very suspicious in america

meritaten

my bro and his wife love the US and visit often - usually with no problems. but one time for some reason everyone on the flight was marched into this big room, searched and sniffer dogs were brought in. they were there hours! they all got questioned seperately and my bro said he didnt know whether to laugh or cry! they were asked point blank if they were terrorists! or had any negative feelings towards the USA! he thought that maybe they had a version of candid camera? he said it was totally surreal! they were eventually all allowed to leave the airport but it put a bit of a damper on begininig of the holiday! they HAVE been back as they love America and never experienced anything like this again. maybe you were just unlucky? or maybe you looked, sounded or acted in a way which raised thier suspicions?

naz101

thanks for all of your replies.

Firstly the 2nd esta wasnt free. they charged me $10 for it I think. Small price to pay for not being stuck at the border.

When I mentioned they searched my luggage, I mean when I was travelling around the US, never crossing over a border.
For 6 out of the 8 trips I took my locks were always broken and my luggage was always messed up. Only twice did I have a card in my luggage saying who had searched it and at what airport.

I dont think I acted or look suspicious. At least I hope I didnt...

Judith_W

Maybe your suitcase comes up strange on x-ray machines just due to the way it has been made.

RainbowDrops

naz101 wrote: »

For 6 out of the 8 trips I took my locks were always broken and my luggage was always messed up. Only twice did I have a card in my luggage saying who had searched it and at what airport.

I've always been told not to bother locking luggage in America, whether on international flights or internal, as they're a bit security sensitive. They'll break a lock to get into your bag, and if they can't break a lock, they may sometimes cut open the bag.

IMO there's rarely any real need to lock your suitcase, if anything, it makes it look like there's something work nicking in there! I tend to just carry my valuables in my hand luggage.

And as for Airport Security, they're know for being pretty intense.
I have a Media Visa in my passport, and I get a grilling whether I'm travelling for work or for pleasure!

Bamber19

I can't help but feel we're creeping ever so slowly towards the answer you're looking for/suspect, that it's because you're asian.

BillTrac

naz101 wrote: »

thats what I thought about the ESTA as well but apparently they had to issue me with a new one for new york.

ESTAs are NOT City dependant. They are a way for the US to check who is entering the US, they do not automatically allow you entry to the US, but make sure that no naughty people can gain entry....:rotfl:

And of course, screw us Brits with our "special" relationship, out of more of our hard earned cash(unless like me you managed to get yourt ESTA before the charges came in)

naz101

I managed to get ESTA no.1 before the charges came in but ESTA no.2 just seems like it was special. When entering the US for the first time, I had all of my documents prepared showing what I was doing, got asked 2 questions and was let in!
Yeah I dont really know why I padlock my suitcases. the padlocks are those that you can easily open with a curby grip... or just break open and in the process brek my zips!! I gues its to try and prevent the zip from opening up in transit.
I was once waiting for luggage and someones suitcase came down the slide fully open, with all of their provate stuff on display.... no one seemed to claim it...

Oh and I am asian btw but thats not the answer I was looking for. My friend who I was travelling with was also asian and looks more asian than me but never had any trouble...so no Im not looking for a " theyre out to get me cos Im asian...."
I trully am just looking to understand what happened so that if i ever do go back I know what to do or what to expect...

Jeff_Bridges_hair

I think the problem with it is that your ESTA allows you entry to the US from the UK only. You left the US and tried to enter from another country and did not have the right documents to allow you to do this..

Hence another one to be purchased

jfdi

Jeff_Bridges_hair wrote: »

I think the problem with it is that your ESTA allows you entry to the US from the UK only. You left the US and tried to enter from another country and did not have the right documents to allow you to do this..

Hence another one to be purchased

I understood that too - ESTA is for UK to USA for a British citizen, but if that British citizen wants to go from Canada to USA they need a Visa?

I had a Visa both times I've done it (70's & 80's) and even then I was questioned, so I think that the Border Officers at Niagara are (marginally) less used to Foreigners entering the USA there.

Jeff_Bridges_hair

jfdi wrote: »

I understood that too - ESTA is for UK to USA for a British citizen, but if that British citizen wants to go from Canada to USA they need a Visa?

I had a Visa both times I've done it (70's & 80's) and even then I was questioned, so I think that the Border Officers at Niagara are (marginally) less used to Foreigners entering the USA there.

Thats how i understood it anyway. Could be wrong.