Dear Department of Homeland Security,
After checking our passports and politely asking a few reasonable questions, the young officer ended with a smile and "Welcome back." Meanwhile, I noted his colleague speaking with embarrassing disdain to a Chinese-origin gentleman, after finally allowing him through. This contrast (and everything in between) has been my experience re-entering the US over the past seventeen years. I want to thank the many professional officers who have considered respect and a default-welcoming attitude to be an integral part of their jobs. They are the first officials encountered by visitors to our country, and provide a first impression of America that seems important to me.
Please convey my appreciation to your officers.
After checking our passports and politely asking a few reasonable questions, the young officer ended with a smile and "Welcome back." Meanwhile, I noted his colleague speaking with embarrassing disdain to a Chinese-origin gentleman, after finally allowing him through. This contrast (and everything in between) has been my experience re-entering the US over the past seventeen years. I want to thank the many professional officers who have considered respect and a default-welcoming attitude to be an integral part of their jobs. They are the first officials encountered by visitors to our country, and provide a first impression of America that seems important to me.
Please convey my appreciation to your officers.