Going Home … What US Custom’s Again?!?

10. December 2008 by admin.

Every once in awhile, I mean about every 3 or 4 years, US Custom’s agents board the Tunnel Bus before the bus enters the Tunnel.  Well, last night was our lucky night!  One officer by the front door, another by the back and one checking the passengers.  The intimidation factor is great. 

Let’s think about this one.  It’s 5:10 pm, rush-hour.  Outside there’s a cold north wind blowing and temperatures in the upper 20’s.  It’s two weeks before Christmas.  You’re in the shadow of the failing auto giant GM’s world headquarters.  Jobs are tough!  Do we really need to be hassled and harassed by Custom’s officers again on our way out of the country?

The line of questioning is very direct and over heard by the entire bus.  There are people of many different backgrounds and nationalities.  Even though we may not know every’s name, we each consider them “family” — the Tunnel Bus family.  We don’t like to see others treated abruptly or rudely.  It’s really not necessary.

So yes, they ask the same standard question, what’s your citizenship?  Followed by what were you doing here and where are you going?  Those of us with dual citizenship status have to quickly find the “correct” documents to present to the US officials otherwise we risk additional lines of questioning.

Last night brought back memories of a couple of years ago while I was waiting for the Tunnel Bus on the toll plaza behind Mariner’s Church and wondering at the GM towers.  Two US Customs officers approached me.  Ask for ID, where I was going and how often I cross the border.  Ok, no problem, here’s my US passport and I’m heading home.  I told them I had been crossing the border on a daily basis for 9 years.  The one officer said in a very derogatory voice, “I’ve never seen you before!”  I just shrugged my shoulders and ask, “OK.”  No sense getting all worked up, that’s what they really want you to do — like you have something to hide.  I was reminded this past fall that Customs officer’s job *require* them to remember people and faces.  On a flight segment from Salt Lake City to Detroit a few months back, I bumped into a Detroit-based US Customs officer.  At first I said to myself, I know her but from where?  As soon as I pulled out my passport to board the plane, it all came back to me.

Bottom line here, when crossing the border into the US or out of the US, be prepared for anything.  An exit inspection is never very pleasant and you really have no one to complain to since you’re leaving the country.

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