Living in Portland, I can confirm that we have some of the kindest TSA folks. I left my laptop at home once and my husband had to come running with it. I told TSA he was coming, and they actually took the laptop from him, ran it through the machine, and handed it over to me so fast I could make my flight.

That said, border control folks still ask uncomfortable, probing questions according to a few international friends who have visited. But no horror stories (yet). Generally, PDX is a chill, family friendly airport.

You speak as though I have options or help, but I think you’ll find we are in the same boat. There’s nothing to be done. UK citizens have written to their MPs, but receive form letters in reply. “The law was obeyed.” In the mean time, the reply I got from the complaints department was essentially, “We did nothing wrong and the border officer requests you take down your hurtful comics.” No apologies. No cleared name. Going back would most likely land me back in those horrid little rooms.

It’s bad. It’s really bad.

Travel really is a privilege. Especially for that country. Frustrating when I see other people coming and going from it so easily, often what I now know to be illegally! Even a six hour wait I could have put up with. But to be sent back…