Just returned today from a closed loop Alaska trip with a stop in Victoria. As we have done on past cruises we used our NEXUS cards while disembarking. To my surprise the CBP agent stated our NEXUS cards were only valid in a NEXUS lane. I responded I disagree but great, Where is the NEXUS lane here, I would love to avoid the line in the future! Of course, there isn’t one. He tried to explain that NEXUS was only valid for entry at a NEXUS lane (false, It’s a valid WHTI valid document) and he could deny me entry (false, can’t deny a US citizen entry to the US) but would “accept it this time as a favor”.
NEXUS is very serious about threats of denial and revocation if denied. I found the lies and threats pretty disturbing, I responded by telling him I look forward to speaking to his supervisor and he told me we were good and to get out of the building. I’ve used the card on 2 previous cruises on ports the were likely less familiar and tens of times I’ve used it in a regular driving lane when traveling with non-NEXUS passengers. FWIW I was also carrying our passports but kept them in the bag (easier to stick 4 cards in my pocket than 4 passports) and my DW and I both have EDLs as well.
Anybody ever experienced this attitude before or heard rumors about the lack of acceptance of NEXUS?
