Forgot my passport one time heading south. There's always a first time to do this with the new requirement, in a rush to pack! No problem coming back. I handed the inspector my driver's license, and sheepishly admitted that I had left my passport at home.
The border inspectors are busy, and don't want to cause themselves unnecessary work, if it can be avoided. They depend a lot on intuition (some confuse this with "racial profiling"). Technically, you have no rights until the inspector determines you are who you claim to be, and are admitted into the country. If you have no passport, you can be sent to secondary inspection to verify your citizenship. rockyptjoe's statement: "If you're "legal" they can't refuse you admittance!!!" is correct, but it is the inspector who determines if you are "legal". This can cause you delays at the border
Outgoing inspection can be a very intimidating experience. It is supposed to target guns and money being transported into Mexico, but some of the questions asked by some of the agents are very intrusive, and have nothing to do with the objective of their inspection. They have no business asking where you are going, how long before you return, what kind of work you do, etc. They do have the authority to ask about guns, ammo, and if you have more than $10,000.
The following responses meet the legal requirement:
Where are you going?: Mexico.
How long are you going to be there?: Until I return.
What is the purpose of your trip?: I don't have to tell you.
What do you do?: You don't have a need to know.
How much money do you have?: Less than $10,000.
Do you have any guns or ammo?: No guns, no ammo.
Except for one occasion, it has taken me more time to clear leaving the country than to return. Strange way to protect the country, especially when we do not have adequate manpower to control what is coming north.
One Border and Customs Protection Agent to be commended is Newman. He is thin, tall, with dark hair. He always has a smile, is pleasant, and has a great disposition. Should you encounter him, be sure to compliment him on his positive, pleasant attitude, and his professionalism.
I have written up two out-of-line agents, one who was subsequently fired (not solely on my complaint). This agent was later reinstated because his management failed to follow the proper procedure, not because he deserved to be fired. Supervisors know who the abusive agents are. Documented complaints give the supervisors the necessary tools to deal with the problem. However, it is especially important to write letters of commendation for agents who are recognized as doing an outstanding job.
:-?
