The state of Pennsylvania is under the jurisdiction of the Buffalo Sector of the Customs and Border Protection Unit (CBP) of the US Department of Homeland Security. Those who take border patrol jobs in Pennsylvania do so to protect its international borders and ports of entry from possible terrorists, terroristic activities and illegal aliens and goods.
All aliens who seek entry to the United States through one of Pennsylvania’s ports of entry must report their arrival to the CBP. They will then be subject to inspection and will have the vessel upon which they are traveling inspected before they will be permitted to enter the U.S. Reporting locations in Pennsylvania include:
- Penn’s Landing
- Philadelphia Cruise Terminal Pier 1
- Pier 88 Marina
The CBP is not allowed to divulge information on what is seized at ports of entry in Pennsylvania, due to privacy laws. However, reports suggest the following border crimes in Pennsylvania:
- In 2009, drug smugglers smuggling over $20,000 worth of marijuana in swallowed pellets were arrested by Customs at the Philadelphia International Airport
- From 2008-2009, there were 588 apprehensions of illegal aliens at the Erie Port of Entry
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Ports of Entry are constantly in need of employees to help to keep its international borders safe from terrorism and illegal aliens and goods. Border Patrol Agents, CBP Officers, and the following types of professionals may be found within Pennsylvania’s Ports of Entry:
Marine Interdiction Agent: These types of agents work in Erie and Philadelphia’s Ports of Entry to help keep the coastline of Pennsylvania secure. Marine Interdiction Agents seek out and prevent terrorist activities as well as illegal aliens gaining entrance into the United States through the waters they patrol. Job requirements include:
- US citizenship
- Apply prior to your 40th birthday
- Pass a background investigation
- Pass a physical examination
- Pass a drug test
- Law enforcement and/or marine experience is preferred
- A U.S. Coast Guard Marine license is required if you wish to apply for jobs with higher GS level pay grades
Field Office Support Services (FOSS) Site Manager: This position involves working out of the Philadelphia Field Office supervising employees, maintaining records, performing internal site audits, and developing requirements and work statements for positions. Job requirements include:
- US citizenship
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Two years of records management experience (one year in a supervisory position)
- Microsoft Office and other intermediate computer skills
- Pass a background investigation
- Qualify for USCIS security clearance and a DSS Secret clearance and maintain both
Border Crossings in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania houses the following Ports of Entry:
- Pittsburgh
- Harrisburg including the following facilities/crossings:
- Port of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
- Erie – employs more than 30 Border Patrol Agents, and houses Air and Marine Operations
- Philadelphia including the following facilities and crossings in Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia International Airport
- Airport Cargo Office
- Lehigh Valley
- Deferred Inspection Site at Philadelphia International Airport
- Seaport Cargo Office