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dumois

Feb 20, 2004, 9:10 AM

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Dream Vacation

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As I live in Guadalajara and am a Mexican, I decided to take the prize advertised days ago on this forum to vacation in the United States.

...

San Francisco. I love the city and all that surrounds it. The music, the food, the scenery, the vibrant multicultural environment. Buenavista's Irish coffee, Sausalito, Mill Valley, the Wine country, and back south through the US One down to Big Sur. My Dream Vacation!

I got on the plane singing to myself, laughing and joking with everybody around me. Takeoff. Beautiful.

Suddenly the idea, lurking in the background for weeks, struck me with all its dark force. I resisted it. "No, fool, this is your Dream Vacation. Don't do it!" Well, just in case I took a cardboard folder from my briefcase, opened it in full and wrote down the message in big characters.

The rest of the flight was pure misery.

...

As I descend from the plane in San Francisco I still don't know if I will bring myself to do this. I've been planning it carefully. Although it is a simple action, you never know what might happen.

I approach the line with my briefcase and my laptop. Next! I hear the cry from the immigration officer, a man that looks more Mexican than me. A pocho, a Mexican American who once entered the United States as an immigrant himself. Now he has the power, and the prepotency as well.

I see what comes. The man will take my picture and my fingerprints. I will have a record, almost like a police record, as if I were a criminal or something close to that. First time in my life. My head says, "It's OK. It is their country, their laws. They have the right." But my stomach says, ¡Pinches gringos! This is not fair. We are neighbors. We signed NAFTA, too. Why don't they do this to Canadians?

Next! My turn. I walk ahead, and before the pocho or anybody else, including me, can stop me, I open my briefcase and take out the cardboard I prepared for the ocassion:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

The Gettysburg Address. I turn around, for everybody to read it. I see the faces of other Mexicans in the line. They cannot believe it. They smile in silent approval, but do nothing more than that. Nobody seem to be as crazy as I am.

Two officers rapidly take me away, holding me by my arms. I will finally be inside one of those infamous little interrogation rooms everybody talk about. "What is your problem! Are you a terrorist? Don't you know that it is strictly prohibited to provoke a Federal officer in this way?" I keep answering that what I did was to show the words of a great man, a great American. They make me turn my computer on and off and on and off again. I have to take my jacket and my shirt and my shoes off for them. Everything in my briefcase ends up in a pile on the little table beside me. They keep checking everything and asking me absurde questions.

Finally the nightmare is over. They put me in the first plane back to Guadalajara, with I don't know how many warnings and a definite order, not to return to the United States in years.

End of Dream Vacation.

...

Saludos from Guadalajara,

Dumois

(This post was edited by dumois on Feb 20, 2004, 9:25 AM)

Estanislao

Feb 20, 2004, 9:16 AM

Post #2 of 19 (1099 views)

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Re: [dumois] Dream Vacation

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Dumois,

For what it's worth, I extend my apologies to you for the insanity of my country. No wonder I can't wait to move to yours.
--
"It is advisable to look from the tide pool to the stars and then back to the tide pool again."
John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts - The Log From The Sea Of Cortez
--
Estanislao

wendy devlin

Feb 20, 2004, 9:43 AM

Post #3 of 19 (1086 views)

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Re: [dumois] Dream Vacation

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Luis,

WAKE UP!

>"Why don't they do this to Canadians? "

They do do it to Canadians.

Relax amigo. It was only a dream.

They could have sent you back to Cuba for interrogation;^) Wendy

Jerry@Ajijic

Feb 20, 2004, 2:38 PM

Post #4 of 19 (1041 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Dream Vacation

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Even for us US citizens it is now a pain in the A... to have to change planes in the US.

johanson

Feb 20, 2004, 7:18 PM

Post #5 of 19 (1007 views)

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Re: [Jerry@Ajijic] Dream Vacation

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He you folks. I have a summer home in the US just south of the Canadian border. I usually fly from Guadalajara via, L A or Phoenix to Vancouver BC and then take ground transportation back to the States. And when I return to Mexico, I reverse the process. I've crossed the borders with Canadians, Mexicans and fellow Americans, and twice a year I take my small dog with me. I make the round trip three to five times per year

Yes it takes a little longer these days. Yes some of those checking the border are a little bit rude, but then again so are some of those who cross the border. Sure when I go through check points, I pretend to be humble and pretend to greatly respect those who are checking me. I always say yes sir or yes mam. I always treat these folks like generals. You would be surprised how well this approach works

I have never had any problem. I've watched other travelers who have a slightly more arrogant attitude, be treated much worse.

Rolly

Feb 20, 2004, 7:49 PM

Post #6 of 19 (996 views)

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Re: [johanson] Dream Vacation

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Pete, I sure do agree with your approach. I do the same.

I have always (well, almost always) found that respect begets respect. "Please" and "Thank you" can also do wonders in making things go more smoothly. Amazing how many people haven't learned that. I had a roommate in college who got all bent out of shape when he heard me say "Yes, ma'm" to a waitress. When I exit an airplane, I usually stick my head into the cockpit and say “Hey, Guys. Thanks for the ride.” It brings smiles and looks of surprise. I have never seen anyone else do that.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

smokesilver

Feb 20, 2004, 7:52 PM

Post #7 of 19 (998 views)

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Re: [dumois] Dream Vacation

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As an American citizen born and raised in the USA I apologize to you for your ordeal. I have traveled throughout the world, and aside from having my baggage ruffled and items stolen in Milan, Italy, I have never had a problem. It does matter who resides in the white house. By the way all of my trips to Mexico have been incident free entering and leaving the country on numerous occassions.

PBGollaz

Feb 20, 2004, 8:28 PM

Post #8 of 19 (986 views)

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Re: [johanson] Dream Vacation

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There's really no excuse for a public servant to treat a member of the traveling public badly -- in any country at any time. However, we are all human and usually react pretty much the same way as we are treated. Having worked with and among Customs, Immigration and Agriculture inspectors for over 18 years, I can tell you that a "run in" with a loud, self-righteous and obnoxious member of the traveling public can pretty much sour the attitude of most public servants for the rest of the day. When, as is often the case, the officer is confronted with several examples of such rude behavior, you can guess the result.

It ought not to be that way but, again, most of us react the same way. Fortunately, a little politeness and common courtesy (such as some of you good folks obviously practice) can reverse the process for you and even benefit travelers following you who will deal with the same public servant whose day you have just brightened with your good attitude.

If, in spite of your pleasant attitude, you find a government employee who just won't treat you with respect, ask to speak to a supervisor and file a complaint. It's your right! It's been my experience that a valid complaint will be taken seriously and you'll probably get a written response from someone in authority.

Patrick
Zapopan, Jalisco, México

smokesilver

Feb 21, 2004, 7:21 PM

Post #9 of 19 (927 views)

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Re: [dumois] Dream Vacation

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Its the same no matter what government agency one must deal with. Have you dealt with the USPS lately? Why is it that the minute people get a government job, at least in the USA, they must begin taking STUPID pills?

raferguson

Feb 22, 2004, 9:40 AM

Post #10 of 19 (890 views)

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Re: [dumois] Dream Vacation

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Dumois

I too am sorry that you got sent home, but I don't believe that this was a surprise.

I would argue that holding up a placard, if the message is in any way political, is normally considered a political demonstration. Lincoln was a politician making one of the great civic and political speeches of all time, the Gettysburg address. There are places for political demonstrations, but the immigration line is not one of them. Notice that even for American citizens, taking photos and using cell phones are also forbidden in that place, normal activities that would be constitutionally protected elsewhere. Perhaps one of the lawyers can comment on other areas where political demonstrations are prohibited.

When I first read your posting, I thought that perhaps you had left it in your suitcase in case it was opened. I doubt if you would have been in trouble in that case, as that would not be a demonstration.

Your account said that you were troubled after you wrote the placard, so I think that you knew what might happen.

I would never dream of holding up a placard with a speech by Juarez in a Mexican immigration line, or for that matter holding up any placard in any immigration line anywhere. In fact, by the Mexican constitution and laws, if I would appear in a political demonstration anywhere in Mexico, I would be subject to deportation, as some Americans have found in Chiapas and elsewhere. I believe that if you had held up that sign elsewhere in the SF airport, you would have had no problem whatever. I would argue that the free speech rights of Mexicans in the US are actually greater than the free speech rights of an American in Mexico. In fact, we frequently see demonstrations in the US in which Mexicans take part, some legal residents, and some not. To the best of my knowledge, these Mexicans are not deported. The right to free speech in America is not limited to citizens, unlike in Mexico.

I would argue that what you did was really a case of civil disobedience, as we often saw in the 1960s in the US, when the people doing the protest planned to be arrested, or in your case deported. Nothing wrong with civil disobedience, but it is against the law, and the punishment is the expected outcome, and usually the desired outcome. I believe that the immigration officials were doing their job, and exactly what you expected them to.

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

TomG

Feb 22, 2004, 2:50 PM

Post #11 of 19 (863 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Dream Vacation

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Yes, but the Mexican Immigration officials have my fingerprint on my FM3. And this was done before all the big noise about the US fingerprinting policy. My fingerprint exists right next to my photo in the little box labeled as the box for my fingerprint. There was no place to discuss my rights as an international free person. And actually all the people waiting for service in the Mexican Immigration Office (both Mexicans and foreigners) were extremely docile, emotionally peaked with anxiety-fueled politeness, nervous about the potential for bureaucratic capriciousness.

smokesilver

Feb 22, 2004, 7:23 PM

Post #12 of 19 (835 views)

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Re: [dumois] Dream Vacation

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Civil Disobedience? No way in hell was this CO. If it was, So What? That's no crime. A citizen from Mexico cannot be considered a Terroist simply by presenting a placard or whatever at a crossing. If a traveler is attempting to make a point of any kind--so what? It's not a crime. There is a big attempt in the USA to shut down any thinking that does not agree with current thinking in the white house. I for one believe it to be non-partisan, that is, all of our government officials are part of this thinking. Washington thinking is 19th century.

alex .

Feb 23, 2004, 1:03 PM

Post #13 of 19 (795 views)

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Re: [smokesilver] broad & discretionary

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As an immigration official once told me, as my car was being impounded, their powers are broad and discretionary. Lack of probable cause is not an issue, nor is the Miranda spiel necessary. Be there, live it, then tell us about inaleinable rights.
Alex

pathall

Feb 26, 2004, 8:41 AM

Post #14 of 19 (713 views)

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Re: [johanson] Dream Vacation

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I too agree with your philosophy. We cross the Canadian border into the US on our way to Mexico every year and then we repeat it a couple of months later in reverse. I find that politeness (Yes, Sir, etc.) and boredom do well for me. When they ask me what I am bringing across the border, I bore them to death with trivia. After a while they just want me to go away and wave me on.

sfmacaws

Feb 27, 2004, 9:01 PM

Post #15 of 19 (645 views)

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Re: [pathall] Dream Vacation

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I think you guys are missing the point...this was a DREAM! Dumois is tarring the immigration officials with what he THINKS would happen.

I agree that politeness goes a long way and I don't mind giving my fingerprints to Mexico for an FM3 or to the US to enter. Remember that the US has suffered a grievous attack that killed not only US citizens but many citizens of Mexico and other countries as well. There are a lot of misguided nuts out there and if taking fingerprints will help to discourage them from entering and trying another stunt, why would anyone object? All my fingerprints do is indentify ME, it doesn't convict me or tarnish me or permenently scar me. I have no problem with identifying myself at any border, I have nothing to hide.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

soft drink

Feb 28, 2004, 10:14 AM

Post #16 of 19 (615 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Dream Vacation

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I must confess I have gone over Dumois' post several times, trying to see if I missed something in the previous read. Now you mention a very important remark.

Another fact I believed to know of Dumois is that he was Cuban, or am I wrong?

Let's hear from the author's self whether this "Dream Vacation" actually happened or he just made his premiere as a writer. (which in fact is a good post).

Abur!,

Soft D.

dumois

Feb 28, 2004, 12:22 PM

Post #17 of 19 (598 views)

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Re: [soft drink] Dream Vacation

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Of course it was only a dream. I made that explicit from the beginning in my posting. Thing is, it rings true, doesn't it?

I confess I did not know which reactions this dream would bring to this forum, among the many Americans who participate here. I see now.

Whatever you may think, I have to say that having a "nice" immigration experience when entering the United States is not a matter of politeness on your part. I am a well seasoned traveler, and I consider myself to be a fairly polite person. No, it is not a matter of politeness. It is not the same to cross the border into the United States being an American with an American passport as to do the same with a Mexican one. Specially if you look very Mexican, if you know what I mean. I have suffered this myself, en carne propia, many times; I don't need anybody to tell me.

Recent changes in immigration controls on airports and ports of entry of the United States have been deeply resented by a lot of people around the world. Nevertheless, the attitudes shown by many American immigration officers towards Mexican travelers, for example, are not new; the system simply provides now more weapons to the officer in charge to make us feel, how should I put it, different. That is not what Lincoln had in mind, I'm sure, when he talked about a nation forged on the idea of equality among all men. Be it a political address or not.

I am well aware of the fact that the United States are at war. As my dream went, my head tells me that the country has the right to safeguard itself and to establish whatever deterrents it may find suitable to protect its citizens and territory. That is not the point, either. The point is, controls are controls; pictures are pictures, thumbprints are thumbprints and machines are machines. But persons are persons, and just for that reason they deserve respect. A respect systematically denied by too many American immigration officers to us foreign, Mexican travelers. Not now: since I can remember. Implement all the controls you may in turn dream of to defend yourselves. But, do your immigration officers have to enjoy them? Unnecessary rudeness. Fault!

We are not alone. These feelings are universal, even among Americans. I post here and now the picture of the American Airlines pilot who, weeks ago, was deported from Brazil for "giving the finger" to Brazilian immigration officials. (As you know, Brazil retaliated against the U.S. and started to take pictures and fingerprints from all American travelers on arrival. A distinct discriminating practice, no doubt.) When I read the story and saw the picture, I had but to stand up and applaud the action. Good for you, buddy! Now please go back to your fellow Americans and tell them how bad you felt when you were treated like that.

Saludos desde Guadalajara,

Dumois

(This post was edited by dumois on Feb 28, 2004, 12:35 PM)

Nick

Feb 28, 2004, 3:59 PM

Post #18 of 19 (569 views)

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Re: [dumois] Dream Vacation

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Dumois, I have always enjoyed your contributions to these forums and have learned much from them. Yes it was obvious your "Dream" was just that. It was interesting to follow the comments that followed your post. While I and my Latina wife have not encountered the negative discrimination you describe, I know it is present wherever one travels, even within the borders of the US. Please continue tickling our imagination with your dreams, if for no other reason, to keep us thinking about what is right or wrong with any system....

The measure of a person is determined by the way he accepts responsibility for his actions.

(This post was edited by Nick on Feb 28, 2004, 4:05 PM)

mjr234

Feb 29, 2004, 7:22 AM

Post #19 of 19 (537 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Dream Vacation

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The US does not have free speech, but freedom of speech. IMO this means that certain limits are always in place - such as the constraint on the rights of the person who wishes to falsely yell "fire"in a crowdwd theatre. Slander and liable are also limits on the totally unabriged free speech.

Here is what one university puts on-line as that section of the constitution of the USA: Bill of Rights Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

In Canada we generally have conditions --- i.e. civil emergency or state of war --- that allow for the suspension of all or parts of our "rights". Our politicians also have a "not withstanding clause", meaning even if they know the basic civli rights will be breached, if it is felt there is a sound and compelling reason to enact a law that will cause such a breach - then they go ahead and enact the law. Also in Canada, when you present yourself at the "port of entry"you are committing to voluntarily declaring yourself, your conveyance and your accompanying goods in a truthful and honest way. Note that if you do not do it voluntarily, you are guilty. No other evience is required; though of course you have the right to go to court to claim some type of breach of something or other.

Good to be back home, though the DF, Puebla and Cordoba were really fine.

Michael in Ottawa