CBP Officer

CBP Officer

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!

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220 Questions

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Last Answer on April 22, 2019

Best Rated

I have noticed that CBP officers at the internal checkpoints (near but not at the Mexican border) are actually fairly courteous. Is this actually a less stressful post than, say, the Canadian border, where they tend to be more gruff?

Asked by Nicholas almost 9 years ago

I have never worked the internal checkpoints, so I am not quite sure. The only thing I can think of is there is much less pressure for the checkpoints inside than the border. Officers at the border are hounded by management, who is hounded by their Port Director, who is hounded by the Director of Field Operations, who is hounded by congressmen/chambers of commerce/politicians regarding border wait times. The unfortunate truth is, there are a lot of politics involved with this job. Sometimes, the politics take priority of getting the job done right.

I have a B1/B2 Visa and travel to the same US city every month for a weeknd, just to relax (one of my companies is based in the US but I dont work there, as its virtual). Last time I was referred to secondary. Does this mean it will happen everytime?

Asked by Tom almost 9 years ago

Not necessarily. Sometimes, being referred to secondary only means the Officer on primary wants another Officer to take a bit more time to gather information versus immediately granting you entry into the United States.

On primary, the Officer only has two thought processes; "Yes, I will allow this person in the United States." or "I'm not completely sure if I should". If the Officer is not 100% confident with the first decision, he will send you to secondary for someone else to make a better determination.

I am on bail, but it doesnt state any trave restriction. Im Permanent Resident. I want to go putside the country, but Im concern about my return.

Asked by erm989 almost 9 years ago

I would contact the judge or probation officer for a travel letter. Make sure you have permission to leave the country prior to traveling. We do receive alerts for active warrants and we do make those arrests. Please, use due diligence and make sure everything is in order prior to leaving the country. From my experience, anyone on bail cannot leave the US.

You said you get supplies at the academy, does this include uniform, firearm, bullet proof vest, patches for vest, etc ?

Asked by Andrew almost 9 years ago

Correct for all of the above. Everything you need for work will be issued to you at the academy. Your vest you will receive a quarter to halfway through. You will be using your issued firearm throughout the academy when your at the range, however, you wont be able to keep it until after you graduate the academy. The academy keeps it in storage until your range days and up until your graduation day.

If a VWP pax had previously breached his conditions e.g. working illegally, what would be the procedure of removing him from the port of entry next time he'd ask for admission? Also would he be barred from re entry? which section of INA?

Asked by G&T over 9 years ago

If this hasn't already happened to you, then this would be the process:

You would be processed as a Visa Waiver Refusal under Section 217 of the INA. You will be charged as a 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I). Part of the policy of the VWP is that you are not entitled to a hearing by an immigration judge and you will no longer be eligible to participate in the program. You will, however, be allowed to reenter the country as soon as you obtain a visa from a US Embassy. You could apply for a new visa the same day if you'd like (In your home country).

After all the paper work is processed at the port, you will then be boarded on the next available flight back to your home country.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

I find that my interests lie in data, trends, and solving puzzles. Would you say being a CBP officer affords these kinds of opportunities?

Asked by ajm over 8 years ago

There are many opportunities within CBP. If your motivated, after a few years in the agency, you can apply for certain teams within your Port or specific national teams that do targeting. Their role is looking at data and trends for smuggling contraband into the United States. From first hand experience, some of those guys are unbelievably skilled at their jobs!

The only problem is, you need to tough it out through the rookie years, which could range from 4 to 8 years.

Have you ever worked in the mail room, checking to make sure there are no drugs or contraband coming into the country? I think that would be so interesting. Personally, I think that is what I want to do.

Asked by Erik almost 9 years ago

Sorry, this is an area that I am not familiar in. I've never done it, but from people that I've spoken to, they really enjoy it. The problem is, you cant get hired directly to that position. You would have to start as a regular officer then find an opening for that position. Chances are very slim, so I would recommend that if you apply for this job, don't apply with the sole intention of working at a mail room.