U.S. Immigration , US Dept. of Homeland Security & TRAVEL ADVISORY
FYI......... .. This information is very alarming and I think it's
worth sharing to save you from trouble and embarrassment.
A Filipino friend shared this email. His friend who works for Homeland
Security as Immigration Inspector at LAX ( Los Angeles International
Airport ) called him yesterday to share the information that happened
last weekend. A FIL-AM citizen who was flying to the Philippines for
vacation was apprehended by an Airport Immigration agent while she was
checking in her baggage and going through the X-ray machine. For some
reason, she was randomly checked and was told to open all the
envelopes inside her carry-on Coach bag.
They found 10 envelops addressed to different people in the
Philippines . When all the envelops were opened, a total of $11,000
cash was discovered. They asked the traveler if she knew the contents
of the envelope. She said no, because all the envelopes are just
"padala"and the senders didn't tell her whether or not there was money
inside.
Immigration agents showed her a Policy and guidance stating that it is
illegal to import and export over $10,000 in any Asian countries to
prevent the possibility of supporting terrorism. She was fined $500,
her name was "red labeled" by Immigration (means every time she enters
and exits the airport, she will be searched 100%),and she also missed
her scheduled flight to the Philippines for being held almost 5 hours.
Hard to believe that departing passengers from the U.S. are also
subject to the policy but looks like it is being strictly enforced
now.
The lessons learned is before you accept any "padala", make sure the
envelopes are open and you physically see the contents of it or just
plainly say "sorry but I can't accept any padala" for your own safety.
This email came from a former U.S. Embassy employee and this could be
useful to all balikbayans
Subject: TRAVEL ADVISORY FROM AMERICAN EMBASSY MANILA
Please share this with your friends and relatives.
Please be informed of the recent travel advisory to the United States .
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=32400.0