see also: in August 2008:   CBP in New York Apprehends Suspected Interpol Fugitive   Louisville CBP Finds Heroin in Woman’s Suit   CBP Officers Nab More than $1 Million in Narcotics in 48-hour Period   Philadelphia CBP Seizes $650,000 in Fake Bank Checks   CBP on a Roll Seizing Fake Handbags, Footwear Again in California   Calexico Downtown Port Officers Intercept $100K Narcotic Smuggling Attempt   CBP Outbound Inspection Yields 293 Unreported Ostrich Skins ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers on the web:   U.S. Border Patrol

contacts for this news release

Grand Rapids, Mich. – The United States Border Patrol has teamed up with Professional Bull Riders, Inc. to present the “U.S. Border Patrol Invitational presented by Cooper Tires” in at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. The event will feature the top 45 bull riders in the world, to include two-time reigning PBR World Champion Justin McBride and legendary three-time PBR World Champion Adriano Moraes on his farewell tour.

On September 12 and 13, Border Patrol recruiters will be on site to answer questions and provide information to potential applicants about Border Patrol work and the application process. Agents will be able to answer questions related to hiring, work locations, first-hand accounts of Border Patrol life, as well as compensation and benefits. A staffed informational booth will be available to interested applicants during the event.

The event will also feature the singing of the National Anthem by a Border Patrol agent, presentation of the flag by the Border Patrol Honor Guard, and special video presentations. The bull riders will be greeted in the arena by uniformed personnel in a special “Heroes Welcome” presentation.

In 2006, President George W. Bush announced his commitment to hiring an additional 6,000 Border Patrol agents by the end of 2008. With over 17,000 agents on board today, the Border Patrol is steadily working towards its goal of 18,000 agents hired by the end of this year.

In addition to the PBR event, the Border Patrol is in the second year of a NASCAR Nationwide Series Racing #28 Car sponsorship, a revamped website featuring agent testimonials, an applicant study guide with a complimentary DVD, as well as recruitment efforts in under-recruited areas of the country.

Some of the key requirements to be a Border Patrol agent are:

• U.S. citizenship
• No conviction of domestic violence
• Residency requirement – candidates must be a U.S. resident for at least three (3) years
• Must have valid driver’s license at the time of appointment
• Age requirement – Candidate must not be 40 years of age at the time of appointment
• Medical exam
• Drug testing
• Physical fitness exam
• Background investigation

Potential applicants can expect:

• Border Patrol recruits earn between $36,000 and $46,000 in their first year, with the potential of earning up to $70,000 per year within three years of service.
• Benefits include federal health insurance, life insurance and retirement, and up to 25 percent additional pay in overtime opportunities.
• Successful Border Patrol candidates will complete a rigorous screening process, which includes a written examination and structured interview, language aptitude or Spanish proficiency test, along with a physical fitness test and medical examination.
• Training is provided and includes a 55-day basic training program upon successfully passing a Spanish proficiency exam in the academy; all others will complete a 40-day Spanish immersion course upon completing basic training. All training is conducted in Artesia, N.M.
• Initial assignments will be in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

For recruiting information, dial toll free 1-877-277-9527, or apply online at the U.S. Border Patrol website. ( U.S. Border Patrol )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.