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On the flip side, I was traveling to/from Canada covering an IT director’s opening while we interviewed for a replacement. I was questioned at Canadian border and sent to the “penalty box” (secondary inspection) when asked why I was coming to Canada so much and responded that I was interviewing for a factory IT director position. I was interviewing as the hiring manager, but CBP was all fired up and yelled “Can’t your company find a Canadian to do that job?!” “Yeah [dumbass], that’s what I’m here trying to do.” Got over to secondary and they had a chuckle at the story and welcomed me into Canada.

The US doesn’t have a monopoly on thinking foreigners are coming for “our” jobs.

> But, there are good people in the CBP too... one saw what happened and came over and profusely apologized. He asked a few questions, apologized again, and sent me on my way. On the flip side, I've had my computers and phones searched by Canadian Customs and they've done so with tact and compassion, which seems to be much more effective -- it's amazing how much more cooperative people are when you treat them with compassion.

It doesn't even have to be compassion. Just get some people who either have compassion or can act as if they have compassion. Both work.

Judging by the stories I read here and elsewhere, the TSA seems to be some kind of organisation where losers end up, allowing them to vent their frustration about X or Y towards helpless, dependent people.

I’ve been to Canada numerous times and the agents on your side are so nice. Also never really had a problem with us agents other than they all seem over worked and under paid. At least that’s what their attitude comes off like to me. I do remember one case where a Canadian agent asked what my profession was and at the time I said “web developer” but they heard weapon developer. Pretty funny and awkward.

And Gesh, I know of some people that cross the border a lot but don’t have nexus or global entry... it’s so worth getting.

> it’s so worth getting

Agreed, I can't imagine not having it these days.

That thing saved me 5 hours on its first day.

> don’t have nexus or global entry

I am sorry, not a native speaker. What is "nexus or global entry"?

It's a known traveler program you can pay to be a part of that includes fingerprinting, background checks, etc.

After passing verification, they give you a card, and reentry to the country is much easier (go to a kiosk, get a receipt, show it to a border guard, get through in <5 minutes).

Basically services where you can pay a few hundred dollars a year and get "pre-screened" so you have to do less when entering another country. You also get to go to the nexus/global entry only line so your time spent in line is often shorter as well.

> few hundred dollars a year

Nexus is $50 for five years (and includes Global Entry and TSA pre-check.

Global Entry is $100 for five years (and includes TSA Pre-check)

TSA Pre-check alone is $85 for five years.

If you’re near a Canadian border, Nexus is the best financial deal. None of them are “few hundred dollars per year”.

Also, many travel credit cards will cover the $50/$100 charge whenever it needs to be renewed.

NEXUS: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus

Global Entry: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-...

I was texting with my phone while waiting next to a busy looking entry point at an airport in Canada; I was not going to the US, I was heading back to Europe.

An airport person asked me if I have a Nexus. Somewhat absentminded while texting, I said yes I do (my phone was from the Google Nexus line).

"Right this way Sir!", and I followed him for 10 meters.

And then at that gate entry eventually I pieced it together that my phone was not the Nexus they were looking for, excused myself and went away wondering why air travel seems to make me hypoxic.

I go to Canada twice a year and get treated like absolute garbage by their border agents every time. Absolutely no problems coming back to the US.

That's been my experience every single time I've went through the Canadian border too.

First time they held me for 9 hours before forcing us to go back. They rejected my friend because of an "expunged" disorderly he got when he was 13.

Ok fine, it's their country.

Next time I was held for 5 hours, strip searched, had my car searched (they did a garbage job of it), threw all my stuff on the ground even after knowing there's a $2000+ piece of hardware, then once they were done they told me to "pick up your garbage."

I've also had a gun pulled on me that time, but I could tell that the second CBP that was there saw no reason for any of searches, gun, or anything and he talked her down.

Still not sure why the hell she wouldn't tell me why she wanted to search everything. She said I couldn't leave until she was 100% certain. Certain of what? she wouldn't say.