Is CBP allowed to ask how you afford things?
 

I'm a grad student and don't work. I was recently asked when I told them my occupation was "student" how I afford such holidays (as they flipped through my book). I told them I "saved" - but is CBP allowed to ask? To what extent? I don't feel like telling them my personal business, and getting into a discussion of my personal finances.

Thanks!

Yes they can.

Yep, they can but I'd personally be keeping it to some variety of "i've acquired my money through legal means"

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CBP = .....?

Can you just say "dividends"? Can they ask you to prove that on the spot?

Did I get the acronym wrong?

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I would answer... " I acquired my $$$ the old fashioned way, I inherited it ".

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Canadian Border Police?

Oh, sorry. Customs & Border Protection - the people that interrogate you when you come back to the USA.

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I doubt they would do that. A few credit cards in your wallet should suffice.

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Arent those guys INS...?

I thought INS ended after 9/11 and replaced by USCIS. I could be wrong...

A CBP officer (or any other government agent) can ASK you anything s/he wants -- but you don't have to answer. When the question is inappropriate, as it was in this case, I'd refuse to answer and file a formal complaint.

And if I refuse to answer, won't I be creating a mess for myself? I'd feel more comfortable refusing to answer an inappropriate question to say, a police officer, as it seems anything airline related is a grey area and the pax usually loses.

Look at the video I saw on here of the Ron Paul supporter with the cash, for instance...

They're looking for the Easy Big Catch™. :rolleyes: Someone stupid but honest who answers "No problem, I make $5000 profit on every kilo I bring in. . ."