U.S. Most Unwelcoming

Posted by Bridget Lux Nov 28, 2006

A recent survey found that the process for entering the U.S. for foreign travelers is the worst in the world. Even the Middle East, Asia and Africa ranked better. Foreigners should take heart, however. The U.S. officials aren’t just rude to foreigners; they spread their nastiness out to Americans as well.

In June, I flew from Nice, France to London, Houston, Texas and then on to Boise, Idaho. My experience at the Nice airport has stuck in my head because of how nice the French officials were. Seriously. As I was taking my laptop out of its backpack, a French security official told me it wasn’t necessary because it is a French machine. Jokingly, I said, “does that mean it doesn’t work?” He laughed and said they’d just figured out how to screen the laptops without having to take them out of their cases. Nice, I thought.

My experience at the Houston airport, was slightly different. I must have been yelled at three times during the screening process. I would liken the experience to being arrested, although I had no idea what I’d done wrong. I had my boarding pass and my passport – my American passport – out. I had my shoes off, my pockets emptied, my jacket off, my laptop out of its case, everything in those plastic tubs. And I was still getting yelled at.

After reading the survey findings about foreign travelers, it really hit me. I mean, if I’m treated like this as an American woman who speaks fluent English, imagine what it’s like for someone who doesn’t speak or understand English. Imagine what it’s like for someone who’s carrying a passport from, well, from anywhere other than the U.S.

The more I think about it, the more it frustrates me. Tourism is a major industry for the U.S. We should be welcoming people with open arms. Being rude isn’t going to keep the terrorists away, but according to this report, it is keeping others from visiting the States.