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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Last Answer on April 22, 2019

Best Rated

Thanks for being here, CBP Guy. I was wondering if you are able to date dreamers or foriegners in the US. Also i live in a sanctuary city is it against the rules for you to eat at establishments that may not follow immigration laws? Thanks

Asked by Hawaiian 123 almost 9 years ago

There is nothing against policy regarding dating a foreign national. There is, however, a policy that forbids you to associate with illegal aliens. A DREAMer is considered an illegal alien, by law.

There is also nothing against policy regarding "Sanctuary Cities", so I can confidently say that there are no issues with you living there. As long as you are honestly unaware of the immigration status of the people you deal with outside of work, nothing "bad" would happen to you. So, if you unknowingly go to a restaurant with illegal waiters and there happens to be a raid, theoretically, you should be in the clear because you did not know. However, if you were to hire illegal aliens to perform work for you at your home, then that would be a different story.

Hello, I have a few questions that I will ask over the course of a few posts if that's ok with you! I am currently in the hiring process, I have a date for my SI and it seems I will be doing the polygraph test in about 3 weeks. Any tips for a rookie?

Asked by Andrew almost 9 years ago

The only tip I can offer is to be completely honest during the polygraph. Regardless of how your past was (previous drug use, etc.), we are looking at your honesty. Integrity is one of the top core values every law enforcement agency looks for.

Can you go into more detail about the hiring process? For example, do you get paid while at the academy? Is housing paid for or is it an out-of-pocket expense? What are some advantages provided to veterans?

Asked by Mando almost 9 years ago

You are paid every day that you are at the job. When you are hired, you go to your assigned port for "Pre-Academy". During this Pre-Academy time your doing mostly clerical work. You are filling out paperwork for your health benefits, TSP (401k), etc. You are also doing online training courses that help you prepare for the job. You are also doing tours of the port and watching officers work. Every port has their Pre-Academy set up differently. Housing is not paid for while your at the port for Pre Academy.

At the academy, you work Monday through Friday with varying start times, but all are only 8 hours a day. You are paid during all the training hours. You sleep in a dorm which is provided by the agency and you eat the meals at the cafeteria, which is also paid for by the agency. All books, supplies, and uniforms are provided by the agency. You really only need to bring a pair of running shoes, boots, shoe polish, toiletries, and off training clothes. You are only allowed to wear the academy's uniform in the gym (on or off training hours).

For Veterans, your given Veterans preference points up to 5 points, i believe, for the initial written test.

The agency says there are a lot of career advancement opportunities once you've hit GS-12..I was wondering if you have found that to be true, and what career path most officers transfer to? Is a transfer to the FBI out of the question?

Asked by micole14 almost 9 years ago

It is very true about the advancements after hitting GS-12. Within CBP, we have intelligence units, teams that work alongside JTTF, foreign liaison assignments, Field Trainer, and so much more.

You cannot "transfer" to FBI. You would have to apply like a normal citizen applying, you would just have a leg up with this law enforcement experience and current federal employment. I have seen several colleagues get hired for Secret Service, DEA, FBI, and HSI.

I have a felony on my record (17 years ago) I am a legal resident alien since 1989. I have traveled outside USA 6 times. Can i be denied re entry at any time? My family are all citizens and would face major hardship if I am detained or deported.

Asked by J.JOHAL almost 9 years ago

Depending on your crime, you could be placed under INA 240 Removal Proceedings and provided a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge to determine if you would lose your Legal Permanent Resident status. A CBP Officer is is not legally able to make that determination, only a judge can.

I was told that official traveler histories specifically interrogations are confidential. Would my attorney be able to subpoena such records from a third party for a pending legal case? (i.e. perhaps via FOIA).

Asked by BruceyB. almost 9 years ago

I am not entirely sure when it comes to what can and cannot be subpoena'd. What I've been told is that anything related to the systems we use and the intelligence that is gathered cannot be used in court for "national security purposes". But again, I'm not completely sure.

Hey CBP guy, first i'd like to thank you for you service. I am currently going through the application process and was wondering what your typical day looks like? Thanks

Asked by Cjb almost 9 years ago

Every port has different duties. Our primary assignments are at the Ports of Entry conducting primary and secondary processing. However, there are many details that are outside of that. Traffic stops, drug/money runs, prisoner transport etc.The airport can get fairly boring. For the first several years of your career, you will be posted at "Primary" where you either grant admission to alien's (Entry for US Citizens) or refer suspect individuals for further scrutiny. 

Once you have a few years on your belt, you can bid for a secondary position. This is where you will be determining with you will allow someone to enter the United States or return them back to their home country. 

There are also other specialty teams where you patrol the airport in vehicles, perform hot stops, interview subjects etc. Those positions, however, are few far and between at airports.