CBPGuy
7 Years Experience
SouthWest, US
Male, 25
I am a U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officer on the southwest border between Mexico and the United States. I know the ins and outs of the job as seen on TV/News and things intentionally hidden from the media! There's more to this job than "Anything to declare?" I dont know all but I'll do my best to answer any questions you have! All answers are my opinion, and my opinion only!
Under 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, even admitting to a crime can make you inadmissible into the United States. Technically, as per law, you will be permanently inadmissible to the United States for drug use. Generally, there is no waiver for drug use. However, you may get lucky and find a State Department employee at the embassy who will grant you a waiver anyways. There is no length of time you have to wait.
To be honest, with what you said, I can see someone granting you a waiver eventually. But as I stated, under law you are permanently inadmissible.
In my opinion, integrity is the number one thing we look for in a person. As a law enforcement agency, we absolutely can not have someone we cannot trust. As an officer, you have an access to extensive intel, drugs, and people's personal information. You are expected to keep all information confidential and remain professional in your duties.
So far, I am actually very happy with how far I've gone in my career. I consider myself a "go-getter" and have done many things that most haven't, simply because I chased it. A piece of advice I would give if you do get hired to this agency is: Don't limit yourself to the basic tasks. Show interest in new things, try new things, try things others wont.
I would say this is a great career with several opportunities ahead especially for someone young. Also, stick through the hiring process. It might seem like you'll never get it, it took me over 2 years, but take it one step at a time!
There is a very low chance CBP will deny your entry. If you stated this fact to the US Consular officer during your Visa application, this could not be used as a ground of inadmissibility.
Yes, that will be a big challenge for you. On your L1 visa, does it mention anything about a waiver? Overstaying your admission to the United States will almost guarantee at least a Withdrawal if not an Expedited Removal. When it comes to an overstay, even just a day, our hands are tied as a CBP officer. If you overstay once, you are automatically presumed to be an Intended Immigrant, and it is very difficult to overcome that presumption.
The best thing you can do is obtain a waiver from the State Department. If thats not possible, bring as many documents as you can to prove what you do and to prove that you will return home.
Again, this will be extremely difficult for you. It is very likely that you will be removed or asked to leave the United States. I know it sounds bad. However, after you are removed from the US, you can go to the State Department and explain your situation. In my experience, from what you described, you will most likely receive a waiver. Once you receive a waiver, the overstay will no longer be an issue for you.
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Most likely, your name is similar to a criminal or someone we're looking for. As a US Citizen, the best way around this is to apply for Global Entry. Under this program, your information is reviewed prior to the plane landing. This way, once you set foot in the airport, you are already cleared to proceed.
You can show bank statements to prove the amount of money you have. There is no magic number that would be sufficient, its whatever the officer thinks would be reasonable.
You are not required to give your password to your laptop or phone to the officer. However, the officer only needs reasonable suspicion that you may have illicit information in the computer to use a device which unlocks it. In order to use the device, your computer would be seized and brought to a facility. This process takes time.
Worst case outcome for an LPR - You will be held at the border for several hours (later released) and your computer could be seized for several months. Unless you have something illegal, then it changes thins depending on what you have.
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