Inspection of the Secure Electronic Network
for Travelers' Rapid Inspection
Report Number I-2000-019
June 2000

Description: Primary Inspection Process in the General Inspection Lanes

During the primary inspection process in the general inspection lanes, either an INS or Customs inspector enters a vehicle's license plate number into TECS to determine whether there are any agency lookout notices posted against either the vehicle or the vehicle's owner. Once this is completed, the inspector asks a brief series of questions to determine an individual's citizenship, and in some cases, the reasons for entering the United States, the anticipated length of stay, and whether there are any dutiable items for the individual to declare. If the inspector then determines the individual to be admissible into the United States, the inspection ends and the individual is allowed to enter the United States. If the inspector determines that the individual is not admissible into the United States or if the inspector suspects the individual may not be admissible into the United States, the individual is referred for a more thorough secondary inspection.

Description: Secondary Inspection Process in both the SENTRI and General Inspection Lanes

During the secondary inspection process in both the SENTRI and general inspection lanes, a more thorough inspection is conducted by either an INS or Customs inspector, depending upon the reasons for the referral. During this inspection, INS inspectors typically ask more detailed questions of an individual to determine his or her citizenship or alien status as well as to review the legitimacy of specific documents required for entry into the United States. Customs inspectors, on the other hand, perform a vehicle inspection. Depending on the outcome of this secondary inspection, an individual may be allowed to enter the United States, cited for either an INS or Customs violation and denied entry into the United States, or detained as a result of such a violation.