What do customs officers see on their computers?
Information on the crossing—such as name, date and country of birth, and other biographical information; the dates and locations of previous border crossings; citizenship or immigration status; and a host of other related information—is stored in the TECS database, which contains a master crossing record for every …Sep 18, 2019
What does customs see when scanning your passport?
It contains your biometrics. This will include fingerprints, photo, iris scan, height, date of birth etc. It may also link to other data such as previous travel, any alerts and warrants etc. Most first world countries know plenty about you before you arrive, and data is shared between them.
What information can immigration officers see?
The officer at primary inspection will verify your identity and check your name against various computer databases. The officers are on the lookout for people who might be a security risk or who are using a tourist or other nonimmigrant visa to gain entry to the United States for illegal purposes or a permanent stay.
What do customs agents look for?
In fact, the CBP assesses all people who arrive by airplane, overland vehicle, ship or on foot and want to enter the U.S. The job of U.S. customs agents is to search for banned agricultural products and counterfeit goods, but they also are trained to seize street and pharmaceutical drugs, illegal immigrants and …
Can customs search your computer?
Here's how to protect your personal information. Customs officers are legally allowed to search travelers' personal electronics without a warrant — whether they're visitors or American citizens. … Travelers can refuse access to their devices, but customs officers are not obligated to allow someone into the country.
What do border guards see on their computer?
If the person is carrying an electronic passport they see all the information about the passenger including any issues such as border-related infractions (i.e. smuggling charges, previous infractions such as failure to declare, etc.). If the traveler has pending criminal actions, court appearance, warrants, etc.
Why are US customs officers so rude?
Customs officers in North America come off as “rude” because they are doing their best to be cold, emotionally removed, and efficient. They have an extremely important job to do: make sure stuff that should not come into the country they are protecting doesn't come into it.
Why do customs stop you?
Generally, customs officers may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the United States, and they may search people's belongings for contraband. This is true even if there is nothing suspicious about you or your luggage.