Here I am sitting in internet cafe in Houston… I was just coming back from Belize for vacation, landing at George Bush international for a connecting flight to New York. Apparently, I have the fortune of having a name that matches that of someone on some list.
So they took me to the home land security office, took all my info and made me wait a hour and a half.. FINALLY they let me go, which was fotunate because some guys were actually being taken into interogation rooms!
Anyways, I was pissed, but the guy at the counter seemed nice enough and made it bearable… I asked him why they pull this crap and why I have to suffer because of this, and in sympathy he handed me a “evaluate our service” pamphlet that asked questions like, how was the atmosphere, was our office clean and well organized, and we hope you enjoyed your experience!>!>!
I just laughed..
Anyways, the worst part was that I missed my flight and no other flight was available… The continental Airlines people refuse to pay for a room because its not their fault I was hassled by the Home land security people… So here I am waiting for a flight tommorow morning and having to pay 69 dollars for a room, plus food and stuff..
Anyways, another reason to be a proud American citizen..
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security...
The mad rantings of a sick and tired individual, you know it... Im sorry just needed to vent a little!
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security...
Not bad....would you like to be picked up by pakistan security personals or Indian security personals for a better experience?
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Yeah, i kept reminding myself of that even as im siting here.. But still wish I was back home in New York:(
Worst part is that they make you feel like such a criminal... I mean I have damned US passport, doesnt that mean anything!.. Chaalo that reality of today!
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security...
You know they even had this entire family of Desis, mom, dad and son... I thought they would let them go, but nooo... Poor guy looked like he was 70!...
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I avoid going to the States, never go unless I have to. Some of the stories about how they treat people over there make you wonder.........
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but you still wont come back to pakistan......................
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I still perfer the states to anywhere else... But its just sad how even an American citizen is treated like some kind of foreigner...
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security…
I would, but US is my permanent residence for now… Although, really depends on by honai wali on this as well.. cant have it my way forever..
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security…
Most people do these days, but even the safer countries are starting to be the same way… England too…
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security...
Try using the green Paki passport for international travel and u will discover how fortunate u r with a blue amerikee passport.
Random selection thats what they used to call it back in the good old days, post new regulations (homeland security) no more nicieties involved, its quite simple. You are looked over, passport scanned, put in a folder and escorted to the security room where u r once again made to wait till the security ppl have done their security search ie whether this person is on the watch or wanted list. Once that is confirmed then its their job to officially register these visitors via finger printing, photos and finally released by US homeland security approval. However, thats not the end of your ordeal. Whenever u leave the country, u once again have to inform and register with homeland security prior to checkin-in your luggage. Airlines will not accept your luggage or check u in until u have not seen your friendly homeland security official. It sort of reminds u of those movies where this newly released convict has to show up to his parole officer for good measure sake.
Desis have no recourse, once I asked for a complaint form or some telephone where I cud lodge my reservations, the advise given was to go back to your country and contact the respective American embassy and your foreign office. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha. Getting close tot he American embassy in Pakistan is a miracle itself, as for the foreign miinistry, bunch of beuracrats busy wiping their bosses ass and shining their own for promotions..
Consider yourself lucky and remember all those poor muslims who have to go thru the same ordeal every time they visit the great land of opportunity...
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security...
Such actions are necessary to maintain freedom and liberty in this country. Besides they are only questioning, not arresting or anything. Nothing wrong with that. We Americans must all support these efforts by the govt to protect us and keep democracy alive.
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security…
Hmmmmm, TDW
Now thats exactly what the white minority wud have said in the good old South Africa while registering and monitoring their black majority. And yes, it was your most respectable D Cheney who voted against Nelson Mandela’s release form 27years of imprisonment, for security reasons. Same logic was used by the nazi germans in describing the low life jews who were eating away state assets and needed to be eradicated, all for the good of the german people (aryans, white). Now u can say what is this crazy guy talking about, he’s not even a citizen of this ountry, well u r absolutely right, Iam not. But, Iam a citizen of this earth who has done no wrong to be treated with such inexcusable methods. How wud the American population feel when its citizens are treated in such a manner when they visit foreign countries? You do not want people living behind closed doors afraid of whats going to happen if you open the door, thats giving into the extremists who wanted US to close its border and give up its values and reputation of being a tolerant and accepting state.
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^ Hogwash...I am south asian and i am all for profiling. I have been pulled aside post 9/11 for random checks at the security gate...the only people I get upset at are the terrorists. This has ntohing to do with South Africa in apartheid. If that was the case, you wouldn't have the ability to have economic freedoms, 99.9 percent of civil liberties you enjoy in the US.
Over a period of time we have gotten smarter about who the possible terrorists can be. It is not Ramesh Ramachandran from Ceylon. But someone named Abullah, mohammed or hamza or whatever...it sucks..but is the truth.
And as far as being a citizen of this earth. Until the UN issues passports...you best wait in line to be called upon when entering the US. For our safety ofcourse.
I am amazed that people form the muslim world question some right to freedoms that they think they deserve while never ever having the opporutnity to do so in their entire lives iin places they hail from. get a grip..and stand in line. I prefer to get to my destination, even if it means you will have to wait an additional 15 miinutes to take your window seat.
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security…
…and they let you go!!! We need better training for the security staff at the airport 
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I go through it everytime, takes me almost a whole hour to check-in. Its fun though, you get to chat up with the people behind the desk, you know share your views.
Once I was told that I can submit a copy of my passport and some other IDs and to let the TSA know a day or two before flying out via email but that will be like Pakistan Government tab kinda thing. I didn't come to USA to be subjected to ill treatment because of my religion, AGAIN.
Re: My close encounter with Homeland security…
Even though I agree with you some what, this part of your argument is completely wrong. So if I am used to going to cheap restaurants with bad service because I am poor, the one time I visit an expensive restaurant, I don’t deserve to be treated how all the other guests are being treated? If I am poor and buy front row tickets to a football game, I don’t deserve to enjoy it, because I have never before had the opportunity to do so? People only deserve things they have experienced before?
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^ what everyone here seems to do is equate everything to every other thing. being denied service is not a threat to other diners. But being checked out to make sure that you won't be blowing up the airliner like your namesake might, it an incovenience for you but warranted because of public safety. Until your namesake can declare when they are going to be attacking the airliners or subways, I am sorry chanda...you will have to go through with such hardships. Yeah I know..America sucks.....but look at it as a basket analysis of good and bad. The good, makes up for the bad ten times over
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^ Your analogy is still completely wrong. But I'll let it go, since I don't want to argue with you.
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At the airport i am always ready to take off my shoes, belt...etc etc, nowadays, i m ready to take off my clothes in the name of security, trust me i have nothin to Hide :P