One horror story is about long waits. People have had to stand in the sun for days, with little access to water or proper sanitation. It's a nightmare especially for those with kids or the elderly. Another is facing corrupt border officials who demand bribes. If you don't pay, they might make up false charges against you and detain you indefinitely.
These stories create a sense of fear. People who hear about the long waits, corrupt officials, and dangerous crossings may view border crossing as a very negative thing. It can also lead to more negative stereotypes about migrants.
One common element is unexpected delays. People can be held up for hours or even days without clear reasons. Another is the rudeness or unprofessional behavior of border guards. They might search belongings roughly or treat travelers disrespectfully. And also, getting lost near the border area is often in these stories. It's a very dangerous situation as the border areas can be remote and full of uncertainties.
Danger from border authorities is common. People are often afraid of being caught and deported. For example, in many stories, people hide in the bushes or try to run when they see border patrol. Another element is getting lost. Unfamiliar terrain near the border can be very disorienting. Also, the threat of criminals preying on those trying to cross, like smugglers turning on their clients.
Yes. I heard of a man who was crossing a border and the border guards were extremely rude. They made him wait in the cold for a long time, just because they thought his appearance was 'suspicious'. And when they finally let him pass, they searched his bags very roughly, tearing some of his personal items. Also, there was a case where a woman crossing a border was separated from her child by mistake. It took hours to get them reunited and it was a terrifying experience for her.
One horror story is about a family trying to cross a border at night. They got lost in the forest near the border. Strange noises kept coming from all around them. They were so scared and worried about being caught by border patrol or something worse in the unknown forest. It was a terrifying experience as they had no idea what was out there in the dark.
One time I was crossing the border between the US and Canada. I had a bag full of maple syrup souvenirs. The border officer asked me if I was planning to start my own maple syrup business. I just laughed and said no, it was all for friends. He chuckled and let me through.
The most common one is probably the long delays. It can be extremely tiring and stressful for people, especially those with kids or elderly family members. They may run out of food, water, or medications during the wait.
Long waiting times are quite common. People often end up waiting for hours without any clear reason. Another element is rude or unhelpful border agents. Sometimes they seem to be in a bad mood and take it out on the travelers. Also, unexpected document requirements can be a horror. You think you have everything, but then they ask for something else.
One time, a guy was crossing the Canadian border for a business trip. He had his work visa and all the necessary paperwork. But there was some confusion with the computer system at the border. They made him sit in a small room for nearly five hours while they sorted it out. He missed an important meeting because of this. It was really frustrating for him as he couldn't do anything but wait.