Final answer:
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection processes individuals and goods entering the United States from Canada, including performing inspections and ensuring compliance with U.S. laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
People and goods entering the USA from Canada are processed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This federal law enforcement agency is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for immigration, customs, border security, and agricultural protection. CBP officers perform various duties such as inspecting travelers and their belongings at ports of entry, checking documentation, and ensuring that all goods entering the country comply with American laws and regulations. The complexity of their tasks is due to the range of activities at the border, including trade agreements like NAFTA and issues with illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
For instance, the gamma-ray radiography image mentioned in your reference demonstrates the advanced technologies CBP uses to detect illegal activity, including identifying stowaways attempting to enter the United States covertly. Similarly, NAFTA-related trade, such as the movement of trucks across borders, requires careful examination to ensure compliance with trade laws. Additionally, CBP's role extends to economic activities, such as when a foreign firm that has made profits in the United States seeks to repatriate earnings to its home country.