What is the purpose of your visit...???

You know Peedal... I actually like the look of the first one better  

The scarey thing to me is that so much of what goes on in immigration to either country is at the discretion of the admitting Immigration Officer.  Get one in a foul mood or one that does not like the look of you and you get the third degree.  I honestly wonder if they tell them to assume guilt and never smile.  

-that happened to me when i came over to visit in december for three weeks. positively nasty officer at heathrows terminal 3. she grilled me about all the dates i had travelled in and out of the uk in 2003 (which was 3 times, but none overstaying my 6 months) not to mention any other travel i had done on my passport.
-& after that happened, i was questioned again when i entered on february 14th. only this time, the officer was a lot nicer and more sympathic. now i fear this happening each time i enter the UK.. (although next time will (hopefully) be with a visa )

As for myself . . .it's hard to look chipper and happy to be standing in line when you have just gone through a 8 to 9 hour flight.  Ugh.

-when i was grilled in december by the officer, i had just gotten off an 8 hour+ flight, was 15 weeks pregnant at the time and had terrible morning sickness (w/ vomitting) for most of the flight.

i can only wish for a better experience next time i enter the UK

I doubt that the immigration officers are worried about protecting girls from predators.  That's not their job.  Their job is to suss out the people who they think are likely to break the rules, and keep them out of the country.

They'll have had a lot of experience with people who have met 'friends' on the internet coming through.  They say they are staying with friends, and then end up getting married to these 'friends' while they are on visitors visas.

Then why did the officer only let up when she asked if there was anyone in the UK she did know, and my friend mentioned me, her friend from America?? Surely I could have been there to witness the illegal marriage if that was all she was concerned about.  

It was just a thought, anyway.

Holy moly did i get the questioning of a lifetime this visit!  I've had this hardas* guy before at Heathrow, but it was ages ago (and clearly i wouldn't think he'd remember me but i forgot how tough he was!).  So he flips through my passport and starts shaking his head, asking all about dave, what he does, how we met, when and where the marriage date was and then got all stern saying 'you know we won't let you in without a visa when you're married  ' and i gave him the old   'yes sir, i know i have to go to the consulate in New york, pay the 500 fee (rounded, i couldn't remember the exact $$) and fill the paperwork'.

He was much nicer after i assured him i knew the rules.  

My two times going thru British Immigration was as easy as pie.

First time was September when I was entering as a student. Needed to show the Immigration guy my passport, acceptance letter to college and my bank details. He quickly looked at them, gave me a stamp saying I was allowed to stay in the UK until October 2006 (even tho my course ended in July 2006.) He didnt say much to me except when he looked at my bank details and asked if I had a boyfriend and would I want one, with a smile.  

Second time entering was early January, guy quickly asked me "are you still on the same course?" -yes-, "are you still residing at this current residence"- yes-. Thank you and I was on my way.

Forgot to add that both times I entered the UK (Sept & Jan) I was on a one-way air ticket too.

Makes things reeeeallly easy when you come in on the right visa. That's all they want to know.