[Chena]

Interesting theory. I have a question for you, and other FReepers. When someone arrives from another country with a visa, do they go through immigration/customs after getting off the plane in the U.S.? I know it sounds like a dumb question, but I've never traveled abroad.

I ask because of your theory. If the picture on their visa does not match the picture on their face (because you mentioned maybe the visas has been stolen from the real students), wouldn't they be prevented from entering the U.S.?

[BigSkyFreeper]

It's my understanding they go through customs once they disembark their international flight, which they probably did, otherwise the red flags would have gone up in NYC rather than Bozeman, because Customs agents have a record of the passenger lists of inbound international flights long before they ever arrive. Montana State University was expecting them to show up on a certain date, they never did.

My theory is, they did go through customs in NYC and might have ditched their visas once they were allowed through.

[Roccus]

De-plane first, then go to customs/immigration.
As to matching faces to visas/passports... altered photos, full beards....who knows.
As I posted to Big Sky Freeper, If they flew out of NY useing those IDs, there's a record. I'll bet money those papers are history.

[sasha123]

Plus, I understand it took most of them 2 days to clear customs.