Have U.S. border guards become meaner?
Many Canadians think so, according to the Toronto-based Globe and Mail, but it may be more than a matter of temperment: The perception among many Canadians is that today’s U.S. border officers are meaner. The reality is that they are likely to be younger, under more pressure and – should you give them a reason ...
Many Canadians think so, according to the Toronto-based Globe and Mail, but it may be more than a matter of temperment:
The perception among many Canadians is that today’s U.S. border officers are meaner. The reality is that they are likely to be younger, under more pressure and – should you give them a reason – yes, meaner….
The report notes that the U.S. border patrol has been on a massive recruiting drive, meaning more agents with less experience.
And of course there’s that whole terrorism thing keeping everyone on edge. In an incident feeding the mean image, Canadian Desiderio Fortunato was pepper-sprayed by a U.S. border agent after refusing to turn off his car until the officer said “please.” According to the Globe and Mail, Transport Canada puts the cost to the transportation industry of increased security at $550 million per year.
Though the image of the brutish U.S. border guard may be easier for both countries to imagine, Canada has been cracking down too. As many Americans are discovering to their shock, old misdemeanors, especially DUIs are causing them to be turned away by Canada. Any conviction considered a crime in either country is grounds for denial of entry.
I knew I should have paid my old parking tickets.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
More from Foreign Policy
America Is a Heartbeat Away From a War It Could Lose
Global war is neither a theoretical contingency nor the fever dream of hawks and militarists.
The West’s Incoherent Critique of Israel’s Gaza Strategy
The reality of fighting Hamas in Gaza makes this war terrible one way or another.
Biden Owns the Israel-Palestine Conflict Now
In tying Washington to Israel’s war in Gaza, the U.S. president now shares responsibility for the broader conflict’s fate.
Taiwan’s Room to Maneuver Shrinks as Biden and Xi Meet
As the latest crisis in the straits wraps up, Taipei is on the back foot.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.