Is it normal to object to official questions?

79% Normal
10 Comments

Monday I flew back to the states after 25 months away.
At the customs/immigration entry desk the officer asked where I was staying and I refused to answer him. It was none of his business! I am an American citizen and it is not required by law that I inform anybody of where I am staying, only my legal address, which in my case is a PO Box. American citizens are not required to notify anyone of their travel plans, nor are travel documents required to travel, within the US.
I do not have a residence within the US and often stay with friends when I am visiting, or in a hotel/motel.
Do you think it is normal to resent this illegal intrusion into the life of a citizen by an official of the US government?

Voting Results
79% Normal
Based on 39 votes (31 yes)
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Comments ( 10 )
  • AbnormallyAwesome
    10 years ago

    Just because you can't be forced to answer doesen't make it illegal to ask.

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    • thegypsysailor
      10 years ago

      But if it's illegal to ask, why punish me for choosing not to answer?

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      • charli.m
        10 years ago

        I may have missed this, but how were you 'punished' for not answering? I can't see a mention of being detained or fined or anything.

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        • thegypsysailor
          10 years ago

          I didn't mention it because it wasn't important to the post, but the first officer flagged us for second tier inspection, but the second officer was very cool, laughing the whole idiocy off.

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          • charli.m
            10 years ago

            Ah I see. Well, seeing as your complaint is that your rights were infringed, it kinda is an important detail.

            I'm with dom, seems a trivial detail to quibble over, though it might seem like none of their business. However, if it's in your rights, it's in your rights, I guess. I'm not extensively travelled, but from memory, all places have asked where I intend to stay for the majority of my stay...I can't recall if the homecoming forms also asked for an address, but they usually specify if a PO box is not sufficient.

            It's just a form. I highly doubt you're of major interest to the government. And if you are, then I think address is the least of your problems.

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  • dom180
    10 years ago

    It seems very petty to me, but if it's your right to refuse then fair enough.

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  • Hamid37USA
    10 years ago

    In my country when say no to captain police we go to have one hand removed by saw of chains. We then must fight giant turtle of doom pit to survive. Weiner of race gets to be new captain police. Loser gets time out.

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    • thegypsysailor
      10 years ago

      I'm glad I don't live there!

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago

    It's not petty at all. It's none of their goddamn business where you're staying, and frankly, it's a petty question to ask.

    I'm really tired of intrusion...and how quickly people hand over whatever information they're asked. This prevalent attitude of, "I'm not doing anything wrong, so treat me like a criminal...just keep me safe," has worn thin.

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  • Shrunk
    10 years ago

    Yeah, I've seen videos of people refusing to answer customs' questions, they're told to pull over and they refuse that as well, in the end none of it is really necessary and it goes against our rights. I wish I had the metaphorical balls to do that though. Supposedly no one has to pay taxes either, but that's another matter

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