It shows 2 failures and very normal behaviour from some over jealous immigration officers. Some folks have written about US immigration etc. - maybe they travelled there but do not understand a dime on how USCIS (earlier INS) and Dept. of Security and Immigration works.
a. We do not have storage; basic stuff to do look-ups. I travel to India almost thrice a year and asked my friend in customs on that. He was all smiles and said - to maintain that storage and run an active system you need educated folks.
b. We do not give "Transit" access which most countries do outside few countries in Africa and Asia (no one normally visits them too :)) e.g. Sudan, Togo etc.
c. Frustrated people sits across any nation. Also, in this rediff columns you'll see some folks who have such comments. It's not what the US Immigration or UK Immigration would do - it is what is "Right" and "Wrong". I will not be surprised if Vijay showed initial anger which warranted a response; but sending them back is definitely a shame.
US Immigration does allow 24 hour guarded transit & telecom/fax help; guarantor 3 day VISA is also awarded if a blood relation in US guarantees.
