Annoyed By Us Immigration Returning From Thailand

[simon43]

Anyway, back to the OT . . .

So what sort of porn did you have on your laptop?? Can we get copies??

Simon

[jackspratt]

I hope that if you really feel the way you express yourself, you will have the self respect, of boycotting, and not using any American technology, products or entertainment materials. I hope your point of view will be strong enough to keep you from being a hypocrite, and you can truly show your revulsion at my fellow countrymen difficulty ( which you misspelled) in reading and understanding basic text.

Americans(which you forgot to capitalize) unfortunately(which you also misspelled) will have great difficulties (which you also misspelled) in understanding such strong and determined intellect as you seem to have. Don't ( you also misspelled) take offense if this great display of your character and intellect goes unnoticed, in fact(that's 2 words not one) continue with such a boycott until Americans empathize and apologize (another word you messed up a little on) to you for not meeting your educational and intellectual standards. Personally if you would be so kind as to hold your breath while you are waiting for this, Americans will probably deeply appreciate it.

And for the purposes of the record, mis-spelled is hyphenated

[Dupont]

Generalised sweeping insults of whole nations are not acceptable on Thaivisa. If you can't be civil, be quiet.

Sorry i do appologise, but it is a fact that - unfortunatley - the majority of americans have great difficulity reading and understanding basic text. There are obviously many very well educated americans, but unfortunatley they are the minority. I dont mean to insult americans - infact i have total empathy for the many who cant express there opinions through having been sh*t on by there masters.

It's not a fact. The United Nations Development Programme Report 2005 reports that the USA has a literacy rate of 99.9% along with most of Europe and other developed countries.

I remember spike Milligan talking about his CO once on the BEEB. It went something along the lines of

"he was educated and spoke 7 languages fluently, but never said anything sensible in any of them!"

The only answer to Customs I ever give when asked what I was doing is "having a life".

[amexpat]

Generalised sweeping insults of whole nations are not acceptable on Thaivisa. If you can't be civil, be quiet.

Sorry i do appologise, but it is a fact that - unfortunatley - the majority of americans have great difficulity reading and understanding basic text. There are obviously many very well educated americans, but unfortunatley they are the minority. I dont mean to insult americans - infact i have total empathy for the many who cant express there opinions through having been sh*t on by there masters.

"Apologise" has one p. If you are American, it has a z.

"Don't" has an apostrophe.

"infact" is not a word.

"their" not "there" is the possesive pronoun to use with "their opinions".

"through having been" is just weird.

You're welcome,

Minority American.

[jetjock]

You guys must fit a perfect "profile." Maybe you should take off the sunglasses, remove the turban and shave off the beard.

NOW you tell me about my turban and my beard?!

Just iron out that forehead, mate!

I would guess that profiling is the main reason people get singled out for more intense questioning. While I am waiting in line to get through customs in the US, just for fun I try to guess who is going to be given a hard time. Amazingly I have been very accurate in my guesses. There are so many items that customs has been trained to look for eg. size and type of luggage, nervousness, attitude, places traveled, clothing worn, and the list goes on.(Dr. Naam is definitely in trouble if he looks like his avatar. )

I mentioned in a previous post that I have always had good experiences with US customs but a poster pointed out that my professon could have been the reason I have always been treated well which I will readily admit could be the case. However, my Thai wife has gone through US customs several times without me and she has always commented how extremely nice they were to her and had always exchange pleasantries and wished her well.

Obviously from the posts, everyone is not having the same experiences. Of course it is possible to hit a few bad apples when it comes to customs agents but if someone consistently seems to encounter problems, I would suggest they look carefully at the profile they are presenting and see if they can discover what item or attitude in their profile seems to be triggering a wary attitude by the customs officers.

[samran]

Best US immigration story is when I crossed back from Canada into NY state in late October 99 on an Amtrack train.

Immigration came through the train, I showed my passport, which already had my immigration stamp in it and green departure card in it, so no need - in theory - to be rechecked back in by immigration (apart from a cursory examination).

Sitting in my seat the US immigration guy started asking sternly "WHY ARE YOU IN THE UNITED STATES AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.....when it is so sunny in Australia right now!!!" Although he finished off his sentence nicely and in a jovial manner, the first half of his statement to me had already made me shit my pants that all I could do was sit down and laugh uncomfortably as he handed my passport back.

[unforgiven]

Time to wake up and realize that america is not the place you thought it was. These immigration people are usefull idiots employed by the state to instill fear and confusion into all of the cattle.

I personally used to travel to the states quite often for work and vacation. However, it is currently the last place on earth i would ever wish to be. Russia is much more appealing - much less hassle and the immigration officers have a better attitude due to education. Most americans working in these kind of jobs wouldnt get a job in macdonalds in most countrys.

Unfortunatley america has been taken over - read the patriot act!

just tell them you were there on business ,interviewing for a school to teach at.I always tell authority figures I'm a teacher.It gets respect!!!!

[qualtrough]

Travel all the time back and forth to yank land. Never been stopped or bothered. Very professional and pleasant going through passport control.

Likewise traveled to over 30 countries and returning to the USA; and back and forth between LOS and yank land often. Always a cheery "Welcome home!" and a breeze through customs. Always met with the utmost courtesy.

You guys must fit a perfect "profile." Maybe you should take off the sunglasses, remove the turban and shave off the beard.

Sorry, that is just not credible. "Always a cheery 'Welcome home'"?? Fess up now--you're a US immigration officer!

[jetjock]

Time to wake up and realize that america is not the place you thought it was. These immigration people are usefull idiots employed by the state to instill fear and confusion into all of the cattle.

I personally used to travel to the states quite often for work and vacation. However, it is currently the last place on earth i would ever wish to be. Russia is much more appealing - much less hassle and the immigration officers have a better attitude due to education. Most americans working in these kind of jobs wouldnt get a job in macdonalds in most countrys.

Unfortunatley america has been taken over - read the patriot act!

just tell them you were there on business ,interviewing for a school to teach at.I always tell authority figures I'm a teacher.It gets respect!!!!

Pointofview--Russia more appealing- surely you must be joking! I will admit that I agree with you that many of the people in our US government jobs would be rejected by McDonalds. BTW, I just saw an job ad in the newspaper for TSA's (airport security) -it starts at around $18. an hour with benefits and advancement possibilities. I read the qualifications which were barely above just being able to breathe. Unbelievable IMHO. Most those jobs here are taken by minorities who most likely are getting preferential treatment.

Unforgiven--Actually a very good idea. Since profiling is most of it -- being a teacher hits a good note.

[mcgriffith]

I hope that if you really feel the way you express yourself, you will have the self respect, of boycotting, and not using any American technology, products or entertainment materials. I hope your point of view will be strong enough to keep you from being a hypocrite, and you can truly show your revulsion at my fellow countrymen difficulty ( which you misspelled) in reading and understanding basic text.

Americans(which you forgot to capitalize) unfortunately(which you also misspelled) will have great difficulties (which you also misspelled) in understanding such strong and determined intellect as you seem to have. Don't ( you also misspelled) take offense if this great display of your character and intellect goes unnoticed, in fact(that's 2 words not one) continue with such a boycott until Americans empathize and apologize (another word you messed up a little on) to you for not meeting your educational and intellectual standards. Personally if you would be so kind as to hold your breath while you are waiting for this, Americans will probably deeply appreciate it.

And for the purposes of the record, mis-spelled is hyphenated

Not according to this....

[Padkapow Guy]

Travel all the time back and forth to yank land. Never been stopped or bothered. Very professional and pleasant going through passport control.

I have to agree Brit.

After traveling back and forth to LOS for @ 12 years My wife and I have only had one incident. She brought back plastic friut which they thought were real after going through the x-ray machines. There was a look of dissapointment on there face after they realized were plastic.

a little smile and we were on our way.

PKG

[shepsel]

I've had equally horrific experiences returning to Canada from Thailand via the USA. Last spring, I was in transit in San Francisco (Bangkok-Hong Kong-San Francisco-Toronto) and had to go through US immigration while changing planes, and the fun began going through security. I had not been given a clear plastic bag for my toiletries, and had some items which initially contained more than 100 ml, such as toothpaste and deoderant which set me up as a potential terrorist. I was taken into a special area and questioned and requestioned, had my luggage called from Air Canada to be searched again, and then strip-searched. I almost missed my flight after a three hour interrogation and search.

This summer I drove to the US and crossed at Port Huron, Michigan with my passport. The US Custom and Immigration officer noticed a "Thai" visa stamp in my passport, and asked me what I went to Thailand for. I told him "a vacation". His answer was that "nobody just goes for a vacation. They go for sex tourism" He then searched my car and luggage, and asked if I had a lap top, because he wanted to see if I had pornography. I then attempted to give him a lecture that Thailand was an inexpensive, wonderful place to go for a holiday, and that he should not presume that everyone who goes there goes to have cheap sex. He replied "sure". I was held up over a half hour at the border crossing, because of my "Thai" stamp in my passport.

With experiences such as I had, I don't even want to transfer planes in the US.

[cobra]

What I've been told (by certain Customs people) is there's a number of randoms that must be conducted, the rest are profile driven, completely at the discretion of the agent.

Well groomed and wearing a tie, welcome back,

furtive and wearing sandals, step over here please,

Body language and appearance, reply calmly, do not break eye contact, and above all keep smiling,

now please come with us ...

Edited October 10, 2007 by cobra

[Jingthing]

he US Custom and Immigration officer noticed a "Thai" visa stamp in my passport, and asked me what I went to Thailand for. I told him "a vacation". His answer was that "nobody just goes for a vacation. They go for sex tourism"

Thank you for this additional evidence. There is no doubt in my mind they harass a good number of single male travelers who travel to Thailand.

[Pepe']

If you wish to avoid hassles with US Customs you basically have two options:

1. Don't leave the United States; or,

2. Don't come back.

--------------------

Now there's a plan...

[Pepe']

Can you believe that crap?

Yep! More reason to live abroad. The United police States of America sucks!

------------------------

No Thailand sucks...

[Neeranam]

I was like excuse me??

I see you picked up some pidgin English on your trip.

[Pepe']

I spent part of last weekend with my cousin in Las Vegas who is with the DEA there.

Check this out. He told me last year returning from France. he his wife and three children were detained and interrogated for 30 minutes.

He flipped his wig and said something like ,"You are putting me through this with this badge and I'm flying armed."

Talk about stupid and crazy.

I was there with my Phillipina girlfriend. She was saying how she always got a hard time and even body searched (well I can't say I blame them for that, she is totally hot) every time she re enters the US.

My cousin was very firm about asking for a complaint form and not being afraid of getting put on another list.

I think he is correct...

[Jingthing]

When they start verbally abusing you (and yes it has happened to me) what do you think is the smartest way to respond? My tactic is that I know from the start they are not my friends, and I just answer all questions with the fewest words possible showing as little emotion as possible. I never see the benefit in getting upset at them, then it can escalate. I never volunteer a shred of info to them unless directly asked, in other words I am trying to end our little sick "relationship" as soon as possible. I must confess again I view them as low intelligence bullies.

Edited October 10, 2007 by Jingthing

[Pepe']

When they start verbally abusing you (and yes it has happened to me) what do you think is the smartest way to respond? My tactic is that I know from the start they are not my friends, and I just answer all questions with the fewest words possible showing as little emotion as possible. I never see the benefit in getting upset at them, then it can escalate. I never volunteer a shred of info to them unless directly asked, in other words I am trying to end our little sick "relationship" as soon as possible. I must confess again I view them as low intelligence bullies.

---------------------

I think you advice is excellent all around. My cousin being DEA could get away with giving them some <deleted> unlike you or I.

However if you have to get put on a list is it a bad thing for the screen to come up and say you have filed a formal complaint in the past?

[DamianMavis]

I was like excuse me??

I see you picked up some pidgin English on your trip.

Neeranam, that is not PIGEON english. It is a North American expression. Things such as "I was like: I'm getting outta here!" or "I was like: Now what?" are used to express the feeling behind their reaction. "I was like: excuse me?" means he was shocked or surprised at what someone did or said.

Damian Mavis

[Tinkelbell]

quoted:......."How truly terrible for you that your white skin is no longer enough to get you a free pass through every situation. "

.......................................................................

Blame it to Richard Reid (the wannabe shoes bomber), the white Briton who converted to Moslem. He was the one who tried to blow up the American Airline over the Atlantic Ocean. He was over powered by passengers after he tried several times to light the match on his sneaker, but failed.

[Tinkelbell]

Generalised sweeping insults of whole nations are not acceptable on Thaivisa. If you can't be civil, be quiet.

Sorry i do appologise, but it is a fact that - unfortunatley - the majority of americans have great difficulity reading and understanding basic text. There are obviously many very well educated americans, but unfortunatley they are the minority. I dont mean to insult americans - infact i have total empathy for the many who cant express there opinions through having been sh*t on by there masters.

I hope that if you really feel the way you express yourself, you will have the self respect, of boycotting, and not using any American technology, products or entertainment materials. I hope your point of view will be strong enough to keep you from being a hypocrite, and you can truly show your revulsion at my fellow countrymen difficulty ( which you misspelled) in reading and understanding basic text.

Americans(which you forgot to capitalize) unfortunately(which you also misspelled) will have great difficulties (which you also misspelled) in understanding such strong and determined intellect as you seem to have. Don't ( you also misspelled) take offense if this great display of your character and intellect goes unnoticed, in fact(that's 2 words not one) continue with such a boycott until Americans empathize and apologize (another word you messed up a little on) to you for not meeting your educational and intellectual standards. Personally if you would be so kind as to hold your breath while you are waiting for this, Americans will probably deeply appreciate it.

Melow1, totally agree, well done.

[endure]

OK, it's time to stop the bickering and return to the original subject of the post please.

[simon43]

I have to say - reading many of these responses - that many of you US guys just do not seem to understand concepts of 'world terrorism'. You might not like being stopped/interrogated when you return to the good old US of A. But it's being done for a very good reason - to provide security/safety to all citizens/visitors to your country.

Terrorists don't walk around wearing signs reading ' Hi I'm Bin Ladin...' They walk around with their normal-looking wife and kids and they eat popcorn and watch baseball, just like you.....

Simon

[pgs]

"Most everything in bkk malls/markets are knockoffs of real brands anyway, sunglasses, watches, racing shirts. Must I fear it all being taken by some ass who thinks maybe I had too good of a time on a vacation?"

Accepting that the rules there may change as often as in LoS, I understand that US citizens returning are permitted 1 of each item as a copy. (ie: 1 purse, 1 t-shirt, 1 sunglasses, etc...) any thing more per person would be confiscated as you are obviously going to sell them.

A problem with AQIS (AU), is that if it is OK today to bring in, the rules may have changed during the flight, then the item may be confiscated. This is general items, not counterfeit.

[mellow1]

I hope that if you really feel the way you express yourself, you will have the self respect, of boycotting, and not using any American technology, products or entertainment materials. I hope your point of view will be strong enough to keep you from being a hypocrite, and you can truly show your revulsion at my fellow countrymen difficulty ( which you misspelled) in reading and understanding basic text.

Americans(which you forgot to capitalize) unfortunately(which you also misspelled) will have great difficulties (which you also misspelled) in understanding such strong and determined intellect as you seem to have. Don't ( you also misspelled) take offense if this great display of your character and intellect goes unnoticed, in fact(that's 2 words not one) continue with such a boycott until Americans empathize and apologize (another word you messed up a little on) to you for not meeting your educational and intellectual standards. Personally if you would be so kind as to hold your breath while you are waiting for this, Americans will probably deeply appreciate it.

And for the purposes of the record, mis-spelled is hyphenated

I'm American and my lack of education should be excused or understood, because thats what "point of view" was ranting about. Of course if I were to comment on other peoples education in writing, especially in a negative manner, I would try to at least pay great attention to my spelling. Such a concept is probably irrelevant to the highly educated.

[toptuan]

Travel all the time back and forth to yank land. Never been stopped or bothered. Very professional and pleasant going through passport control.

Likewise traveled to over 30 countries and returning to the USA; and back and forth between LOS and yank land often. Always a cheery "Welcome home!" and a breeze through customs. Always met with the utmost courtesy.

You guys must fit a perfect "profile." Maybe you should take off the sunglasses, remove the turban and shave off the beard.

Sorry, that is just not credible. "Always a cheery 'Welcome home'"?? Fess up now--you're a US immigration officer!

In over a hundred trips abroad, I've only had trouble at customs twice--and it was Japanese customs and Canadian customs. Both times my dress was inappropriate, and it added up to a suspicious profile. Other times I always dress my best and adopt a smiling demeanor with direct answers. And yes, US customs officials regularly welcome me home. If you dispute that you can pay for my next ticket, be my baggage boy/girl, and accompany me home.

[toptuan]

I was like excuse me??

I see you picked up some pidgin English on your trip.

Neeranam, that is not PIGEON english. It is a North American expression. Things such as "I was like: I'm getting outta here!" or "I was like: Now what?" are used to express the feeling behind their reaction. "I was like: excuse me?" means he was shocked or surprised at what someone did or said.

Damian Mavis

Damian, the problem was that you had no intonation. It's: "I was like...EXCUUUUUUSE ME!"

Edited October 11, 2007 by toptuan

[soicowboy]

All this and ......... you walk across the Mexican border........East L.A> .........fake driver license..SS card ......instant U.S. citizen........all the benifits......go figure?????