Strange questions at the US border [duplicate]

I wanted to ask people who travelled to the USA and are not citizens. I’m British and this year went to the US for the first time.

I was with a group of 5 people and they are all British as well. So I was watching what kind of questions they were asked and it was all pretty normal and what you would expect: How long are you planning to stay? What’s your occupation? What are you planning to do in the US? and so on.

When it was my turn, I got really confused when the woman asked me: Tell me about the area where you live. I thought she meant my home address but she wanted me to describe how my neighbourhood was and what fun activities around it there were. After that she asked what my hobbies are. And that’s all!

I was like: What? Really?

Is it normal practice or do they decide what questions to ask based on the information they have about you?

customs-and-immigration

Best Answer

After that she asked what my hobbies are. And that’s all!

There is no set pattern of questions that they must ask, all they need is a satisfaction that you are who you claim to be and reason to believe that chances are you will abide by the entry rules. The officer was already convinced you were fine, for whatever reasons unknown to us.

Those questions were just a friendly chat and nothing more. I'd be really pleased after such an interaction.

Anecdote: (It was UK, not the US, but hey)

A few weeks ago we landed in Scotland and the officer said Here for 9 days; what brings you here today? and i honestly replied Oh this 4 year old kid wants to see Scotland. And that was that, then the officer just had a friendly chat with him and didn't ask us anything further and stamped us in.

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Can you refuse to answer questions at the border?

Even though you always have the right to remain silent, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may deny you entry to the U.S. or detain you for search and/or questioning. Agents may search any person, the inside of any vehicle, and all passenger belongings.

What questions do they ask you at the US border?

Be Prepared for Questions From CBP Officials

Why are you visiting the United States? ...
Where will you be staying? ...
Who will you be visiting? ...
How long will you be staying? ...
How much money do you have available for this trip? ...
Have you visited the United States before, and if so, how long did you stay?

What does border security see when they scan your passport?

' Presumably both you and your son hold US e-passports which contain a chip. That chip holds biometric information that's printed on the picture page - name, date of birth, sex, nationality, date of issue, passport number, and photograph.

Does CBP see warrants?

Many travelers wonder if CBP is alerted when an inbound passenger has a warrant for their arrest issued. Yes, CBP is alerted.

US Customs Refusal. “Everything you need is on my passport” (part 1) tyrant gets mad

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