My fiance is a contractor, and travels a lot for jobs. When he doesn't have any jobs on, he stays with me for a couple months at a time in the US (never overstaying his visa waiver I94). We've never had any problems in almost two years of courtship until a few months ago when we traveled on a mini break to Mexico. On the way back in, he was stopped by INS, and detained for more than an 3 hours. They finally let me in with him, where they proceeded to check all of our bags, including going through our holidays snaps (some not meant for public viewing).
We recently got engaged, mostly out of love and adoration for one another, but partly because of the sick and twisted means of harassment put on by the INS.
Can't even imagine what non-english speakers are put through in that holding area! While waiting for my fiance to be processed, I watched as two INS agents shouted and screamed at an Iranian woman.
I'm glad that we will shortly be married, and thus have less difficulties when traveling together. But feel for those in similar circumstances just trying to visit loved ones.
I'm not up for listening to some post 9/11 rhetoric either...I wonder if these men (prodominantly men) were bullied as children?
Ugh, emigrate the INS.
Anyone else have similar stories?