Aussies ‘treated like criminals’ at US border

[Ralphie]

I was expecting heavier scrutiny when husband and I travelled to the US in May, but it was the quickest and easiest we’ve ever gotten through LAX.

All my experiences with the TSA (had quite a few internal flights) were much more polite and respectful than I expected too, even when they did a pat down of my groin area, it felt as unintrusive as a pat down there could be.

The experience I had was being polite to them, led to them being polite back. Obviously from others’ stories that’s not always going to happen, but it was the experience I had.

 

[kpc]

I have entered the US 4x this year...DFW x2, Niagara Falls and EWR....to my surprise, they were all pain free!

 

[cove]

Mrscove had a visit to the back room once when she had a new passport. Since then we have been getting to the street at LAX in about 15 minutes.

 

[Tazza_0712]

+1 for YVR. Arriving there from LAX (transit stop from SYD), I was questioned for a long while by the female immigration officer.

I was all smiles, excited to arrive in Canada. The smile was quickly knocked off my face though when she gave me the distinct impression with her rigorous questioning and surly demeanour that I would be lucky to even enter the country.

I had to produce my itinerary, which at the time was a single note on my iPhone that detailed all of my flight/accommodation/tour information, as I had booked everything myself.

I remember her asking if I was meeting anyone in the country and I jovially replied, “actually yes, my ex-girlfriend”. She wasn’t impressed, and asked if my ex knew of my arrival into the country. Never felt so small or stalker/predator-like in my life.

I informed her that my ex’s parents were waiting outside for me, and when I mentioned that, the agent seemed to soften, just enough to admit me into the country.

I know by no means is that an invasive interrogation, but it was confronting for me at the time. First solo international trip and all that.

I’ve learned since then, remove the emotion, don’t take it personally and provide facts when asked.

As for the US, I’ve been through a few times now and apart from zero enthusiasm on the part of the agents (which I somewhat mirror), it’s been plain sailing.

 

[Denali]

Arriving at Atlanta in April, agent to hubby: What are your plans while you are here?

Hubby: We're going to Nashville but you have to ask my wife (points to me, behind the red line)

Agent: Where are you staying in Nashville?

Hubby: Youre going to have to ask my wife (points to me, behind the red line)

Agent: When are you leaving the United States?

Hubby: Mate, Ive been married for 20yrs, I go when and where she tells me to (points to me, behind the red line).

(Hes got this down pat as he went through similar in NZ a few years ago when he was asked why he didnt know the contents of his luggage and he response was, "Mate, I just let her pack the bags the way shes wants and dont get in her way").

 

[Pleb Status]

Arriving at Atlanta in April, agent to hubby: What are your plans while you are here?

Hubby: We're going to Nashville but you have to ask my wife (points to me, behind the red line)

Agent: Where are you staying in Nashville?

Hubby: Youre going to have to ask my wife (points to me, behind the red line)

Agent: When are you leaving the United States?

Hubby: Mate, Ive been married for 20yrs, I go when and where she tells me to (points to me, behind the red line).

(Hes got this down pat as he went through similar in NZ a few years ago when he was asked why he didnt know the contents of his luggage and he response was, "Mate, I just let her pack the bags the way shes wants and dont get in her way").

This all sounds funny until you run into the wrong Border Security person...

 

[Denali]

This all sounds funny until you run into the wrong Border Security person...

Thing is, he was being truthful and being respectful/not a smart cough. He really doesnt have a clue when and where we're going, dates ect. He simply doesnt care. (edit: doesnt care about the itinerary)

 

[BAM1748]

Thing is, he was being truthful and being respectful/not a smart cough. He really doesnt have a clue when and where we're going, dates ect. He simply doesnt care.

He might if he is locked in a little airport room and the brains trust is out sipping a latte.

Matt

 

[OzEire]

Thing is, he was being truthful and being respectful/not a smart cough. He really doesnt have a clue when and where we're going, dates ect. He simply doesnt care. (edit: doesnt care about the itinerary)

I had a slightly similar entry to the EU in the days before phones roaming was very common. Mrs OzEire breezed through on an Irish passport while I was stuck in the Non-EU line.

Border officer asked for evidence of hotels and departure flights but they were with +1. The border guard must have believed me because eventually he let me through based on my word alone. Phew.

 

[Tazza_0712]

It must be a pretty thankless job. I can't even imagine the bunch of boneheads immigration officers must have to deal with on the daily.

Apart from the majority of them looking pretty apathetic about life in general, I think I would enjoy hearing their stories.

 

[OZDUCK]

My only experience with the US was for a 2 hour stopover from a tourist boat, out of Gananoque Canada, at Boldt Castle in the 1,000 Islands. he was very pleasant and we had a nice chat - however I think that this might be one of the "lower risk" entry points.

Last year entering both Finland and Ireland I had to pull out my Itinerary folder to show our movements. In Dublin, once that was out of the way, I had a chat with them about my past life in Customs.

 

[BAM1748]

If you think they treat Aussies like criminals you should see how they treat Mexicans.

 

[RooFlyer]

Never had a problem; in fact: US Customs and Border Protection humour

Canada, on the other hand ... never rude, but have had the "see my colleagues around the back" several times. I actually admire them doing their job. When they ask questions, they are not pro-forma. They listen to the answers and ask follow-ups based on the reply (and comparing it to whatever is on the screen ...). From 2012-16 I had dozens of 'business' entries and they were obviously concerned that I was 'working' there.

 

[davidj]

Article seems like fake news. They don't even quote names for some of the alleged 'victims'.

Anyway I would rather a sour US border official than a AU one. At least you can make conversation and get a real life response in the US. Some of the AU ones seem mute . I have trouble working out if they are just bitter about their EBA dispute or whether my passport photo is really that bad.

I have a happier relationship with Ms. Smartgate arriving in the AU.

 

[Pinkerrific]

Obama rather quietly (as far as aussies are concerned) brought in the visa restrictions in 2011. I applaud the aussies who follow all the rules and don't whinge when they are at fault. My lebanese aussie friend was detained Honolulu airport for 6 hrs last year as she entered on the ESTA after previously being in Iraq for work. She didn't whinge and complain although she was very stressed. She hadn't followed the rules but they managed to issue her the B1 or 2 visa at the airport which gave her 6 mths entry to the US. While i only had 3mths on my ESTA - I was the one whinging cos I could certainly happily stay in Hawaii 6mths. My profile pic is the view from my condo - sigh.

 

[serfty]

ESTAs only need to be valid on entry. On any single entry they can expire before the visa does.