The story is missing an important detail, I'm not assuming malice btw, why was she refused entry into Canada as well? Edit: Lol, there's literally nothing wrong with this observation. HN has truly gone down the gutter. I know not everybody here is part of the hivemind but the few that are completely spoil the experience for everybody else.
She was not detained by Canada's border service.
British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
51–60 of 257 posts
Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#52Earlier quoted context omitted.
Dictating they buy one of the most expensive flights (one of the immediate ones taking off that day) probably isn't a great look either. Like so much else with law enforcement, they look like shit because of the system and incentives set up. Some do it themselves and are malicious for no good reason, but not literally every time.
You don't get a free flight. Typically either your return ticket is moved if possible, or the airline will claim the cost from you. There's a number of regulations and airline rules, but in general - unless the airline messed up checks at boarding, you're getting charged for the flight back.
Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#53Earlier quoted context omitted.
Sure, they could consider detention. But then there are daily flights back to the UK. Anything beyond an overnight stay (if necessary for the wait) is unfair.
Dictating they buy one of the most expensive flights (one of the immediate ones taking off that day) probably isn't a great look either. Like so much else with law enforcement, they look like shit because of the system and incentives set up. Some do it themselves and are malicious for no good reason, but not literally every time.
Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#54It sounds like she was rightfully detained, but it seems crazy to hold her for 10+ days. Why not just let her get back on a flight to the UK and tell her not to come back for 10 years or whatever.
Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#55Probably shouldn't tell border patrol you're doing unpaid labor in a country you're visiting. When speaking to authorities it's best to say the absolute minimum required for the encounter.
or dont lie, apply for appropriate work permits/visa entries/travel authorizations if you are going to work whether its paid or not.
I'm sure it's similar in other countries but US has always been very strict given the huge amount of people trying to work there and the very finite supply of work visas.
From my experience you'll also get extra scruntiny if you're traveling solo like this girl. I was secondary screened twice coming for business where they double checked my paperwork and TSA lady in the back asked a bunch of silly questions (like "what is PayPal").
Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#56I have long suspected the reason for aggressive treatment of minor offenders is that they are an easy target and a quick way to meet your prosecution quota. I have many times heard about foreign students who come to the USA under completely proper arrangements but run afoul of immigration because of some innocent remark. My advice to visitors is to never mention to officials any circumstance in which you might come i…
Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#57Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#58I have long suspected the reason for aggressive treatment of minor offenders is that they are an easy target and a quick way to meet your prosecution quota. I have many times heard about foreign students who come to the USA under completely proper arrangements but run afoul of immigration because of some innocent remark. My advice to visitors is to never mention to officials any circumstance in which you might come i…
Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#59Re: British tourist detained by US authorities for 10 days over visa issue
#60Earlier quoted context omitted.
Dictating they buy one of the most expensive flights (one of the immediate ones taking off that day) probably isn't a great look either. Like so much else with law enforcement, they look like shit because of the system and incentives set up. Some do it themselves and are malicious for no good reason, but not literally every time.
You don't get a free flight. Typically either your return ticket is moved if possible, or the airline will claim the cost from you. There's a number of regulations and airline rules, but in general - unless the airline messed up checks at boarding, you're getting charged for the flight back.