Airports: Ports Of Entry Or Not?

A port of entry (POE) is a place where people can lawfully enter a country. International airports are usually ports of entry, as are road and rail crossings on a land border. Airports of entry can be large urban airports with heavy scheduled passenger services or small rural airports serving general aviation exclusively. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces import and export regulations and immigration programs at these ports of entry.

International airports are usually ports of entry

International airports are considered ports of entry, as are road and rail crossings on a land border. Seaports can be used as ports of entry only if a dedicated customs presence is posted there. The choice of whether to become a port of entry is up to the civil authority controlling the port.

An airport of entry (AOE) is an airport that provides customs and immigration services for incoming flights. These services allow the airport to serve as an initial port of entry for foreign visitors arriving in a country. The word "international" in an airport's name usually means that it is an airport of entry, but many airports of entry do not use it. Airports of entry can range from large urban airports with heavy scheduled passenger service, like John F. Kennedy International Airport, to small rural airports serving general aviation exclusively.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a complex mission at ports of entry with broad law enforcement authorities tied to screening all foreign visitors, returning American citizens, and imported cargo that enters the U.S. at more than 300 land, air, and sea ports. At U.S. ports of entry, CBP officers or employees are assigned to accept merchandise, clear travellers, collect duties, and enforce U.S. import and export laws and regulations. Immigration policy and programs are also enforced here.

Immigration policy and enforcement

In the United States, CBP officers are responsible for screening foreign visitors, returning American citizens, and imported cargo at over 300 ports of entry. This includes enforcing immigration policies and programs, such as determining admissibility and conducting immigration inspections. CBP officers have broad law enforcement authorities, including the power to stop and search individuals and their belongings, regardless of suspicion. However, officers cannot select individuals for searches based on factors such as religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

The CBP also collaborates with other agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to protect American agriculture from potential pests and diseases that may enter through imported goods. This multi-agency effort helps prevent damage to crops, livestock, pets, and the environment. Additionally, the CBP facilitates trade by accepting merchandise, clearing travellers, collecting duties, and enforcing import and export laws and regulations.

To ensure the smooth flow of travellers and trade, the CBP provides security and facilitation operations at 328 ports of entry across the United States. Travellers can use an interactive map to locate specific air, sea, and land entry points and check border wait times. These measures reflect the complex mission of the CBP in balancing border security with the legitimate movement of people and goods.

Customs and Border Protection officers' role

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers play a crucial role in facilitating trade and travel to and from the United States. They are responsible for securing the country from potential acts of terrorism and ensuring that goods entering the US are legitimate, with the appropriate duties and fees paid. CBP officers are stationed at ports of entry, including international airports, land border crossings, and major seaports.

At these ports of entry, CBP officers have several key responsibilities and powers. They are authorised to accept or deny the entry of merchandise, clear travellers, collect duties, and enforce US import and export laws and regulations. This includes inspecting travellers' belongings for contraband and enforcing immigration policies and programs. CBP officers may stop individuals at the border to determine their admissibility to the US and conduct searches, including electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones, although this is a contested legal issue.

Additionally, CBP officers have the authority to ask about a traveller's immigration status to determine their right to enter the country. While US citizens and lawful permanent residents have certain rights and protections during this process, non-citizen visa holders or visitors may face denial of entry if they refuse to answer questions or provide requested information.

CBP's Preclearance program further enhances security and facilitates travel. With officers stationed at designated foreign airports, travellers are pre-inspected before boarding US-bound flights, allowing them to bypass additional inspections upon arrival in the US. This program improves efficiency, reduces waiting times, and provides cost savings for travellers and the industry.

In summary, CBP officers are vital to safeguarding US borders, facilitating legitimate trade and travel, and enforcing laws and regulations at ports of entry, including international airports. Their role is essential to national security and the smooth functioning of international travel and trade.

Border security staff and facilities

Border security staff are responsible for protecting the borders of a country and ensuring the safety of its citizens. They work at designated points of entry, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings, and perform a range of duties to prevent the unlawful entry of people and goods.

The specific roles and responsibilities of border security staff can vary depending on their location and the country they serve, but some common duties include:

• Detecting, preventing, and apprehending undocumented individuals and smugglers: Border security officers maintain surveillance and patrol international boundaries and coastal areas using various means, such as motor vehicles, horses, watercraft, and aircraft. They use advanced technology, including sensors, drones, and surveillance systems, to detect and respond to potential threats.
• Immigration and customs controls: Officers check the permissions and documentation of passengers and goods entering or exiting the country. They interview travellers, make decisions on entry qualifications, and refer vulnerable individuals to appropriate agencies.
• Search and seizure: Border security staff are authorised to search people, vehicles, and goods suspected of carrying contraband or prohibited items. They use their investigative skills to identify and detain individuals involved in border offences and work with other law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute them.
• Protecting agriculture and the environment: In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, border security staff perform inspections to protect the country from potential carriers of animal and plant pests or diseases that could harm crops, livestock, and the environment.
• International trade facilitation: In some countries, border security officers facilitate the legitimate movement of goods by checking documentation, collecting revenue, and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.

To carry out these duties effectively, border security staff receive comprehensive training in relevant areas such as law enforcement, immigration laws, surveillance techniques, public safety, and physical fitness. They are also provided with the necessary tools and technology to enhance their capabilities and ensure their safety.

In terms of facilities, border security staff operate from designated ports of entry, which include international airports, seaports, and land border crossings. These facilities are typically equipped with the necessary infrastructure and technology to support the work of border security staff. This includes surveillance equipment, detection devices, communication systems, and detention areas for holding individuals or goods pending further investigation or processing.

The specific infrastructure and resources available at each port of entry can vary depending on the country and the size of the facility. Larger and busier ports of entry, such as major international airports or seaports, tend to have more advanced and specialised facilities to handle the higher volume of traffic and the complexity of operations.

Additionally, some countries have dedicated training facilities for border security staff, where they receive instruction in various aspects of their duties, including legal, operational, and physical training. These training centres are often located near border areas or in centralised locations to ensure easy access for recruits from different regions.

The choice of becoming a port of entry

A port of entry (POE) is a place where one can lawfully enter a country. It is usually an international airport, but it can also be railways, ship docks, and highways along the national border. Airports of entry can be large urban airports with heavy scheduled passenger service or small rural airports serving general aviation exclusively.

By becoming a port of entry, an airport gains the ability to provide customs and immigration services for incoming international flights. This means the airport can serve as an initial point of entry for foreign visitors. This status comes with increased security measures and border staff to check passports and visas and inspect luggage for contraband or restricted items.

On the other hand, an airport that chooses not to become a port of entry may have different strategic goals or face challenges in implementing the required security measures and services. It is essential to consider the potential impact on the airport's operations, such as increased wait times for passengers and additional costs for the implementation and maintenance of the necessary infrastructure.

Ultimately, the decision to become a port of entry is a significant one that requires careful consideration of the benefits and challenges it may bring to the airport, the local community, and international travellers.

Frequently asked questions