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The applicant must submit to a complete medical examination to determine physical and mental fitness
for this work. The physical examination is performed by a government physician at government expense,
but travel to the physical examination is the responsibility of the applicant. Vision requirements for this
job are binocular vision of 20/40 in each eye without corrective lenses, uncorrected vision of at least
20/70 in each eye, vision in each eye corrected to 20/20, and the ability to distinguish basic colors. A
thorough background investigation is conducted to determine character, honesty, and general suitability
for this work. All candidates must possess a valid driver's license.
Newly hired Border Patrol Agents undergo 18 weeks of training at the Border Patrol Academy located
in Glynco, Georgia. The course consists of training in such subject areas as Immigration and Naturaliza-
tion Service regulations and procedures; immigration and nationality law; criminal law; laws of evidence
and court procedures; Border Patrol methods and operations; methods of tracking and surveillance;
methods of arrest, search, and seizure; care and use of firearms; marksmanship; judo and physical
training; techniques of fingerprinting; patrol-vehicle operation and pursuit driving; first aid and life-
saving techniques; preparation of reports; and Spanish language instruction. Trainees must attend all
classes and official functions in full uniform. Purchase of these uniforms is at the trainee's own expense.
Initial outlay for the training academy is approximately $300 and for the first year's uniforms is in excess
of $1,200. Upon entry to duty, the Border Patrol Agent receives $480 toward the cost of uniforms and then
receives $480 annually toward maintenance and replacement of uniforms. After graduation from the
Border Patrol Academy, trainees report to their duty stations and begin work under the guidance of
experienced personnel.
During the first year of service, the trainee must meet academic and physical training requirements.
This includes successfully completing the course of study at the Border Patrol Academy and demonstrat-
ing proficiency in law and Spanish. A trainee who cannot pass the Spanish examination will be separated
at the end of the Academy period. After the Academy, training continues at the duty stations. During the
one-year probationary period, progress is carefully evaluated and examinations are given to the trainee
upon completion of six-and-a-half and ten months of service. The trainee's progress and work
performance are reviewed by a panel of two top-level sector supervisors. The decision as to retention or
separation is based on recommendations of these probationary examining boards. Suitability is also
determined by the results of the personal background investigation. Initially, new Border Patrol Agents
receive a career conditional appointment that leads to a permanent career appointment after three years
of continuous and satisfactory service. The career appointment provides the Agents with tenure as well
as other desirable rights and privileges.
IMMIGRATION INSPECTOR
Candidates for the position of Immigration Inspector must be U.S. citizens. There is no maximum age for
entry to this position and no mandatory retirement age. The candidate must also have a bachelor's degree,
three years of responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Qualifying experience is experience in clerical, administrative, or other work that shows the ability to deal
with others in person-to-person relationships, to learn and interpret facts, and to seek the cooperation of
others in following procedures and regulations.
To secure a place on the register, the applicant must establish an eligible rating on an examination
administered by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. A physical and mental examination is
required because an Immigration Inspector must be in excellent physical condition. All candidates must
meet minimum physical requirements. Since the duties of the position are exacting and involve activities
under trying conditions, candidates must also possess emotional and mental stability.
