I am a US born citizen who is getting fed-up with the questions boarder agents ask me each time I return to the US after traveling abroad. The last time I re-entered, they asked me if i've ever been arrested. I was arrested once 20 years ago but the the agent wanted to know the details even though the case was dismissed before it ever went to trial. He must have felt qualified to be my judge and jury. It must have been the yes answer that made them decide to go through all my belongings. I had been discussing this very question with someone from the plane while walking the ramps to immigration. i realize now they must have been evesdroping in the hallways with listening devices. there must be some limits on the questions they are allowed to ask us citizens returning from abroad. last time, he asked me if i owned any firearms. when i said yes he asked if i have ever taken them outside of the usa. They always ask what my occupation is, and usually ask where I have been, even though it is written on the form I hand to them. i checked the aclu website but couldnt find any info. Are there any published guidelines on what questions can be asked upon re-entry to the United States? Am I considered "under oath" when I answer the agent's questions? What are the consequences or procedures for objecting to a particular question? Also, is there a list of things agents look for to mark travelers for a search of their luggage? I find the process inconvenient, embarrasing, and an invasion of privacy. Thanks for reading. Please provide any information which will be useful, including strange questions boarder agents have asked you.
Last edited by a moderator: