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    Among the alternatives, you could travel to Canada, where you'll be in more direct contact with CBP from the start (either at a land border crossing or at a pre-clearance airport).
    – jcaron
    Commented Dec 22, 2022 at 13:01
  • 7
    You can get a granted ESTA even if you state you are a US citizen. I recall many questions here with that, it is not as clear-cut as with a Canadian eTA for example. You can try that and the worst that can happen is you lose a couple of dollars, and you have to get an emergency passport (or go through Canada at a land border)
    – Nicolas Formichella
    Commented Dec 22, 2022 at 13:01
  • 5
    @jcaron They wouldn't even touch the Pre-clearance because they will be denied checkin from the outset. Land border crossing are a good bet though
    – Nicolas Formichella
    Commented Dec 22, 2022 at 13:03
  • 16
    The worst case scenario for lying on ESTA is a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years. This is an exceedingly unlikely punishment even in the exceedingly unlikely event of a conviction under 18 USC 1001, but it is theoretically possible, so qualifies as a worst-case scenario.
    – phoog
    Commented Dec 22, 2022 at 15:34
  • 6
    Fly through Shannon, Ireland or other point that has US Customs Preclearance. That way, you sort it out on YOUR side of the pond, and if you get on the plane you are golden. Also, US immigration will be right there to tell the airline "nah, he's cool". Also lying to immigration does not suddenly become a good idea.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Dec 23, 2022 at 4:18