>difference is in the details<<

The US system has an electronic fingerprint device and digital camera at each immigration desk. The process adds 10-20 seconds to immigration. When I arrived in Brasil, first they had all Americans wait in the jetway while all non-americans were allowed to pass immigration first. We were then sheparded to a second line where we were fingerprinted (in ink), and then had our pictures taken holding up a handwritten number with a digital camera (1) that looked like it was purchased from BestBuy! This added at least an hour and a half to the entire process.

It was a pain, but I was prepared for it and the extra time wasnt a big deal (I did not have a cruise to catch however). I also got the distinct impression that all of this got "round filed" anyway. Does anyone believe they are archiving this info?

Also while I was there, an AA pilot held up his sign for the photo by holding it with his middle fingers...if you get my drift. He was arrested and detained for the day/night and deported two days later after paying a fine for "disrepecting authority".

I am not boycotting brasil...I am laughing at them. This whole process makes them look very primitive indeed! I spoke with many brasilians who feel the same way, and were embarrased about the way we are being treated.