I wonder if it could be some retaliation for the Feinstein-sponsored immigration bill that would have required every single arrival into the U.S. to be documented (the U.S. Representatives of the northern border states fought against implementation and I think an amendment was passed to defer implementation). Arrivals from Canada are still largely undocumented.

I think that legislation has given the I.N.S. some power to go on a fishing trip on transiting passengers. Travellers between Canada and Australia (and New Zealand and other S. Pacific destinations) prior to at least 1996 would transit at HNL. Starting sometime between then and before July/August 2000, transiting passengers are greeted by I.N.S. inspectors on disembarkation of the aircraft, even though they are not entering the U.S. and staying in air side sterile areas, who want to see citizenship documentation and ask questions they'd ask if one was entering the U.S.

Be aware that customs on either side have the power (almost absolute) to tear your vehicle apart to check for contraband on the mere suspicion that you may have any if they so wish. And no, they don't have to help you put it together.



[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-25-2000).]