I've done quite a bit of international traveling - including Eastern Bloc and third world countries - and I have never had more difficulty entering a country than I have had entering the USA from Canada. Entering and exiting Russian Federation countries is a total breeze compared to entering the USA at Niagara Falls or at the main crossing on the way back from Vancouver.

We've waited 45 minutes to cross at Niagara Falls and 110 minutes to cross at Vancouver in the past. I've never been searched, but we usually get quizzed pretty good. I've found that US customs officials haven't always been the friendliest or most effecient speed-oriented people around. I'm a male caucasian American citizen, and the thought of returning from Canada gives me chills. I can't even imagine what a non-Caucasian or non-US-citizen must feel when going through this horrible process.

BTW - Entering Canada has never been a problem for us either east or west. Usually a three to five minute wait, a couple of questions about citizenry and purpose in Canada, and that's it. Perhaps I've been lucky... Airport travel to and from Canada has never been a problem for me either direction.