3 ms·

The risk is low, but the upside is essentially zero (from the point of view of customs)

• xboxnolifes 4y ago
  From the point of view of customs, there is no upside to allowing people to bring anything through. So, that doesn't really explain why this is different from other things that are allowed.
  • ziddoap 4y ago
    >there is no upside to allowing people to bring anything through. So, that doesn't really explain why this is different from other things that are allowed. The difference is the potential downside of some things as compared to other things. It's all about balancing risk.
    • willcipriano 4y ago
      If you only flagged items that are actually dangerous you wouldn't have the opportunity to flex your authority as often. Do you want to be the head of the department that "saves American lives by preventing the import of contraband" a million times a year, or a thousand times a year? Who do you think gets more funding?
      • mrguyorama 4y ago
        I think it's funny that you think Customs and Border Patrol agents have to justify their work at all. There were literal TV shows making them out to be the saviors of America. They also don't need any excuse to flex their authority, they've been given broad ability to violate rights with very few specific requirements. Remember, these are the same people who can legally deny you entry to the US if you don't show them your facebook profile if you aren't a US citizen.