"I understand that. But rules are only accessible to you. General public goes by what they are told through public statements."
"We have to protect our country."
"Indeed, you have the right to do so, but you cannot humiliate citizens of other countries. There is an 85 year old woman sitting on wheel chair outside this room. Do you think she is going to attack your country. she can hardly stand on her feet."
"We go by the rules, sir," he says.
"I refuse to be finger printed. Our government has also assured us that it will not tolerate such things."
"That is your choice. We will have to refuse entry or say that you withdrew your application."
"That is fine."
I quickly pick up my passport because just then I gleaned from the brochure that "If you decide that you do not want to or cannot follow the special registration procedures, you may be allowed to withdraw your application for admission into the United States, but you may still be fingerprinted, photographed, and interviewed by INS inspecting officer as part of the withdrawal process."
The brochure also explains that all regesitered persons are required to report to the INS if they are staying more than 30 days, the registered visitors can only leave the United States from certain designated points of departure and they must report their departure to INS, failing which, they can be arrested, fined or both. If they travel to different places in the US, they are required to "bring documents to INS to show who and where (they) are visiting."
I realize suddenly that the registeration system is much more than just initial finger printing; it is a complete code of apartheid based on race, religion and country of origin.
"What happens if Air Canada does not book me on today's flight to Edmonton?"
"They will put you on the next available flight, we have an understanding with the airlines."
"But what if they have no seat? Will INS cover the hotel expenses?"
"No, we do not have such provisions."
"So, what would I do?"
He has no answer, he shrugs his shoulders.
I leave with the officer, who takes me to the air Canada counter. No one is now responsible for my wasted time.
The person at the Air Canada counter sends me to the domestic counter and there I am booked on a flight back to Edmonton. My ticket is not changeable, I cannot even return without a Saturday stay but after a few minutes of arguments, the supervisor waives the conditions and the additional Charges and arrive back in Edmonton at 10:00 pm, 14 hours after leaving.
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