Why do US Custom and Border Protection officers not smile?
After working at a land border port of entry for ten years I have some insight into this situation. Personally, I tried to always provide good customer service while conducting inspections. However, the pressure to process thousands of travelers as quickly as possible while avoiding allowing terrorists and criminals into the country is difficult and stressful. Additionally, having to work sixteen hour shifts at times does not allow for much rest. I averaged 20 hours of overtime a week for months at a time. Then there is the fact that we are lied to constantly which does not help the situation.Whether the lies concern the smuggling of people or contraband or just fruits and meats, we had to determine the truth.