Crossing the Border

After a recent trip to the US I was at home unpacking my bags when I discovered, under layers of neatly folded clothing and supplies, a neat little pamphlet from the Transportation Security Administration. Like a calling card from a cat burglar, it was perfectly positioned at the bottom of my bag just waiting for me to discover it. Each article of clothing had been removed, searched and re-folded exactly as it had been packed; not a sock was laid astray. The mathematical way in which my bag had been searched astounded me. When one thinks "US Border Services" one does not imagine enforcement agents in kidd-leather gloves. What usually comes to mind are the pointed questions of agents at the border, car and bus searches, scrutinizing glances and walking barefoot back and forth through metal detectors. In this day in age, one can never be too careful dealing with government security officials lest your family trip be cut short by rejection or delays.

What is happening at the border?

Some might call it paranoia, others, prudence. Regardless of what you call it, the way in which we travel has changed and will continue to change. Even now, scientists are developing software that will "read" the way you walk or examine your facial expressions, technologies that will try to predict whether or not a crime is about to be committed. No longer are citizens of any country considered honest and law-abiding individuals until proven otherwise. The "good old days" of immigration and travel are long gone. It is now our job to convince others of our safety and credibility, whether or not one visits the United States or any other country in the world.

A great example of this new security culture at the border happened to me two years ago. In Spring of 2006, I traveled the US on a bus. At the border, every passenger is required to take their bags off the bus and go through a security screening. While this happens, agents board the bus to search for contraband or other evidence. Passengers often put their bags through screening machines, empty their contents or are searched by a drug dog. At the same time, one is questioned, "Where are you going? Who will you see there? What is the purpose of your visit? When are you returning? Are you bringing any prohibited items across the border?" The list goes on and on. At this particular border crossing, two gentlemen ahead of me were growing tired of the search. In their frustration, one made a joke.

"Are you bringing any prohibited items across the border?"
"Yeah, I've got a hunk of mad-cow meat in my bag."

As our bus pulled away, leaving them behind, their bags were in the process of being meticulously searched. Presumably, the border agents continued their questioning. Government does not have a sense of humour. Where other persons might ignore the joke as a tired traveler blowing off some steam, US Border Agents will not.

From personal experience, here are some tips to avoid costly rejection or delay at the border:

• No matter how much your relatives or friends south of the border might enjoy that smoked ham you got for the holidays, don't bring it. Once while driving through the Border, I saw a large ham being confiscated. Keep in mind: Almost all types of meat are prohibited items
• Do not make jokes. If you're tempted, remember the last time one of your "best" jokes fell flat. Then imagine missing your plane / train / bus or being late for your vacation or business meeting. The government has no sense of humour or sarcasm.
• Answer questions simply, without getting into detail. There are not only a lot of people waiting to get through the border, but long answers sound suspicious.
• Have all your documents at the ready.
• Do not drink excessively or take drugs that may inhibit your ability to answer questions.
  
• Be polite even if you think the Agent you are dealing with is being rude or unfair.
  
• Be realistic about how much money you spent on your vacation or business trip. If you are bringing back hundreds or thousands of dollars in goods, lying about it could net you a serious fine or worse
  
• Bring an appropriate amount of money with you, pre-plan where you will stay and have that address with you. Know when you will be leaving.
• Carry the number of an Immigration legal firm with you to get advice in case you run into trouble at the border.