I live in Detroit, go to Windsor (Canada) weekly, and am forced to pull over and go through a time consuming search of my vehicle about HALF the time. Why are they doing this to me? What am I doing wrong, or what is the reason you think? How can I be less of a target???
If there is anyone who works for the border patrol on here, that would be helpful too.
I am a US citizen, and travel with a birth cert.
2007-02-27 04:01:45 · 14 answers · asked by I-Eat-Paint-Chips 3 in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Other - Canada
PS-Don't get me wrong, I loved the gun rack reference, but I am a clean-cut, 36 year old executive at an engineering company.
2007-02-27 05:05:51 · update #1
That would be the price we have to pay by being US Citizen, By being so Arrogant, Ignorant I mean everybody hate us now thanks to MR BUSH, maybe we should start do something?
2007-02-27 04:06:38 · answer #1 · answered by THEGURU 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is my understanding that because the Detroit-Windsor crossings are so high volume and they are "choke points" there is greater chance for catching criminals and finding contraband. Still, your license plate and record of past crossings is in their computer so each time you cross their monitor informs of presumably hundreds of all's OKs so it would seem to me you'd be getting some grace (as we do - we cross twice a month, but at a rural crossing point near where Quebec meets NY and VT. With the exception of when we hit the random search number we are waived right through after the compulsury residence and declaration questions.
Your problem may be that you are not using a passport but a birth certificate instead. If you don't want to get a passport until it is required next year p_wabbit's recommendation that you get a NEXUS pass is a good one.
2007-02-27 08:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure its just bad luck on your part
BUT
If you are travelling weekly, perhaps consider a "NEXUS" pass - it will fast track you through the border (once you've submitted to a background check, fingerprinting etc.)
bear in mind that a Windsor - Detroit is the hotspot for guns being smuggeld into our country..
2007-02-27 06:13:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
okay. lemme tell you what's going on. You MUST HAVE come in here, and got caught doing something really stupid. Somehow you're on the system as a "hit". OR there's someone with a similar name that keeps coming up as a it. Bottom line is, if you're searched over and over, you're a "hit". They're just doing their job - if there's a "hit", they search you.
Why HALF the time, well probably because they only input your info on to their system HALF the time. Everytime they do, you come up. when they're lazy, and don't put your info in the system, you luck out.
Greet them real nice. "how are you today sir?" Think positive. Hope you get a dumbass customs inspector.
2007-02-28 15:07:39 · answer #4 · answered by Moe S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's see... your handle is "I Eat Paint Chips". That might have something to do with it. They do profile, so if you dress like some anarchist wannabe with the dreads and the drab clothes and the combat shorts, you're gonna be searched. If you have an "I hate Bush" sticker, you're gonna get searched. If you are under 25, you're gonna get searched. Period. Get used to it.
In addition, now you'll need a passport to go to Canada. Get one.
So, to get searched less, have a clean car, dress nicely, stay clean cut, and be respectful. A smile helps, too.
Funny that I've crossed the border to Mexico a number of times, and no one has bothered me. Even when my wife and I lost our luggage after our honeymoon and I pitched a loud fit (because my heart medication was in it). Nope, not searched, but the custom's officer was very helpful in getting me to see the senior AeroMexico official at the airport. Of course, looking like an ex marine probably helps.
2007-02-27 04:17:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe you stick out that can be a good thing or a bad thing or if you cross over the border alittle to much and they think you are doing something wrong or they could just be board
2007-02-27 04:07:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you get nervous whenever you drive up to the border? I know they're trained to read body language, so your frustration might throw them off.
2007-02-27 04:04:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someoneone with the same name is flagged, or it could be your vehicle description maybe?
2007-02-28 04:57:29 · answer #8 · answered by magu2k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wipe the coke from your upper lip and put out the ganja and ya might get by without search.
2007-02-27 04:04:03 · answer #9 · answered by boxerslive 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Is it because of your gun rack in the back window of your pickup?
2007-02-27 04:09:17 · answer #10 · answered by Lolipop 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋