Jeff Jarvis has an interesting post about Karen Hughes our country’s softer, gentler approach ambassador. Jeff makes the point that there is a certain level of cluelessness going on within the government about this problem. Given that she carries an official passport, rarely stands in line for anything, it is not surprising that ‘clueless’ would be the first thing popping in Jeff’s mind.
Jeff, make a few snarky comments about making the airport arrival friendlier. The snark’s are aimed correctly, but there is a small observation I’d like to point out.
I travel a lot. Much of that travel involves going across various borders. Over the years, I’ve noticed something particularly nice about coming back to Canada.
Yesterday, as an example, I was in/out of Chicago for a one day (3 hr) meeting. You pre-clear U.S. Customs in Canada on the out bound leg. I got the airport at around 6a and the line up for non-US folks was long, pictures were being taken, fingerprints, etc. There was a line for US citizens and there were two agents working it with zero waiting. The agent grunted and asked me what’s your business in the US. I said ‘excuse me?’ he looked up started to gear up for the billy bad ass routine, until something in that early morning brain kicked in and he said “Oh, you’re American, sorry.” It was then stamp, stamp, off you go. Attitude.
On the return flight home, I went through Immigration at Toronto’s airport. All lines basically deal with everybody. I get up to my inspector, hand him my landed immigrant card (like a green card), my passport, and customs declaration. How was the weather in Chicago? Just a meeting? Bringing back any Pizza? Welcome, home. More often then not “Welcome back” or “Welcome home” is the norm when rolling into Canada.
Yup, the border folks have a very tough job. Yes, security is important.
But I can tell you from personal experience that the little “Welcome back” comment does make a difference, does set the tone, etc.
Just being nice is a good start.
And as someone in the opposite boat (Canadian living in the US), I can tell you that getting into Canada is NOT the problem (even with one son being an dual citizen). I have an H-1B, and my wife and eldest son have H-4 visas. My youngest is a dual citizen.
There have been a number of reports in the last year (Jeremy Wright, Darren Barefoot) of Canadians getting bounced at the border for trivial or vindictive reasons. I always leave the US with the fear that I will not be allowed in for a reason that DHS will not feel the need to explain to me, or will invent after they have decided that I am not worthy of re-entry.
Samantha and the boys are going home to visit her parents in April. What part of the trip does she fear the most? The airplane rides with two young boys? Airsickness? Lost baggage?
No.
Returning to the US.
US Immigration could care less about your status, ESPECIALLY if you have a valid work visa. It is as though they are seeking any excuse to interrogate and delay you.
It is almost as though the Immigration staff posted at the Canadian airports got the position as a demotion or punishment, and they are taking it out on YOU!
Why does the US do this?
Oh yeah, the US hate immigrants. Or at least that's how the rest of the world interprets their attitude, policies, and actions toward those who are privileged enough to hold US citizenship.
Posted by: Stephen Pierzchala | March 28, 2006 at 09:16
I wonder about the animosity, and maybe just they hate Canadians? :)
My wife is a Japanese citizen, US greencard holder, and has had pretty good luck coming back into the country.
Are you flying into the west coast?
On a side note, customs into Japan are wonderful. Well oiled machine wearing white gloves and a smile, even when you do stupid things (I have lots of experience there).
Posted by: J. Shirley | March 28, 2006 at 14:51
I visited Saudi Arabia once for business in 1999 and every time after re-entering the US after 9/11 I was interrogated like a criminal. I'm a US citizen of Indian origin, born and raised in South Carolina with a slight Southern accent even.
Luckily, the passport with the Saudi visa expired recently, so a fresh passport garners a heart-felt "welcome home" rather than "sir, this way please."
Posted by: Raj | March 28, 2006 at 18:40
I have to say I prefer our guys Down Under, even when compared to Canada. In my last entry to Montréal, I was questioned at passport control, then in a room by immigration, then by customs (time taken: two hours since departing the plane). Not sure what about me was so interesting, as the US was easier to get in to by comparison. Got to say that the Canadians were polite though, and that helped with setting the tone of my stay, as were the Americans on the Canadian end.
Posted by: Jack Yan | March 28, 2006 at 18:42