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Hi Party People. As quite a few of you know, I have had my gripes with the U.S. Customs Service for nearly three years. Am I pissed and annoyed? Of course (AND WITHOUT QUESTION)! Why? I have never committed any crime in Colombia (or the U.S., for that matter). When I returned from Panama two weeks ago, an U.S. Customs Inspector had searched my luggage and asked me questions. I answered his questions; however, I noticed he was a little agitated. Apparently, he noticed something on the monitor regarding me (maybe because of the fact that I've travelled to Colombia on several occasions, and filed two severe complaints against U.S. Customs-for profiling and mistreating me). This particular Inspector was very well mannered and professional. He handled his business in a timely manner (less than five minutes). When he finished, he actually said to me, "Have a good night, and welcome home." THAT FREAKED ME OUT!!!!!Why? It suprised me because of the crap I had to endure from those (NASTY) Inspectors down at Miami International Airport (between Dec. 2000 and Dec. 2001). But then again, I don't go through MIA anymore (AND I'LL NEVER GO THROUGH THERE AGAIN). I want to make one thing abundantly clear; I don't blame the entire U.S. Customs Service for what happend to me during Dec. 2000 and Dec. 2001. That was due to the machinations of a few arrogant and very vindictive individuals.  What I'm saying is this; anytime I return to this country (from Central or South America), I have been (and will be) looked at 'sideways.' Not because I broke the law (I NEVER DID AND HAVE NO REASON TO). But the fact I had to open my mouth (and write to a couple of Representatives in Congress). I'm not making this up. Those who are on this Board who know and met me can attest to this. Some people (including my cousin) actually told me that I'm 'messing' with the (U.S.) Government. How? I don't think that I'm 'messing' with the Government at all. BUT, I WILL BE HEARD AND I WILL CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE SEAS TO FIND THAT ONE SPECIAL WOMAN FOR ME. Later.

... in response to Just A Thought, Part II, posted by Keith Smith on Aug 24, 2003

When I came back from Brazil they only asked me my citizenship and anything to declare. I came through Houston five about 5 seconds at custom. Is it possible that they give guys more trouble who go to Colombia? Everybody else went through customs easily from what I noticed.

... in response to Re: Just A Thought, Part II, posted by stefang on Aug 25, 2003

There is a noticeable emphasis on anything related to Colombia - which is to be expected given the "drug" reputation - you can bet the canine's will be present at baggage claim, etc..  But as long as you're honest and not up the anything, it's really no hastle.  I'm surprised that I've never been searched, as my bags are usually loaded with coffee - the dogs just take a casual sniff and continue on.

... in response to Just A Thought, Part II, posted by Keith Smith on Aug 24, 2003

Any person with good reason who feels that they have been the subject of abuse, mistreatment, fraud or mismanagment during the immigration, visa or customs process can file a formal complaint with the Office of Inspector General (Dept. of Justice), and the BCIS Office of Internal Audit. Complaints with good cause are taken seriously, and is an important way for us to help improve immigration. For more information, visit:
http://www.usaimmigrationattorney.com/FilingAComplaintwithImmigration.html

Best regards,
Gary Bala

... in response to Re: Just A Thought, Part II, posted by Gary Bala on Aug 25, 2003

Hi Gary. We met a couple of times last year in Colombia (Cali-June 2002 and Barranquilla-Nov. 2002). Remember that notice I showed you in BAQ?

... in response to Re: Just A Thought, Part II, posted by Gary Bala on Aug 25, 2003

While fortunately I have never been 'harrassed' when reentering the country I have had my stuff gone through a couple times.

Keep in mind the job these people have. They have to consider everyone a risk. They have a pretty thankless job and no one wants to be the one who lets in the wrong person or let them bring in the wrong 'stuff'.

That said, they do still need to be civil and professional.

Before pursuing any action against one of these people be sure and take a look at your situation as an outsider would. Were you really harrassed or did you just feel that way? Were their questions or actions within reason or were you subjected to humiliation? Do you have any proof or witnesses?

They give the immigration and customs people a lot of leeway when dealing with people entering the country. If you act suspicious or uncooperative that will put them on alert and jack up their level of scrutiny another notch.

I'm all for equal rights and I do not like to be f*ked with but I prefer coming into my home country with as little hassle as possible. You don't want to get a bad file or send up any red flags.

... in response to Just A Thought, Part II, posted by Keith Smith on Aug 24, 2003

You must have had some bad experiences in MIA, I guess I've been lucky because the agents have always been cordial and I like MIA because of the number of lines - it's a quick process there.  I only had one "glitch" when my name appeared similar to somebody elses that was on some kind of sh%t list - but nothing more than 5 minutes to clear it up.  These guys do a great job on the whole IMHO, especially considering their limited resources.

... in response to Customs, posted by cancunhound on Aug 25, 2003

In four trips through MIA customs, I have had no problems with customs.  They have been quick and the only concerned with my lousy handwriting on my customs declaration.

The one problem I did have at MIA was with mishandled luggage by Northwest/KLM and an incompentant luggage handler that not only could not fill out the lost bagagge claims on his own but spoke English worse that the person who had checked me in in Kiev Ukraine that morning.

... in response to Re: Customs, posted by Richard on Aug 25, 2003

I have been through MIA about 15 times and I never got hasseled once. I figured I was about due when I started getting a bunch of stamps in my passport from Colombia, but it never happened.
Pacino told me that he got scrutinized by customs a number of times through Miami. I don't know why some people do and some people don't have a problem going through MIA.
The one or two times I went through LAX, I was engaged in consentual conversation by customs agents, but nothing more than asking me what Colombia was like and what I did there.

... in response to Re: Re: Customs, posted by Traveller on Aug 25, 2003

Traveller, once again, my problem with U.S. Customs started at MIA. However, at JFK and Newark, there was no problem. In fact, they (Inspectors) at JFK and Newark were professional and well mannered (unlike those characters in Miami). Later.