I read a lot of posts like this where someone makes a mistake (stupid or not) and ends up in a jail cell for extended periods of time. Aside from the notorious

I read a lot of posts like this where someone makes a mistake (stupid or not) and ends up in a jail cell for extended periods of time. Aside from the notoriously inhuman behavior of US border security (I'm an American and am treated better at foreign border crossings than at my own country's), the facilities should not be humiliating and scary. I understand that they can't be admitted to the nearest best western, because the could be a flight risk or a security threat (in some very unlikely scenario). But there's no reason why an airport holding area can't both a) look like a spartan hostel dorm room † and b) be secure. Families with children should stay together, if possible. Separating couples by gender isn't so scary if both partners arrive in a nice dorm room, they know their partner is safe. Dim lighting at night means that people could still be monitored, if truly necessary, and get a good nights sleep. Only dangerous, unruly, or mentally unstable detainees should be kept in jail-level security conditions. Lying on a visa application does not warrant prison treatment. I know someone has to pay for this, but as someone who travels internationally I'm happy to have my taxes spent in this way... there's a reciprocal quality: I may make a mistake on a form or apply for the wrong visa, and I want to be treated with dignity when that happens. † http://aspiringbackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Hostel-Dorm-Room.jpg http://aspiringbackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Hos...