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Comment by tnuc | Hacker News Reader

He tried to enter on the US Visa Waiver program. If the guard doesn't like you then you don't get in.

Getting a visa in advance does make the guard do more paperwork if they refuse entry.

From some US gov website; --- To use the program, visitors must waive all rights of review or appeal of decisions made by an immigration officer and all rights to contest action in deportation except for asylum.

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moreover, he considers it a system with graft to be preferable to what he endured in the US, which basically is an attitude of massive entitlement. While I personally believe a person should generally have the right to unconditionally enter any country, this guy doesn't (as evidenced by his excitement and apparent delight at passing through border controls). So, what, is 'getting the green light' some sort of personal validation? And getting rejected such a huge personal affront that he will never go back to the US because he knew he couldn't bribe one of the officers?

It is a very unpleasant experience being refused entry to a country, which has considerable lost costs as a result. I had much a similar experience as OP and can only agree.

I'm not disputing that, but I would suggest a recalibration of the author's other attitudes, then. The author revels in the pomp and circumstance of the border crossing... Just what does he think those are there for?

Uh, being justly analyzed and NOT be treated as a terrorist and taken to weird, scary and isolated places at the slightest misgiving would be nice.

I imagine he'll get over it, but will be cursing US CBP agents for the rest of his life now...

That is the normal way for many Europeans to visit the US, and pretty much every other country that's friendly to tourists. You just appear at their border and get a tourist visa.

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