057_Clearing_Customs

057_Clearing_Customs

Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin student Satomi gets to experience what it’s like getting fingerprinted by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Kevin:

Hello everyone and welcome to Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Podcasting. A great way to review English words and phrases. My name is Kevin Jones. Welcome to this week’s episode. The Golden Week holiday is just around the corner and many people will be going going overseas on holiday. So this episode we have a travel question from Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin student Satomi. Let’s listen in as she asks her question to Nichibei instructor Glenn Evanish.

Satomi:

Hi.

Glenn Evanish:

I’ve heard you’re going on vacation next week.

Satomi:

That’s right. I’m going to California and Las Vegas.

Glenn Evanish:

That sounds like fun.

Satomi:

Yeah. I’m really looking forward to it.

Glenn Evanish:

Is this your first trip to the U.S.?

Satomi:

No. I went to New York and Washington D.C. ten years ago.

Glenn Evanish:

Traveling to the U.S. was a little different 10 years ago.

Satomi:

Yeah. I’ve heard.
So that’s what my question’s about.

Glenn Evanish:

OK. Go ahead

Satomi:

Well, What should I expect when I arrive in the U.S.?
What questions will I be asked? What do I have to do?

Glenn Evanish:

You mean when you go through CBP?

Satomi:

What’s that?

Glenn Evanish:

That stands for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
They are the people who check your passport and your bags.

Satomi:

Yeah. OK, What is that like now?

Glenn Evanish:

Oh, it’s pretty easy. They will ask you for your passport and I-94.

Satomi:

My I-94? Is that the paper form?

Glenn Evanish:

That’s right. Be sure to fill out the forms before you go to the CBP officer.

Satomi:

Fill out?. What does fill out mean?

Glenn Evanish:

To fill something out means to write information on an official form or document. Then the CBP officer will take your fingerprints and take your photograph.

Satomi:

He’ll take my fingerprints?

Glenn Evanish:

That’s right. But don’t worry. It’s easy. You just touch a small glass reader with your finger. When he tells you, place your left index finger on the plate glass followed by your right index finger.

Satomi:

My left index finger and then my right index finger.

Glenn Evanish:

That’s right.

Satomi:

Ah…index finger means my pointing finger, right?

Glenn Evanish:

That’s right. Then the officer will take your picture.

Satomi:

Should I smile?

Glenn Evanish:

No, and you should take off any glasses.

Satomi:

Could we role play this situation? That would be helpful.

Glenn Evanish:

Sure.
Next please.
May I see your passport and I-94 please.

Satomi:

Here you are.

Glenn Evanish:

What’s the purpose of your visit to the United States?

Satomi:

Pleasure

Glenn Evanish:

How long will you be in the United States?

Satomi:

Two weeks.

Glenn Evanish:

Please place your left index finger on the glass here. Wait…..Good, now your right index finger. Thank you.
Now let’s take your picture…..please remove your glasses..

Satomi:

Oh, Ok.

Glenn Evanish:

and…..OK. That’s it. Enjoy your stay in the United States.

Satomi:

Thank you. Hmm. That was easy.

Glenn Evanish:

Yeah it is and you handled it just fine.

Satomi:

Thanks for your help.

Glenn Evanish:

My pleasure.

END