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

If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

What one thing would you do differently in regards to your career?

What is your advice for someone who is interested in this field?

Asked by nrekay about 8 years ago

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!

If an irish illegal left via the Canada or Mexican border to go home. What would the consciences if they tried to re-enter from eg. Ireland or england

Asked by Dave about 9 years ago

It is likely that when you re-enter, the system would alert the officer that you were a previous "Over stay". At that time, your visa will be canceled under 222(g), you will then be processed as an Expedited Removal, charged with 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) and barred from the US for a minimum of 5 years.

I am a legal permanent resident. What are some probable outcomes if I refuse to unlock my phone/laptop at the border? What's the worst-case outcome?

Thanks! This is a great thread.

Asked by James about 8 years ago

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.

How much money should I carry that would be sufficiet to live for 4 or 5 months? I am going to live with my friend. I can bring my credit card too but it might be harmful as I will have no cash. Is that right?

Asked by kaka210 about 9 years ago

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.

Am a US citizen. No criminal record whatsoever. But the KIOSK machine gives me a cross on the receipt every time I enter the country. Any way to fix this?

Asked by cripsy over 8 years ago

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.

I had asked earlier if I can withdraw AOS &apply TN visa as Computer Systems Analyst. You answered yes and that the withdrawal will not hinder my application for non-immigrant status. Q: How long USCIS (TX office) to update records for withdrawal. Tk

Asked by Gurmail over 8 years ago

I have no experience with that, however I can imagine that it will be quite some time. Your best bet would be to contact that USCIS office to gather more information.

Is article 86 -unauthorized absence a crime of moral turpitude? Which would make me inadmissible to the us. And would that pop up on your system? I was just convicted under special court martial and spent 75 days in the brig. I'm a lpr

Asked by Jjk over 8 years ago

I do not have much experience with military codes and statutes. I did do a little bit of research and I do not believe this constitutes as a Crime of Moral Turpitude (CIMT). CIMTs are usually murder, kidnapping, robbery, and aggravated assaults.