Thread

1. TrackerFF · 1790856519 · focus · HN ↗

   Yeah, people are unfortunately not informed on just how much power border agents wield. Not only in the US, but in many (most I'd believe) other countries, too. I've worked on cases (intel side) where the law-enforcement side would just wait for the surveillance objects to cross the border, as that's where they could do most data collection with the least hassle.

   If for whatever reason you think you're being investigated or surveilled (who knows for what these days, could be enough to just associate with the various protest groups / orgs), you can just assume that the border will be where they'll try to clone / download your data (phones, laptops, whatever)

   1. jwr · 1790859098 · focus · HN ↗

      I'm lucky to live in a country (Poland) where border agents can either let you in, arrest you if there is an arrest warrant, or detain but only with a lawful basis for detention (as in, you are posing a threat to others) and detention may be used only when other measures have proved pointless or ineffective.

      This makes returning to the country nice and pleasant. The border agents never ask you creepy questions like: Where are you going? Where will you be staying? What do you intend to do? (it's what US border agents ask their citizens). They just say hi and let you in.

      1. keiferski · 1790859370 · focus · HN ↗

         Poland border agents do ask why you're visiting. Don't know where you're getting that info.

         1. jwr · 1790863467 · focus · HN ↗

            My point was that Polish citizens do not get asked. This is different for Americans. US citizens entering their own country have to answer these bizarre and sometimes creepy questions.

            1. WalterBright · 1790876871 · focus · HN ↗

               Last month I returned to the US. My experience with passport control was I stood in front of a camera and a photo was taken, and the light turned green, and I went through. No questions, no interaction with passport staff.

               The fastest I've ever gotten through passport control.

               1. pyreko · 1790888358 · focus · HN ↗

                  I had this experience at YYZ once in like 2024 at preclearance (Canadian on a TN), it was very nice, didn't even have to hand over my passport. It went away at some point though and I haven't experienced it since...

                  Also I guess while we're sharing experiences returning home, at least for US -> YYZ I just fill out info at the self-guided kiosks. Officers just say hi, glance at the receipt and mark it, and I'm done. Never been asked anything so far.

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