Draconian Usa Airport Search Policies Still A Go

[Jingthing]

USA based travelers to Thailand returning home still must be aware that all their electronic devices are subject to draconian search policies. Started under Bush, continued under Obama. Just a heads up ...

Bush's Search Policy For Travelers Is Kept

Obama Officials Say Oversight Will Grow

By Ellen Nakashima

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Obama administration will largely preserve Bush-era procedures allowing the government to search -- without suspicion of wrongdoing -- the contents of a traveler's laptop computer, cellphone or other electronic device, although officials said new policies would expand oversight of such inspections.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9082704065.html

[pmarlin]

USA based travelers to Thailand returning home still must be aware that all their electronic devices are subject to draconian search policies. Started under Bush, continued under Obama. Just a heads up ...

Bush's Search Policy For Travelers Is Kept

Obama Officials Say Oversight Will Grow

By Ellen Nakashima

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Obama administration will largely preserve Bush-era procedures allowing the government to search -- without suspicion of wrongdoing -- the contents of a traveler's laptop computer, cellphone or other electronic device, although officials said new policies would expand oversight of such inspections.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9082704065.html

It must be very selective because after several trips back to the US from Thailnd I have never had this done to me nor have I seen it done. I always travel with a laptop.

[kyb789]

I return to the U.S. frequently. They have never searched my laptop, but they consistently make me feel like a criminal when returning to my own country. The questions, the suspicious looks. They are out of control. My Thai gf came back with me last time and they pulled her in the back room for 1 hr of intense interrogation. Can you believe it?? She had her VISA and all paperwork in order, yet this is what she gets for taking a vacation to the U.S.

If the immigration department wants to catch illegals, why don't they just drive 1 mile down the road to the nearest Home Depot and they can pick up all the illegals they want standing around the street.

[moe666]

Never had the laptop looked at but they checked out my pocket camera. The woman at the arrivals desk put a red check in my arrival card. I assume she didn't like the answer I gave her about what I was doing in Thailand visiting family raised a red flag.

Got to the customs line was directed to one of the inspection counters the kid there ask what do you have in the bags I say a little bit of this and a little bit of that. He ask do you have a camera I says yes he ask to look at it. I hand him the camera and he starts fumbling with it. I ask do you want help with that he hands me the camera, I turn it on and show him the photos of my girlfriends mom, her kids, and of her. Handing me the camera back he says thanks that will be all no futher checks of bags he missed the 20 lbs of pot just joking.

Just harassement of us older, single male travellers who have family and friends in Thailand.

[nakachalet]

USA based travelers to Thailand returning home still must be aware that all their electronic devices are subject to draconian search policies. Started under Bush, continued under Obama. Just a heads up ...

The Obama administration will largely preserve Bush-era procedures allowing the government to search -- without suspicion of wrongdoing -- the contents of a traveler's laptop computer, cellphone or other electronic device, although officials said new policies would expand oversight of such inspections.

on one hand, it can be considered another intrusion into and a violation of our personal privacy, rights and freedom....

on the other hand, many people in the southern parts of thailand would certainly disagree with the violation issue and instead they would wholeheartedly support such practices and perhaps could come up with something even more stringent yet.... because they have experienced much worse events than what we could ever imagine because of unchecked cell phone etc....

since 1980, on numerous occasions, my personal computing devices have had been thoroughly searched and sometimes openly checked again and again, and other times i was asked to just turn it on for the security personnel to inspect....

what is even more annoying is, i was just searched and almost destroyed at one terminal.... lol, yet at another corner, another domestic flight.... i was thoroughly searched again.... lol

it just made me realized that i was back at the most powerful nation in the whole wide world.... lol

yes, i was very annoyed but i might be even much sorrier.... had there been another shocking event the like of the twin tower....

yes, bring on the inspection team, the almighty seal and even m6.... lol

[hansnl]

Some years ago I decided never to visit the US.

Awful country with awful rules.

But I like the Yanks.

[stkyricesf]

Over the past 11 years, traveling to LOS twice a year, its only in the past 5 years that I've been

stopped at US customs everytime but last time. At first I just told myself, its for safety reasons,

but they always let my friends through withoout search. I finally asked, am I on a list or something,

of course they said, Oh no, just random checking. I'll be glad when I retire next year and finally

move to the LOS. Of course will need to come back every once in a while due to family being here.

[britmaveric]

First time ever in decades of travel....Had my notebook looked at last trip to yankland - only thing diff was my trip to Cambodia, so I have to assume this was the red flag alert. Actually the lad who flagged me seemed pretty nice, but wasnt too bright thought Cambodia was Burma. Anyways second lad searched my bags and did it half arse. Looked at my notebook last and got bored after looking at the first few hundred temple pics of Angkor Wat. Only looked in my pics directory, and nowhere else. So to be honest - if I am being stopped for no reason I'd rather them do a good job searching me then waste my time.

Edited August 28, 2009 by britmaveric

[Hawaiian]

Every time you go through airport security think why all this paranoia came about. Ideological fanatics murdering innocent people in the belief that this will bring them eternal salvation. If you think U.S. security checkpoints are bad, try Israel. But then they are in the middle of where all this nonsense started.

No one enjoys this invasion of personal privacy especially if you are the "chosen one" for a random search. Thank God, I have never been chosen.

On a lighter side, I remember traveling in the Philippines during the 80's. At the provincial airports there were boxes located at the departure gates with signs "Deposit your knives and weapons here." I never bothered to look inside to see whether anyone had done so.

[phetaroi]

I return to the U.S. frequently. They have never searched my laptop, but they consistently make me feel like a criminal when returning to my own country. The questions, the suspicious looks. They are out of control. My Thai gf came back with me last time and they pulled her in the back room for 1 hr of intense interrogation. Can you believe it?? She had her VISA and all paperwork in order, yet this is what she gets for taking a vacation to the U.S.

If the immigration department wants to catch illegals, why don't they just drive 1 mile down the road to the nearest Home Depot and they can pick up all the illegals they want standing around the street.

I, too, have never been searched in any way. But I do like your post. Several years ago the US government spent quite a bit of money on a study to determine why southeast Asians were not vacationing in the U.S. Duh...like maybe because the US will not give almost any a visa.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

I return to the U.S. frequently. They have never searched my laptop, but they consistently make me feel like a criminal when returning to my own country. The questions, the suspicious looks. They are out of control. My Thai gf came back with me last time and they pulled her in the back room for 1 hr of intense interrogation. Can you believe it?? She had her VISA and all paperwork in order, yet this is what she gets for taking a vacation to the U.S.

If the immigration department wants to catch illegals, why don't they just drive 1 mile down the road to the nearest Home Depot and they can pick up all the illegals they want standing around the street.

I, too, have never been searched in any way. But I do like your post. Several years ago the US government spent quite a bit of money on a study to determine why southeast Asians were not vacationing in the U.S. Duh...like maybe because the US will not give almost any a visa.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9082704065.html

Between October 2008 and Aug. 11, more than 221 million travelers

passed through CBP checkpoints. About 1,000 laptop searches were

performed, only 46 in-depth, the DHS said.

ปปปปปปปปปปปปปปปปปปป

Oops, looks like the niece was computing....

Anyway, sure looks like odds on having a search are pretty small.

I was back to the U.S. via Seattle in July, back here now, no Q about my netbook.

Mac

[geriatrickid]

Every time you go through airport security think why all this paranoia came about. Ideological fanatics murdering innocent people in the belief that this will bring them eternal salvation. If you think U.S. security checkpoints are bad, try Israel. But then they are in the middle of where all this nonsense started.

No one enjoys this invasion of personal privacy especially if you are the "chosen one" for a random search. Thank God, I have never been chosen.

On a lighter side, I remember traveling in the Philippines during the 80's. At the provincial airports there were boxes located at the departure gates with signs "Deposit your knives and weapons here." I never bothered to look inside to see whether anyone had done so.

NO, no and no.

The inspections of laptops and computers is because of an attempt to intercept returning sex trade tourists. They are looking for "pornography". And they actually do catch a few people stupid enugh to store or improperly delete certain images. The intent is both a public display to show that they are doing something and to act as a deterrence.

Unfortunately, if someone did a cost benefit analysis of the interceptions and costs of legal harassment, I think the numbers would show that better value would be obtained from posting agents overseas that would watch venues where the objectionable acts occur and that then send back photographs of the presumed pervs.

In respect to the "war on terror" in the USA, none of the 9-11 murderers was a "tourist". They were visa holding residents of the USA, most of which came from the great oil supplier Saudi Arabia. Even today, when alleged terrorists are arrested in the USA, they are almost all long term alien residents or US citizens.

BTW, this issue is not specific to the USA. The canadian border services can be just as nasty as can many EU nations. I know, because I have had my laptop taken for inspection and my camera examined many times. The USA just has more guards hel_l bent on being rude and abusive. It is why I intentionally try to avoid travel to the USA. Unfortunately, with airline monopolies on some routes and the emphasis upon hubs, I am often forced to fly into some US gateways.

[Zpete]

Every time you go through airport security think why all this paranoia came about. Ideological fanatics murdering innocent people in the belief that this will bring them eternal salvation. If you think U.S. security checkpoints are bad, try Israel. But then they are in the middle of where all this nonsense started.

No one enjoys this invasion of personal privacy especially if you are the "chosen one" for a random search. Thank God, I have never been chosen.

On a lighter side, I remember traveling in the Philippines during the 80's. At the provincial airports there were boxes located at the departure gates with signs "Deposit your knives and weapons here." I never bothered to look inside to see whether anyone had done so.

Last Dec in Manila, nite club had a sign.......

PLEASE CHECK GUNS BEFORE ENTERING

Not even allowed guns in NZ,

Casino had 2 guys with auto shotguns, and I am going back..........<deleted>...... .......

[NUMBNUTTS]

I sometimes pack 3 laptops - only ever had any Q&A in HK - by the scanner babe

Nada in the USA - maybe because I dress appropriately - if ya wear shorts, ya never get upgraded - like in a court house - but never been harassed by any country really.

BIB, Airport C&E are absolutely world class - never ever had anything other than 100% courtesy here.

Landing here, I always go for the good looking Immigration babe - with a chit-eating grin.

[britmaveric]

^Hmmm I wear shorts and been upgraded more often than not. In the old days - you might have had a point. Upgrades depend on amount of dosh spent within your profile. Now - this is a kicker if you ask good chance of getting upgraded.

[geriatrickid]

Off Topic: Please reconsider the wearing of shorts or flammable synthetics. In the event of an aircraft fire and/or evacuation, you are more likely to suffer a burn or injury.

As fo attire, I always dress nicely, even wearing a tie and shirt at times, and yet still have incurred the scrutiny of border agents. Unmarried males are always targeted, no matter how well dressed and hansum.

[philw]

Some years ago I decided never to visit the US.

Awful country with awful rules.

But I like the Yanks.

Absolutely agree..........

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this.

ph

[Electra]

Actually, I rather think it is the other way round. The country is fine, it's the people who are the problem. But then, I dislike most folk, everywhere and generally rely upon the exceptions that inevitably prove the rule.

Immigration/Customs folk are, in my experience, usually institutionalised creatures, slaves to their arcane practices and occupy a twilight world fed upon a diet of half understood truths peppered by paranoia and crude prejudice.

A useful tip in one's dealings with them is to ask for everything said to be repeated. They generally become irritated at this and assume you are too stupid to be worthy of their continuing interest.

[Jingthing]

Another tip, if they ask where you have traveled in Thailand, never say anywhere anywhere near the Golden Triangle, even Chiang Mai. Also of course never say Pattaya, they know all about it, try Chonburi instead (ha ha). Tell them some place they never heard of like Hua Hin or better yet Bumphukburi ...

American airport security immigration agents (whatever you call them I don't know or care), the rudest, most disrespectful, most arrogant on the planet. They are not our friends, treat them like poisonous snakes. It is of course well known that single male travelers to Thailand are profiled ...

Edited August 29, 2009 by Jingthing

[britmaveric]

^I wouldnt say being single lad has anything to do with it - been through a few hundred times and only stopped once. (cambodia was the only difference). Never had a nasty encounter - smile/be polite and answer their questions. Nought to worry about.

Edited August 29, 2009 by britmaveric

[thailandlover]

I agree with Britmaveric. I've never had a problem either. But then I don't treat them like poisonous snakes. It seems foolish for anyone to treat someone in a position of authority with anything other than friendly polite behavior.

Edited August 29, 2009 by thailandlover

[EndofDays]

USA based travelers to Thailand returning home still must be aware that all their electronic devices are subject to draconian search policies. Started under Bush, continued under Obama. Just a heads up ...

Bush's Search Policy For Travelers Is Kept

Obama Officials Say Oversight Will Grow

By Ellen Nakashima

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Obama administration will largely preserve Bush-era procedures allowing the government to search -- without suspicion of wrongdoing -- the contents of a traveler's laptop computer, cellphone or other electronic device, although officials said new policies would expand oversight of such inspections.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9082704065.html

This policy has nothing do with who is the Presient. It is incorporated by the FFA and Homeland Security. Waa, life is hard.

[EndofDays]

Another tip, if they ask where you have traveled in Thailand, never say anywhere anywhere near the Golden Triangle, even Chiang Mai. Also of course never say Pattaya, they know all about it, try Chonburi instead (ha ha). Tell them some place they never heard of like Hua Hin or better yet Bumphukburi ...

American airport security immigration agents (whatever you call them I don't know or care), the rudest, most disrespectful, most arrogant on the planet. They are not our friends, treat them like poisonous snakes. It is of course well known that single male travelers to Thailand are profiled ...

Never had a problem with them and I have been through a lot of airports in the U.S. I wear lace-up boots and have to take them off every time, so what. They don't care if you have been to Thailand and why would you make small-talk with them, they don't know all about it. Your attitude is like a teenage girl who just got snubbed for homecoming...sheesh. They are doing their job so you don't get all blowed up and stuff.

[EndofDays]

Some years ago I decided never to visit the US.

Awful country with awful rules.

But I like the Yanks.

Absolutely agree..........

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this.

ph

Yes, thank you both for staying out of my country.

[thaibeachlovers]

Another tip, if they ask where you have traveled in Thailand, never say anywhere anywhere near the Golden Triangle, even Chiang Mai. Also of course never say Pattaya, they know all about it, try Chonburi instead (ha ha). Tell them some place they never heard of like Hua Hin or better yet Bumphukburi ...

American airport security immigration agents (whatever you call them I don't know or care), the rudest, most disrespectful, most arrogant on the planet. They are not our friends, treat them like poisonous snakes. It is of course well known that single male travelers to Thailand are profiled ...

Never had a problem with them and I have been through a lot of airports in the U.S. I wear lace-up boots and have to take them off every time, so what. They don't care if you have been to Thailand and why would you make small-talk with them, they don't know all about it. Your attitude is like a teenage girl who just got snubbed for homecoming...sheesh. They are doing their job so you don't get all blowed up and stuff.

As for the so called "security" officers in Heathrow, they are just rude people who have no idea how to treat people, and use the threat of worse inconvenience to intimidate travellers ( successfully ). I just about got myself into serious doo doo when one started wiping the inside of my bag with the magic bomb detecting cloth and I cracked up laughing. A sense of humour they have not.

[TongueThaied]

USA based travelers to Thailand returning home still must be aware that all their electronic devices are subject to draconian search policies. Started under Bush, continued under Obama. Just a heads up ...

The Obama administration will largely preserve Bush-era procedures allowing the government to search -- without suspicion of wrongdoing -- the contents of a traveler's laptop computer, cellphone or other electronic device, although officials said new policies would expand oversight of such inspections.

on one hand, it can be considered another intrusion into and a violation of our personal privacy, rights and freedom....

on the other hand, many people in the southern parts of thailand would certainly disagree with the violation issue and instead they would wholeheartedly support such practices and perhaps could come up with something even more stringent yet.... because they have experienced much worse events than what we could ever imagine because of unchecked cell phone etc....

since 1980, on numerous occasions, my personal computing devices have had been thoroughly searched and sometimes openly checked again and again, and other times i was asked to just turn it on for the security personnel to inspect....

what is even more annoying is, i was just searched and almost destroyed at one terminal.... lol, yet at another corner, another domestic flight.... i was thoroughly searched again.... lol

it just made me realized that i was back at the most powerful nation in the whole wide world.... lol

yes, i was very annoyed but i might be even much sorrier.... had there been another shocking event the like of the twin tower....

yes, bring on the inspection team, the almighty seal and even m6.... lol

For those who do not know . . . if you travel to or within the US on a one-way airline ticket, you are automatically selected by TSA for special treatment at EVERY checkpoint. The same is true if you pay cash for a ticket.

[Carmine6]

USA based travelers to Thailand returning home still must be aware that all their electronic devices are subject to draconian search policies. Started under Bush, continued under Obama. Just a heads up ...

The Obama administration will largely preserve Bush-era procedures allowing the government to search -- without suspicion of wrongdoing -- the contents of a traveler's laptop computer, cellphone or other electronic device, although officials said new policies would expand oversight of such inspections.

on one hand, it can be considered another intrusion into and a violation of our personal privacy, rights and freedom....

on the other hand, many people in the southern parts of thailand would certainly disagree with the violation issue and instead they would wholeheartedly support such practices and perhaps could come up with something even more stringent yet.... because they have experienced much worse events than what we could ever imagine because of unchecked cell phone etc....

since 1980, on numerous occasions, my personal computing devices have had been thoroughly searched and sometimes openly checked again and again, and other times i was asked to just turn it on for the security personnel to inspect....

what is even more annoying is, i was just searched and almost destroyed at one terminal.... lol, yet at another corner, another domestic flight.... i was thoroughly searched again.... lol

it just made me realized that i was back at the most powerful nation in the whole wide world.... lol

yes, i was very annoyed but i might be even much sorrier.... had there been another shocking event the like of the twin tower....

yes, bring on the inspection team, the almighty seal and even m6.... lol

For those who do not know . . . if you travel to or within the US on a one-way airline ticket, you are automatically selected by TSA for special treatment at EVERY checkpoint. The same is true if you pay cash for a ticket.

That's not automatic. It just increases the odds. I've travelled one way inside the US and never been selected for special treatment.

[lomatopo]

This topic comes up every now and then…it seems to get the blood boiling for some reason?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Customs-Stop...ps-t160885.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Unreasonable...La-t199762.html

1,000 cursory laptop examinations in 221,000,000 just doesn’t strike me as draconian (rigorous, severe)?

I’m up to 60 arrivals from Thailand, maybe a total of 250 from everywhere else and my laptop has never been examined. I’m always made to feel welcome when I return; I’d say they say "welcome home" 90% of the time, but last week arriving ORD the CPB officer gave me a slight dig re: the White Sox vs. the Red Sox, with a wink!

[Jingthing]

1,000 cursory laptop examinations in 221,000,000 just doesn’t strike me as draconian (rigorous, severe)?

Its draconian if it happens to you and they confiscate your laptop.

[KarenBravo]

Why is it that the USA is the only country in the world that makes transit passengers go through immigration?

If there isn't at least a three hour wait, you miss your onward connection.