LAX secondary CBP screen question
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: FreeAgent; DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 705
LAX secondary CBP screen question
I'm a non-US citizen and have traveled to the USA many times since 2009, and I've held several statuses as well: tourist, business, exchange, and working. Each time I come in, I bring food items, but they are usually cookies or sweets. I always declare them on the CBP form. The officer usually asks and they let me through without anything else.
On my most recent arrival at LAX, I was however sent to secondary screening to the "A" channel (agriculture?). I did not bring any fruits or anything fresh whatsoever. They just scanned all my bags. Had one luggage opened. The officer put his hand in the middle and had it closed. He then said, "that's ok. You can give me your visa." He then typed something on the computer, handed me back my passport and sent me to my connecting flight. This happened at LAX. I only entered once through SFO in 2009 and all other arrivals have been at LAX.
Should I be worried that I will be searched again because there is something in my record? Would I need to file FOIA request form? I'm actually traveling in a couple of months again, but this time entering through YVR then to LAX.
On my most recent arrival at LAX, I was however sent to secondary screening to the "A" channel (agriculture?). I did not bring any fruits or anything fresh whatsoever. They just scanned all my bags. Had one luggage opened. The officer put his hand in the middle and had it closed. He then said, "that's ok. You can give me your visa." He then typed something on the computer, handed me back my passport and sent me to my connecting flight. This happened at LAX. I only entered once through SFO in 2009 and all other arrivals have been at LAX.
Should I be worried that I will be searched again because there is something in my record? Would I need to file FOIA request form? I'm actually traveling in a couple of months again, but this time entering through YVR then to LAX.
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Posts: 50,262
You were sent to secondary once out of multiple entries to the US and nothing other than a cursory inspection took place and you were sent on your way.
I would not give this a second thought unless it repeats itself 3-4 more times.
I would not give this a second thought unless it repeats itself 3-4 more times.
#3
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Join Date: Jul 2001
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Posts: 102,095
I'm a non-US citizen and have traveled to the USA many times since 2009, and I've held several statuses as well: tourist, business, exchange, and working. Each time I come in, I bring food items, but they are usually cookies or sweets. I always declare them on the CBP form. The officer usually asks and they let me through without anything else.
On my most recent arrival at LAX, I was however sent to secondary screening to the "A" channel (agriculture?). I did not bring any fruits or anything fresh whatsoever. They just scanned all my bags. Had one luggage opened. The officer put his hand in the middle and had it closed. He then said, "that's ok. You can give me your visa." He then typed something on the computer, handed me back my passport and sent me to my connecting flight. This happened at LAX. I only entered once through SFO in 2009 and all other arrivals have been at LAX.
Should I be worried that I will be searched again because there is something in my record? Would I need to file FOIA request form? I'm actually traveling in a couple of months again, but this time entering through YVR then to LAX.
On my most recent arrival at LAX, I was however sent to secondary screening to the "A" channel (agriculture?). I did not bring any fruits or anything fresh whatsoever. They just scanned all my bags. Had one luggage opened. The officer put his hand in the middle and had it closed. He then said, "that's ok. You can give me your visa." He then typed something on the computer, handed me back my passport and sent me to my connecting flight. This happened at LAX. I only entered once through SFO in 2009 and all other arrivals have been at LAX.
Should I be worried that I will be searched again because there is something in my record? Would I need to file FOIA request form? I'm actually traveling in a couple of months again, but this time entering through YVR then to LAX.
I've been sent to Ag for secondary and it just happens very infrequently to me. No adverse implications related to this on my files with the US government AFAIK.