Then the Canadians happily took him. Even as an American citizen these type of things can be very heavy. When I went through border security after my trip to Turkey the attitude was pretty much the same sentiment: "Why would you want to go to Turkey?" As if people didn't just want to travel and see the world. I am embarrassed and quite frankly feel helpless. I've written my congress person and senators to this effect but neither political groups seem to care enough. I wonder if things like this will ever change.
I think as the world becomes increasingly "plugged in" to an online existence co-mingled with IRL, things like this will be less likely. You'll be able to know 1. Who/What a person is 2. Who they also know well 3. That person could in real time project out the troubles they're having at the border with supporters rallying to their defense. -All in real time.