In January i posted a picture of my passport and my Nexus travel document on my social media profile . Unusually i got a lot of interest about the use of my Nexus travel document which i found a little odd. The interest came mostly from individuals from India. However as I reflected this was understandable considering the inhumane travel restrictions levied by the US government on many nationals.
For the record, i applied for my Nexus card without much of an intention about 1 year ago. The document approval requires heavy background checks and vetting by the US immigration authorities. It is of not much use to anybody who would not like regular travel to the United States but at the time when i did apply for the document my plans were a bit different and I had anticipated more frequent visits to the United states. I was stationed right next to the US border and Minnesota was a coveted destination. For those interested, a bit off the mark, “feeling Minnesota” is a cute film a lot of Canadians like.
As a Canadian citizen there wasn’t much stopping me anyway from visiting and living in the united states. Canadians can work, study, buy property, do business in the US and open bank accounts in the USA under the former NAFTA and current CUSMA agreements. Many Canadians own homes in the sunny state of Florida to escape the Canadian winters. As neighbors we seem to agree on many things, except firearms and cannabis. However, I just didn’t like those long and painful immigration lines at the US border and the dreaded encounters with the BCO’s every single time. We all know what those look like…
I was also influenced by the avante garde and almost VIP appearance of the Global Entry .
No lines and sometimes the appearance of this teleprompter at the end. Sometimes not even an officer depending on the airport. Just check yourself in. which is why its called “the trusted traveler” maybe.
So what’s so coveted about the Nexus program?
NOTHING
except this.
The lines are shorter to non existent.
You might not even meet an immigration officer.
You might meet a kiosk to check yourself in.
You’ll feel a bit V.I.P at the airport.
They’ll vett the heck out of you before they give you that card. That can take up to a year or two to obtain.
SO whats so coveted about the Nexus card? – NOTHING
Beyond Borders 