I just returned from my Global Entry interview, and I’m honestly shocked by what happened. I decided to apply because I have three international trips planned for the end of the year, and although I’ve never had Global Entry before, I figured it would make traveling smoother. I have no criminal record, I’ve been at the same job for years, and I approached the interview with respect and courtesy. However, the experience was nothing like I expected.

From the moment I sat down, the officer seemed determined to belittle me. His first question was, "Why do you think you deserve Global Entry?" I explained that I’m a law-abiding citizen with a stable job and no record. His response? "Those aren’t reasons you deserve this. You’re just listing things."

When it was time to take my fingerprints, the machine wasn’t scanning them clearly. Rather than helping, he said, "If you can’t even follow my directions, why would you deserve Global Entry?" I apologized and asked how to adjust to get a clearer scan, but he snapped at me to just "listen to his commands."

Then, he asked which countries I’ve visited in the last five years. I’ve traveled to around 20 countries in the past year, so the list was pretty long. When I mentioned I’d only been in a certain country for a layover, he pounced on that, accusing me of not paying attention to details. He said, "If you can’t pay attention to details, why should I approve you?"

His tone was condescending throughout, and it felt like he’d made up his mind to deny me before I even said a word. Meanwhile, I could hear other applicants around me having calm, pleasant conversations with their interviewers.

I’m strongly considering filing a formal complaint, but before I do, I’m wondering: Is this kind of treatment normal, or am I overreacting?