first port of arrival is in the U.S., travelers must clear Immigration and Customs at the first port of entry. This is also required if you are transitting via the USA, as there are still certain restrictions (eg you cannot transport goods originating in Cuba via the USA, even if your final destination is outside the USA).
The only exception is if you have arrived in the USA from one of the certified "foreign preclearance locations" which are located in Canada, the Caribbean and Ireland - in this case you will have undergone the checks at the point of departure, and will not be required to go through them again upon entry to the USA.
Bookmarks