Whatever you want to call it -- EVERY arriving passenger has to answer the question, in writing, and under penalty of perjury, and even the briefest of questionings I've encountered they have asked the question verbally, as well -- even though you have already answered it in writing. wilp888's claim that the CBP wouldn't ask this because the answer is "obvious" is not only completely out of line with experience, but suggests -- quite incorrectly -- that CBP policies and procedures would be logical or sensible.