news-record.com

As long as the security agenda trumps all else and the average CBP person believes they will never lose their job for giving travelers the third degree, but might if they let the wrong person in, this will continue. The behavior of CBP, toward citizens, resident aliens and visitors has been written about extensively elsewhere. It's pretty well accepted that the USA loses tourism and business because of the extensive demands for information and seeming random rudeness and interrogation of visitors. CBP publicized a charm offensive a couple of years ago but anecdotal evidence suggests not much has changed. There are particular ports of entry thought to be worse (Detroit, DFW, some say PHL). Returning from some destinations (e.g. Thailand, probably some countries in the Middle East or Africa) is almost a guarantee of a delay for a secondary, a search of some sort, and possibly, a scan of any laptop or other electronics. If you are a citizen with no contraband you will probably be on your way in a bit, if you are a visitor who does not like the interrogation all bets are off. CBP agents can deny entry to any non-citizen, in their absolute discretion, with no recourse, regardless of visa status, background, previous visits, etc.

It's a shame, because study in, business with and a visit to our country are some of the best PR we can get, and CBP does all it can to discourage exactly that.

We US of Americans can go so many places with no visa, no advanced security check, and be almost waved through, but let someone from the EU, much less Latin America or Asia, want to come here and it's a very different story. It's costing us business, tourism, and good will. And a few countries are "retaliating" with imposition of reciprocal visa requirements, personal interviews, fees and delays on us.

At the very least, CBP could try to be polite. But for some of them (probably only a small percentage, but one the agency seems to do nothing about) , poor upbringing, poor manners and a little authority seem to be a bad combination.

Perhaps, though, a secondary of someone who buys ink by the barrel and newsprint by the boxcar was not the best idea?

Cool!!! Looking forward to it... Hope there is a good deal of international content! On the other hand, feel free to fund my next trip abroad, I'd be glad to report back. :)))))

-Liv

You too? I came through PHL from Europe with my wife and two children. They were waved through with no problem but I stood there for a good 5 minutes as the agent went through the stuff on his computer screen. After confirming with my wife and kids that I was indeed their father/husband, I too was asked to go to the small room for further questions. At the end of it all the agent said "a lot of bad people share your name". Good God, no wonder I don't want to use my name for comments.

Could you tell me what countries you go to, that does not check you out?
I have never been to one that I was not checked and have to have my paper work.
John, your timing on this may be good, I believe I see a up tick in travel.