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!
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.
The airport can get fairly boring. For the first several years of your career, you will be posted at "Primary" where you either grant admission to alien's (Entry for US Citizens) or refer suspect individuals for further scrutiny.
Once you have a few years on your belt, you can bid for a secondary position. This is where you will be determining with you will allow someone to enter the United States or return them back to their home country.
There are also other specialty teams where you patrol the airport in vehicles, perform hot stops, interview subjects etc. Those positions, however, are few far and between at airports.
As for education, you only need a high school diploma or GED. Of course, a college degree will make you more noticeable and may start you at a higher pay but it's not necessary.
I do not know where you would find that information.
Yes. People forget that we are law enforcement officers. We handcuff people for a number of reasons, it does not necessarily mean your under arrest. If I think it'll be safer for everyone if i handcuff you before I search your car, I am completely justified in doing so. We must always take officer safety into account. If your twice my size and intoxicated, I am going to handcuff you so the situation does not turn ugly.
Programmer
Security / Bodyguard
Waitress
Under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), we are allowed to carry any personal firearm that can be concealed. Generally, this means pistols/revolvers. You are not required to carry only your duty weapon.
I'm not sure of any tests you mean for your personal firearm. I have carried my personal firearm off duty since day one without taking any tests.
1) To be honest, I've never seen that before. It may be a local port thing.
2) That doesn't necessarily mean misrepresentation, unless the officer ascertains that you purposely were trying to hide your true intentions. It's not illegal to have a fiance in the United States, but it is illegal to lie to a federal officer regarding the real reason why you want to enter the United States.
Misrepresentation charges are used primarily for people who try to use a stolen visa or stolen passport to make entry.
The only tip I can offer is to be completely honest during the polygraph. Regardless of how your past was (previous drug use, etc.), we are looking at your honesty. Integrity is one of the top core values every law enforcement agency looks for.
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