French mom denied entry into US

[fly123456]

Because her name is Aïda Alic (sounding like Al Qaeda)

What a farce!

French woman, Aida Alic, was denied access to U.S. because 'her name sounds like Al Qaeda' | Mail Online

[FLCH]

Just as big a farce as the man got denied boarding in BHX a few years ago, because he had a Guns and Roses T-shirt on as the "brownshirts" thought it would frighten his fellow passengers.

Stupidity has no boundaries on this spinning blue ball !

[JanetFlight]

Astraeus Maidens'57 EdForceOne also got some PAX afraid years ago at Ghana & Italy denying boarding it ... Up the Irons \\m//

[Heathrow Harry]

I know an American who has lived in the UK for over 20 years - he could never understand why he was always singled out for special attention by UK immigration on re-entry

then one day he was reading an article about the Mafia in New Jersey and discovered he shared a surname and initial with a major player................

[ExXB]

She doesn't know this is a reason, she's guessing it is.

Although I have little respect for the TSA or others involved in the no-fly list they must deal with thousands of Middle East surnames every day. For them even to notice that this ladies name could sound like ...

A question for the victim. Why did she travel to the airport without a ESTA clearance? Nothing I've seen shows she had one.

Another spoiled brat looking for her 60 seconds of fame.

[mad_jock]

the basic fact is that they don't need a reason to deny you.

It is always a game of Russian roulette when ever you apply for a visa or intend to travel their even if its just transiting somewhere else.

I just don't go to the US. I am sure they are more than happy with fact so everyone is happy.

[Davef68]

My sister's married name is one that, although an old British name, is very similar to a Middle Eastern name. She always get's stopped when going to the US as her full anme is very similar to one on the NF list

[llondel]

the basic fact is that they don't need a reason to deny you.

It is always a game of Russian roulette when ever you apply for a visa or intend to travel their even if its just transiting somewhere else.

With the US, I think if they refuse a visa then you can appeal (it's how the US works). If they grant a visa and the immigration guy decides he doesn't want to let you in, you can ask to put your case before an immigration judge. If you travel on a visa waiver, the immigration guy can just say no and you're on your way out, no appeal.

Given the number of arrivals they process each day, I suspect the number refused is actually quite a small proportion.

[llondel]

My sister's married name is one that, although an old British name, is very similar to a Middle Eastern name. She always get's stopped when going to the US as her full anme is very similar to one on the NF list

I have a friend who, although he's British, had the misfortune to have been born in Baghdad while his parents were over there. He always gets extra attention on entry to the US.