[Hostage]

I'd like to hear from Freepers what they would do in a case like this. I am calling the SeaTac Airport Manager's office tomorrow. I will write President Bush. That's all I can think to do at the moment.

[cmsgop]

How Awful

[proudofthesouth]

I'm so very sorry for what you MIL went through.

I suggest phoning your Congressmen as well.

[vetsvette]

"I'd like to hear from Freepers what they would do in a case like this. I am calling the SeaTac Airport Manager's office tomorrow. I will write President Bush. That's all I can think to do at the moment."

It will do you no good at all and just get you more and more frustrated. I'd sooner slit my wrists than try to get any kind of satisfaction from a Government employee.

Next time, have her travel through Mexico and just walk across the border. If she wears a sombrero, no one will bother her.

[centurion316]

Well, I'd say that you had a great personal experience of your government in action. Curious, isn't it, that the same government that requires hospitals, at great expense, to have translators available for any person presenting themselves for care, doesn't have the same requirement for itself when operating ports of entry.

[Cicero]

A terrible experience. I suspect it's purely stupidity combined with bureaucratic inertia. Anyway, it certainly can't do any harm to speak to the airport manager.

[Mr J]

Contact the local media -- TV news, especially.

[Angelas]

This is just awful!

[OldFriend]

Why don't you thank heaven that it all worked out and get over yourself. In case you have forgotten, a little thing like 9/11 happened here. Well, you're way over there in Seattle so perhaps you didn't notice.

What harm was done?

A delay? If your mother in law doesn't like it here she can return to her country and tell others how terrible things are in America.

[UWconservative]

Terrible.

I bet they asked her "Habla Espanol?" When she looked confused, they wanted to send her back.

[nkycincinnatikid]

Customs Officials are exceptionaly powerful. The only real limits to their authority seems to be the fear of politically powerful interest groups such as the Muslims and Hispanics posess. I feel terrible about what occured and hope the karma catches up with SOB's who did this. Lok to the happinees about your child and let it go.

[pierrem15]

You should have told her to wear a hijab.

My wife (born in Poland) got some rather rude treatment when we returned from Europe last summer, despite the US passport (nothing as extreme as your mother-in-law experienced).

It is almost as though Customs is deliberately set up to harass the s--- out of citizens and non-citizens entering the country legally while turning a blind eye to illegal Mexicans and suspicious Muslims.

[Jaysun]

It's difficult to offer any meaningful advice here. On one hand, I completely agree with your outrage and would contact my representatives in Congress. Putting her in a room and allowing her to wear nothing but her underwear seems uncalled for.


On the other hand, the customs officials knew nothing of the story that you just told (which is what makes it so outrageous to us). They had no idea as to the history of her visit, her grandson, etc. And they did make some effort to resolve the matter by calling you guys. I'm not sure what we should expect them to do when someone that doesn't speak English arrives and is unable to answer questions. We wouldn't want them to just send people like that on their way, and it seems impossible to have a translator for every language imaginable on hand at every airport.

I'm not trying to be insensitive to your dilemma, I'm just trying to shoot you straight. Congratulations on your son and I'm glad his Grandmother is able to see him.

[patton]

"land of the free..." ... snort.

[ozzymandus]

So you expect all US customs agents to speak Lithuanian?

[paulat]

"Copenhagen good, Seattle no good".

I live in Seattle...I don't agree with the treatment (my 75-year-old mother was "wanded," fer pete's sake)...but when I hear comments like this, my blood boils.

If she so freakin' much likes it in Copenhagen...then send her there.

[donna]

She's not hurt - all is well - get over it.

I've had as much trouble at the MVD, jury duty, and getting a speeding ticket.

It's the nature of government.

[Salvey]

Had she worn a burqa, she would have gotten the VIP treatment.

[pandoraou812]

I am truly sorry for what you mother in law went through. There should be a way to deal with problems like this without stripping someone down to their underwear..... I would write my Senator and Congressman too. I would write and call the airport.... Its sad it has come down to this but we now have a problem in this country and we have to check everyone out. Its sad but true. Don't forget about that grandmother who blew herself up in the name of Allah even though it was not in this country..... I am in no way saying your mother in law was like her either..... I am only pointing out that we have to make sure everyone who enters this country is here for the right reasons. Again I am sorry and I hope she is fine now. I hope she enjoys her visit and her new grandbaby. By the way many congrats to you and your wife. ~~Pandora~~

[Joan Kerrey]

Seattle no good".
----
If what was posted actually happened, I would be furious with the individuals, not the city, not the airport, not the U.S., not U.S. laws unless it could be proven that how they treated the mother was policy. I don't believe it is policy and I am skeptical of the story. Translators are available 24/7 through services of phone companies if none are available on site.

[blam]

The people you should blame are the Islamic Extremists.

Leave all the other people (Americans) alone. They don't like it either.