The Gatekeepers
Inspections at land ports differ from those at airports. Land ports procedures are likely to be used at airports by the new Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.
AIR TRAVEL
At airports, travelers must pass muster with immigration inspectors, then customs inspectors and finally agriculture inspectors before being allowed into the United States.
(1) Immigration
Immigration and Naturalization Service inspectors review travelers' passports and check their names against "lookout" lists. Those who provoke concern and referred to an INS office for a more thorough review.
(2) Customs
Customs Service inspectors check travelers' declarations to determine wither duties are owed and inspect passengers and their bags for illegal goods. Travelers are referred to a Customs office for more thorough searches if necessary.
(3) Agriculture
Plan Protection and Quarantine inspectors from Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service check travelers' food and plants and clean the shoes of travelers who spent time on farms in countries where foot-and-mouth disease in a concern. Inspectors confiscate items not permitted for import.
LAND TRAVEL
Streamlined inspections at land borders assess whether travelers have violated immigration or customs laws.
(1) Primary
A customs or immigration inspector cross-trained in the basics of both immigration and customs law spends a couple of minutes reviewing travelers' documents.
(2) Secondary
Primary inspector refer travelers they suspect have violated laws to a secondary inspection station, where immigration, customs, and agriculture inspectors conduct more thorough reviews of travelers and their cargo.
SOURSE: STAFF REPORTS
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