US Border Agent Made Me Cry!

[Revenesque 2]

Almost 5 years of crossing the US borders with little hassle, yesterday was my first bad experience at the border in Vancouver Via Rail Station (I was boarding Amtrak to Seattle.) The first border guard recognized me as she processed me last time and referred me to another border guard for questioning. Here's how the conversation went:

Border Guard: Where are you going?

Me: Seattle

Guard: How long will you be staying?

Me: Three days. I'm returning on Monday.

Guard: What do you do for work?

Me: XXXX, at XXXX.

Guard: Do you have a business card?

Me: Yes (gives him my business card)

Guard: What's the reason for your visit?

Me: Visiting my husband, who is a US citizen.

Guard: How long have you've been married?

Me: Three years come this August.

Guard: Are you planning to move to the US?

Me: Yes. I have a visa case in process.

Guard: Do you know that while your case is processing, you must remain in Canada or if you are in the US, you cannot leave until it's completed?

Me: No, I'm not aware of such restrictions. Just to clarify, I've applied for the CR-1 Visa.

Guard, starting to get irritated: It doesn't matter what visa it is, you cannot enter the US until the process is completed.

Me: I'm not understanding what you mean by process being completed. I already had the interview with US Embassy in Montreal and they are holding back from issuing the visa because I am not ready immigrate (due to my pregnancy) so technically, I have not been approved nor issued a visa. They told me when I am ready to immigrate after my baby's birth, I'm to send them my passport for visa issuance. As of now, I don't have a visa to immigrate.

Guard: If your husband had file a petition for you, you cannot enter the US. What is your NVC #?

Me: I don't have that information on me. If it's OK with you, I can call my husband to get that information.

Guard: I'm going to look in our system to see if you have a file with Immigration. (Looks up in his computer with my name, didn't find what he was looking for, so asks for hubby's name and phone number. At this point, I'm getting upset because it sounds like I'm about to be turn away from the border.)

Guard: You're lucky this time--there's no file of any petition on the system. (I'm thinking #######?!)

Guard: Do you have a Nexus card?

Me: Yes

Guard: May I see it. (I give him my Nexus card.)

Guard: (Looks over at the card) I see you had this card since September 2009.

Me: I'm sure I've had it much longer than that.

Guard: Is this your second card?

Me: No, it's my first. I believe it renews every 5 years.

Guard: Yes. So if this is your second card, you must have had your Nexus card since 2004.

Me: No, I didn't. I've had it for about 2-3 years I think.

Guard: Don't lie to me!

Me: No, I'm not. I don't recall the exact date I got it, but I know I didn't just get it last year. This card was re-issued because they've made security improvements to the Nexus cards and reissued new ones to all Nexus card holders. So that card was issued in Sept 2009, but I've had it before that.

Guard: What was the reason why you applied for the Nexus card?

Me: I was crossing the border regularly so I applied for it.

Guard: What reason did you give your Nexus Officer for getting thhe Nexus card?

Me: I don't recall being asked that question during the interview. I applied for it online, was approved, called in for the interview, which was a discussion on its terms and use, got the card and that was it.

Guard: I worked at the Nexus Office--I KNOW we ask you why you apply for it!

Me: (#######?!) It's been about 2-3 years since that interview. I don't remember if they had asked me that question.

Guard: We always ask the reason for applying for it.

Me: (Visibly upset ut still calm) If they had asked me that question, I would have said something like I'm visiting my boyfriend or something. But I'm telling you I was not asked that question.

Guard: Don't lie to me! I used to work at the Nexus Office. (looks up the computer some more.) OK, I see it was issued in May 2008. Hmmm...there's no notes.

Guard: You were married then, why did you tell them that you were visiting you boyfriend?

Me: (#######?! That was a rhetorical answer!) Sir, it's been quite some time since the (Nexus) interview and I'm not good with remembering dates. I don't remember what my responses at the interview were.

Guard: I'm going to contact the Nexus Officer who interviewed you, and if I find that you are lying, we will confiscate your Nexus card and you will not be allowed to enter the US.

(By now, they closed the gate, the train personel were waiting for me, and I was the last one at the US customs border.)

Me: (About to cry) So what's the next step? Am I allowed to enter the US now or not?

Guard: (hands me back my Nexus card and passport) This time I'll let you in but I'll be checking in with your Nexus Officer.

Me: Thanks.

#######?! I called hubby right after and bawled my eyes out. The guard called me a liar three times and made me feel like an illegal alien!...and a 6-month pregnant terrorist! Hubby was SOOO pissed, thinks that the Guard was just power tripping and wanted to call US Customs to complain. I told him let's not make the situation any worse.

VJers, what's your analysis of this exchange?

[Sprailenes 47]

Sounds like a power tripper to me.

[ashenflowers 5]

Wow... what a horrible experience!! I'm so sorry Reven. I think that is grounds for a complaint if you ask me! What is with these guards that think they can treat people this way!? Argh... I'm so glad he let you across at least. I really hope you don't have any problems next time. You are doing things the RIGHT way, and LEGAL way. I think it's silly to expect someone to remember the exact dates and information and conversations from over 2 years ago. So unfair.

[LeslienScott 6]

I am so sorry you had to go through with that! What an a##. I find there is always 1 border guard out to save the world. Unfortunately he was trying to save the world from a pregnant woman. I honestly don't think he will follow up on the Nexus interview. I don't think the Nexus people will remember either what you said.

It is untrue that you are not allowed in the US while your case is pending. You showed him evidence of ties to Canada.

Good luck in persuing a complaint. Keep us informed!

[Rhiannercakes 14]

Wow.

That's just terrible. I can't believe they can think they can talk to us like that.

It's time they start learning more about the visas, they always think their misinformation is the correct information.

Glad to hear you go through though.

[kitjerky 0]

I would file a complaint as quick as u can...ride this #######..his wrong u are allowed to visit the usa with proof of ties and they to treat u with respect at al times,i would find ou his supervisors name and have a little chat on the way back or get hubby to a very one sided conversation

Sorry it happened to ya ... think there god some of them!!

[neiks 19]

Revensque, I seriously think you and your husband should file a complaint. That kind of treatment should not be acceptable. The officer stating you can't visit is total BS and the officer should be called out on it and corrected. You of course are informed of what you can and can't do but think of that poor person that doesn't know the facts and turns away and doesn't make an attempt to visit their significant other because of that. Calling a person a liar is not acceptable either. There are a lot more tactful ways of interviewing a person. I know these kinds of experiences do happen and unless they person does file a complaint it will not get corrected. I also know people do avoid the hassle of filing the complaint as they think nothing is going to be done about it but it does get put in their file and hopefully if another one or more complaints do come in for that person something will be done.

[daboyz 36]

Sounds like a power tripper to me.

Exactly! Probably got beat up alot as a kid, now it's his turn.

[Darnell 8,478]

I say write up the complaint (yer husband) and submit it to the Inspector General's Office with the Custom and Border Patrol.

Be as specific as you can, with names, badge #'s, dialog, etc.

Include a SASE with a new formletter with checkboxes, with this list:

1. we will look into it immediately

2. we will do nothing

3. thanks for the report, this worker's complaint casefile is growing

----

then send exact stuff to the big boss at that POE.

IMO, include a CC: address in each letter, so that both entities know the complaint is getting seen elsewhere.

Good Luck !

Edited June 5, 2010 by Darnell

[CDAgirlMI 51]

Yeah, my analysis is the guy's a di*k with a huge ego.

Someone once told me that if you're having issues with a border official (& you know you're right...ie. you CAN visit while waiting for a visa), ask for a supervisor. The supervisor may give you the same answer (depending on the issue), but you'll likely get someone more professional.

[K & I 0]

Wow... Reven, Im so sorry to hear all of this. No one deserves to be treated this way, especially ones like all of us who have been through this journey and paid our dues. I think a complaint is in order for sure. I know you don't want to "rock the boat", however, maybe look at it as if you are saving another innocent person from this abuse. My hubby (Ian) also says to tell your hubby hello and go get 'em!!! Good luck!

[Bern. 3]

Wow, that's terrible..but I'm so glad you caught your train. DEFINATELY file a complaint! That guy needs to get fired...>_>

[Flames9_RN 358]

That Blows, BUT you stood your ground and told the truth!! Yes, get ur hubby to file a complaint! Hope u can recall his name! If not the time or station # that you went thru! Anything that can help nail it down!! Enjoy ur stay and do not let that idiot ruin it!!

[Abby62 23]

I am so sorry to hear you were treated this way. I have been through the same situation, however at that time I was only "dating" my now husband. They accused me of wanting to immigrate one day when I was crossing to visit him. Same situation guy was power tripping I pleaded and pleaded that this was NOT the case at all. I was denied entry, however I had to come back with alot of proof of ties to Canada, something I've never had to do in all my life of crossing. I live 15min's from the border and have crossed perfectly fine uncountable times. ONCE, just once I get a total power tripping D#CK and then it was hell for 7 months. I was yanked into secondary and interrogated over and over like some sort of criminal..I don't get it. We try to do everything the legal and forthright way and this is how WE get treated..something is wrong here!!

Now I can hardly wait till the time comes when I cross now having a CR1 in process..guhhh...good luck to you and your future family!!!

[antda 13]

Hi Revenesque,

Sorry that this had to happen to you and your baby.....((((hugs))))

I hope that you have made it to your destination to your husband after all of this, and that you and your baby are ok.

I agree, the border guard was way out of line here and shouldn't have confronted you and your baby like this...

If I were you, I would file a complaint with the proper officials (CBP?) and to file a report with your the senator/ congressman in your husband's area too. As well, make sure you keep records of any dealings you have with the CBP, embassy, USCIS, etc. in case you run into any further problems. Heck, print out a copy of what you typed out here on your original post, to show them what you had to deal with when crossing the border....

As well, make sure that you have a checkup and/or call your health care provider to make sure that you and your baby are ok.

At 6 months into the pregnancy, you can't risk yours and your baby's health having to go through stressful stuff like this.

If it makes you feel any better, likewise, I was questioned for about 2 hours or so when I POEd too. At the time I wasn't pregnant, but yeah, it was scary to cross over and be questioned like that...Welcome to America, ha! Oh well...I stayed...

As well, throughout my entire pregnancy they gave me a lot of delays and problems with my I-751 case, which resulted in me stressing out and thus putting my pregnancy in higher risk....Luckily I got some help from my local congressman, bugged them about it with an infopass appointment, and I in the end I didn't lose my baby....But yeah, it could have been a possibility that this could have happened...which is quite scary to think about while pregnant, indeed....

My point...Is to not let something like this stress you out while pregnant (easier said than done, I know)...Enjoy the time with your husband and your pregnancy/baby....Make sure you get the proper healthcare for you and your baby. And file a complaint with the proper officials, so that you don't get treated like this again.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your journey and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Ant

P.S. Screw the visa...I say stay longer and have the baby in the USA instead of going back and then being harassed by the border guards again....(just kidding...but yeah, thats one way to get even... ...)....

Almost 5 years of crossing the US borders with little hassle, yesterday was my first bad experience at the border in Vancouver Via Rail Station (I was boarding Amtrak to Seattle.) The first border guard recognized me as she processed me last time and referred me to another border guard for questioning. Here's how the conversation went:

Border Guard: Where are you going?

Me: Seattle

Guard: How long will you be staying?

Me: Three days. I'm returning on Monday.

Guard: What do you do for work?

Me: XXXX, at XXXX.

Guard: Do you have a business card?

Me: Yes (gives him my business card)

Guard: What's the reason for your visit?

Me: Visiting my husband, who is a US citizen.

Guard: How long have you've been married?

Me: Three years come this August.

Guard: Are you planning to move to the US?

Me: Yes. I have a visa case in process.

Guard: Do you know that while your case is processing, you must remain in Canada or if you are in the US, you cannot leave until it's completed?

Me: No, I'm not aware of such restrictions. Just to clarify, I've applied for the CR-1 Visa.

Guard, starting to get irritated: It doesn't matter what visa it is, you cannot enter the US until the process is completed.

Me: I'm not understanding what you mean by process being completed. I already had the interview with US Embassy in Montreal and they are holding back from issuing the visa because I am not ready immigrate (due to my pregnancy) so technically, I have not been approved nor issued a visa. They told me when I am ready to immigrate after my baby's birth, I'm to send them my passport for visa issuance. As of now, I don't have a visa to immigrate.

Guard: If your husband had file a petition for you, you cannot enter the US. What is your NVC #?

Me: I don't have that information on me. If it's OK with you, I can call my husband to get that information.

Guard: I'm going to look in our system to see if you have a file with Immigration. (Looks up in his computer with my name, didn't find what he was looking for, so asks for hubby's name and phone number. At this point, I'm getting upset because it sounds like I'm about to be turn away from the border.)

Guard: You're lucky this time--there's no file of any petition on the system. (I'm thinking #######?!)

Guard: Do you have a Nexus card?

Me: Yes

Guard: May I see it. (I give him my Nexus card.)

Guard: (Looks over at the card) I see you had this card since September 2009.

Me: I'm sure I've had it much longer than that.

Guard: Is this your second card?

Me: No, it's my first. I believe it renews every 5 years.

Guard: Yes. So if this is your second card, you must have had your Nexus card since 2004.

Me: No, I didn't. I've had it for about 2-3 years I think.

Guard: Don't lie to me!

Me: No, I'm not. I don't recall the exact date I got it, but I know I didn't just get it last year. This card was re-issued because they've made security improvements to the Nexus cards and reissued new ones to all Nexus card holders. So that card was issued in Sept 2009, but I've had it before that.

Guard: What was the reason why you applied for the Nexus card?

Me: I was crossing the border regularly so I applied for it.

Guard: What reason did you give your Nexus Officer for getting thhe Nexus card?

Me: I don't recall being asked that question during the interview. I applied for it online, was approved, called in for the interview, which was a discussion on its terms and use, got the card and that was it.

Guard: I worked at the Nexus Office--I KNOW we ask you why you apply for it!

Me: (#######?!) It's been about 2-3 years since that interview. I don't remember if they had asked me that question.

Guard: We always ask the reason for applying for it.

Me: (Visibly upset ut still calm) If they had asked me that question, I would have said something like I'm visiting my boyfriend or something. But I'm telling you I was not asked that question.

Guard: Don't lie to me! I used to work at the Nexus Office. (looks up the computer some more.) OK, I see it was issued in May 2008. Hmmm...there's no notes.

Guard: You were married then, why did you tell them that you were visiting you boyfriend?

Me: (#######?! That was a rhetorical answer!) Sir, it's been quite some time since the (Nexus) interview and I'm not good with remembering dates. I don't remember what my responses at the interview were.

Guard: I'm going to contact the Nexus Officer who interviewed you, and if I find that you are lying, we will confiscate your Nexus card and you will not be allowed to enter the US.

(By now, they closed the gate, the train personel were waiting for me, and I was the last one at the US customs border.)

Me: (About to cry) So what's the next step? Am I allowed to enter the US now or not?

Guard: (hands me back my Nexus card and passport) This time I'll let you in but I'll be checking in with your Nexus Officer.

Me: Thanks.

#######?! I called hubby right after and bawled my eyes out. The guard called me a liar three times and made me feel like an illegal alien!...and a 6-month pregnant terrorist! Hubby was SOOO pissed, thinks that the Guard was just power tripping and wanted to call US Customs to complain. I told him let's not make the situation any worse.

VJers, what's your analysis of this exchange?

Edited June 6, 2010 by Ant+D+BabyA