10 Things to Remember When Crossing the Border

A customs and border protection officer who I see routinely on my trips into the US (he reads my blog) handed me a little flyer which he told me he gives to some individuals to read during the questioning process. The list is quite practical and I think it is a good idea as it helps level the understanding playing field a little and eases the tension people typically feel when they're being questioned about their intended travel.

1. Tell the truth. If you try to use false or misleading information to get into the U.S., you will be turned back. You may be kept out of the U.S. for a long time. You may even be charged with a crime.
2. Understand the officer's role. U.S. customs and border protection officer have to judge several things: Do you pose a safety threat? Are you someone that U.S. law lets in? Are you someone that U.S. law keeps out? To do this, the officers ask questions and look at documents. They usually ask your citizenship, destination, intended activity and length of stay in the U.S. They can ask you anything. They can ask one question or fifty, at their choice. They may consult databases. They can send you to a colleague or supervisor for further questioning. 
3. Carry the right documents. Bring valid current proof of your identity, citizenship and entitlement to enter the U.S. If you need a visa or work permit, get the right one for your planned activities. Be ready to document what you will be doing in the U.S. 
4. Genuine documents only. Never use false or fraudulent documents. If you do, you will be turned back. You may be kept out for a long time. You may be charged with a crime. 
5. Get professional advice before you arrive. Plan ahead! Consult with a knowledgeable U.S. immigration lawyer. Find out how to get the right permit for what you want to do. If the officer keeps you out because you don't have the right permit, you risk loss of your U.S. business or employment opportunity. You will suffer personal inconvenience and unnecessary expense. It's easier (and less costly) to do things right the first time, than to try to fix a bad application after you've been turned back. 
6. Deal with your past before the officer does. If you have a criminal conviction in your past, check with a U.S. immigration lawyer before you come. Your conviction might make you inadmissible. Or, you might be eligible for apply for a discretionary waiver to remove the conviction as a reason to keep you out. The CIS takes many months to issue these waivers. Take care of it ahead of time. 
7. Leave suspicious items at home. Bring what's consistent with the purpose of your entry. Leave at home what is not. For example, if you're coming to visit, or to attend a meeting, leave your professional mechanic's tools at home. Otherwise the officer will think you're coming to work. 
8. Don't bring a stranger across the border. If your passenger is trying to enter the U.S. illegally, you could be charged and caught up in legal proceedings, with a risk of prosecution, forfeiture of your vehicle, and other sanctions. 
9. Be courteous. Put the officer and yourself at ease. Let the officer do his/her job without needless distractions from you - don't wisecrack or tell jokes. 
10. Never call the officer "honey" or "sweetheart." Can you imagine? 

Feel free to comment about any that you feel might have been left out...