I think he's talking about INS, not the airport security folks.

INS has gotten beaten-up pretty badly for sloppy enforcement so folks who have to deal with them now are probably paying the price of the bad press.

My sister-in-law is Canadian. Fortunately for her, she can afford a high-quality immigration attorney so the INS is always very respectful and careful with her.

As in any other legal situation, get a good attorney and cut him/her loose on the INS.

B