Comment by superflit | Hacker News Reader

Comment by superflit | Hacker News Reader

Parent Full thread

I am not defending or accusing. But having several good and bad interactions with US borders and Customs. I should say:

1. Most of the time they are correct but not for the reason we imagine;[1]

2. Most the time the procedures should be followed even if it seems crazy[2];

There is no pleasure in any US service to cancel or deny but they should work on procedures to be more fair. in case [2] even if I am not even close to match they HAD to check everything before releasing me. So if you have a common name disclose everything (travel to other countries, parents, friends, everything).

If you think US border is "bad" you should check European (London). They do not require visa but if the customs is in a bad day they will reject you and sent you back while you wait in detention.

At least US has the courtesy to ask for a visa before most of the times.

[1] - The form asks if you have any parents and you did not disclose (even distant family).

[2] - In my case my name is on the Wanted Database. There is a terrorist with similar name. So EVERY TIME I approach customs there is an scary look when they digit my name and I should go to "the room". After some time: "Sorry for the trouble have a good one."

Disclaimer: I do not work for US gov or have any affiliation but I think they tend to be more fair. If not please check Middle East countries or Europeans.

You're now excusing abusive crappy behaviour towards people by quoting other terrible abusive behaviour. Alternatively, you're doing the same by quoting bureaucracy and forgetting that someone wrote those inhuman rules.

I might be harsh, but this kind of "it's procedure, we're not budging!" defense was used by government officials in our previous socialist government to treat people like crap. And both the rules and petty beaurocrats interpreting them in worst way possible were the cause of a lot misery.

No need to defend that.

There's nothing inhuman about asking visitors to prove they're only going to visit and not stay.

Using the world "asking" for the dehumanizing process that is immigration in USA is almost insulting.

Call it what you want, but when getting a visa, it's totally voluntary. This isn't some border crossing shenanigans, they're well known prerequisites you deliver to the embassy.

> forgetting that someone wrote those inhuman rules.

and people voted them in.

> At least US has the courtesy to ask for a visa before most of the times.

Having a valid visa doesn't mean that you're going to be allowed into the country, so I wouldn't consider that a "courtesy" (especially since you have to pay for the privilege).

You should be able to get a known traveler number from the TSA. When provided, that should dispel any concerns they have about the similar name.

Please do not compare all of Europe with the way the UK runs their immigration services.

Please do not compare all of the UK's immigration services with the way one customs agent handled their bad day.

UK is not a part of Schengen, and is in the process of leaving EU. I've got family there and have gotten myself a visa before, I won't take that struggle again. Better they come here or we meet somewhere else.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com