Customs chick... whata BIA
 

Yah, go complain about someone who was doing their JOB.

BTW, grats on being airheads and now knowing the VP or 16th prez.

yeah, they usually are that way...some are nice, some just plain stupid...i've had a few sisters who worked at customs...one still does as her full-time job now...
The stuff they have to put up with is pretty crappy...
and your friend should've said she forgot her Birth certificate, not that she didn't know...How could she not know? you're leavin the country!
I'll be going over to MI on Monday to do some shopping...hope I don't run into a cranky one...

I think she has to be biatch for the line of work she's in. If she's too nice, people will walk all over her and we could end up with people in the country that aren't supposed to be here (such as terrorists). I don't think much will get done if you complain because she works for a government agency. If she worked for a corporation then maybe she would have been admonished for being rude but I think the US government will say that she was just doing her job.

Um, wow.
 

Yeah, Pm Mama, cause lord knows you can't be a terrorist or trying to get in to the country illegaly if you have "extremely light brown hair, pale complexion, and blue eyes". :rolleyes:

Customs agents don't just look out for terrorists, they are also tasked with keeping people who are trying to get in the coutry illegally OUT.

Also, my 7 year old nephew can tell you who the Vice President is. That's a darn shame that your friend couldn't.

ZA

Re: Um, wow.
 

You can call an complain but nothing will happen. You have to have you birthcertificate when you cross the boarder. I was warned about that when I went to Buffalo for May 2/4. My friend forgot hers, and well they either let us in or they don't, but there are clearly signs at least on the Canadian side going into the US that you must have your birthcertificate and photo ID. Luckily our customs agent didn't have a stick up his butt, my friend and I hardly look like terrorists, but if he asked and she didn't have it well we weren't getting in.

Although I have to say I don't know what number any of our presidents are, except for #1, Mr. Washington! When was I supposed to learn this? I'd have to think about that one a long time.

Okay...what does a terrorist look like? Timothy McVeigh, under your idea of what a terrorist looks like, would have been able to go across the border without any problems--is that okay? What about Klansmen and Neonazis? Their actions can be considered terrorism, and most of them have "extremely light brown hair, pale complexion, and blue eyes". I have never left the country--even if it was a drunken car ride to Mexico--without my passport and photo ID.

The 16th President is Abraham Lincoln. No, I didn't need to look it up.

Two of the worst jobs to have right now are customs agents (especially patrolling the Northern borders) and airport security workers. It's high stress and high pressure--and the border agent was simply doing their job.

It sounds like the Immigration Officer was just doing her job protecting my country of Canada. For non-Canadians, entering Canada is a privilege, not a right....when I, as a Canadian, visit the USA, I always make sure that I have proof of citizenship and photo ID. Canada takes enough guff for being lax with its immigration....and it sounds like it's been duly noted.

In the post 9/11 world, I can't understand that people would not take crossing the border seriously and come prepared accordingly with the correct documents. As a Canadian, I've been grilled pretty harshly by the US Immigration Officers when entering the USA, answered their questions, and then entered the country. Sure, it's a little harrowing, but I lived. For what it's worth, the Officer probably smelled booze on your breath and that's why she was so harsh on your group. I don't think you really have a complaint unless she did something like physically strike you or something inappropriate such as swear at you.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Munchkin03
[B]Okay...what does a terrorist look like? Timothy McVeigh, under your idea of what a terrorist looks like, would have been able to go across the border without any problems--is that okay?



You're right, terrorists come in all shapes, sizes, colours, and ethnic backgrounds. However, in light of the events of 9/11 two white girls are not going to racially profiled. However, if my friend had been of Middle Eastern/Arabic decent or looked like she was I'm sure we would have had a hard time at the boarder. It's not fair that right now certain ethnic groups are being singled out. Had it been the IRA responsible for the terrorist attacks on 9/11 don't you think that those with Irish last names or Irish accents would be singled out?

edited to add: And for customs agents. I believe she was doing her job. Obviously when I crossed the boarder the customs agent was a little lax, I was lucky. We could have easily been turned away. It's their job to inforce the rules, if you don't like the rules well then complain to those that have created them. She wasn't giving you a hard time because she was having fun. I think you should cut her a little slack and next time you cross the boarder don't leave without the proper ID.

YAY, you NEVER disappoint me....
 

http://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung/.../aktion066.gifHello there, PM_Mama ... it's been a while.

I was beginning to believe that either 1) you'd changed your outlook on life and no longer held such racist beliefs or 2) you still had those beliefs, but chose not to state them publicly, thus tarnishing your sorority's name or 3) you grew tired of offending people. But I see that the answer is none of the above. Good to see you posting again :rolleyes: .

I went over to Windsor July 1st and I didn't need my birth certificate...none of my five friends brought them either. I used to live in Michigan so I used to go over and see my family quite a bit. The only time I've ever had to have my birth certificate with me was if I was with my father going to a family reunion or if I was on a school trip. Other than that I was always told that a valid drivers license was sufficient.

AOX81, I'm glad you said that because I was beginning to think I was nuts. A friend of mine & I went to Niagara Falls a number of years ago, complete with case of coolers and extra ciggie-butts and they didn't even want to check the car...we were somewhat disappointed. :p They only gave our driver's licenses a slight glance - we had more probs getting back into the US. Have they cracked down since 9/11, or was it before then?

Because on 9/11 customs agents from Canada and the US have started to crack down. Some customs agents are going to be more lax than others, but birth certificate and photo ID are supposed to be mandatory to cross the border.

Having absolutely nothing to do with the specific situation at hand, it has been my experience that the US Customs agents I've encountered when returning to this country have been much tougher and less friendly than the agents of the other country have been.

Truth is, in today's international climate, I'd rather have them be tougher. Kind of like air travel -- which I do a lot of -- I'm gererally not at all unhappy with the increased security. It's been needed for a long time.

forget complaining about her---i would send her a nice holiday card for DOING HER JOB and DOING IT WELL.

Yeah, theyre strict as hell. Especially at the airports. Just came back from the airport as they are one of our clients. One of the construction field peeps escorted me past security to take some environmental signage photos. I had me bag with me. It had my boot knife in it. I had forgotten about it as I was planning on leaving my bag in the construction office area, pre-security. Well, They were locking up the field office, so I took my bag with me and they screners caught it (which actually makes me feel better) but I had to do some hella explaining. They let me go but couldda confiscated it. Fortunately, they didnt, just held onto it till I was done with the photos.

I was sweating like a SOB tho.

yeah airport security is tough(especially when you are flying out of one of the airports that the planes on 9/11 originated) my bra set off the metal detector..the lady had to wand me down and just started laughing when she realized what was setting off the alarm.

Unless you're a terrorist, you shouldn't be complaining about proving your citizenship. Hell, i'd give him/her my whole wallet and fill out a survey with my personal history if they wanted.

Umm...

Thank heavens that people like YOU, PM Mama, do not work in customs. I mean, terrorists MUST fit the profile that you have in your mind, which does NOT include anyone who has:

:rolleyes:

And Bamboozeld was NOT making it into a racial issue, she just quoted what you said, as did Munchkin03 (great point, btw).

I think it is hilarious that you started this thread to vent thinking that everyone would be agreeing with you...except NOT. The lady was doing her job and doing it well. Sucks to experience someone scrutinizing you a little more, perhaps profiling you, doesn't it. Hmm...wow, that sounds like what I go through EVERY SINGLE DAY. Welcome to America.

And please tell us who this woman is so I can send her some flowers and a thank you note for giving you a dose of your own medicine.

OK, I'm confused. Why is everyone coming down so hard on PM_Mama?

We weren't there. Maybe this Customs Officer was out of line. I, for one, am glad the security measures have been increased -- but that doesn't mean I'd be happy if someone really went out of the way to be nasty! In fact, the best way for Customs, the police, airport security, etc. to get cooperation is to be as professional as possible.

Or, maybe PM is over-reacting. I don't know. I wasn't there.

Now, somebody explain to me how any of this is racist. The fact is that there is profiling going on at the border crossings and airports. And, the fact is also, that the profile she gave of her friend is NOT one that would attract the attention of Customs. So, why is it racist for PM to point that out?

I think PM might be over-reacting to the Customs officer, and she has said that she was drunk when she wrote it -- but, at least in my opinion, these attacks on PM are a little out of hand.

AHHHH Champ, another uninspiring post!

Damn you are doing yourself proud and showing what you are , nothing!:p

Suck it up and get on with a life if you have one!

I once had a boil on my butt that reminded me of you, but I got over it even though it was a pain in the ass for awhile, it went away!:rolleyes: :p

Oh, do you think there is a SANTA CLAUS?

If you say NO, may you get a lump of Coal in your panty hose or a bugger in your nose!http://jeeptalk.org/crack/smilies/up...ro/tonguey.gif

TTFN

TOM EARP can't spell or use proper punctuation.

DEMOD AND BAN HIM.

I'd have to agree. It seems like some people are trying to make this into an issue that was discussed a while ago. No, we weren't all there so it's impossible to know what really happened, but I wouldn't be too surprised if the lady went out of her way to be nasty.

And not a single -ism to be found in this thread. ;)

Next time bring a passport.

Okay...PM Mama seemed perturbed that they were stopped even though her friend was fair skinned and blue eyed or whatever. What this said to me, and obvsiously others who read the post, is that they didn't DESERVE to be stopped because they didn't look like terrorists. Whatever that means.

I, for one, thought it was quite funny that she was angered by this because this is obviously her first experience where she has been unfairly scrutinized and singled out. Keeping in mind her mentality from past threads, I also thought it fitting that she go through what minorities in America go through daily.

DeltAlum, it was not racist of PM Mama to acknowledge the profiling, but come on. Unless you have deliberately ignored her posts in other threads, you know she is prejudiced.

Cream... BWAHAHAHAHA! :D That was funny.

PM_Mama and I live in the same area. While I don't know her friend, I do know that everyone my age knows to bring your birth certificate when going to Windsor. Why? Because incidents like that happen ALL of the time. Just having a driver's license does not prove you are a United States citizen. Honestly, it makes me happy that she gave you sh*t because she was doing her job! Her job is to protect our country and if she let everyone in who "forgot" their birth certificate, there is a chance that she could let the wrong person in. And then everyone would be saying, "Well if he/she didn't have the proper identification, why were they allowed in?" Better safe than sorry, in my opinion.

My aunt is a customs agent at the border. Those people have to put up with so many drunken idiots. They also have to work 12 hour shifts. Sorry she was rude to you, but I bet next time your friend will remember her birth certificate. Chalk it up as a lesson learned the hard way.

OK Calm down everyone, and nobody would get banned from this forum (so Champ, you can shove it).
I'm neither Canadian or American citizen, so hopefully I can give a fair opinion.
Both Americans and Canadians takes it for granted. But, USA and Canada ARE too countries, thus for safe, you NEED your passport to cross the country, or in this case, birth certificate (remember, this is for only Canada and USA). Driver's license would not enough proof that you're citizen.
Yes, that is correct, even the non-US or non-Canadian citizen can get their driver's license. I have an Iowan driver's license, and I am not a US citizen.

PM_Mama, you'd never know how strict the imigration people are. Congratulation, you just have a truly international experience. Please take this as a lesson in the future.
The immigration people need to be strict, or at least to scare people (maybe in their job description?). You'll be surprise if you go to another country, and you have to have answers on every questions they might ask, or be able to show everything they want. I've been in 16 countries so far, and of course by experience, I know better than just debating with them. NONE in my experience to see really friendly and nice immigration personil that welcome me in their countries, or offer me drink. As strict as they can be ...

When I arrived in Canada with my friends couple years ago, the lady asked me where would I stay in Montreal. Too bad, I didn't have the address of the youth hostel we would stay on, so I told her that I need to see my friend to get the address of the place. She looked at me, and as b**ch as she could be ("borrowing PM_Mama's term ;) ), she sent me over the immigration office to see the "head" of the immigration. I had to wait for two hours, just to see the head, who just asked me the purpose of visiting Canada, and gave the stamp on my passport.

So, next time crossing the border, remember, you need your proof of citizenship, regardless which country you're from. Driver's license is NOT a proof of citizenship, and people work in the immigration need to be b**ch and strict to the rule, If they're not, they need to be reported.

So, if I understand what you are all saying, it's OK for a US Customs agent to be particularly nasty.

How does that make our country and it's citizens look to those who are coming to visit or for business? Like "Ugly Americans?"

One of my daughters was once stopped by a deputy sheriff for a minor traffic violation, and instead of being professional, he was a jerk and made her cry on the way to Homecoming. She was guilty of the violation, but did not deserve to be ridiculed and yelled at. I had worked with the county sheriff in the past, and wrote a letter, and the officer was spoken to -- as he should have been. I asked that he not be diciplined, but I did want him to know how his behavior affected our daughter and how that kind of thing perpetuates the bad image kids have of cops.

I think this situation is similar. It really doesn't make any difference whether the young woman in question had the right documentation or not. The situation must be handled professionally.

Well, you don't make it very difficult for those of us looking....http://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung/...chlafen006.gif

CTFU.

LOL you guys crack me up!!!!!

And, PM MAMA, a little rudeness and discrimination can do the body good. :rolleyes: Since this is such a foreign experience for you.

Having passed through many a customs check point in my lifetime, i can tell you without a doubt cutoms people can be dickheads. I have been searched, with cause, and without, it's something that goes along with the new international policies of many countries. I traveled into the middle east a few years ago, if you want strict customs officials goto Tel Aviv, while waiting at passport control in the airport there are metal walkways above you where men with AK-47's patrol constantly looking for anything suspicous. Crossing back into Canada a few months ago, with all the proper documentation (i am a Canadian citizen i had my birth certificate as well as my Canadian Passport) it took me nearly 45 minutes to get back into my own country. Why? because the world is more on edge now (or at least this part of the world) then it has been since the Cuba missle crisis, and the customs people are the ones who are feeling it. The day you crossed back into the US was the day the the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS--Our version of the CIA/DIA) released a report stating multiple Al Qaeda cells were operating out of this country. I guarentee that this report would have put the US customs and Immigration people on high alert. So your right maybe the customs officer was being a bitch, thats fine, there is absolutly nothing you can do about it, just sit in your car, smile at their questions, answer them as truthfully as possible and then wish her a good night as you drive off.

geez--

as much as i think the customs official was right and pmmama overreacted, what the heck does racism have to do with anything? i think that's quite nervy of you to blatantly say she is prejudiced. what right do you have to say that???

yes i have read her previous posts, as i have those of everyone else. but some of you have nerve....

Nah, it's just that some of us have better prejudISMadors.

Do I need to bump that thread?