The Gatekeepers

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