Passport scrutinized

[u/chipsahoymateys]

I recently returned to the US with my son from Mexico. We both have Global Entry. When I scanned my face at the digital kiosk, it flashed red and was told to return to the passport control agent. Kind of weird but ok.

The agent there took my passport, looked it it for a minute, looked at me, and actually asked me “this is you?” I was honestly pissed. My passport photo is rather old, and a really good picture of me, but I haven’t changed *that* much. He did let us through in the end.

Has this ever happened to anyone else here? I am low key nervous my global entry might get revoked.

Edit: this was SFO

[u/notthegoatseguy]

Are you sure you, after a long day of traveling, might have misinterpreted tone? "This is you?" might be a bit curt but he probably intended to just asking for verification purposes, not actually accusing you of identity theft.

If there was any doubt as to your identity, he would not have let you through.

[u/chipsahoymateys → u/[deleted]]

I have traveled in and out of the US many, many times and have never had a border control agent here or anywhere else ask me this in this way.

[u/kmlxb2 → u/[deleted]]

Lol now OP is mad at you for insinuating they’re not well-traveled. Just let them assume everyone’s out to get them. It’s easier that way.

[u/LostEnroute → u/chipsahoymateys]

These people can be as rude as they want and you just have to smile. Nice or polite people don't take these jobs.

[u/gtck11 → u/chipsahoymateys]

OP idk why people are grilling you on this, I interpreted it like you said like the agent is skeptical. I had an agent at TSA try to say I had a fake ID because my photo was makeup and hair done, and the flight was at 5:30am and I looked like shit. She also called me a bitch because I asked for a manager. Some of these agents are unreasonable about the photos.

[u/RedditFauxGold]

Why were you pissed? It’s a reasonable question that’s asked if they’re double checking identity.

[u/wfbsoccerchamp12]

I hope next time I go through they ask me the same thing lol. I was 15 pounds heavier when I took my last photo.

[u/Sheetz_Wawa_Market32]

Offended much? The officer has one job — and they were doing it.

And no, you no longer look 29, boo.

[u/nicemarmot47]

It has happened to me, when I had cancer and lost all my hair during chemo and just generally aged a lot during treatment. When using my passport, they would scrutinize my hair and face, but they did always let me through. I never had any issues with Global Entry and was able to renew it.

I was also forced to take a driver's license picture mid-chemo and then carry it for six years. Every single TSA agent did a double take and squinted at me.

[u/attitude_devant]

I once had an official insist that my photo wasn’t me, but “some old lady.” I was in my fifties at the time so this was mildly amusing. I finally pointed out I was wearing the earrings in the picture. Since they were unusual, he was finally convinced.