just a data point: i moved to the USA in the late 90s, H-1B. flew into Nashville because it was the nearest intl entry point to Little Rock, AR, my destination

just a data point: i moved to the USA in the late 90s, H-1B. flew into Nashville because it was the nearest intl entry point to Little Rock, AR, my destination at the time. i flew in with a very large suitcase, a large bag and a pretty expensive mountain bike. among the two bags were wrapped gifts for the family who would be putting me up. Nashville i believe was a fairly new international point of entry back then. the INS (at the time) gave me a hell of a welcome. the H-1B was questioned. i was taken aside and left in a small room for many hours. when they eventually released me, it had been about five fours and my mountain bike was almost completely dismantled. the forks were out of the front tube, all wheels were off. they said they had to check the frame for drugs. all my wrapped gifts were ripped open. i had to repack everything in a drafty arrivals hall after being held for (as i could discern) absolutely no reason, a fresh grad with a valid visa heading off to work and pay taxes in booming late 90s America. that was my welcome to the USA. honestly. each welcome since hasn’t been much better. i say this even knowing i am a very lucky white guy. i can’t imagine how much worse it is for anyone who isn’t white these days. YMMV.