During CBP interviews, what stance on confidentiality is recommended?

• A. Confidentiality is optional
• B. Confidentiality should be maintained throughout the interview
• C. Confidentiality applies only to certain travelers
• D. Confidentiality is waived if the traveler asks questions

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that confidentiality should be maintained throughout the interview. Keeping information shared by the traveler private, to the extent allowed by policy and law, helps create a safe environment where the person is more likely to speak openly and provide complete, accurate information. This trust improves the quality of the information gathered and supports proper security and adjudication decisions. It also aligns with privacy protections that govern how personal data is handled.

This stance isn’t optional, nor is it limited to certain travelers, and confidentiality isn’t automatically waived just because the traveler asks questions. At the outset, the interviewer should explain what will be kept confidential and under what circumstances information might be disclosed, but the default practice is to maintain confidentiality throughout the process.