Boarder Officers-First to Protect-first to welcome

[Susie]

http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/itps/0905/ijpe/faws.htm

Border Officers: First to Protect, First to Welcome
Kathleen Faws
Customs and Border Protection Officer
Port of Washington U.S.
Department of Homeland Security




CONTENTS
About This Issue
Introduction
Deciphering the Visa Code
On the Other Side of the Visa Window
Border Officers: First to Protect, First to Welcome
Something for Everyone
A Musical Tour Of America
Photo Gallery
American Treasures
A World-Class Education While Getting to Know the United States
Opportunity Of A Lifetime: International Admissions To U.S. Colleges
U.S. Higher Education: The Financial Side
"A Decision You Will Never Regret"
"A Wonderful Experience"
"A Great Opportunity"
Doing Business in the U.S.A. Today
"I Enter and Leave Without Problems"
"More Safety, Minimal Inconvenience"
Bibliography
Internet Resources
Download Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version

Photo Courtesy of Department of Homeland Security

My name is Kathleen Faws. I am a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) for the Port of Washington at Washington Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, D.C.

On any given day, I see between 200 and 300 passengers, from all walks of life, many with interesting backgrounds and reasons for visiting the United States.

Among the questions I ask all passengers is the purpose of their trip. I have met many parents coming to visit children who are either studying at U.S. schools or who have moved permanently to the United States and now have children of their own.

One couple I met was coming to visit their son who was studying at a university. When I asked how long their visit would be, they answered that it would be about two weeks. Then the woman smiled and said that it would be two weeks—unless their son sent them home sooner. As a parent myself, I understood exactly what she meant and we shared a laugh at our common experience.




Another passenger was coming here from Great Britain to visit some U.S. citizens who are veterans of World War II. When he was a boy, these men crashed their military plane on his parents' farm in England. Over the years, he said, most of their reunions had taken place back at his family farm, but now it was getting harder for the aging veterans to travel, so he was making the trip to the United States for their reunion.

I especially enjoy talking to children who are coming to the United States for the first time. If they are coming to visit the sights in the Washington, D.C., area, I like to know what, in particular, they are most eager to see. One little boy told me that he wanted to go to the Air and Space Museum. After a few moments, he offered that his little sister wanted to see Toys-R-Us.

While it is a pleasure to meet so many people from such diverse backgrounds, it is the mission of the CBP officers to be guardians of America's borders. We are the front line, and it is our responsibility to enforce the laws of the United States and protect the American public against terrorists and the instruments of terror.

Here at the Port of Washington, we serve approximately 42 international flights per day with passengers coming from all corners of the world. It is our responsibility to ensure that passengers have the proper documentation, whether on a return or initial visit to the United States. This task must be accomplished relatively quickly, since a lot of passengers arrive at the same time and many may have connecting flights.

We must decide in a short period of time that the passenger is who he or she claims to be, has the proper documentation, and is not here in the United States to do harm to our country, either physically or economically.

The new security procedures we now have in place help with that. We check passports, photos, and visas against several databases to make sure they haven't been stolen or altered, rapidly scan and compare a passenger's digital fingerprints, and conduct a brief conversation to determine entry eligibility.

Most current travelers have heard of the US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology) program, which was put in place to enhance the security of both American citizens and our visitors, make legitimate international travel and trade go more smoothly, ensure the integrity of our immigration system, and protect the privacy of our visitors.

As a general rule, we complete a US-VISIT transaction for all visitors between the ages of 14 and 79. This includes a fingerprint reading by a digital scanner for both the right and left index fingers and taking a photograph. It is a very quick process that adds minimal time to the inspection process. Travelers have rapidly become accustomed to the procedure, and most understand that it is an important security measure. Normally, the only passengers who express unhappiness with the procedure are the children under 14 who are disappointed not to have their own fingerprints and photograph taken. It must look like fun to them.

All customs and border protection officers hold a tremendous responsibility in being able to grant or deny entry into the United States, as well as being the first persons to greet legitimate travelers. We take pride in doing our job well.




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[DEE F]

Hi Sue,what are you like ,you should keep your jokes in the entertainment section,you naughty girl,the above post was a joke I take it,we cant be on about the bully tactics used here to the British can we,on TRYING to enter the USA,or is it just single mums with little boys in tow,that they use that on,certaily nothing like the printed drivel that is in that article,someone want to educate me please,it would be much appreciated,if the whole thing wasnt so unbelievable ,it would be laughable.:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:


Dee x

[Carol]

Hi Sue,what are you like ,you should keep your jokes in the entertainment section,you naughty girl,the above post was a joke I take it,we cant be on about the bully tactics used here to the British can we,on TRYING to enter the USA,or is it just single mums with little boys in tow,that they use that on,certaily nothing like the printed drivel that is in that article,someone want to educate me please,it would be much appreciated,if the whole thing wasnt so unbelievable ,it would be laughable.:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:


Dee x

Ha Ha Ha well Dee I was questioned for 30 mins on my entry !! It was just me and my son when we first arrived, Oh !! & 6 suitcases!!!! well you can never have enough shoes!!! I was knackered, I looked like a single parent!! so that doesn't stop them from using there bully tactics !!!

[DEE F]

Ha Ha Ha well Dee I was questioned for 30 mins on my entry !! It was just me and my son when we first arrived, Oh !! & 6 suitcases!!!! well you can never have enough shoes!!! I was knackered, I looked like a single parent!! so that doesn't stop them from using there bully tactics !!!

Hi Carol ,well there you go then silly me,obviously thought you had one or two ak47,s and a couple of terrorists in your cases,all makes perect sense now,my daughter only had 2 cases,however our Callum did have a very suspicious looking spiderman backpack:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Dee xx

[Carol]

Hi Carol ,well there you go then silly me,obviously thought you had one or two ak47,s and a couple of terrorists in your cases,all makes perect sense now,my daughter only had 2 cases,however our Callum did have a very suspicious looking spiderman backpack:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Dee xx

Ha ha
Well I must say I think it was the suitcase full of shoes !!! they couldn't see why I needed so many !!!!!!!!!!!! Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha
see ya

[Sharon]

I am sure if one person enters the usa alone the immigration people make a bee line to search these people first. I seem to sail through when I come through with my family but if I am traveling alone I always seem to get picked on

[Kriz1]

So far with all the traveling my family do to the US....no-ones had any problems...they got my MIL and her sister through within mins because of their age...the same with my mum in a wheelchair....
I wonder if my aunt or cousin's would hit a problem seeing as my aunt was born in Palestine....not that I expect her to travel here...she is in her 80s now....

[Susie]

Hi Sue,what are you like ,you should keep your jokes in the entertainment section,you naughty girl,the above post was a joke I take it,we cant be on about the bully tactics used here to the British can we,on TRYING to enter the USA,or is it just single mums with little boys in tow,that they use that on,certaily nothing like the printed drivel that is in that article,someone want to educate me please,it would be much appreciated,if the whole thing wasnt so unbelievable ,it would be laughable.:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:


Dee x



Hi, Sorry Dee, did not mean to offend, and agree what a joke!

The problem is no one gives out literature to those wishing to visit the USA. Travel agents ( I am one in the UK) will not do this as rules and regulations seem to change yet travel agents are not privvy to these so reluctant to advise in any shape or form

Our terms and conditions state that visitors to the us should familarize themselves with the current rules and regulations and direct them to contact the American Embassy if in need of advise or doubt. Trouble is we all know how helpful they seem to be and the website is so confusing to the majority of us

[DEE F]

Hi, Sorry Dee, did not mean to offend, and agree what a joke!

The problem is no one gives out literature to those wishing to visit the USA. Travel agents ( I am one in the UK) will not do this as rules and regulations seem to change yet travel agents are not privvy to these so reluctant to advise in any shape or form

Our terms and conditions state that visitors to the us should familarize themselves with the current rules and regulations and direct them to contact the American Embassy if in need of advise or doubt. Trouble is we all know how helpful they seem to be and the website is so confusing to the majority of us

Hi Sue,you didnt offend me at all,it is the a*******s at POE that offend me with their treatment of people,and I agree with you ,perhaps there should be a warning on the airline tickets lol

Dee xx

[anniefromessex]

Oh my Oh my, was this woman reading from a script - it is sooo laughable it makes me want to puke!!! What a load of drivel - I'm sorry I'm gobsmacked and if I say more I will likely end up in jail!!!

Ohmigod!!!

Love Anniexxx

[haytonmac]

Annie and Dee I know you have had bad experiances with P.O.E but that has NOT be our case on ANY occassion that we have come in .They have been and treated as stated in the post!guess we must be lucky.

[Sharon]

It does seem some people have more problems than others when coming through the immigration at the port of entry. Makes you wonder whether they have a hit list or target list of people to pull to oneside

[Tarlena Jenkins]

hi All,
One of my daughters was so traumatised being taken to a little room and questioned for 2 1/2 hours, she refused to come back alone. This was at Sanford, and my daughter is a fully qualified English travel agent. She had money, knew our address, had her printed e-ticket showing return date... She next came through Orlando with her MUCH more confident (not being subject to this) sister, and they breezed through.
She returned 6 weeks later, to Sanford, and a lady touched her arm to question why she was here.... she brushed her off, said to see family, and walked quickly!!!
As a family visiting 7 times in 5 months, we never had a problem... but I do feel for the people that do. My daughter was a blubbering wreck each time she came out!!

[DEE F]

hi All,
One of my daughters was so traumatised being taken to a little room and questioned for 2 1/2 hours, she refused to come back alone. This was at Sanford, and my daughter is a fully qualified English travel agent. She had money, knew our address, had her printed e-ticket showing return date... She next came through Orlando with her MUCH more confident (not being subject to this) sister, and they breezed through.
She returned 6 weeks later, to Sanford, and a lady touched her arm to question why she was here.... she brushed her off, said to see family, and walked quickly!!!
As a family visiting 7 times in 5 months, we never had a problem... but I do feel for the people that do. My daughter was a blubbering wreck each time she came out!!

Hi Tarlena,yeh they do certainly seem to hone in on single people dont they,especially defenceless women,it has put my daughter off so much,that if Mr Bush himself overturned it for her,she would never step foot in the USA again,it has put her off for life,it is a damn disgrace really,and this is what Annie and I mean when we say these things literally tear families apart,also makes me wonder when we talk about the compassionate visa,what if,god forbid something should happen to Carl or I over here!!!!!!!!!!! I bet there is no one running to give my daughter a compassionate visa to come out and see us,seeing as how she has a ban from the USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!Think I might put that one to congress for all the good it will do,what do you reckon Munish???

Dee xxxx

[Munish]

Think I might put that one to congress for all the good it will do,what do you reckon Munish???

I just hope we're not banging our head against the wall with our efforts! Let's face it, there are a lot of problems with America (and everywhere), but the difference is there is very much a "don't rock the boat culture" in American politics. A considerable degree of blame goes to the media for dumbing down journalism and reducing it to an entertainment level.

You can only know what I'm talking about if you see it yourself, but if not you're either very lucky or plain s...!

It's sad that we have to take up the journalist activities of those who are too lazy or too stupid to do if for themselves! I'm at least glad to know people in high places read our comments, I just hope they have the guts to deal with the issues.

We probably have 50 highly active members (or regular posters). Of those 3 have posted traumatic experiences. I too have had problems with POE twice with their attitude and bullying tactics. That makes 4. In percentage terms that means at least 6% have had extreme traumatic experiences at POE when there was no good reason for it and at last 8% had traumatic experiences (I won't go as far to categorise my experience as bad as you have all had with the word extreme).

So my research findings contrast to those on the other thread. That claimed 98% (or some similarly high figure) of people who pass through POE without problems. In just a few days this thread seems to indicate the actual figure may not even be above 92%.

[InnVic]

I

So my research findings contrast to those on the other thread. That claimed 98% (or some similarly high figure) of people who pass through POE without problems. In just a few days this thread seems to indicate the actual figure may not even be above 92%.

You do have to consider, and factor in, the fact that most people who go looking for this type of forum are the ones that have had problems or anticipate problems with visa/travel/immigration issues. I would therefore expect it to be the norm that the incidence of run ins at POE are higher also.

[Munish]

LOL. So maybe I should say 8% of people voice negative experiences, but as for the remaining 92% no conclusion can be drawn as to whether the experience is either pleasant, negative or neither.

Further, the findings in the report on the POE cannot be substantiated as no testing takes place. For example, I have been through POE may 6 or 7 times. On none of those occasions was I asked to fill out a survey on what I though of the POE services, including whether the service wsa positive or negative. Therefore, their findings can only be categorized as poppy cock at best. :rofl:

[Kriz1]

I think InnVic has a very good point...I know many Brits who have no interest in forums like this...and can't understand why I take an interest...

[Munish]

Yes she does but the fact of the matter is you cannot realisticly come out with any report citing statistics when there is nothing in reality to measure that.

For example, the last time I went through POE with my sister we were asked questions in an aggressive manner. I won't go into details, but at one point the POE officer made me rub my finger on my forehead before putting it on the scanner. I was only interested in getting through without any extra hassle so I did it.

The point is I had two out six or seven experiences which were unnecessarily bad, but this was more to do with the aggressive nature of the POE officer. Being trained to ask the same questions politiely would not go amiss. The remaining times were not rude or aggressive and on one occasion actually quite welcoming.

I may be in the extreme minority, but it does make me wander how many others have had an aggressive or rude welcoming. In relation to the report it has been recorded or implied as a warm welcome! This is a perfect example of bad journalism. It's meant as a marketing piece for the POE but has tried to come accross as a statement of facts. Like I said, bad journalism really does bother me!

As for the many Brits (and expats from other 100+ nations on this planet) who have no interest in forums like this, well that's true in any case. I had no interest in this site until I had my own issues with my green card. If everything with that was processed fine I would never have needed to have done the research that also led me to this site.

For those people who had no problems, that's great for them and why would they have an interest. For those that have used this site for help, advice and the reporting of problems whether immigration related or otherwise, they naturally have much more of an appreciation of it.

Bottom line is if you're interested in the site in terms of what it has to offer it's good to have you here. If not, that's your choice too.

If you haven't worked it out already I'm one of those people who likes to highlight problems, bring it people's attention with a view to having something done about it and I really get a lot of satisfaction from helping people where I can. Some people live their lives keeping themselves to themselves and have no interest in helping others. It's all a personal choice at the end of day.

[DEE F]

Yes she does but the fact of the matter is you cannot realisticly come out with any report citing statistics when there is nothing in reality to measure that.

For example, the last time I went through POE with my sister we were asked questions in an aggressive manner. I won't go into details, but at one point the POE officer made me rub my finger on my forehead before putting it on the scanner. I was only interested in getting through without any extra hassle so I did it.

The point is I had two out six or seven experiences which were unnecessarily bad, but this was more to do with the aggressive nature of the POE officer. Being trained to ask the same questions politiely would not go amiss. The remaining times were not rude or aggressive and on one occasion actually quite welcoming.

I may be in the extreme minority, but it does make me wander how many others have had an aggressive or rude welcoming. In relation to the report it has been recorded or implied as a warm welcome! This is a perfect example of bad journalism. It's meant as a marketing piece for the POE but has tried to come accross as a statement of facts. Like I said, bad journalism really does bother me!

As for the many Brits (and expats from other 100+ nations on this planet) who have no interest in forums like this, well that's true in any case. I had no interest in this site until I had my own issues with my green card. If everything with that was processed fine I would never have needed to have done the research that also led me to this site.

For those people who had no problems, that's great for them and why would they have an interest. For those that have used this site for help, advice and the reporting of problems whether immigration related or otherwise, they naturally have much more of an appreciation of it.

Bottom line is if you're interested in the site in terms of what it has to offer it's good to have you here. If not, that's your choice too.

If you haven't worked it out already I'm one of those people who likes to highlight problems, bring it people's attention with a view to having something done about it and I really get a lot of satisfaction from helping people where I can. Some people live their lives keeping themselves to themselves and have no interest in helping others. It's all a personal choice at the end of day.

Oh so very well said Munish,it is a known fact that poeple use forums on a daily basis to get some sort of help or advice,normally because they are having some sort of difficulties with the above mentioned by yourself,if it wasnt for forums like this a lot of people would be left high and dry and not knowing where to turn for help,I also agree that if you are living and working the American dream then you probably would have no need for a forum,however after having said that by being a member of a forum,not only have I made some fantastic friends (you are included in that one Munish;) )but at long last I realised I wasnt alone in my anguish,and even if there are no changes made no laws amended and nothing at all is ever done for us,at least we can say we tried,and we have tried together, and that for me says it all:)

Dee xxx

[Kriz1]

I started using forums because I was living the American dream and wanted to share it with everyone...and help people to make their dreams come true too...I left my story on a forum and got hundreds of e-mails about how I got here and could i give any help to others......that was 6 years ago....I stayed around helping with H1Bs to start...then greencards...then just everday things like buying a home etc...then we hit bad times so I started to try to warn people about the downsides....I think I went a bit over the top.....now well I try to stay balanced....and just give advice or help when I can....

[DEE F]

Well well well,I have just been reading a post on the other forum about a ladies son who has just come over,he was on the plane with a young man(23) who had overstayed for 7 months only been back in the UK for a week lives and works here and sailed through POE with no questions asked,talk about I am now sat here spitting feathers,that is an understatement I can tell you,first of all how the hell do these people get away with it and secondly what about the so called "USVISIT" system that is now supposed to be in place:mad: :mad:is it any wonder that people like Annie and myself get so p****d off the the whole sorry state of affairs that they call the immigration system ,it seems to me that the only thing you have to worry about when entering this country either legaly or illegaly is the mood of the person on POE,forget your sciences biometrics and all the other crap they say is in place,as long as the officer on the desk is in a good mood you are in,the whole thing makes me sick!!!!!!!!!! This is what we mean about families getting torn apart it is these people at the borders that decide our fates ,not the embassies,and it doesnt matter what visa you are on or even if you have a visa,if they want to let you in they will,and if they dont they wont,its about time something was done about this appalling miscarraige of justice being carried out every day at Americas airports,is it any wonder that people dont want to come here,this is what should be put before the senate and congress,because at the end of the day they have the last say and always will do,but in the meantime because of their attitude a ten year old boy as to travel 4000+ miles on his own,because his mum has a lifetime ban for something she didnt even do,and because the jokers at POE couldnt even be bothered to pick up at a phone and confirm what they were being told by her parents,what a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We want compassion lets start at the airports:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Dee xxx

[peter gold]

I am not unsympathetic but always tell travelers with something to hide to enter at a tourist airport like Sandford and to avoid all hub airports, or major airports. At the end it is as you say it is and should not be the luck of the draw

[anniefromessex]

I am in total agreement with Dee. I really do not understand how POE have more power than the people at the Embassies after all they know nothing of our situation, and it really doesn't seem that they have too much brain - I saw an advert for POE officers, all it stated was that they had to be a US Citizen!

I just hope the guys who stopped Dee's daughter, and those that stopped my son in the Bahamas can sleep at night. We all know they have a job to do, not disputing that, but as stated before common sense is not even in their vocabulary. As Dee has stated all this US Visit stuff and biometrics mean nothing, I think it's just a scare tactic!!! I know people who do not have a problem coming in, thats great and good for them, but we wouldn't need forums such as this if all was right with the world.

I would add to those people who think I hate America, I really do not, I love the life over here, what I don't like are Immigration and their in many many cases, total paranoia about us wanting to live and work here - what harm do we do, none that I can see - even the jobs we do many Americans wouldn't do and in lots of cases do not have the wherewithal to do.

For the likes of Dee and myself, this forum helps vent our spleen if you like, if something happens that is good then of course we post it, we try to be positive but when you are hurting personally, as she is because she can't leave the country and see her new granddaughter, and she hasn't seen another one of her granddaughters since she was 3 months old and she is now 3, then put yourself in her position and just tell me you wouldn't scream and yell - not at the country per se but the idiots who think up the rules and regs in the first place. In my view it is inhumane that she is scared stiff to leave in case she wouldn't be allowed back in, then where would she and Carl be?!!!

In my case, yes I am distraught at leaving this place, I have got to go back to a country that is in turmoil, I have a nice home here (not big, but certainly bigger than what I will be having to go back to), plus obviously the financial suicide that going back means, all because Daniel didn't fit their profile. Now I have the added worry of whether my daughter-in-law will be allowed back in to pack up their personal belongings to ship back to England, again all this rests not only on the Embassy, but the fact she has been told that even if they agree her, she could still get turned round at POE. How do you think she will feel having to take my 3 year old granddaughter and 14 year old grandson back to England after a 9 hour journey. My granddaughter is already talking about coming over here and going to see Mickey Mouse on her birthday. We shouldn't have to be worrying about that - it is madness and bureaucracy gone mad if you ask me.

Love Anniexxx

[DEE F]

Thank you Annie,glad I am not alone in my thinking.

Love Dee xx

[byjove]

I had a crappy POE officer last year. Nothing at all like the things you guys have been through admitted.

Me and my 2 kids in june last year had problems, hubby stayed here while I visited blighty. On the way back in all seemed fine. When I looked at the I94 he only gave me back the remaining time left on the I94 I submitted on leaving, this was until til Nov 07! I questioned his "error" that I should get 2 years, He said that all the other officers over the last 2 years were wrong and he was right. He only need to give me back the remaining time on the I94 not issue a new expire date!

A month later hubby went to blighty sons 30th birthday, when he came back he got 2 years off the bat after being questioned about the business, clients type of work, # of employee's and future contracts. The officer then offered to explain the in depth questioning. It was to do with the increaseing number of E2 visa holders not continuing to run the business the E2 was issued on, but seeking employment with US companies. And the original officer that myself and kids had obviously was not fully aware of what he was supposed to substantiate re. E2 visa holders continuing business committments, and was there fore in error of his ussumption that he could not re-issue a new 2 year I94. It is amazing the authority these little men/women with BIG badges can get away with really!?

But on a whole, we have only ever had nice officers. But there are always flys in the ointment!

[anniefromessex]

There you have it Byjove, "not fully aware of what he was supposed to substantiate". We should not be at the mercy of these morons, thereby my reasoning that the Embassy know our cases, they have looked at them thoroughly and have made the decision - yes, because that is why you are flying back here or out here for the first time. These cretins know nothing of that, so why oh why are they given that power - if somebody could answer me truthfully and say it's because they had the brains of Einstein and knew all that went on at the Embassy, then I would eat my hat.

It makes no sense to me, no sense at all.

You are welcome Dee - just trying to make a point!!!

Love Anniexxx