What to say upon reentering the U.S. from Juarez
The USA Customs people are for the most part a humorless bunch. I’ve had more problems with the females than the males, one in particular at the Zaragoza Bridge who pulled me aside and checked my car from stem to stern. What she suspected about a fifty-eight year old white guy driving a ‘90 Fleetwood Caddy I’ll never know. At the Paso del Norte (Santa Fe) Bridge downtown I am rarely asked for identification when returning in my car but as a rule I have my passport or Texas drivers license at the ready in view. As a pedestrian I have been asked for I. D. More often.
When asked your country of citizenship it is tempting after several hours of struggling with your Spanish in Juarez to blurt out, "Estados Unidos! ". Not a good move. As Cienega32 stated earlier say very forcefully, "United States of America". If you are endowed with a southern accent as I am it seems to have a very positive effect. Also when asked the purpose of my visit I have answered, "Just pumping a little money into the Mexican economy so they won’t have to come over here" or "Visiting my girlfriend and my children". Those comments have generated the closest thing to a smile the latter no doubt because of my age.