BajaNomad - So did I screw myself out of ever getting a Sentri?

So did I screw myself out of ever getting a Sentri?

brewer - 6-1-2013 at 06:10 PM

I always cross Tecate going home. Last Jan. went to secondary and the guy finds an avocado. He says guacamole is O.K., but not the skin and seed. So I laugh and scoop out the avocado. He takes the skin and seed. When he comes back he gives me a sheet of what is not allowed back across.

So I cross last week, get sent to secondary because I said I was bringing fish back. I tell ya, everytime I've said I'm bringing nothing back, I don't end up in secondary. So he first asks if those are my dogs or did I bring them back from Mex. WTF? Never been asked that before in 40 years. By chance I had their papers. They are Mexican rescues. So he does his search and comes out with 4 eggs and an apple. I just threw everything from our refer into the cooler not even thinking about it.

So when he comes back with the passports, he tells me it's my second violation and one more time I will be issued a $300 fine. Maybe some of you have dealt with this Mr. perfect Boarder agent. Anyways, what do you think my chances are for getting a Sentri pass now?

I really hope I haven't messed up the chance with 1 avocado, 4 eggs, and 1 apple.

DENNIS - 6-1-2013 at 06:18 PM

You're OK. There was no arrest.

woody with a view - 6-1-2013 at 06:22 PM

you are a poor example of an honest citizen. you should be ashamed! the guy who scolded me for an UNOPENED package of lunch meat sounds just like the turd you encountered.

go to the interview and tell them how you feel like you're back in 2nd grade, the way the guvmint treats its people! :biggrin:

fandango - 6-1-2013 at 06:38 PM

Prolly not.
BUT, once you are in sentri their paperwork says zero tolerance. They say you will lose sentri and not be invited back.

Kalypso - 6-1-2013 at 07:40 PM

Quote:

... Anyways, what do you think my chances are for getting a Sentri pass now?

I really hope I haven't messed up the chance with 1 avocado, 4 eggs, and 1 apple.

You're probably okay. Apply and be honest in the interview.

I usually travel back from mainland Mexico with all kinds of food products, you just need to know what's okay and what isn't. Everytime I've flown back through IAH (Houston International) and declared anything remotely related to a food item I've been diverted to secondary. Nothing has ever been confisgated, including the excess bottle of home brew mezcal that wasn't sealed.

If it's fresh, it generally can't come across the border. Dried, pickled, preserved or otherwise processed, it generally is allowed.

David K - 6-1-2013 at 07:52 PM

I think Tecate is where they are putting all the newbie agents... last week was really a piece of work, and I have almost 50 years of border crossing experience to compare with!

Brewer, can you scan and post (or email me) the sheet you were given? I have one from 2002 (I think) and would be nice to see what is different.

Here's a close-up of the list:

brewer - 6-1-2013 at 08:36 PM

David K.,I'll on work getting that to you.

BajaBlanca - 6-1-2013 at 08:54 PM

Perhaps, to be on the safe side, give away all the food items you have.

55steve - 6-1-2013 at 09:13 PM

I applied for Sentri one month ago - The GOES site says it is pending review. How long does this usually take?

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

Ateo - 6-1-2013 at 10:34 PM

I learned today that a big azz banana is just fine to bring back. Who would've known?

Maderita - 6-2-2013 at 12:58 AM

55steve,
I applied during the last week of March. It took 26 days to review and receive notice by e-mail of a status change. The appontment for interview and vehicle inspection was another two months out (the last week in June).

Log in to the GOES web site every few days to check your status, just in case you don't receive an e-mail.

mrfatboy - 6-2-2013 at 03:50 AM

About 5 years ago I came back thru tecate after a long weekend at canyon Guadalupe. I totally forgot I had an apple from the states in the center console of the car. When asked if I had any fruits or vegetables I remembered I had it and offered it up like a good citizen or dumbass depending on how you look at it. Off to secondary I went for 45 minutes. Got the lecture and paperwork

I applied for Sentri 4 months ago without noting the apple incident on the application. Received my Sentri card 30 days later.

DENNIS - 6-2-2013 at 05:43 AM

Sad to see how Homeland Security has terrorized us. My Gawd....an apple??

tjsue - 6-2-2013 at 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve
I applied for Sentri one month ago - The GOES site says it is pending review. How long does this usually take?

I applied April 10, and got my email notification on May 22. I have my interview and vehicle inspection on June 25. You can change your appointment in their online calendar if you don't like the time and date. If I get scheduled to work, I'll change it, otherwise, I'm going.

55steve - 6-2-2013 at 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Maderita
55steve,
I applied during the last week of March. It took 26 days to review and receive notice by e-mail of a status change. The appontment for interview and vehicle inspection was another two months out (the last week in June).

Log in to the GOES web site every few days to check your status, just in case you don't receive an e-mail.

Thanks for the info! I'm hoping to have it for a Fall trip.

Kalypso - 6-2-2013 at 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve
I applied for Sentri one month ago - The GOES site says it is pending review. How long does this usually take?

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

The GOES site says to contact them after 8 weeks if you haven't heard anything. When I applied for my SENTRI 8 weeks came and went, so I contact them as instructed and got a message back saying there was an unexpected backlog and initial intake and review was taking longer.

So I continued to wait. 12 weeks came and went, so I contacted them again. I got the same backlog message back. However, 48 hours later I got the message that my status had changed and I should call to schedule the interview appointment. Luckily, the appointment schedule was pretty open and I got an interview at Otay about a week after that. From start to finish my SENTRI took 4 months which is the longest I've heard for anyone.

I've had 5 friends apply for SENTRI after me and all of them without fail had a far, far shorter wait time than I did. One was processed in less than 10 days. She elected to go to Calexico for the interview and had her card in about 2 weeks. The other 4 all took in the 4-6 week range. Bottom line is, if you think the wait is taking too long, be a squeaky wheel. I probably should not have waited 8 weeks as proscribed on the GOES web site and I probably shouldn't have waited the additional 4 after I contacted them.

Additionally, if the interview options are all really far out, or Calexico is the only option, book an interview anyway. Then go down to the CBP window in San Ysidro (close to the trolley stop and where the south pedestrian crossing is) and ask them if there are any opening sooner than your scheduled one. They usually have some open slots that are held back for flexibility, emergencies and other situations such as immediate travel plans. I know 1 couple and 2 singles that have all successfully rescheduled their original SENTRI interview by going to the San Ysidro CBP window.

Getting the SENTRI pass is one of the best moves I've made. It doesn't solve the border crossing pain, but it sure does make it a lot easier.

P.S. When you get your SENTRI, have the interviewing officer put the GOES program sticker in the back of your passport. It will get you through customs and immigration at major airports in the U.S. much quicker. Whether you travel by air internationally or not, many airports are now beginning to have separate security lines for travelers with proof that they are the GOES program

Bob H - 6-2-2013 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

.... Apply and be honest in the interview.

A friend of mine was way too honest in the interview, when asked, "have you ever smoked pot?", he replied, "Yes"... and was forever denied.....

durrelllrobert - 6-2-2013 at 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H

Quote:

.... Apply and be honest in the interview.

A friend of mine was way too honest in the interview, when asked, "have you ever smoked pot?", he replied, "Yes"... and was forever denied.....

...but all pot smokers and criminals in general are more than welcome in the fast pass and regular lanes. Go figure.

DavidE - 6-2-2013 at 11:09 AM

In the days before 09/11 I used to cross with a clipboard. A list of stuff gotten in Mexico, driver's license clipped to the top. Honest to god, one Customs agent remarked to me "This is impressive organization" I was waved on...

This happened the year after I was secondaried in Texas. Bad bad luck. I ran into freshmen Customs agents all full of urine and lone star vinegar. I overheard clearly one say to the other "There just has GOT to be something here". Towing a trailer with pickup and camper. A two-hour search. They actually were angry they didn't find anything. Final words "Please leave quickly we need the space". FSOAB's

elgatoloco - 6-2-2013 at 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

When were you in DC? :lol:

elgatoloco - 6-2-2013 at 11:26 AM

Like many others I have been crossing the border for decades and trying to figure out and stay on top of what you can and cannot bring back has driven me to limit myself to pretty much tequila and pan. Makes it easier. Especially with having Sentri. We give away anything left over. I should say that I can recall a handful of times when I had items that were on the list of acceptable but were deemed not so by the agent and when I pointed to my list they would say that their descretion was the 'last word'. After Sentri I stopped even trying to educate them. :lol:

55steve - 6-2-2013 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

When were you in DC? :lol:

Ha! Actually in Nicaragua with Daniel Ortega at a private party after the Sandinista rally in San Juan Del Sur.

Correcamino - 6-2-2013 at 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

When were you in DC? :lol:

elgatoloco, don't agree with your politics, but hilarious joke, sin embargo!!: four LMAOs out of four!

:lol:

[Edited on 6-2-2013 by Correcamino]

tjsue - 6-2-2013 at 04:04 PM

The CBP window in San Ysidro is only for pedestrians, they don't do vehicle inspections.

Kalypso - 6-2-2013 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tjsue
The CBP window in San Ysidro is only for pedestrians, they don't do vehicle inspections.

No they don't, but they will reschedule a SENTRI interview and it's usually for an interview within 24-72 hours at Otay.

durrelllrobert - 6-2-2013 at 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Sad to see how Homeland Security has terrorized us. My Gawd....an apple??

HOW DID Janet Napolitano get to be so powerful?

elgatoloco - 6-2-2013 at 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

When were you in DC? :lol:

Ha! Actually in Nicaragua with Daniel Ortega at a private party after the Sandinista rally in San Juan Del Sur.

Sounds like the making of an interesting story.

elgatoloco - 6-2-2013 at 10:38 PM

Glad you got a laugh out of that bit of levity. I had a chuckle when I typed it. Then a moment of sheer terror when I hit post...as for my politics..................

Quote:

Originally posted by Correcamino

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

When were you in DC? :lol:

elgatoloco, don't agree with your politics, but hilarious joke, sin embargo!!: four LMAOs out of four!

:lol:

[Edited on 6-2-2013 by Correcamino]

55steve - 6-2-2013 at 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve

Would partying with the leader of a socialist country hold up this process?

When were you in DC? :lol:

Ha! Actually in Nicaragua with Daniel Ortega at a private party after the Sandinista rally in San Juan Del Sur.

Sounds like the making of an interesting story.

Yep, interesting for sure.

elgatoloco - 6-2-2013 at 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Sad to see how Homeland Security has terrorized us. My Gawd....an apple??

HOW DID Janet Napolitano get to be so powerful?

Google Patriot Act

gallesram - 6-3-2013 at 10:08 AM

We never bring ANYTHING back, except water that I'm drinking on the trip. I look at it as the price for having SENTRI. I'd rather come back empty-handed and have a 15-minute border wait than try to bring something back and risk losing SENTRI. We stop at the last bathrooms on the toll road before Tijuana and dump anything that we have in the car (sandwich stuff, sodas, fruit, literally everything).

fishingmako - 6-8-2013 at 02:43 PM

I agree David K this is where the new training facility is TECATE so that it relieves some pressure at the other crossings.

I as you have crossed here for years, now all of a sudden Secondary every time returning back to the USA I ASKED WHY? NO REAL ANSWER BACK OTHER THAN RANDOM.

Also have you noticed the extra long wait time now? the good old Days my friends are gone.

Sentri

dpwahoo - 6-8-2013 at 03:18 PM

We received the sentri in about 3 months. I had an arrest for weed when I was 18. I never mentioned this in the interview or the application. I think all the weed arrests in the 70"s were expunged if you had less than an ounce, or maybe it was my lawyer that got it done. i cant remember, it was 39 years ago. But, at any rate, thank god for sentri. I think the 240 dollar fee was worth it for just one crossing, let alone 5 years worth. No more 5 hours in line anytime! :bounce:

mrfatboy - 6-8-2013 at 04:54 PM

So far it seems I have had the fastest Sentri turn around from app to card. Less than 30 days. This seems like a new good thread topic but I'm too lazy to start now.

tjsue - 6-27-2013 at 03:50 PM

I had my Sentri interview today, and was denied.

The letter that was on my account said that I don't meet their strict standards. So I sent an email to the CBP Ombudsman's office to find out what standards I didn't meet, and I'll be appealing it.

willardguy - 6-27-2013 at 04:19 PM

well that sucks! maybe you just didnt LOOK qualified? I went by the sentri office the other day and couldnt help taking a peek at some of the applicants filling out the online questionnaire. :lol:

DENNIS - 6-27-2013 at 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
well that sucks! maybe you just didnt LOOK qualified? I went by the sentri office the other day and couldnt help taking a peek at some of the applicants filling out the online questionnaire. :lol:

Now...there's a terrorist, if ever I saw one. :lol:

tjsue - 6-27-2013 at 05:11 PM

Maybe I looked too nice, since I dressed for an interview. If I had dressed like a slob, I probably would have been approved.

[Edited on 6-28-2013 by tjsue]

danaeb - 6-27-2013 at 05:31 PM

The good SENTRI news: I applied online for renewal a couple of months ago. Got the new card in the mail a week later. No in-person visit, no paperwork, nada....

tjsue - 6-27-2013 at 05:43 PM

I'm curious to find out what standards I don't meet.

Given the PURPOSE of Screening..............

MrBillM - 6-27-2013 at 10:16 PM

One would Hope that they would err on the side of caution and security.

I can personally state that admission of an earlier Minor Customs violation (Demasiado Cerveza) is not disqualifying. Other infractions, Quien Sabe ?

My only disquieting moment (actually quite awhile) was a difficulty getting a row of Green Lights from the Fingerprint machine.

DocRey - 6-28-2013 at 02:07 PM

I have just applied for renewal and am cautiously optimistic.
In the 5 yrs. that I've enjoyed using SENTRI, I've only had two run-ins with the same CBP agent.
I call him "The Border N-zi" ( ala Seifeld's Soup N-zi). Have you had him? He's an older man of Filipino descent, 5 ft. nothing, heavy Tagalog accent & always with a scowl on his face.
In the first incident, I was approaching in the lane with a trailer & 3 custom wooden & iron doors I had made from T.J. He immediately began railing-on me about why I had brought such items into the SENTRI lane. At the near top of his lungs he demands, "Why? Why? Why did you bring this here? Didn't you read the rules for SENTRI? I should send you to Secondary! I should revoke your SENTRI pass!
After a few choice put-downs, he says "Git, git, git outta hir!" I didn't look back.
The second time, the wife, our Yorkie & I had spent a weekend working on our casita in San Antonio Del Mar. We approach the booth & guess who we get again. "Do you have anything to declare?" Recognizing the agent I say "no", sheepishly. Mind you, our Yorkie is laying on the console between our two seats.
Loud voice..."Are you chure you have no-ting to declare?" I answer no for the second time. Louder voice..."Back Up! Back Up! And read the sign you just passed! Backed up to read sign..." You must declare...."pets"... We had probably crossed two dozen times with Lily ( usually her growling at the agent) and never declared her. He's right I guess. " I should revoke your pass!"! "Git outta here!"
There now. I feel much better. Waited a while to get that off my chest. LOL.

:tumble:

tjsue - 6-28-2013 at 02:35 PM

I've never heard of having to declare your pets. If it's not something new, he must have made it up.

55steve - 7-28-2013 at 10:22 PM

I've been RV'ing the country & Canada the last 5 weeks and last week FINALLY got an email from GOES that my SENTRI has been conditionally approved - they even sent me another email to let me know that I hadn't scheduled an appt and to get with it. Now that I'm back home I scheduled an appt for 2:30 pm on Tues 7/30. Looks like I may actually have an easier time at the border - now if there was a way to make it easier when towing a boat.....

tjsue - 7-29-2013 at 08:45 AM

I haven't heard back yet with a reason for my denial, and I sent the email on June 27. I'm going to wait until I move, then send them a letter requesting the reason under the FOIPA.

If nothing happens, I'll reapply in the spring, and if I'm denied again, I'll request to speak to a supervisor, and bring I'll take my requesting documentation with me in case I'm denied again, but keep it in my purse in case it's needed.

tjsue - 7-29-2013 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve
I've been RV'ing the country & Canada the last 5 weeks and last week FINALLY got an email from GOES that my SENTRI has been conditionally approved - they even sent me another email to let me know that I hadn't scheduled an appt and to get with it. Now that I'm back home I scheduled an appt for 2:30 pm on Tues 7/30. Looks like I may actually have an easier time at the border - now if there was a way to make it easier when towing a boat.....

Good luck, I hope you get it!

DavidE - 7-29-2013 at 09:18 AM

Ever get the...

"How many kilos of cocaine are you smuggling today?"

"Are those needle tracks on your left arm?"

"Do you have money in the trunk?"

Customs agents become "Special Agents" then "Senior Agents" really fast when they get photographed standing alongside a major bust. Counterfeit movies, child porn, a crate of avocados, it doesn't matter....it's "Us Against Them, Baby"

[Edited on 7-29-2013 by DavidE]

55steve - 7-30-2013 at 08:27 PM

Everything went very well at the border today - successfully did my interview and got my truck inspected - supposed to get my pass in 7-10 days.

I was asked if I had ever used drugs - I told him I grew up in the 60's and of course I did! Next question was the last time I did any drugs - I replied I'm not really sure but it was around 30 years ago. He was cool and smiled at my candor.

Rockin' in the free world! All is good!

[Edited on 7-31-2013 by 55steve]