appalling treatment at checkpoint

[Harsh_77 718]

Even well know personalities are pulled into secondary...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/16/bollywood-anger-shah-rukh-khan-us-immigration

I am sure you are not as famous as him any CBP officer could had googled his name and could had found who he was yet he had to go thru same security process.

[sachinky 465]

I noticed that you stated your experience escalated to the point of a shouting match, I have never seen that happen without both sides participating. If you are visibly offended at being pulled into secondary and acting hostile towards the CBP officers then that would only serve to raise their alertness level regarding you.

It's amazing how much a few misplaced words grumbled under one's breath can totally derail a situation while at the same time a respectful & polite smile can calm tensions and put things back on track.

Bingo.

[sachinky 465]

This summer as I was leaving the US, the lady asked me for my ID before clearing security. I gave her my Indian passport which is valid till 2017 but has a misprint on the front page that says expiration date: 2002. This raises eyebrows at every airport although I don't know why people would think I'd be a frequent flier with a nine-year old expired passport. I would get it replaced except I don't feel like dealing with the RPO in Calcutta.

Anywho, this lady brushes off my explanation and loudly calls for a supervisor. At this point, I could have raised my voice or try to argue my way out of it. Also, the people behind me were getting excited, itching for some drama before a twelve hour flight. The guy escorts me to a secluded corner, I hand over my passport with a smile. As he flips through the pages, I pull out my green-card from the crevices of my purse and offer it to him. He waves it off and stamps my boarding pass.

Moral of the story: Pick and choose your battles.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I wish they would have been stricter before 9/11. They were during the first Gulf War in 1991 and then just went back to sleep.

Get over it. Or don't. Makes no difference.

[az110965 252]

OP-

If it makes you feel better I am a USC who has also travelled the world extensively. Been to over 20 countries on 4 continents and have also been included in random secondary processings when I return home.

The inconvenience of being asked a few questions pales in comparision to the ONE international traveller who is not questioned and goes on to do unspeakable things here on US soil.

I am not saying you should be treated with anything but respect by CBP, but the adage "you get what you give" is accurate most of the time. When pulled to the side by CBP on 3 consecutive returns to the USA I answered the questions asked then was the lucky receipient of the luggage screening by Customs. I coplied with their istructions, was polite and got through the process quickly.

As I repacked my suitcase I still had the impression that I was not offeneded - these folks are doing their jobs and perhaps I was safer with the system in place. It never dawned on me to scream at a CBP officer even though I was tired from a long flight...

If you want an idea of what a true screening is, fly through Isreal's airport. I dare you to scream at an Isreali immigration officer with the uzi hanging from their shoulder. Or watch the treatment at the airport in Moscow - you'll come back to the USA and gladly submit to secondary processing...

[globocentri 2]

Actually by definition yes it does mean exactly that, BTW it's not "without trial" but without being formally charged, there is a huge difference.

But they do have rules that guide their behavior. The same is true for CBP, they are the guardians of our borders and unless you have walked a mile in their shoes it is arrogant of you to presume you know exactly what motivates them to pull you into secondary. I noticed that you stated your experience escalated to the point of a shouting match, I have never seen that happen without both sides participating. If you are visibly offended at being pulled into secondary and acting hostile towards the CBP officers then that would only serve to raise their alertness level regarding you.

It's amazing how much a few misplaced words grumbled under one's breath can totally derail a situation while at the same time a respectful & polite smile can calm tensions and put things back on track.

Yes I do agree that politiness is always appreciated. However, it only applies to civilized people. People in the US customs are nothing more than uncivilized animals and being polite to them is not going to get me out any faster. People who has been to secondary inspections spend at least 3 hours or more inside from the stories Ive heard. They were polite. I could have easily spend more than my one hour there had I just sit there and wait for these animals to do their jobs. In fact, I wasnt even formally interviewed in a room. That is what usually happens to people who were bought there and thats why they end up spending 3 hours or more inside

Yes I do agree that politiness is always appreciated. However, it only applies to civilized people. People in the US customs are nothing more than uncivilized animals and being polite to them is not going to get me out any faster. People who has been to secondary inspections spend at least 3 hours or more inside from the stories Ive heard. They were polite. I could have easily spend more than my one hour there had I just sit there and wait for these animals to do their jobs. In fact, I wasnt even formally interviewed in a room. That is what usually happens to people who were bought there and thats why they end up spending 3 hours or more inside

[MalaysianGirl 26]

OP-

If it makes you feel better I am a USC who has also travelled the world extensively. Been to over 20 countries on 4 continents and have also been included in random secondary processings when I return home.

The inconvenience of being asked a few questions pales in comparision to the ONE international traveller who is not questioned and goes on to do unspeakable things here on US soil.

I am not saying you should be treated with anything but respect by CBP, but the adage "you get what you give" is accurate most of the time. When pulled to the side by CBP on 3 consecutive returns to the USA I answered the questions asked then was the lucky receipient of the luggage screening by Customs. I coplied with their istructions, was polite and got through the process quickly.

As I repacked my suitcase I still had the impression that I was not offeneded - these folks are doing their jobs and perhaps I was safer with the system in place. It never dawned on me to scream at a CBP officer even though I was tired from a long flight...

If you want an idea of what a true screening is, fly through Isreal's airport. I dare you to scream at an Isreali immigration officer with the uzi hanging from their shoulder. Or watch the treatment at the airport in Moscow - you'll come back to the USA and gladly submit to secondary processing...

I think this post is the nicest of all the replies given here (that show displeasure with the OP).

OP, just want to say that I can understand your story and feelings (somewhat, at least), but I do recommend just letting this incident go. Most times it is better to just let things go and move on... despite how horrible they may have been. Let's hope your other experiences at US POEs won't be as bad as this!

[skiptex 225]

Yes I do agree that politiness is always appreciated. However, it only applies to civilized people. People in the US customs are nothing more than uncivilized animals and being polite to them is not going to get me out any faster.

OP and US CBP

can you Tell who is who?

[globocentri 2]

OP-

If it makes you feel better I am a USC who has also travelled the world extensively. Been to over 20 countries on 4 continents and have also been included in random secondary processings when I return home.

The inconvenience of being asked a few questions pales in comparision to the ONE international traveller who is not questioned and goes on to do unspeakable things here on US soil.

I am not saying you should be treated with anything but respect by CBP, but the adage "you get what you give" is accurate most of the time. When pulled to the side by CBP on 3 consecutive returns to the USA I answered the questions asked then was the lucky receipient of the luggage screening by Customs. I coplied with their istructions, was polite and got through the process quickly.

As I repacked my suitcase I still had the impression that I was not offeneded - these folks are doing their jobs and perhaps I was safer with the system in place. It never dawned on me to scream at a CBP officer even though I was tired from a long flight...

If you want an idea of what a true screening is, fly through Isreal's airport. I dare you to scream at an Isreali immigration officer with the uzi hanging from their shoulder. Or watch the treatment at the airport in Moscow - you'll come back to the USA and gladly submit to secondary processing...

Immigration has no jurisdiction over a citizen anyway. Hmmm well one of their jobs is to keep out unwanted elements. The most ironic thing is that their IQ is no different to an IQ of an animal and they have never done it right. Criminals(it doesnt have to be terrorists only; They can be robbers, rapists etc) are being let in and genuine travellers are being turned away. The most ironic thing for my case is that I was educated in one their most reputable business school (ranked in the Top 10 by Economist). Unfortunately, they do not have enough brains to know that I will be better off ripping off my certificates if I were to flip burgers or work in a restaurant.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Yes I do agree that politiness is always appreciated. However, it only applies to civilized people. People in the US customs are nothing more than uncivilized animals and being polite to them is not going to get me out any faster. People who has been to secondary inspections spend at least 3 hours or more inside from the stories Ive heard. They were polite. I could have easily spend more than my one hour there had I just sit there and wait for these animals to do their jobs. In fact, I wasnt even formally interviewed in a room. That is what usually happens to people who were bought there and thats why they end up spending 3 hours or more inside

WOW! Seriously, just look at how easily you talk about other people as is they're nothing... It says a lot about you and I'd bet your attitude is even worse in person.

Your negativity towards others and attitude of superiority would be irritating to anyone who has to come into contact with you.

Immigration has no jurisdiction over a citizen anyway. Hmmm well one of their jobs is to keep out unwanted elements. The most ironic thing is that their IQ is no different to an IQ of an animal and they have never done it right. Criminals(it doesnt have to be terrorists only; They can be robbers, rapists etc) are being let in and genuine travellers are being turned away. The most ironic thing for my case is that I was educated in one their most reputable business school (ranked in the Top 10 by Economist). Unfortunately, they do not have enough brains to know that I will be better off ripping off my certificates if I were to flip burgers or work in a restaurant.

Again, just the way to look down your nose at others all the while making ignorant statements.

You do realize that "Immigration" isn't who pulled you into secondary, right? It's a branch of HOMELAND SECURITY called CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL and their JURISDICTION is actually ANYONE (US CITIZEN OR NOT) WHO WANTS TO ENTER THE US.

I would have thought that someone who is so superior to the "uncivilized animals" you detest would actually be smart enough to know the difference.

You sir are a clear demonstration that education doesn't make one a good person or even necessarily intelligent.

In closing I'd just like to ask one question:

Is bashing CBP the only reason you joined VJ or do you actually have an immigration issue that you need assistance with?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Actually I read your "been to 30 countries" thing and think you SHOULD be pulled over. It makes me think you might be a drug trafficker.

Ignoring that though, you think that because you've never overstayed before you should be trusted not to again? That's just ridiculous. In fact MANY of the people on this site that later apply for AOS from the VWP or visitors visas have visited more than once and decided that this visit they'd stay (or "surprise engagements"). CBP could be thinking you were moving your stuff slowly over the border until you had enough just to stay. Multiple visits for no reason (family/business) is suspicious. Multiple visits WITH reason (i.e. girlfriend/family) is suspicious.

You seem to think that you're special but they were just doing their job. Your behaviour could be construed as suspicious. You insist a 5 y/o could tell you wouldn't overstay... no-one can see into your mind, just your behaviour and your multiple trips are suspicious.

The officer walked in and apologised? You said they didn't ask you to produce anything. They were probably going through your bags, checking your background etc while interviewing you. Could be the questions they asked were all they needed to do to determine you weren't going to overstay.

By all means make a complaint but suing them would be expensive and pointless. But if you want to do that then do that too.. no-one can stop you.

Edited October 29, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[VanessaTony 3,567]

This is not a question of speacial treatment and never was. In fact, I am merely saying that I should be treated in the same way as other travellers using common sense. A decision to pull people into secondary should be made objectively based on facts, not on a whim.

So you're basically saying EVERYONE should be permitted a free "walk in the door" without qn.

How exactly do you think people are supposed to be pulled into secondary based on "facts"? If someone says "I'm going to overstay" that's a fact. They're denied entry. No need for secondary. Someone says "I'm here to marry my fiance" they run the risk of secondary. This is based on what they say. Based on fact (such as a previous overstay on their record) would be immediate denial, not secondary.

Your FACTS are that you have travelled to multiple countries which implies no job and no "ties" which ARE factors used to determine if you're going to overstay. You are the PERFECT candidate for secondary.

It's not the US's fault that you didn't know that you were supposed to bring proof of ties to your home country (or wherever you were living). The US has strong borders because of illegal immigration, and many many overstaying people. You bought no evidence (from your OP) that you weren't going to overstay except your word... and really... you expect they're just going to take that and wave you on "have a lovely trip sir!"

Edited October 29, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[Boiler 46,132]

US Immigration has the option to allow visitors entry.

Seems like in tis case they made a mistake.

[az110965 252]

Immigration has no jurisdiction over a citizen anyway. Hmmm well one of their jobs is to keep out unwanted elements. The most ironic thing is that their IQ is no different to an IQ of an animal and they have never done it right. Criminals(it doesnt have to be terrorists only; They can be robbers, rapists etc) are being let in and genuine travellers are being turned away. The most ironic thing for my case is that I was educated in one their most reputable business school (ranked in the Top 10 by Economist). Unfortunately, they do not have enough brains to know that I will be better off ripping off my certificates if I were to flip burgers or work in a restaurant.

"Immigration" - which is actually a branch of Homeland Security has ABSOLUTE jurisdiction over a citizen or non citizen entering (or re-entering) the USA and has the discression to admit, detain or deny admission into the USA based upon their reasons.

As you said - one of their jobs is to keep out unwanted elements and with the atitude you display (and anger) perhaps they had reason to believe you had other than pure motives upon your arrival.

It's apparent that you felt superior to every agent involved in the situation and IMHO that is not the way to "make friends" when you're about to be strip searched... All in all, you lost an hour upon your arrival and were made to answer qwuestions you feel were beneath you. Sorry to say that the same rules that apply to the commoners also apply to you and if you don't like the treatment you received, rather than sending a complaint to CBP - our borders are open for DEPARTURE.

For an overly intelligent and well educated person your attitude is discouraging to say the least. Just freaking let it go and move on with your life.

This forum is a place where we all support each other when deemed proper, but we also call each other to task when an OP is wrong. We support legal immigration and also playing by the rules and while perhaps you weren't treated with as much courtesy as you would have liked by CBP they still admitted you. So - get over it and enjoy your stay.

"Welcome to America".

[Noah Lot 391]

"Immigration" - which is actually a branch of Homeland Security has ABSOLUTE jurisdiction over a citizen or non citizen entering (or re-entering) the USA and has the discression to admit, detain or deny admission into the USA based upon their reasons.

As you said - one of their jobs is to keep out unwanted elements and with the atitude you display (and anger) perhaps they had reason to believe you had other than pure motives upon your arrival.

It's apparent that you felt superior to every agent involved in the situation and IMHO that is not the way to "make friends" when you're about to be strip searched... All in all, you lost an hour upon your arrival and were made to answer qwuestions you feel were beneath you. Sorry to say that the same rules that apply to the commoners also apply to you and if you don't like the treatment you received, rather than sending a complaint to CBP - our borders are open for DEPARTURE.

For an overly intelligent and well educated person your attitude is discouraging to say the least. Just freaking let it go and move on with your life.

This forum is a place where we all support each other when deemed proper, but we also call each other to task when an OP is wrong. We support legal immigration and also playing by the rules and while perhaps you weren't treated with as much courtesy as you would have liked by CBP they still admitted you. So - get over it and enjoy your stay.

"Welcome to America".

and to the OP...if you are such an expert on border controls/regulations, etc, why aren't YOU in charge of CBP? Or DHS? or a highly paid consultant?

(I have an idea)