Originally Posted by
SeeBuyFly
Unfortunately, this is a weak argument:
(a) He didn't look at the passport (main page), he just looked at the sticker. If I'm using someone else's receipt, I could also be using someone else's passport; he wouldn't have known.
(b) Your point also applies to the regular (hand-written) form; I could be using someone else's form. But they never ask to see the passport when I turn in the regular form. That's the main reason this is an issue---it's done only for GE.
(c) If it is indeed a security issue, why is it not a problem in airports other than ORD?
(d) Can you suggest any logical reason to switch forms? At this point both people have successfully passed immigration. We're only talking Customs, which is about luggage. If these people are smuggling something and feel that one person is more likely to be stopped and searched, then the other person would carry the contraband. Switching forms achieves nothing.
a - What would have happened if for whatever reason, your sticker fell off without you noticing and when you are requested to show it, you did not have it. Then the CBP officer will have taken your passport and check for a match. Aside from the sticker issue, there is a lot of body language involved behind that interaction.
b - There is a big difference between the blue forma and the GE receipt. In the first instance you are dealing with a person to get the form stamped. Like other posters said, the officer puts its own codes to communicate with the customs agent. This also includes where the stamp is placed. With GE, you are dealing with a machine. Yet, the receipt also has embedded codes at the bottom. Unless you travel alone, it is harder to switch forms.
c - I never said it was a security issue. As habit, I always hand both - passport + receipt. Sometimes they check, others they don't. I don't keep track of who does what. Have more important things to worry about.
d - no suggestions at this point. However, once I found a GE receipt on the floor while waiting for my luggage. Lots of people around. A high risk person with a blue form could have easily picked it and attempted to use it.
--J