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, the unfortunate part of life is working 16 hour days for this job. Depending on your location, this could happen twice a week, once a month, or never, etc. If you are serious about this job, you have to accept the fact that you may be forced to work overtime. In my honest opinion, I dont think there is any officer in this agency who has not been forced overtime.
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For work purposes, you are only allowed to carry, on duty, agency issued weapons. If it is not agency issued, you should not have it. However, some POE's may have different policies in regards to that due to being out in rural areas. I have been to a couple POE's and the rules have been the same (Agency issued only).
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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.
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If you are a United States Citizen, it does not matter to us where you work.
If you are a Legal Permanent Resident, lawfully, you must reside in the United States.
If you are a visitor to the United States, proof of employment outside the US would always help with you being granted admission.
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Audiologist
Are earbuds dangerous for my ears?
Border Patrol Agent
What's the most creative way you saw cartels getting drugs across the border?
Business Start-Up Specialist
Should friends go into business together?
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.
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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.
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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.
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