US Visa Blues

[Curmudgeon]

Just remember that the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (the INS) is a fascist organization. They do their imperious, nasty and bureaucratic best to make it unpleasant for folks to visit the U.S., and they have alot of power, especially after 9/11. So when in doubt get a visa.

The guys and gals in the U.S. Coast Guard will treat you with respect (and risk their lives for you if necessary). But the INS is another story altogether. Avoid the INS at all costs.

[SurferShane]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Just remember that the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (the INS) is a fascist organization. They do their imperious, nasty and bureaucratic best to make it unpleasant for folks to visit the U.S., and they have alot of power, especially after 9/11. So when in doubt get a visa.

As far as flying into the country, I have heard it is even worse if you already have your visa. To the fascists it implies you got it beforehand as you had issues like a criminal record to overcome. As such, they like to cause you even more grief to the point they still have the discretion to refuse your entry!

[markpierce]

Fortunately, I've visited much of the world using "public transit" where the visitation hurdles have been minimal. So, my small-boat ventures will be in "home" territory, thank you.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by SurferShane

As far as flying into the country, I have heard it is even worse if you already have your visa. To the fascists it implies you got it beforehand as you had issues like a criminal record to overcome. As such, they like to cause you even more grief to the point they still have the discretion to refuse your entry!

Yes that's true especially as if you are from a visa wavier country and you have a b1/b2. You can get a terrible grilling. The funny thing is that if you have a B1 you can't use the wavier scheme. Catch 22 or what. In fact the US tries to get you to surrender your B1 if you qualify for the wavier scheme. It is quite frankly a terrible immigration process, easily the most invasive in the world.

Dave