What is “Border Shopping”

If you have been refused entry at one border crossing, and subsequently attempt to enter the U.S. at a different border crossing, you may be accused of “Border Shopping” by a Customs and Border Protection Officer.  For example, if you are denied entry at the Peace Arch Border Crossing on January 1, and try to enter the U.S. through the Pacific Truck Crossing on January 3, you may be hassled by C.B.P. for trying to find an “easy” place to enter the U.S.

The reasons for being refused can vary greatly.  In some instances, individuals do not have sufficient ties to their home country and are deemed to have "immigrant intent."  In other situations, individuals are applying for a work visa and do not meet the requirements provided by U.S.C.I.S.

Although it is not against the law to attempt entry at a different Port of Entry, C.B.P. strongly frowns on this practice.  C.B.P. Officers do not want to overrule the decisions made by other Officers at other Ports of Entry, and will typically defer to the decision made by the original Port of Entry. Thus, it is not advisable to attempt entry at a different Port of Entry after you have been denied.

"Border Shopping" will likely lead to lengthy travel delays, and you may be denied entry again and asked to return to the original Port of Entry where you were refused the first time. If you have been denied entry to the U.S., your best option is to speak with an immigration attorney to figure out how to proceed with your case.